EU Could Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Official States
The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the United States against five European individuals involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including the French president charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted individuals that were at the heart of campaigns to enact laws regulating American tech companies.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the move.
The bans were enacted on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, while EU authorities argue the rules are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row threatens to become a facet of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related legal developments:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the case was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the new year, alongside an ongoing border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.