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

The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” visa bans issued by the United States against five European individuals working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official stated.

European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’

European leaders including the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were central to efforts to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.

“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”

Broad Criticism From EU Nations

Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in criticizing the move.

The bans were imposed this week on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.

An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation

This European legislation is seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders contend the rules are necessary to control hate speech and disinformation.

This row risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions.

Other Developments Reported Today

In related legal developments:

• A federal judge has blocked efforts to reduce security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives.
• Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
• The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with Washington.

Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.

Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.