EU Could Retaliate to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unjustified” travel bans issued by the United States on five Europeans involved in combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions were placed on figures who have been at the heart of efforts to introduce laws regulating American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce US companies to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported France in condemning the move.
The bans were enacted on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider existing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal news:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following concluding a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.
