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

The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the US on five European individuals involved in combating online hate and misinformation, an EU official has said.

EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’

Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted figures who have been central to efforts to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.

“For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”

Widespread Condemnation Across Europe

Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in condemning the decision.

The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK.

A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance

The DSA is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to combat hate speech and falsehoods.

This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and Europe.

Other Developments Reported Today

In other judicial developments:

• A US district judge has halted attempts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “another example” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives.
• Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
• The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after concluding a formal agreement with Washington.

Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.

Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.