The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official stated.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on figures who have been at the heart of campaigns to enact laws governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in condemning the decision.
The restrictions were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the rules are necessary to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider existing political and ideological clash involving Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal developments:
- A US district judge has halted attempts to cut security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the action was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the new year, alongside an ongoing border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
