🔗 Share this article EU Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the US on five Europeans involved in combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe such as the French president charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were at the heart of efforts to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce US companies to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism Across Europe Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives joined France in condemning the move. The restrictions were imposed this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), 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 seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, while European leaders contend the rules are essential to combat hate speech and falsehoods. This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and European institutions. Other Developments in the News In related legal developments: A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the case was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative. A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC. Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the US on five Europeans involved in combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe such as the French president charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were at the heart of efforts to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce US companies to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism Across Europe Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives joined France in condemning the move. The restrictions were imposed this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), 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 seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, while European leaders contend the rules are essential to combat hate speech and falsehoods. This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and European institutions. Other Developments in the News In related legal developments: A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the case was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative. A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC. Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.