EU Could Retaliate to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says
The EU might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the United States on five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on figures that were central to campaigns to introduce legislation regulating American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure American platforms to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” stated a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders argue the regulations are essential to combat inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row threatens to become a facet of a far wider existing political and ideological clash between Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal news:
- A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to take in dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, after signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC.
Analysts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
