🔗 Share this article European Union Could Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson States The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US on five Europeans working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official stated. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted figures who have been central to campaigns to enact legislation regulating American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will not stand for these egregious acts 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 enacted this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance This European legislation is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the rules are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates Reported Today In other judicial developments: A US district judge has halted attempts to reduce security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance. Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. The nation of Palau has agreed to take in dozens of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US on five Europeans working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official stated. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted figures who have been central to campaigns to enact legislation regulating American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will not stand for these egregious acts 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 enacted this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance This European legislation is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the rules are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates Reported Today In other judicial developments: A US district judge has halted attempts to reduce security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance. Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. The nation of Palau has agreed to take in dozens of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.