🔗 Share this article European Union Might Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Travel Restrictions, Official States The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to introduce laws governing American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce American platforms to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government 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 criticizing the decision. The restrictions were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and falsehoods. This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In related legal news: A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the action was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance. Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, after concluding a formal agreement 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 the capital. Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to introduce laws governing American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce American platforms to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government 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 criticizing the decision. The restrictions were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and falsehoods. This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In related legal news: A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the action was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance. Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, after concluding a formal agreement 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 the capital. Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.