EU Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson States
The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” visa bans issued by the United States on five Europeans working on combating online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to introduce legislation governing US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the decision.
The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, while European leaders argue the regulations are essential to control hate speech and disinformation.
This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider existing political and ideological clash involving Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related judicial developments:
- A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of tying federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
