EU Could Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Official States
The EU could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US on five European individuals involved in fighting online hate and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, after the visa restrictions targeted figures that were at the heart of efforts to enact legislation regulating US-based technology firms.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed this week against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
The DSA is seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider existing political and ideological clash between Washington and Europe.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In other judicial developments:
- A US district judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the holiday period, alongside an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
