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

The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unjustified” travel bans issued by the United States against five Europeans working on fighting digital hatred and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.

EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’

European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted figures who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation governing US-based technology firms.

“For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”

Broad Criticism From EU Nations

Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in condemning the decision.

The bans were enacted this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.

A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation

The DSA is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the rules are necessary to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.

This row threatens to become a facet of a much broader existing political and ideological clash between Washington and Europe.

Additional Updates Reported Today

In related legal developments:

• A US district judge has blocked efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated the action was “another example” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives.
• Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
• A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, after concluding a formal agreement with Washington.

Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.

Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.