European Union Could Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Travel Restrictions, Spokesperson Says
The EU might “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five European individuals involved in fighting digital hatred and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the move.
The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while EU authorities argue the rules are essential to control hate speech and disinformation.
This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In other legal developments:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the case was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, alongside an ongoing border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following concluding a formal agreement with US authorities.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.
Analysts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
