🔗 Share this article European Union Might Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Official States The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said. EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were at the heart of efforts to introduce legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the move. The restrictions were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom. A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are essential to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods. This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider existing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In related judicial developments: A US district judge has halted attempts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to policy compliance. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return 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 well-known cultural institution in Washington DC. Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.
The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said. EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were at the heart of efforts to introduce legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the move. The restrictions were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom. A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are essential to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods. This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider existing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In related judicial developments: A US district judge has halted attempts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to policy compliance. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return 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 well-known cultural institution in Washington DC. Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.