🔗 Share this article European Union Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson States The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official stated. European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the decision. The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods. This row risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates Reported Today In other legal news: A US district judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official stated. European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the decision. The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods. This row risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates Reported Today In other legal news: A US district judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.