European Union Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the US on five Europeans involved in combating online hate and misinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted figures who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce laws governing American tech companies.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to pressure American platforms to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the move.
The bans were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities argue the regulations are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In other legal news:
- A US district judge has blocked efforts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “another example” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.
