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

The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the US against five European individuals working on fighting online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.

EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’

Officials from Europe such as the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted individuals who have been central to campaigns to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms.

“For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state online. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”

Broad Criticism From EU Nations

Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the decision.

The bans were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as four activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.

A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation

The DSA is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods.

This row risks becoming part of a far wider existing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and European institutions.

Other Developments Reported Today

In related judicial developments:

• A federal judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the case was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
• Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the new year, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
• A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.

Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.

Experts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.