The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it deems “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
EU Officials Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on individuals who have been central to efforts to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints 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 From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the decision.
The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with several activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities argue the rules are necessary to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This disagreement threatens to become part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In other judicial developments:
- A federal judge has blocked attempts to reduce federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the case was “another example” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
