The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the United States against five European individuals working on fighting online hate and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe such as the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were central to campaigns to enact legislation regulating US-based technology firms.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, while European leaders argue the rules are essential to combat hate speech and falsehoods.
This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related judicial news:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated the case was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.
