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

The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the United States on five Europeans working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.

European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’

Officials from Europe including the French president accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions targeted figures that were at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.

“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce American platforms to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government 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 supported the French president in criticizing the decision.

The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.

A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation

This European legislation is seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, while EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.

This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe.

Other Developments in the News

In other legal developments:

• A US district judge has blocked attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives.
• Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
• The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.

Additionally, 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.

Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.