EU Might Retaliate to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Official Says
The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Coercion’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted figures who have been at the heart of efforts to introduce laws regulating American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in criticizing the move.
The restrictions were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This disagreement threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related judicial developments:
- A federal judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the new year, alongside an active border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
