🔗 Share this article European Union Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five European individuals involved in fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ European leaders including the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on figures who have been central to campaigns to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for 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 move. The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions. Additional Updates in the News In other legal news: A US district judge has blocked efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the action was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with Washington. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC. Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five European individuals involved in fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ European leaders including the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on figures who have been central to campaigns to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for 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 move. The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions. Additional Updates in the News In other legal news: A US district judge has blocked efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the action was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with Washington. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC. Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.