European Union Might Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Travel Restrictions, Official Says

The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the US against five Europeans working on fighting digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said.

EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’

European leaders such as the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted figures who have been at the heart of campaigns to enact legislation regulating American tech companies.

“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”

Broad Criticism Across Europe

Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in criticizing the decision.

The bans were enacted on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, along with several activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.

An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance

This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation.

This row risks becoming part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and European institutions.

Other Developments in the News

In other legal news:

• A US district judge has halted attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
• Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
• The nation of Palau has agreed to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.

Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action to demand the stripping of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.

Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.