EU Might Retaliate to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Official Says

The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans issued by the US against five European individuals involved in combating online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.

European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Coercion’

Officials from Europe such as the French president accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals that were at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation regulating US-based technology firms.

“For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure American platforms to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”

Widespread Condemnation Across Europe

Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported France in condemning the move.

The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with several activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.

A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation

The DSA is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, while European leaders contend the regulations are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods.

This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and European institutions.

Other Developments Reported Today

In other legal developments:

• A US district judge has halted attempts to reduce federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case 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 ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
• A Pacific Island nation has agreed to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.

Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.

Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.