EU Might Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Travel Restrictions, Spokesperson States
The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans involved in fighting digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official stated.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted figures that were central to efforts to introduce legislation regulating American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the decision.
The bans were enacted on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders argue the rules are essential to control hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In other judicial news:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, alongside an ongoing border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
