The EU might “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US against five European individuals involved in fighting digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on figures who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure American platforms to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the move.
The bans were enacted on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become a facet of a far wider existing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In related judicial news:
- A federal judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to take in dozens of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
