🔗 Share this article EU Might Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in combating online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said. EU Officials Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including the French president accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals that were at the heart of efforts to introduce legislation governing American tech companies. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives joined France in condemning the decision. The bans were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the rules are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row risks becoming part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe. Additional Updates in the News In other legal developments: A federal judge has blocked efforts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an active border security initiative. A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC. Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.
The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in combating online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said. EU Officials Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including the French president accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals that were at the heart of efforts to introduce legislation governing American tech companies. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives joined France in condemning the decision. The bans were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the rules are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row risks becoming part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe. Additional Updates in the News In other legal developments: A federal judge has blocked efforts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an active border security initiative. A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC. Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.