🔗 Share this article EU Might Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson States The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the United States against five Europeans involved in fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including the French president charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to enact laws governing US-based technology firms. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” stated a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in criticizing the decision. The bans were enacted this week on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities argue the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods. This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates Reported Today In related judicial developments: A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “another example” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau has agreed to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after concluding a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC. Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.
The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the United States against five Europeans involved in fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’ European leaders including the French president charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to enact laws governing US-based technology firms. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” stated a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in criticizing the decision. The bans were enacted this week on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK. A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities argue the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods. This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates Reported Today In related judicial developments: A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “another example” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau has agreed to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after concluding a formal agreement with US authorities. Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC. Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.