🔗 Share this article EU Could Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Official Says The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on individuals that were at the heart of campaigns to enact laws governing US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.” Broad Criticism Across Europe Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported France in condemning the decision. The restrictions were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to combat hate speech and disinformation. This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and Europe. Additional Updates Reported Today In related judicial developments: A US district judge has halted efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, alongside an ongoing border security initiative. A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following concluding 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 the capital. Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on individuals that were at the heart of campaigns to enact laws governing US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.” Broad Criticism Across Europe Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported France in condemning the decision. The restrictions were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to combat hate speech and disinformation. This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and Europe. Additional Updates Reported Today In related judicial developments: A US district judge has halted efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, alongside an ongoing border security initiative. A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following concluding 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 the capital. Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.