🔗 Share this article EU Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Travel Restrictions, Spokesperson Says The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the United States against five European individuals working on combating digital hatred and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted figures who have been central to efforts to introduce legislation governing US-based technology firms. “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 censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the decision. The bans were imposed on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods. This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe. Other Developments Reported Today In other legal news: A US district judge has blocked attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau has agreed to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital. Analysts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the United States against five European individuals working on combating digital hatred and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted figures who have been central to efforts to introduce legislation governing US-based technology firms. “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 censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the decision. The bans were imposed on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods. This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe. Other Developments Reported Today In other legal news: A US district judge has blocked attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau has agreed to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital. Analysts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.