European Union Might Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Official Says
The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it deems “unjustified” travel bans issued by the United States on five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on figures that were central to efforts to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the decision.
The bans were imposed this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are essential to control hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal developments:
- A federal judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.
Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.
