EU Could Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson States

The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the US on five Europeans involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.

EU Officials Decry US Action as ‘Coercion’

European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to enact legislation governing American tech companies.

“For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of censorship beyond its borders.”

Broad Criticism From EU Nations

Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported France in criticizing the decision.

The bans were enacted on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.

A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation

This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders argue the rules are essential to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.

This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider existing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and European institutions.

Other Developments in the News

In other judicial developments:

• A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
• Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
• The nation of Palau will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following concluding a formal agreement with Washington.

Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC.

Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.