🔗 Share this article European Union Might Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans working on fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe including the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted figures that were at the heart of efforts to enact legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration 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 supported France in condemning the move. The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods. This row threatens to become a facet of a far wider existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe. Additional Updates Reported Today In related judicial developments: A US district judge has halted attempts to reduce security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an active border security initiative. The nation of Palau will consent to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with Washington. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans working on fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe including the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted figures that were at the heart of efforts to enact legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration 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 supported France in condemning the move. The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods. This row threatens to become a facet of a far wider existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe. Additional Updates Reported Today In related judicial developments: A US district judge has halted attempts to reduce security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an active border security initiative. The nation of Palau will consent to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with Washington. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.