The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it deems “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US against five Europeans working on fighting digital hatred and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were central to campaigns to introduce laws regulating American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to coerce American platforms to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts 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 condemning the decision.
The bans were enacted on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are necessary to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In other judicial news:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, after concluding a formal agreement with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
