EU Could Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Visa Bans, Spokesperson Says

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

EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’

Officials from Europe such as the French president accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were at the heart of campaigns to introduce laws governing American tech companies.

“For too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure American platforms to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” wrote 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 France in criticizing the decision.

The restrictions were imposed this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK.

An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation

The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to control inflammatory language and disinformation.

This row threatens to become part of a much broader existing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and Europe.

Other Developments Reported Today

In other judicial news:

• A federal judge has blocked efforts to reduce security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives.
• Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
• The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with Washington.

Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital.

Analysts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.