🔗 Share this article European Union Might Retaliate to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Official States The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official stated. European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on figures who have been central to efforts to enact laws governing American tech companies. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the decision. The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom. A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the rules are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In related judicial news: A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the case was “another example” of tying federal aid to policy compliance. Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with Washington. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC. Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official stated. European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on figures who have been central to efforts to enact laws governing American tech companies. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the decision. The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom. A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the rules are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In related judicial news: A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the case was “another example” of tying federal aid to policy compliance. Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with Washington. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC. Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.