EU Could Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on combating online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’
European leaders including the French president charged Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been central to campaigns to enact laws governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation 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 on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related judicial news:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after concluding a formal agreement with US authorities.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.