🔗 Share this article EU Could Retaliate to ‘Unjustified’ US Travel Restrictions, Spokesperson Says The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the United States against five European individuals involved in combating digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official stated. EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe including the French president accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans targeted figures that were central to efforts to enact legislation governing American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure US companies to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for such actions 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 move. The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’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 form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are essential to control hate speech and disinformation. This row threatens to become a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates Reported Today In related legal news: A US district judge has halted attempts to cut security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “another example” of tying government assistance to policy compliance. Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau has agreed to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with Washington. Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the United States against five European individuals involved in combating digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official stated. EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe including the French president accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans targeted figures that were central to efforts to enact legislation governing American tech companies. “For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure US companies to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for such actions 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 move. The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’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 form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are essential to control hate speech and disinformation. This row threatens to become a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and European institutions. Additional Updates Reported Today In related legal news: A US district judge has halted attempts to cut security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “another example” of tying government assistance to policy compliance. Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau has agreed to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with Washington. Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.