🔗 Share this article EU Could Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the US on five European individuals involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said. EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted figures that were central to campaigns to introduce legislation regulating American tech companies. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in criticizing the move. The bans were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the rules are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe. Additional Updates in the News In related legal developments: A federal judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC. Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the US on five European individuals involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said. EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted figures that were central to campaigns to introduce legislation regulating American tech companies. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in criticizing the move. The bans were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the rules are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe. Additional Updates in the News In related legal developments: A federal judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC. Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.