🔗 Share this article EU Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the United States against five European individuals involved in combating online hate and disinformation, an EU official stated. EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were at the heart of campaigns to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce American platforms to punish US perspectives they oppose,” stated a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the decision. The bans were enacted on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation. This row threatens to become a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe. Additional Updates Reported Today In related judicial developments: A US district judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the new year, alongside an ongoing border security initiative. The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Furthermore, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital. Analysts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the United States against five European individuals involved in combating online hate and disinformation, an EU official stated. EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were at the heart of campaigns to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce American platforms to punish US perspectives they oppose,” stated a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the decision. The bans were enacted on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation. This row threatens to become a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe. Additional Updates Reported Today In related judicial developments: A US district judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the new year, alongside an ongoing border security initiative. The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Furthermore, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital. Analysts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.