The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the US against five European individuals involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official stated.
European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted figures who have been central to efforts to enact legislation governing American tech companies.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “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 the French president in condemning the decision.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This disagreement threatens to become part of a far wider existing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other judicial developments:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after concluding a formal agreement with US authorities.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.
Analysts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
