🔗 Share this article European Union Could Retaliate to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says The EU might “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the United States against five European individuals working on 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 the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported France in criticizing the move. The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while EU authorities argue the rules are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates in the News In other legal news: A federal judge has halted attempts to reduce security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the case was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, alongside 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, following concluding a formal agreement with US authorities. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.
The EU might “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the United States against five European individuals working on 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 the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported France in criticizing the move. The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while EU authorities argue the rules are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates in the News In other legal news: A federal judge has halted attempts to reduce security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the case was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, alongside 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, following concluding a formal agreement with US authorities. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.