EU Could Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson States
The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US against five European individuals working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation governing US-based technology firms.
“For too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the move.
The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are necessary to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row risks becoming part of a much broader existing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related legal developments:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the case was “another example” 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 immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.