The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans issued by the United States on five European individuals working on combating online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’
European leaders including the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were central to campaigns to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in condemning the decision.
The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a much broader existing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In related judicial developments:
- A federal judge has blocked attempts to reduce federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated the action was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
