EU Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Official Says
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the US against five European individuals working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the travel bans targeted individuals who have been central to campaigns to introduce laws governing American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure US companies to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” stated a senior US official online. “The current administration will not stand for these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in condemning the move.
The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In other legal developments:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the case was “another example” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- 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 Washington.
Furthermore, 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”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.
