EU Might Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Official States
The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US on five European individuals involved in fighting online hate and misinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted individuals that were at the heart of efforts to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in condemning the move.
The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, 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 European leaders contend the regulations are essential to control hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other judicial developments:
- A US district judge has blocked efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
