The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the US on five European individuals involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including the French president accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were at the heart of campaigns to enact laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives joined France in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row risks becoming part of a far wider existing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other legal news:
- A federal judge has blocked attempts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, following concluding a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC.
Analysts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.
