EU Could Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Official Says
The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to enact legislation governing American tech companies.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the decision.
The bans were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are essential to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This disagreement threatens to become a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other legal developments:
- A US district judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens 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 stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
