The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans involved in combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on figures who have been central to campaigns to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the move.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to control hate speech and disinformation.
This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In related judicial developments:
- A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the action was “another example” of tying federal aid to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.
Analysts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.
