EU Could Retaliate to ‘Unjustified’ US Travel Restrictions, Official Says

The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it deems “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US against five Europeans working on fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.

European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Coercion’

Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted figures that were at the heart of campaigns to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms.

“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”

Broad Criticism Across Europe

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

The restrictions were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.

An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation

The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.

This row threatens to become a facet of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions.

Other Developments in the News

In related judicial news:

• A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the case was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
• Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
• The nation of Palau has agreed to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.

Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital.

Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.