🔗 Share this article European Union Could Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Official Says The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans issued by the United States against five Europeans involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe including the French president charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted figures who have been at the heart of efforts to enact legislation governing American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state online. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the move. The bans were imposed on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities argue the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and falsehoods. This row threatens to become a facet of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe. Additional Updates Reported Today In other legal developments: A federal judge has halted attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the action was “another example” of tying government assistance to policy compliance. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC. Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans issued by the United States against five Europeans involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe including the French president charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted figures who have been at the heart of efforts to enact legislation governing American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state online. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the move. The bans were imposed on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities argue the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and falsehoods. This row threatens to become a facet of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe. Additional Updates Reported Today In other legal developments: A federal judge has halted attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the action was “another example” of tying government assistance to policy compliance. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC. Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.