EU Could Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Travel Restrictions, Spokesperson Says

The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.

European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’

European leaders including the French president charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on figures who have been central to efforts to introduce laws governing American tech companies.

“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to pressure US companies to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state online. “The current administration 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 France in criticizing the decision.

The bans were imposed on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.

An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance

The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities argue the rules are necessary to combat hate speech and disinformation.

This row threatens to become part of a far wider existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.

Additional Updates in the News

In other legal developments:

• A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives.
• Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
• The nation of Palau will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.

Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital.

Analysts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.