European Union Could Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Official States
The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the United States on five Europeans working on combating online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’
European leaders such as the French president charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been central to campaigns to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce American platforms to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the move.
The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row threatens to become part of a far wider existing political and ideological clash involving Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other judicial developments:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated the action was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
