🔗 Share this article European Union Could Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Official States The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the travel bans were placed on figures who have been at the heart of efforts to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to punish US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in criticizing the move. The restrictions were enacted this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation This European legislation is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In related judicial news: A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the action was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing 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 concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC. Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the travel bans were placed on figures who have been at the heart of efforts to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to punish US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in criticizing the move. The restrictions were enacted this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation This European legislation is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In related judicial news: A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the action was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing 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 concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC. Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.