EU Could Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Visa Bans, Official Says

The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and misinformation, an EU official stated.

European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’

European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions were placed on figures who have been at the heart of efforts to enact legislation regulating American tech companies.

“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to pressure American platforms to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state online. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of censorship beyond its borders.”

Widespread Condemnation Across Europe

Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the move.

The bans were enacted on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom.

A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance

The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the regulations are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.

This disagreement threatens to become a facet of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.

Other Developments Reported Today

In other legal developments:

• A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the case was “another example” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
• Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to 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 increased assistance, following signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.

Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC.

Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.