The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the US on five Europeans involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted figures that were central to campaigns to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” stated a senior US official in a social media post. “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 enacted on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Additional Updates in the News
In related legal news:
- A US district judge has halted attempts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Analysts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
