🔗 Share this article EU Might Retaliate to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five European individuals working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ European leaders such as the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted individuals that were central to efforts to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the decision. The bans were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation. This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions. Other Developments in the News In other judicial developments: A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the action was “another example” of linking 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. The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after concluding a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital. Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.
The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five European individuals working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ European leaders such as the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted individuals that were central to efforts to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the decision. The bans were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation. This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions. Other Developments in the News In other judicial developments: A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the action was “another example” of linking 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. The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after concluding a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital. Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.