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

The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the US on five Europeans working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said.

EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’

European leaders such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted figures that were at the heart of efforts to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.

“For too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of censorship beyond its borders.”

Broad Criticism From EU Nations

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

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

A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation

This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities argue the rules are necessary to combat hate speech and falsehoods.

This row threatens to become a facet of a far wider existing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and European institutions.

Other Developments Reported Today

In other judicial news:

• A US district judge has halted efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
• Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
• A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.

Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC.

Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.