🔗 Share this article EU Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Official States The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the United States against five Europeans involved in fighting digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said. European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders such as the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been central to campaigns to enact laws governing American tech companies. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in condemning the decision. The bans were imposed on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders contend the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates Reported Today In other legal developments: A federal judge has halted efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the action was “a further instance” of linking 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, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. The nation of Palau has agreed to take in dozens of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the United States against five Europeans involved in fighting digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said. European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders such as the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been central to campaigns to enact laws governing American tech companies. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in condemning the decision. The bans were imposed on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders contend the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods. This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates Reported Today In other legal developments: A federal judge has halted efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the action was “a further instance” of linking 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, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. The nation of Palau has agreed to take in dozens of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.