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
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.
To put this more bluntly, Europe has largely outsourced its foreign policy to America since WWII. This has created the illusion within the EU that foreign policy remains a national “competency.” It’s not. So if Europe wants a bigger voice it needs to speak as Europe.
Europe has a foreign policy problem. It does need to engage in these talks and doing so as 7 or 8 leaders just doesn't work. It makes it easy to work around Europe. So the EU should pick a special envoy - perhaps the fmr Finnish president Niinisto or a Draghi type to engage on behalf of Europe.
No formal "counter-proposal" from Europeans in Geneva - whose leaders instead agreed to try to dilute or amend US-Russian draft to keep Trump onside - but a list of demands on UA territory, size of army & EU control over frozen assets & sanctions
w @christopherjm.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/9e11...
w @christopherjm.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/9e11...
November 23, 2025 at 4:46 PM
To put this more bluntly, Europe has largely outsourced its foreign policy to America since WWII. This has created the illusion within the EU that foreign policy remains a national “competency.” It’s not. So if Europe wants a bigger voice it needs to speak as Europe.
Europe has a foreign policy problem. It does need to engage in these talks and doing so as 7 or 8 leaders just doesn't work. It makes it easy to work around Europe. So the EU should pick a special envoy - perhaps the fmr Finnish president Niinisto or a Draghi type to engage on behalf of Europe.
No formal "counter-proposal" from Europeans in Geneva - whose leaders instead agreed to try to dilute or amend US-Russian draft to keep Trump onside - but a list of demands on UA territory, size of army & EU control over frozen assets & sanctions
w @christopherjm.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/9e11...
w @christopherjm.ft.com
www.ft.com/content/9e11...
US, Ukrainian and European officials convene for peace talks
Meeting in Geneva follows rearguard diplomatic move to reshape US plan
www.ft.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Europe has a foreign policy problem. It does need to engage in these talks and doing so as 7 or 8 leaders just doesn't work. It makes it easy to work around Europe. So the EU should pick a special envoy - perhaps the fmr Finnish president Niinisto or a Draghi type to engage on behalf of Europe.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
"Fawning after the US president is not only humiliating--it doesn't work." My latest for @financialtimes.com on why allied obsequiousness is not the right way to deal with Trump.
www.ft.com/content/f883...
www.ft.com/content/f883...
Trump flattery will get you nowhere
Fawning after the US president is not only humiliating — it doesn’t work
www.ft.com
November 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM
"Fawning after the US president is not only humiliating--it doesn't work." My latest for @financialtimes.com on why allied obsequiousness is not the right way to deal with Trump.
www.ft.com/content/f883...
www.ft.com/content/f883...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
This week on The Eurofile @maxbergmann.bsky.social and I talked about the EU’s center-right and whether it’s playing footsie with the far-right in the European Parliament - one-time stitch-up or sign of things to come?
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Is the EU's Center-Right Ready to Work with the Far-Right? | The Eurofile | CSIS Podcasts
Max and Donatienne discuss a recent vote in the European Parliament involving cuts to EU green rules before turning to a conversation with Federico Steinberg and Nicolas Véron for a conversation about...
www.csis.org
November 22, 2025 at 11:30 PM
This week on The Eurofile @maxbergmann.bsky.social and I talked about the EU’s center-right and whether it’s playing footsie with the far-right in the European Parliament - one-time stitch-up or sign of things to come?
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
4. Zakharova stating that there have been no real negotiations since Alaska
5. A clueless Driscoll, who was supposed to talk some military to military cooperation in Kyiv, being tasked to brief Ukraine & NATO on the plan
6. Rubio denouncing the whole thing a day before agreed negotiations in Geneva
5. A clueless Driscoll, who was supposed to talk some military to military cooperation in Kyiv, being tasked to brief Ukraine & NATO on the plan
6. Rubio denouncing the whole thing a day before agreed negotiations in Geneva
November 22, 2025 at 11:45 PM
4. Zakharova stating that there have been no real negotiations since Alaska
5. A clueless Driscoll, who was supposed to talk some military to military cooperation in Kyiv, being tasked to brief Ukraine & NATO on the plan
6. Rubio denouncing the whole thing a day before agreed negotiations in Geneva
5. A clueless Driscoll, who was supposed to talk some military to military cooperation in Kyiv, being tasked to brief Ukraine & NATO on the plan
6. Rubio denouncing the whole thing a day before agreed negotiations in Geneva
Reposted by Max Bergmann
My favourite moments of this iteration of the ”US-Russia peace plan” were:
1. Dmitriev leaking it
2. The points admitting that Russia does kidnap Ukrainian children
3. The points including that Ukraine shouldn’t hit Moscow or St Petersburg ”without a cause”
(Tbc)
1. Dmitriev leaking it
2. The points admitting that Russia does kidnap Ukrainian children
3. The points including that Ukraine shouldn’t hit Moscow or St Petersburg ”without a cause”
(Tbc)
November 22, 2025 at 11:43 PM
My favourite moments of this iteration of the ”US-Russia peace plan” were:
1. Dmitriev leaking it
2. The points admitting that Russia does kidnap Ukrainian children
3. The points including that Ukraine shouldn’t hit Moscow or St Petersburg ”without a cause”
(Tbc)
1. Dmitriev leaking it
2. The points admitting that Russia does kidnap Ukrainian children
3. The points including that Ukraine shouldn’t hit Moscow or St Petersburg ”without a cause”
(Tbc)