🔗 Share this article EU Might Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The EU might “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe such as the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were central to campaigns to enact legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state online. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” Broad Criticism From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the move. The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, including Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance This European legislation is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation. This row risks becoming part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and European institutions. Other Developments in the News In related legal news: A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the action was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau has agreed to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital. Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.
The EU might “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe such as the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were central to campaigns to enact legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state online. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” Broad Criticism From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the move. The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, including Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance This European legislation is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation. This row risks becoming part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and European institutions. Other Developments in the News In related legal news: A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the action was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau has agreed to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital. Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.