EU Might Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says
The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the US on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’
European leaders such as the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were central to efforts to introduce legislation governing US-based technology firms.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.”
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 against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as several activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related legal news:
- A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital.
Analysts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
