EU Might Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson States
The EU might “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted figures that were central to efforts to enact legislation regulating US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration will not stand for these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the move.
The restrictions were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, along with several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are necessary to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row risks becoming part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In related judicial news:
- A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of the current president’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 “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.