EU Could Retaliate to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says

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 working on fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official stated.

European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’

European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted figures that were at the heart of campaigns to introduce laws regulating American tech companies.

“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”

Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations

Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in criticizing the move.

The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, along with four activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.

A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance

The DSA is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to combat hate speech and falsehoods.

This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider existing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and European institutions.

Other Developments Reported Today

In other legal developments:

• A federal judge has halted attempts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the action was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
• Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative.
• The nation of Palau has agreed to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.

Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.

Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.