Finbarr Bermingham
@fbermingham.bsky.social
Senior Correspondent for Europe at the South China Morning Post.
Tracking the shifting tectonic plates of global trade and geopolitics.
All posts should be heard in a Fermanagh accent.
Tracking the shifting tectonic plates of global trade and geopolitics.
All posts should be heard in a Fermanagh accent.
Pinned
As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, EU scrambles for its dictionary
The EU is preparing to unveil a new doctrine on economic security, but it’s a concept that officials and experts say has no clear definition.
www.scmp.com
As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, Europe scrambles for its dictionary
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
Am I imagining it or is the WiFi almost everywhere in Berlin awful?!
November 25, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Am I imagining it or is the WiFi almost everywhere in Berlin awful?!
Reposted by Finbarr Bermingham
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
German FM Wadephul just gave a 25-min speech in Berlin outlining foreign policy priorities
Mentioned "dangerous dependencies", courting India & Japan, challenge of superpower rivalry
But a glaring absence of China - he only mentioned it in passing - "a more confident China"
Mentioned "dangerous dependencies", courting India & Japan, challenge of superpower rivalry
But a glaring absence of China - he only mentioned it in passing - "a more confident China"
November 25, 2025 at 8:54 AM
German FM Wadephul just gave a 25-min speech in Berlin outlining foreign policy priorities
Mentioned "dangerous dependencies", courting India & Japan, challenge of superpower rivalry
But a glaring absence of China - he only mentioned it in passing - "a more confident China"
Mentioned "dangerous dependencies", courting India & Japan, challenge of superpower rivalry
But a glaring absence of China - he only mentioned it in passing - "a more confident China"
Reposted by Finbarr Bermingham
We are testing La Matinale Européenne in English.
Today’s long reading by me: The Limits of the EU’s “Daddy Diplomacy”
Don’t miss our brief and the new Trump’s blackmail “less rules on digital, less tariffs”.
With @cspillmann.bsky.social and @grimmse.bsky.social 👇
Today’s long reading by me: The Limits of the EU’s “Daddy Diplomacy”
Don’t miss our brief and the new Trump’s blackmail “less rules on digital, less tariffs”.
With @cspillmann.bsky.social and @grimmse.bsky.social 👇
The Limits of the EU’s “Daddy Diplomacy”
Good morning!
europemorningpost.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:06 AM
We are testing La Matinale Européenne in English.
Today’s long reading by me: The Limits of the EU’s “Daddy Diplomacy”
Don’t miss our brief and the new Trump’s blackmail “less rules on digital, less tariffs”.
With @cspillmann.bsky.social and @grimmse.bsky.social 👇
Today’s long reading by me: The Limits of the EU’s “Daddy Diplomacy”
Don’t miss our brief and the new Trump’s blackmail “less rules on digital, less tariffs”.
With @cspillmann.bsky.social and @grimmse.bsky.social 👇
EU ministers want to work with Trump on joint China policy. Its citizens aren't so sure...
My report on the yawning gap between EU governments' approach to Trump, China and the fascinating findings of a new survey out of Berlin
My report on the yawning gap between EU governments' approach to Trump, China and the fascinating findings of a new survey out of Berlin
EU ministers court Trump on joint China policy, even as public scepticism grows
European officials lobby American counterparts to ‘push back’ on Beijing together, while German poll shows wariness towards Washington.
www.scmp.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:32 AM
EU ministers want to work with Trump on joint China policy. Its citizens aren't so sure...
My report on the yawning gap between EU governments' approach to Trump, China and the fascinating findings of a new survey out of Berlin
My report on the yawning gap between EU governments' approach to Trump, China and the fascinating findings of a new survey out of Berlin
Reposted by Finbarr Bermingham
As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, Europe scrambles for its dictionary
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, EU scrambles for its dictionary
The EU is preparing to unveil a new doctrine on economic security, but it’s a concept that officials and experts say has no clear definition.
www.scmp.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:00 AM
As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, Europe scrambles for its dictionary
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
Taking off for Berlin ✈️
I'll be in town for the Berlin Foreign Policy Forum tomorrow and the European China Conference on Wednesday - say hi if you'll be there!
I'll be in town for the Berlin Foreign Policy Forum tomorrow and the European China Conference on Wednesday - say hi if you'll be there!
November 24, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Taking off for Berlin ✈️
I'll be in town for the Berlin Foreign Policy Forum tomorrow and the European China Conference on Wednesday - say hi if you'll be there!
I'll be in town for the Berlin Foreign Policy Forum tomorrow and the European China Conference on Wednesday - say hi if you'll be there!
Trump and Xi spoke today. Apparently Taiwan wasn't raised in Busan but definitely discussed today. From Xinhua:
Trump: "China played a crucial role in the victory of World War II, and the US understands the importance of the Taiwan issue to China"
Trump: "China played a crucial role in the victory of World War II, and the US understands the importance of the Taiwan issue to China"
November 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Trump and Xi spoke today. Apparently Taiwan wasn't raised in Busan but definitely discussed today. From Xinhua:
Trump: "China played a crucial role in the victory of World War II, and the US understands the importance of the Taiwan issue to China"
Trump: "China played a crucial role in the victory of World War II, and the US understands the importance of the Taiwan issue to China"
Lutnick paints changing EU digital rules as good for Europe, but clearly a US demand
"Our suggestion is EU deeply consider analysing digital rules, come away with a balanced approach that works with us. If they can come up with that, we'll together handle the steel & aluminium"
"Our suggestion is EU deeply consider analysing digital rules, come away with a balanced approach that works with us. If they can come up with that, we'll together handle the steel & aluminium"
November 24, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Lutnick paints changing EU digital rules as good for Europe, but clearly a US demand
"Our suggestion is EU deeply consider analysing digital rules, come away with a balanced approach that works with us. If they can come up with that, we'll together handle the steel & aluminium"
"Our suggestion is EU deeply consider analysing digital rules, come away with a balanced approach that works with us. If they can come up with that, we'll together handle the steel & aluminium"
Speaking in Luanda, Donald Tusk puts Europe's plight in plain terms
"The matter is delicate, because nobody wants to discourage the Americans and President Trump from ensuring the US remains on our side in this process. As you can see, it’s not that simple or straightforward"
"The matter is delicate, because nobody wants to discourage the Americans and President Trump from ensuring the US remains on our side in this process. As you can see, it’s not that simple or straightforward"
November 24, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Speaking in Luanda, Donald Tusk puts Europe's plight in plain terms
"The matter is delicate, because nobody wants to discourage the Americans and President Trump from ensuring the US remains on our side in this process. As you can see, it’s not that simple or straightforward"
"The matter is delicate, because nobody wants to discourage the Americans and President Trump from ensuring the US remains on our side in this process. As you can see, it’s not that simple or straightforward"
EU trade council in Brussels today. Greer & Lutnick also in attendance. It's clear ministers are still using China as a carrot to keep US interested
Poland's Baranowski:
"We'll also talk about bigger picture... challenges of overproduction coming from third countries again"
Poland's Baranowski:
"We'll also talk about bigger picture... challenges of overproduction coming from third countries again"
November 24, 2025 at 10:35 AM
EU trade council in Brussels today. Greer & Lutnick also in attendance. It's clear ministers are still using China as a carrot to keep US interested
Poland's Baranowski:
"We'll also talk about bigger picture... challenges of overproduction coming from third countries again"
Poland's Baranowski:
"We'll also talk about bigger picture... challenges of overproduction coming from third countries again"
Reposted by Finbarr Bermingham
As we speak, the Western world is currently discussing whether to impose a cap on the army of a country that has been invaded, while sparing the country that launched the invasion from any such limit.
November 24, 2025 at 9:24 AM
As we speak, the Western world is currently discussing whether to impose a cap on the army of a country that has been invaded, while sparing the country that launched the invasion from any such limit.
Reposted by Finbarr Bermingham
Feels like the strategic autonomy debate all over again these days: endless scoping, definitions, etymology debates.
Let's just focus on solving a threat: Call an emergency on REEs, put all possible trade and security (3Ps) on the table, see how each could help solve the emergency, and go implement
Let's just focus on solving a threat: Call an emergency on REEs, put all possible trade and security (3Ps) on the table, see how each could help solve the emergency, and go implement
As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, Europe scrambles for its dictionary
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, EU scrambles for its dictionary
The EU is preparing to unveil a new doctrine on economic security, but it’s a concept that officials and experts say has no clear definition.
www.scmp.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Feels like the strategic autonomy debate all over again these days: endless scoping, definitions, etymology debates.
Let's just focus on solving a threat: Call an emergency on REEs, put all possible trade and security (3Ps) on the table, see how each could help solve the emergency, and go implement
Let's just focus on solving a threat: Call an emergency on REEs, put all possible trade and security (3Ps) on the table, see how each could help solve the emergency, and go implement
As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, Europe scrambles for its dictionary
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, EU scrambles for its dictionary
The EU is preparing to unveil a new doctrine on economic security, but it’s a concept that officials and experts say has no clear definition.
www.scmp.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:00 AM
As US-China rivalry redefines economic warfare, Europe scrambles for its dictionary
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
My report on the EU's struggle to define economic security, even as it prepares to launch yet another economic security initiative...
Merz met Li Qiang on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africa
“China could play a role. China could put some more pressure on Russia to end this war,” Merz said, adding he hoped a ceasefire could be reached before he travelled to China next yr.
“China could play a role. China could put some more pressure on Russia to end this war,” Merz said, adding he hoped a ceasefire could be reached before he travelled to China next yr.
Premier Li Qiang urges Germany to be ‘rational and pragmatic’ on China policy
Meeting between Li and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on G20 sidelines marks a step towards mending ties.
www.scmp.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:46 AM
Merz met Li Qiang on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africa
“China could play a role. China could put some more pressure on Russia to end this war,” Merz said, adding he hoped a ceasefire could be reached before he travelled to China next yr.
“China could play a role. China could put some more pressure on Russia to end this war,” Merz said, adding he hoped a ceasefire could be reached before he travelled to China next yr.
Reposted by Finbarr Bermingham
We've published the full text of a European counter-proposal to the U.S. 28-point Ukraine peace plan, seen by Reuters.
The document, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, takes the U.S. plan as its basis but goes through point by point with suggested changes & deletions.
The document, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, takes the U.S. plan as its basis but goes through point by point with suggested changes & deletions.
www.reuters.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:34 PM
We've published the full text of a European counter-proposal to the U.S. 28-point Ukraine peace plan, seen by Reuters.
The document, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, takes the U.S. plan as its basis but goes through point by point with suggested changes & deletions.
The document, drafted by Europe's E3 powers of Britain, France and Germany, takes the U.S. plan as its basis but goes through point by point with suggested changes & deletions.
Reposted by Finbarr Bermingham
Twitter pays people based on engagement (views, retweets, comments, etc). It appears that many MAGA accounts are based abroad and they use AI technology to generate low-effort rage bait.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
November 23, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Twitter pays people based on engagement (views, retweets, comments, etc). It appears that many MAGA accounts are based abroad and they use AI technology to generate low-effort rage bait.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
Nexperia bombshell from NRC: suggests Dutch ministry *did* try to sway the court
"Karremans knew his controversial intervention... had little chance of success without judicial intervention. Therefore, he urged the court to impose additional measures"
"Karremans knew his controversial intervention... had little chance of success without judicial intervention. Therefore, he urged the court to impose additional measures"
Karremans wist dat de oorlogswet voor Nexperia tekortschoot
Interventie: De obscure oorlogswet die chipmaker Nexperia moest redden, was onvoldoende. Minister Karremans besefte dat en rekende daarom op tussenkomst van de rechter.
www.nrc.nl
November 22, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Nexperia bombshell from NRC: suggests Dutch ministry *did* try to sway the court
"Karremans knew his controversial intervention... had little chance of success without judicial intervention. Therefore, he urged the court to impose additional measures"
"Karremans knew his controversial intervention... had little chance of success without judicial intervention. Therefore, he urged the court to impose additional measures"
Trump administration told Ukrainian and European officials there is little room to negotiate its plan to end the war, and heaped pressure on Zelenskyy to sign a deal drawn up with Moscow by Thursday.
One senior European official described the tone of the meeting as “nauseating”
One senior European official described the tone of the meeting as “nauseating”
November 22, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Trump administration told Ukrainian and European officials there is little room to negotiate its plan to end the war, and heaped pressure on Zelenskyy to sign a deal drawn up with Moscow by Thursday.
One senior European official described the tone of the meeting as “nauseating”
One senior European official described the tone of the meeting as “nauseating”
Ex Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis
"If you're a European leader asking your team to book you the next flight to Washington to go talk to Daddy, please don’t
Not without a plan, not cap in hand, not humiliating us all in front of cameras at the Oval office"
"If you're a European leader asking your team to book you the next flight to Washington to go talk to Daddy, please don’t
Not without a plan, not cap in hand, not humiliating us all in front of cameras at the Oval office"
November 21, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Ex Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis
"If you're a European leader asking your team to book you the next flight to Washington to go talk to Daddy, please don’t
Not without a plan, not cap in hand, not humiliating us all in front of cameras at the Oval office"
"If you're a European leader asking your team to book you the next flight to Washington to go talk to Daddy, please don’t
Not without a plan, not cap in hand, not humiliating us all in front of cameras at the Oval office"
I was today years old when I learned this was not an original song by Brian Kennedy when it dominated (Northern?) Irish airwaves circa 1996
Bon weekend à tous
open.spotify.com/track/6fExMv...
Bon weekend à tous
open.spotify.com/track/6fExMv...
Put the Message In the Box
open.spotify.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:14 PM
I was today years old when I learned this was not an original song by Brian Kennedy when it dominated (Northern?) Irish airwaves circa 1996
Bon weekend à tous
open.spotify.com/track/6fExMv...
Bon weekend à tous
open.spotify.com/track/6fExMv...
Reposted by Finbarr Bermingham
My cynical gut reaction to US-Russia negotiated deal is that the Kremlin was very smart. This is a play to divide not just the US and Ukraine but the US and Europe. They made what look like concessions, so they look reasonable. They also threw US some money. But they know Ukraine/EU can't say yes.1/
November 21, 2025 at 2:48 PM
My cynical gut reaction to US-Russia negotiated deal is that the Kremlin was very smart. This is a play to divide not just the US and Ukraine but the US and Europe. They made what look like concessions, so they look reasonable. They also threw US some money. But they know Ukraine/EU can't say yes.1/
A Chinese manufacturer that sells most of the world’s Bitcoin-mining machines — including 16,000 to a venture backed by Trump’s sons — has been the focus of a months-long federal investigation to assess if its products pose risks to US national security
Chinese Maker Behind Most of World’s Bitcoin Miners Has Been Focus of US National Security Probe
Investigators have sought to assess whether Bitmain Technologies’ products pose risks of espionage or sabotage, according to people familiar with the matter. The company says they don’t.
www.bloomberg.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM
A Chinese manufacturer that sells most of the world’s Bitcoin-mining machines — including 16,000 to a venture backed by Trump’s sons — has been the focus of a months-long federal investigation to assess if its products pose risks to US national security
is this the worst news alert ever?
November 21, 2025 at 10:52 AM
is this the worst news alert ever?
Kaja Kallas didn't hold back on China & Russia in opening remarks of the Indo Pacific Forum in Brussels
"China and Russia are working together to overhaul the global economic and security order. That is certainly of interest to all of us here," she told reps from 64 countries
"China and Russia are working together to overhaul the global economic and security order. That is certainly of interest to all of us here," she told reps from 64 countries
November 21, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Kaja Kallas didn't hold back on China & Russia in opening remarks of the Indo Pacific Forum in Brussels
"China and Russia are working together to overhaul the global economic and security order. That is certainly of interest to all of us here," she told reps from 64 countries
"China and Russia are working together to overhaul the global economic and security order. That is certainly of interest to all of us here," she told reps from 64 countries