The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans involved in combating online hate and misinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including the French president accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions targeted figures that were at the heart of efforts to enact laws governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure US companies to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the decision.
The restrictions were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, while European leaders argue the regulations are essential to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a far wider existing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In related judicial news:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the new year, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action 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 actions.
