EU Might Retaliate to ‘Unjustified’ US Travel Restrictions, Spokesperson Says
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the United States on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
EU Officials Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were central to efforts to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “This government 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 joined the French president in condemning the move.
The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while European leaders argue the rules are essential to control hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In other legal news:
- A federal judge has blocked efforts to reduce security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the action was “another example” of tying federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the holiday period, alongside an active border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC.
Analysts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
