🔗 Share this article European Union Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Official Says The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” visa bans issued by the United States on five European individuals involved in combating online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said. European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted individuals who have been central to efforts to introduce legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the decision. The restrictions were imposed this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and disinformation. This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In other judicial news: A US district judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the case was “a further instance” of tying 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 immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau has agreed to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC. Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” visa bans issued by the United States on five European individuals involved in combating online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said. European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted individuals who have been central to efforts to introduce legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the decision. The restrictions were imposed this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and disinformation. This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In other judicial news: A US district judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the case was “a further instance” of tying 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 immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau has agreed to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC. Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.