European Union Could Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Travel Restrictions, Spokesperson Says
The EU might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US on five European individuals working on fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted figures that were central to efforts to introduce legislation regulating US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” stated a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in criticizing the move.
The restrictions were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are essential to control hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming part of a much broader existing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In other legal developments:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “another example” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the stripping of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.