🔗 Share this article European Union Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Travel Restrictions, Spokesperson Says The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the United States on five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official stated. European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted figures that were central to campaigns to introduce legislation governing US-based technology firms. “For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported France in condemning the decision. The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance The DSA is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are essential to control inflammatory language and disinformation. This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe. Other Developments Reported Today In related legal developments: A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital. Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.
The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the United States on five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official stated. European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted figures that were central to campaigns to introduce legislation governing US-based technology firms. “For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.” Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported France in condemning the decision. The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance The DSA is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are essential to control inflammatory language and disinformation. This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe. Other Developments Reported Today In related legal developments: A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative. The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital. Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.