🔗 Share this article EU Could Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The EU might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals who have been central to campaigns to enact laws regulating American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in criticizing the decision. The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as several activists fighting false information, including Germany and the United Kingdom. A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation. This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and Europe. Other Developments Reported Today In other judicial news: A US district judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation has agreed to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital. Analysts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
The EU might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals who have been central to campaigns to enact laws regulating American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in criticizing the decision. The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as several activists fighting false information, including Germany and the United Kingdom. A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation. This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and Europe. Other Developments Reported Today In other judicial news: A US district judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation has agreed to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital. Analysts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.