🔗 Share this article EU Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Travel Restrictions, Official Says The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration 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 criticizing the decision. The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders contend the regulations are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods. This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates in the News In related judicial developments: A federal judge has halted efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with Washington. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC. Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms. “For too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration 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 criticizing the decision. The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders contend the regulations are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods. This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates in the News In related judicial developments: A federal judge has halted efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with Washington. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC. Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.