EU Could Retaliate to ‘Unjustified’ US Travel Restrictions, Spokesperson States
The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the United States against five European individuals working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted figures that were central to efforts to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the move.
The restrictions were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and Europe.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In related judicial developments:
- A US district judge has blocked efforts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the case was “another example” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital.
Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.
