🔗 Share this article EU Could Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson States The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans issued by the United States on five European individuals working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said. EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans targeted figures who have been central to efforts to introduce laws governing American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration 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 supported France in criticizing the decision. The bans were enacted on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with several activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while European leaders contend the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation. This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe. Other Developments in the News In other judicial news: A US district judge has blocked efforts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital. Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans issued by the United States on five European individuals working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said. EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans targeted figures who have been central to efforts to introduce laws governing American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration 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 supported France in criticizing the decision. The bans were enacted on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with several activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while European leaders contend the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation. This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe. Other Developments in the News In other judicial news: A US district judge has blocked efforts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital. Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.