The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it deems “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the US on five Europeans involved in fighting online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the travel bans were placed on figures that were at the heart of efforts to enact legislation governing American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints 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 Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the move.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities argue the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become a facet of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related legal news:
- A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “another example” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital.
Analysts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.
