🔗 Share this article European Union Could Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the United States against five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said. EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’ European leaders including Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted figures who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” 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 imposed on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation. This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe. Additional Updates Reported Today In other legal developments: A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official 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 prior to the new year, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the United States against five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said. EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’ European leaders including Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted figures who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” 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 imposed on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation. This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe. Additional Updates Reported Today In other legal developments: A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official 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 prior to the new year, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.