🔗 Share this article European Union Might Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The EU might “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US against five European individuals involved in fighting digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the travel bans were placed on figures who have been central to efforts to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for 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 move. The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are necessary to control hate speech and disinformation. This row threatens to become part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions. Additional Updates in the News In related legal developments: A federal judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation has agreed to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following concluding a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC. Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
The EU might “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US against five European individuals involved in fighting digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the travel bans were placed on figures who have been central to efforts to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for 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 move. The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are necessary to control hate speech and disinformation. This row threatens to become part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions. Additional Updates in the News In related legal developments: A federal judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation has agreed to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following concluding a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC. Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.