The EU might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans working on combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including the French president accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans targeted figures who have been central to efforts to enact laws governing American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the move.
The restrictions were enacted this week against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, along with several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while European leaders argue the rules are necessary to combat hate speech and falsehoods.
This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider existing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In other legal news:
- A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated the case was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the new year, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
