🔗 Share this article EU Might Retaliate to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’ European leaders such as the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were central to efforts to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms. “For too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” Broad Criticism From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the move. The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders contend the rules are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation. This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In related legal developments: A US district judge has halted efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid 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, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, following signing a formal agreement with Washington. Furthermore, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital. Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’ European leaders such as the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were central to efforts to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms. “For too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” Broad Criticism From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the move. The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders contend the rules are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation. This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions. Other Developments Reported Today In related legal developments: A US district judge has halted efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid 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, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, following signing a formal agreement with Washington. Furthermore, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital. Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.