EU Could Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Travel Restrictions, Spokesperson Says
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to enact laws governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the move.
The restrictions were enacted this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, while EU authorities argue the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other legal developments:
- A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the new year, alongside an active border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with Washington.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital.
Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.
