🔗 Share this article European Union Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the United States on five European individuals involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official stated. EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for such actions 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 criticizing the decision. The bans were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four activists fighting false information, including Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation. This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions. Additional Updates Reported Today In other legal developments: A US district judge has halted efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the United States on five European individuals involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official stated. EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for such actions 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 criticizing the decision. The bans were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four activists fighting false information, including Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation. This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions. Additional Updates Reported Today In other legal developments: A US district judge has halted efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.