The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unjustified” travel bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions were placed on figures who have been central to campaigns to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for 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 decision.
The restrictions were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, while European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a much broader existing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In other judicial developments:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the action was “another example” of tying federal aid to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to take in dozens of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with Washington.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
