Max Bergmann
@maxbergmann.bsky.social
Director of the Europe, Russia, Eurasia Program at CSIS. Podcasts EuroFile and Russian Roulette. Fmr State Department official. DC sports, Tottenham
Reposted by Max Bergmann
"New York is not special, not in 2025, when it’s one of many megacities with large subway systems. It’s just solipsistic."
pedestrianobservations.com/2025/11/20/n...
pedestrianobservations.com/2025/11/20/n...
New York Isn’t Special
A week ago, we published a short note on driver-only metro trains, known in New York as one-person train operation or OPTO. New York is nearly unique globally in running metro trains with both a dr…
pedestrianobservations.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:42 PM
"New York is not special, not in 2025, when it’s one of many megacities with large subway systems. It’s just solipsistic."
pedestrianobservations.com/2025/11/20/n...
pedestrianobservations.com/2025/11/20/n...
Do nothing. Because if you ever do something, it’s possible that there might be a mildly negative side effect.
Euroclear warns plan for a Ukraine loan raised from Russian frozen assets “will lead to a sustained increase in European sovereign bond spreads, raising borrowing costs for all member states” in letter to @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu seen by @bmoens.bsky.social & @lauramdubois.ft.com
on.ft.com/3M4lRHg
on.ft.com/3M4lRHg
EU’s frozen-assets loan plan risks rattling markets, Euroclear warns
[FREE TO READ] Proposal for ‘reparations’ funding for Ukraine using immobilised Russian assets would be seen as ‘confiscation’
on.ft.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Do nothing. Because if you ever do something, it’s possible that there might be a mildly negative side effect.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Europe’s antitrust chief Teresa Ribera has unleashed a blistering attack on Trump administration, accusing Washington of using “blackmail” to strong-arm the EU into watering down its tech rules
“It is blackmail,” the Spanish commissioner told POLITICO
“It is blackmail,” the Spanish commissioner told POLITICO
Top EU official accuses US of ‘blackmail’ in trade talks
Renewed U.S. pressure for the EU to recalibrate its digital rules is unacceptable, says Teresa Ribera.
www.politico.eu
November 27, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Europe’s antitrust chief Teresa Ribera has unleashed a blistering attack on Trump administration, accusing Washington of using “blackmail” to strong-arm the EU into watering down its tech rules
“It is blackmail,” the Spanish commissioner told POLITICO
“It is blackmail,” the Spanish commissioner told POLITICO
Reposted by Max Bergmann
There are arguments against helping Ukraine, but I just don't buy that Ukraine's "inevitable defeat" is one of them. They're not going to march on Moscow, but with the right support they're clearly capable of inflicting incredibly high costs on Russia
November 27, 2025 at 9:29 AM
There are arguments against helping Ukraine, but I just don't buy that Ukraine's "inevitable defeat" is one of them. They're not going to march on Moscow, but with the right support they're clearly capable of inflicting incredibly high costs on Russia
This just all feels like make believe and an effort by two broke countries trying to demonstrate continued relevance.
Russia is not going to agree to this. And it requires them to agree to this. Nothing wrong with planning. But let’s put this in perspective.
www.politico.eu/article/pote...
Russia is not going to agree to this. And it requires them to agree to this. Nothing wrong with planning. But let’s put this in perspective.
www.politico.eu/article/pote...
As potential Ukraine deal looms, France and Britain map out boots-on-ground role
Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday announced a new joint task-force — with U.S. buy-in — aiming at “finalized security guarantees” if a peace deal lands.
www.politico.eu
November 26, 2025 at 2:41 PM
This just all feels like make believe and an effort by two broke countries trying to demonstrate continued relevance.
Russia is not going to agree to this. And it requires them to agree to this. Nothing wrong with planning. But let’s put this in perspective.
www.politico.eu/article/pote...
Russia is not going to agree to this. And it requires them to agree to this. Nothing wrong with planning. But let’s put this in perspective.
www.politico.eu/article/pote...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
🚗 Whack-a-mole: growing European imports of Chinese hybrid EVs
💭 End-2024, EU introduced tariffs on the import of battery EVs from China but exempted hybrids. EU imports of these models have surged since then
📊 Explore our European Clean Tech Tracker here: lnkd.in/eUjxjFKC
💭 End-2024, EU introduced tariffs on the import of battery EVs from China but exempted hybrids. EU imports of these models have surged since then
📊 Explore our European Clean Tech Tracker here: lnkd.in/eUjxjFKC
November 26, 2025 at 2:22 PM
🚗 Whack-a-mole: growing European imports of Chinese hybrid EVs
💭 End-2024, EU introduced tariffs on the import of battery EVs from China but exempted hybrids. EU imports of these models have surged since then
📊 Explore our European Clean Tech Tracker here: lnkd.in/eUjxjFKC
💭 End-2024, EU introduced tariffs on the import of battery EVs from China but exempted hybrids. EU imports of these models have surged since then
📊 Explore our European Clean Tech Tracker here: lnkd.in/eUjxjFKC
Techlash vs. the US could really gain momentum. US tech firms really playing with fire by going all in on getting USG to pressure EU to dismantle its laws.
A cross-party group of lawmakers will urge the European Parliament to ditch internal use of Microsoft’s ubiquitous software in favor of a European alternative, according to a letter obtained by POLITICO.
Get us off Microsoft! Lawmakers press EU Parliament to change in-house IT.
“We cannot afford this level of dependence on foreign tech,” lawmakers say in letter obtained by POLITICO.
www.politico.eu
November 26, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Techlash vs. the US could really gain momentum. US tech firms really playing with fire by going all in on getting USG to pressure EU to dismantle its laws.
What folks need to realize about "peace talks" is that this is all theater for Washington. Ukraine knows that Russia has no intention of stopping the war, and the Russians know the Ukrainians know that. So this is just all a performance for Trump, hoping he blames the other for the lack of peace.
November 26, 2025 at 1:24 PM
What folks need to realize about "peace talks" is that this is all theater for Washington. Ukraine knows that Russia has no intention of stopping the war, and the Russians know the Ukrainians know that. So this is just all a performance for Trump, hoping he blames the other for the lack of peace.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Doesn't seem like great news for Germany
Volkswagen has said it can produce an electric vehicle entirely made in China for half the cost of doing so elsewhere, as the German automaker fights to reclaim its share in the world’s biggest market.
Volkswagen has said it can produce an electric vehicle entirely made in China for half the cost of doing so elsewhere, as the German automaker fights to reclaim its share in the world’s biggest market.
VW says it can halve EV development costs with ‘Made in China’ car
German automaker is seeking to reclaim share in the world’s biggest market
on.ft.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Doesn't seem like great news for Germany
Volkswagen has said it can produce an electric vehicle entirely made in China for half the cost of doing so elsewhere, as the German automaker fights to reclaim its share in the world’s biggest market.
Volkswagen has said it can produce an electric vehicle entirely made in China for half the cost of doing so elsewhere, as the German automaker fights to reclaim its share in the world’s biggest market.
A great DC podcast and review of Bowser (also read the book Dream City about DC).
My view is that the city has stagnated under Bowser. She was fine/meh. But DC stopped trying to innovate, as it had under previous mayors (bikeshare, Pre-K).
My view is that the city has stagnated under Bowser. She was fine/meh. But DC stopped trying to innovate, as it had under previous mayors (bikeshare, Pre-K).
So … Mayor Bowser takes herself out of the running for an another term. What does it mean for the expected candidates for mayor waiting in the wings? A special Dream City Podcast edition.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrpK...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrpK...
The End of the Bowser Era: D.C. Will Have a New Mayor
YouTube video by Dream City Podcast
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:08 PM
A great DC podcast and review of Bowser (also read the book Dream City about DC).
My view is that the city has stagnated under Bowser. She was fine/meh. But DC stopped trying to innovate, as it had under previous mayors (bikeshare, Pre-K).
My view is that the city has stagnated under Bowser. She was fine/meh. But DC stopped trying to innovate, as it had under previous mayors (bikeshare, Pre-K).
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Russia could dial down the intensity of the fighting to a more sustainable pace (a la 2015-2022), allowing it to fight a “forever war,” writes @maxbergmann.bsky.social
https://www.notus.org/perspectives/what-will-the-situation-in-russia-and-ukraine-look-like-five-years-from-now
https://www.notus.org/perspectives/what-will-the-situation-in-russia-and-ukraine-look-like-five-years-from-now
November 25, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Russia could dial down the intensity of the fighting to a more sustainable pace (a la 2015-2022), allowing it to fight a “forever war,” writes @maxbergmann.bsky.social
https://www.notus.org/perspectives/what-will-the-situation-in-russia-and-ukraine-look-like-five-years-from-now
https://www.notus.org/perspectives/what-will-the-situation-in-russia-and-ukraine-look-like-five-years-from-now
Reposted by Max Bergmann
A big thank you to the Chairman of the EUMC for giving me the opportunity to share my views on European defence and NATO’s 5% target for “EU Military Forum”. Pleased to share the pages with @andriuskubilius.ec.europa.eu and many more!
Read here: www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/defaul...
Read here: www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/defaul...
November 25, 2025 at 2:34 PM
A big thank you to the Chairman of the EUMC for giving me the opportunity to share my views on European defence and NATO’s 5% target for “EU Military Forum”. Pleased to share the pages with @andriuskubilius.ec.europa.eu and many more!
Read here: www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/defaul...
Read here: www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/defaul...
Uhh... this whole banking on Germany to be the military backbone for Europe (with less US)... may not have been thought through. At least no one told the Germans.
With Berlin saying nein to EU defense integration, this by default means Germany defending Europe
koerber-stiftung.de/site/assets/...
With Berlin saying nein to EU defense integration, this by default means Germany defending Europe
koerber-stiftung.de/site/assets/...
November 25, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Uhh... this whole banking on Germany to be the military backbone for Europe (with less US)... may not have been thought through. At least no one told the Germans.
With Berlin saying nein to EU defense integration, this by default means Germany defending Europe
koerber-stiftung.de/site/assets/...
With Berlin saying nein to EU defense integration, this by default means Germany defending Europe
koerber-stiftung.de/site/assets/...
There’s a song… Nowhere Man
November 25, 2025 at 2:25 PM
There’s a song… Nowhere Man
Reposted by Max Bergmann
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 Max Bergmann
"Europe’s problem is not that it lacks options. It is that it refuses to use them". Jade McGlynn skewers both the Dmitriev/Witkoff plan for Ukraine's destruction, & Europe's refusal to act decisively enough to prevent disaster. open.substack.com/pub/smalldee...
Circus
Amidst the absolute chaos of a Witkoff-stamped Russian psyop-as-peace plan, discussion is filled with anger at Washington and at Moscow.
open.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:43 AM
"Europe’s problem is not that it lacks options. It is that it refuses to use them". Jade McGlynn skewers both the Dmitriev/Witkoff plan for Ukraine's destruction, & Europe's refusal to act decisively enough to prevent disaster. open.substack.com/pub/smalldee...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
BREAKING: This is huge news, the EU's equivalent of the 🇺🇸Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling.
🇪🇺Court of Justice just ruled all 🇪🇺countries must recognise same-sex marriages granted in other member states.
This effectively legalises gay marriage across 🇪🇺
🇪🇺Court of Justice just ruled all 🇪🇺countries must recognise same-sex marriages granted in other member states.
This effectively legalises gay marriage across 🇪🇺
www.reuters.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:10 AM
BREAKING: This is huge news, the EU's equivalent of the 🇺🇸Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling.
🇪🇺Court of Justice just ruled all 🇪🇺countries must recognise same-sex marriages granted in other member states.
This effectively legalises gay marriage across 🇪🇺
🇪🇺Court of Justice just ruled all 🇪🇺countries must recognise same-sex marriages granted in other member states.
This effectively legalises gay marriage across 🇪🇺
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Really there should be a lot more of this.
November 25, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Really there should be a lot more of this.
The irony of Ireland, a fiercely independent, sovereign nation that is "neutral," relying on the UK Royal Air Force to police its skies, is something. I also don't think you are actually neutral if you are in the EU. It's nonsensical.
www.ft.com/content/4748...
www.ft.com/content/4748...
How Ireland became the weak spot in Europe’s defences
With few ships and limited intelligence-sharing, some say the country cannot hope to protect itself or its infrastructure
www.ft.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 PM
The irony of Ireland, a fiercely independent, sovereign nation that is "neutral," relying on the UK Royal Air Force to police its skies, is something. I also don't think you are actually neutral if you are in the EU. It's nonsensical.
www.ft.com/content/4748...
www.ft.com/content/4748...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
“This is about the security of our entire continent, now and in the future,” @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu said after an emergency EU leaders' meeting on Monday
“No agreement, no matter who signs it with whom, may weaken or undermine [Europe's] security” said @donald-tusk.bsky.social
on.ft.com/49DooCb
“No agreement, no matter who signs it with whom, may weaken or undermine [Europe's] security” said @donald-tusk.bsky.social
on.ft.com/49DooCb
Europeans scramble to protect their own security after jolt of Ukraine plan
[FREE TO READ] Elements of US peace proposal would give Russia sway over continent’s defence arrangements
on.ft.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:51 AM
“This is about the security of our entire continent, now and in the future,” @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu said after an emergency EU leaders' meeting on Monday
“No agreement, no matter who signs it with whom, may weaken or undermine [Europe's] security” said @donald-tusk.bsky.social
on.ft.com/49DooCb
“No agreement, no matter who signs it with whom, may weaken or undermine [Europe's] security” said @donald-tusk.bsky.social
on.ft.com/49DooCb
The big take away from the Geneva talks is that this is no longer a take it or leave it ultimatum issued to Ukraine. Furthermore, as much as this was a "Russian proposal," the Kremlin also didn't just say yes either. They were also noncommittal, wanting revisions. It looks like Geneva talks will...
November 24, 2025 at 1:21 PM
The big take away from the Geneva talks is that this is no longer a take it or leave it ultimatum issued to Ukraine. Furthermore, as much as this was a "Russian proposal," the Kremlin also didn't just say yes either. They were also noncommittal, wanting revisions. It looks like Geneva talks will...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
exactly, and exacerbated further by EU dynamics. Each member state ministry now has in effect a foreign policy, i.e. what they do in Brussels. Then there's the Council where the prime minister or president sits, not the fm. Increasingly, foreign minister is a function falling between the EU cracks
November 23, 2025 at 8:17 PM
exactly, and exacerbated further by EU dynamics. Each member state ministry now has in effect a foreign policy, i.e. what they do in Brussels. Then there's the Council where the prime minister or president sits, not the fm. Increasingly, foreign minister is a function falling between the EU cracks
Those calling for Europe to act, to step up, etc, etc. need to get specific for what they are calling for. Is it really just about more national spending? The countries that back Ukraine the loudest are often the most reticent to empower Europe to take collective action (see Eurobonds, etc).
November 23, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Those calling for Europe to act, to step up, etc, etc. need to get specific for what they are calling for. Is it really just about more national spending? The countries that back Ukraine the loudest are often the most reticent to empower Europe to take collective action (see Eurobonds, etc).
Reposted by Max Bergmann
You can see this in negotiations over a governing coalition. Where does Foreign Minister rank in terms of desired jobs? Sometimes its 4rth or 5th down the list.
November 23, 2025 at 7:29 PM
You can see this in negotiations over a governing coalition. Where does Foreign Minister rank in terms of desired jobs? Sometimes its 4rth or 5th down the list.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
European leaders have made great efforts to get Trump back on the rails & keep him there since Feb. They probably have to keep trying, but neither they nor Ukraine can compromise their vital interests just to avoid annoying him.
Trump’s back to the rhetoric of the Oval Office meeting in February, claiming Ukraine’s leadership “has expressed zero gratitude for our efforts.”
November 23, 2025 at 3:52 PM
European leaders have made great efforts to get Trump back on the rails & keep him there since Feb. They probably have to keep trying, but neither they nor Ukraine can compromise their vital interests just to avoid annoying him.