🔗 Share this article EU Could Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson States The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US against five Europeans working on combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on individuals that were central to campaigns to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in criticizing the move. The restrictions were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while EU authorities argue the regulations are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods. This disagreement threatens to become part of a far wider existing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In other legal developments: A federal judge has blocked efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the case was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance. Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following concluding a formal agreement with Washington. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC. Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US against five Europeans working on combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on individuals that were central to campaigns to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms. “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in criticizing the move. The restrictions were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK. A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while EU authorities argue the regulations are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods. This disagreement threatens to become part of a far wider existing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In other legal developments: A federal judge has blocked efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the case was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance. Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following concluding a formal agreement with Washington. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC. Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.