The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted figures that were at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the decision.
The restrictions were imposed this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In other judicial developments:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the case was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after concluding a formal agreement 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.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
