🔗 Share this article EU Might Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unjustified” travel bans issued by the United States against five European individuals working on combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders such as the French president accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, following the travel bans targeted figures who have been central to campaigns to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported the French president in condemning the decision. The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with 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 US officials as a type of speech restriction, while European leaders argue the regulations are essential to control inflammatory language and disinformation. This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe. Other Developments in the News In related judicial news: A US district judge has blocked efforts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. The nation of Palau will consent to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unjustified” travel bans issued by the United States against five European individuals working on combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders such as the French president accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, following the travel bans targeted figures who have been central to campaigns to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported the French president in condemning the decision. The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with 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 US officials as a type of speech restriction, while European leaders argue the regulations are essential to control inflammatory language and disinformation. This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe. Other Developments in the News In related judicial news: A US district judge has blocked efforts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. The nation of Palau will consent to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.