European Union Might Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Official Says
The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the United States on five European individuals involved in fighting online hate and misinformation, an EU official stated.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted figures who have been at the heart of campaigns to enact legislation regulating American tech companies.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the decision.
The restrictions were enacted this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from 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, while European leaders contend the rules are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related judicial developments:
- A US district judge has halted attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated the case was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to take in dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.
Analysts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.