European Union Could Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Official Says

The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the United States on five Europeans involved in fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.

European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’

Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted figures who have been central to campaigns to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.

“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” stated a senior US official online. “The current administration 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 criticizing the move.

The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.

An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation

The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to combat hate speech and disinformation.

This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and Europe.

Other Developments Reported Today

In other legal developments:

• A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the action was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
• Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the holiday period, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
• The nation of Palau will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.

Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.

Analysts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.