🔗 Share this article EU Could Respond to ‘Unjustified’ US Travel Restrictions, Spokesperson Says The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US on five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe including the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to enact laws regulating American tech companies. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to punish US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the decision. The restrictions were enacted this week against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, along with several activists fighting false information, 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 EU authorities argue the rules are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation. This disagreement threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe. Other Developments in the News In related judicial developments: A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the action was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with Washington. Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.
The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US on five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated. European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’ Officials from Europe including the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to enact laws regulating American tech companies. “For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to punish US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.” Widespread Condemnation Across Europe Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the decision. The restrictions were enacted this week against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, along with several activists fighting false information, 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 EU authorities argue the rules are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation. This disagreement threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe. Other Developments in the News In related judicial developments: A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the action was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives. Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with Washington. Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital. Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.