The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the United States against five European individuals involved in fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were central to campaigns to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to coerce 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.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the move.
The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, along with four activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This disagreement threatens to become a facet of a far wider existing political and ideological clash involving Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other judicial news:
- A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after concluding a formal agreement with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC.
Analysts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.
