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
I don’t know how they do it because they must spend way less money on operations than X, but this platform is generally more reliable/stable than X.
January 13, 2026 at 2:37 PM
I don’t know how they do it because they must spend way less money on operations than X, but this platform is generally more reliable/stable than X.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
🌎 EU-Mercosur clean tech trade is gaining momentum, with monthly net exports of around €50 million to Brazil alone. The trade deal would remove tariffs, like up to 35% for vehicles.
You can navigate trade flows in our Bruegel European Clean Tech Tracker: european-clean-tech-tracker.bruegel.org
You can navigate trade flows in our Bruegel European Clean Tech Tracker: european-clean-tech-tracker.bruegel.org
January 13, 2026 at 3:06 PM
🌎 EU-Mercosur clean tech trade is gaining momentum, with monthly net exports of around €50 million to Brazil alone. The trade deal would remove tariffs, like up to 35% for vehicles.
You can navigate trade flows in our Bruegel European Clean Tech Tracker: european-clean-tech-tracker.bruegel.org
You can navigate trade flows in our Bruegel European Clean Tech Tracker: european-clean-tech-tracker.bruegel.org
Reposted by Max Bergmann
What does #Greenland mean to US national security, Arctic stability, and transatlantic security?
Iris Ferguson + @marisolmaddox.bsky.social join @maxbergmann.bsky.social to discuss Greenland's rapidly evolving role in Arctic security dynamics.
📅 1/14/26
🕚 11:00am ET
🔗 www.csis.org/events/green...
Iris Ferguson + @marisolmaddox.bsky.social join @maxbergmann.bsky.social to discuss Greenland's rapidly evolving role in Arctic security dynamics.
📅 1/14/26
🕚 11:00am ET
🔗 www.csis.org/events/green...
Greenland's Role in Arctic Security | CSIS Events
Please join the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program on for a conversation on Greenland's role in Arctic security.
www.csis.org
January 13, 2026 at 3:29 PM
What does #Greenland mean to US national security, Arctic stability, and transatlantic security?
Iris Ferguson + @marisolmaddox.bsky.social join @maxbergmann.bsky.social to discuss Greenland's rapidly evolving role in Arctic security dynamics.
📅 1/14/26
🕚 11:00am ET
🔗 www.csis.org/events/green...
Iris Ferguson + @marisolmaddox.bsky.social join @maxbergmann.bsky.social to discuss Greenland's rapidly evolving role in Arctic security dynamics.
📅 1/14/26
🕚 11:00am ET
🔗 www.csis.org/events/green...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Nah. It is making France fear for its political clout in Europe and the world. As @claudmajor.bsky.social says in the piece, that says more about France than it does about Germany.
Germany is boosting its defense spending to levels that its allies can't match — and that's making some of them nervous
Germany’s Growing Military Might Rekindles Old Fears in France
The unease is acute in Paris, where some worry that the continent’s center of political gravity is moving east as Berlin boosts its defense spending to levels its allies can’t match.
bloom.bg
January 13, 2026 at 11:20 AM
Nah. It is making France fear for its political clout in Europe and the world. As @claudmajor.bsky.social says in the piece, that says more about France than it does about Germany.
A must listen... super fascinating behind the scenes look into the Trump administration's approach to Ukraine from the New York Times' Adam Entous.
NEW: @adamentous.bsky.social joined #RussianRoulette to discuss his comprehensive @nytimes.com investigation into the Trump Administration's policies towards Ukraine in 2025.
Listen to his conversation with @maxbergmann.bsky.social and @msnegovaya.bsky.social below.
www.csis.org/podcasts/rus...
Listen to his conversation with @maxbergmann.bsky.social and @msnegovaya.bsky.social below.
www.csis.org/podcasts/rus...
Adam Entous on U.S.-Ukraine Relations in 2025 | Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
Adam Entous of The New York Times talks his in-depth investigation exploring the Trump Administration's policies towards Ukraine in 2025.
www.csis.org
January 12, 2026 at 4:27 PM
A must listen... super fascinating behind the scenes look into the Trump administration's approach to Ukraine from the New York Times' Adam Entous.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Recently Released | In the newest episode of the #EuroFile @erep.csis.org experts @maxbergmann.bsky.social and @donatienneruy.bsky.social discuss the MERCOSUR trade deal, funding for Ukraine, rising pressure on Greenland, and a brewing US-EU tech fight.
Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Europe’s Frantic Start to 2026 | The Eurofile | CSIS Podcasts
Max and Donatienne discuss last month’s European Council meeting, the mounting US-EU tech fight, and the Trump administration’s increasing pressure on Greenland.
www.csis.org
January 11, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Recently Released | In the newest episode of the #EuroFile @erep.csis.org experts @maxbergmann.bsky.social and @donatienneruy.bsky.social discuss the MERCOSUR trade deal, funding for Ukraine, rising pressure on Greenland, and a brewing US-EU tech fight.
Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
You’re missing European Union social media content moderation policies
THREATS TO THE UNITED STATES, RANKED:
1) Organized gangs of wine moms
2) League of Women Voters
3) Daughters of the American Revolution
4) Packs of wild dogs that have taken over major cities
5) China
1) Organized gangs of wine moms
2) League of Women Voters
3) Daughters of the American Revolution
4) Packs of wild dogs that have taken over major cities
5) China
“organized gangs of wine moms”
January 12, 2026 at 1:14 AM
You’re missing European Union social media content moderation policies
Reposted by Max Bergmann
“From relatively small increases in common spending to a full-fledged digital currency, the EU has game-changing tools at the ready…it could use a “buy European” policy and its ample savings to build domestic supply on everything from AI to most weapons in a matter of years.”
Why don’t we?
Why don’t we?
Europe should embrace the idea of going it alone ft.trib.al/zVWWKZs | opinion
Europe should embrace the idea of going it alone
The more the EU has to pay for ingratiation with Trump, the less convincing its strategic rationale for doing so
ft.trib.al
January 11, 2026 at 4:16 PM
“From relatively small increases in common spending to a full-fledged digital currency, the EU has game-changing tools at the ready…it could use a “buy European” policy and its ample savings to build domestic supply on everything from AI to most weapons in a matter of years.”
Why don’t we?
Why don’t we?
Reposted by Max Bergmann
“They’re conspicuously silent” said one EU official. “Rutte was supposed to be the man Europe could rely on to be our Trump-whisperer. But he wasn’t supposed to be this quiet.”
Nato yet to issue public statement asserting territorial integrity of ally Denmark or Greenland
as.ft.com/r/f125cd10-6...
Nato yet to issue public statement asserting territorial integrity of ally Denmark or Greenland
as.ft.com/r/f125cd10-6...
Nato silence on Donald Trump’s Greenland threats rattles European allies
[FREE TO READ] Military alliance yet to issue public statement asserting territorial integrity of Arctic island and kingdom of Denmark
as.ft.com
January 11, 2026 at 8:18 AM
“They’re conspicuously silent” said one EU official. “Rutte was supposed to be the man Europe could rely on to be our Trump-whisperer. But he wasn’t supposed to be this quiet.”
Nato yet to issue public statement asserting territorial integrity of ally Denmark or Greenland
as.ft.com/r/f125cd10-6...
Nato yet to issue public statement asserting territorial integrity of ally Denmark or Greenland
as.ft.com/r/f125cd10-6...
Again what European leader is calling Trump and pulling a Mark Carney???
Elbows out, Europe. Or else this really could get out of control. And it would mean the end of NATO. Time to escalate to deescalate.
Elbows out, Europe. Or else this really could get out of control. And it would mean the end of NATO. Time to escalate to deescalate.
Trump: "I'm a fan of Denmark too. They've been very nice to me. But the fact that they had a boat land there [Greenland] 500 years ago doesn't mean they own the land. I'm sure we had lots of boats go there also."
January 9, 2026 at 9:51 PM
Again what European leader is calling Trump and pulling a Mark Carney???
Elbows out, Europe. Or else this really could get out of control. And it would mean the end of NATO. Time to escalate to deescalate.
Elbows out, Europe. Or else this really could get out of control. And it would mean the end of NATO. Time to escalate to deescalate.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
NEW: MERCOSUR, funding for Ukraine, rising pressure on Greenland, and a brewing US-EU tech fight. Tune in as experts break-down Europe's frantic start to 2026.
🎙️ @maxbergmann.bsky.social @donatienneruy.bsky.social
🔗 Listen to the #Eurofile here:
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
🎙️ @maxbergmann.bsky.social @donatienneruy.bsky.social
🔗 Listen to the #Eurofile here:
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Europe’s Frantic Start to 2026 | The Eurofile | CSIS Podcasts
Max and Donatienne discuss last month’s European Council meeting, the mounting US-EU tech fight, and the Trump administration’s increasing pressure on Greenland.
www.csis.org
January 8, 2026 at 5:49 PM
NEW: MERCOSUR, funding for Ukraine, rising pressure on Greenland, and a brewing US-EU tech fight. Tune in as experts break-down Europe's frantic start to 2026.
🎙️ @maxbergmann.bsky.social @donatienneruy.bsky.social
🔗 Listen to the #Eurofile here:
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
🎙️ @maxbergmann.bsky.social @donatienneruy.bsky.social
🔗 Listen to the #Eurofile here:
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
This week, @maxbergmann.bsky.social and I spoke with Adam Entous of The New York Times about his recent in-depth investigation of the first year of U.S. policy towards Ukraine under Trump 2.0 — be sure to tune in and listen today!
Adam Entous on U.S.-Ukraine Relations in 2025 | Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts
Adam Entous of The New York Times talks his in-depth investigation exploring the Trump Administration's policies towards Ukraine in 2025.
www.csis.org
January 8, 2026 at 11:58 PM
This week, @maxbergmann.bsky.social and I spoke with Adam Entous of The New York Times about his recent in-depth investigation of the first year of U.S. policy towards Ukraine under Trump 2.0 — be sure to tune in and listen today!
Reposted by Max Bergmann
🚨 Big news from Brussels: EU countries move to approve the EU-Mercosur trade deal, @euronews.com confirms.
Against: 🇫🇷🇵🇱🇦🇹🇭🇺🇮🇪
Abstention: 🇧🇪
All other member states voted in favour.
Written procedure will conclude at 5 pm.
Against: 🇫🇷🇵🇱🇦🇹🇭🇺🇮🇪
Abstention: 🇧🇪
All other member states voted in favour.
Written procedure will conclude at 5 pm.
January 9, 2026 at 11:05 AM
🚨 Big news from Brussels: EU countries move to approve the EU-Mercosur trade deal, @euronews.com confirms.
Against: 🇫🇷🇵🇱🇦🇹🇭🇺🇮🇪
Abstention: 🇧🇪
All other member states voted in favour.
Written procedure will conclude at 5 pm.
Against: 🇫🇷🇵🇱🇦🇹🇭🇺🇮🇪
Abstention: 🇧🇪
All other member states voted in favour.
Written procedure will conclude at 5 pm.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Playbook's coverage only factors in revenue and drivers, neglecting the views of pedestrians and residents. For people who live near Bladensburg, Benning Road, Branch Avenue — former high-speed corridors where drivers now follow the law — the cameras are a godsend. That's why they are popular
Don't let anyone claim this is what locals want.
Research shows that strong majorities of DC residents *and* suburbanites support the city's speed cameras.
76% support in DC: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24471367/
62% support in Montgomery County: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Research shows that strong majorities of DC residents *and* suburbanites support the city's speed cameras.
76% support in DC: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24471367/
62% support in Montgomery County: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
DOT wants to put the brakes on DC traffic cameras
The Trump administration is proposing to eliminate automated traffic camera enforcement in the nation’s capital.
www.politico.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Playbook's coverage only factors in revenue and drivers, neglecting the views of pedestrians and residents. For people who live near Bladensburg, Benning Road, Branch Avenue — former high-speed corridors where drivers now follow the law — the cameras are a godsend. That's why they are popular
They should do these negotiations in the summer when stuff is growing.
After tough negotiations, 24 EU countries decide to borrow 90bn to keep Ukraine in the fight.
Meanwhile, same period and without many noticing, European farmers hold the EU to ransom and get 100 bn extra on top of already lavish funds.
Priorities??
www.euractiv.com/opinion/the-...
Meanwhile, same period and without many noticing, European farmers hold the EU to ransom and get 100 bn extra on top of already lavish funds.
Priorities??
www.euractiv.com/opinion/the-...
The Brief – Tractors steal a modern EU budget | Euractiv
No matter the crop yields this year, farmers can rest assured that von der Leyen will yield to their demands
www.euractiv.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:11 PM
They should do these negotiations in the summer when stuff is growing.
Just wait till someone tells him that 5% ain't real and ain't happening*
*Poland, etc excluded.
*Poland, etc excluded.
More fun and games.
I suppose this could be construed as... good news? "We will always be there for NATO"
I suppose this could be construed as... good news? "We will always be there for NATO"
January 7, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Just wait till someone tells him that 5% ain't real and ain't happening*
*Poland, etc excluded.
*Poland, etc excluded.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Here is a list of European policy / economics / politics tweeps, sprinkled with a few non-European accounts.
For inspiration on who to follow. bsky.app/profile/did:...
For inspiration on who to follow. bsky.app/profile/did:...
January 7, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Here is a list of European policy / economics / politics tweeps, sprinkled with a few non-European accounts.
For inspiration on who to follow. bsky.app/profile/did:...
For inspiration on who to follow. bsky.app/profile/did:...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
There's "compartmentalising" the transatlantic relationship... and then there's the mental gymnastics required to reconcile this ⬇️ with any sort of meaningful US security guarantees for Ukraine. Europe's on its own.
Danish soldiers are under standing orders to engage any hostile activity on Greenland, including unannounced US activity.
The standing order of 1952 is confirmed to be in force by both Danish Defence Command and Ministry of Defence to news site @berlingske.bsky.social
The standing order of 1952 is confirmed to be in force by both Danish Defence Command and Ministry of Defence to news site @berlingske.bsky.social
January 7, 2026 at 5:16 PM
There's "compartmentalising" the transatlantic relationship... and then there's the mental gymnastics required to reconcile this ⬇️ with any sort of meaningful US security guarantees for Ukraine. Europe's on its own.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Rubio today called what's left of the regime in Venezuela the "interim authorities" and said "this will be a process of transition" but won't give a timeline.
January 7, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Rubio today called what's left of the regime in Venezuela the "interim authorities" and said "this will be a process of transition" but won't give a timeline.
This is a super fascinating piece. First, a shame that Europe's great minds have to think about decoupling. Second, what Shahin's outlines all seems totally doable. The domestic political obstacles are small (domestic banks). It all just requires a crisis/trigger for concerted action.
If you want to know what a proper agenda to boost the international role of the #euro could look like, @shahinvallee.bsky.social has written just that. www.phenomenalworld.org/analysis/a-g...
A Global Euro | Phenomenal World
With the global monetary order on less certain ground, will Europeans seize the opportunity to make the euro a true reserve currency issuer?
www.phenomenalworld.org
January 7, 2026 at 6:38 PM
This is a super fascinating piece. First, a shame that Europe's great minds have to think about decoupling. Second, what Shahin's outlines all seems totally doable. The domestic political obstacles are small (domestic banks). It all just requires a crisis/trigger for concerted action.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
It’s just kids playing Risk now. 🤡
January 7, 2026 at 1:20 AM
It’s just kids playing Risk now. 🤡
Reposted by Max Bergmann
My NYT obit on Aldrich Ames, CIA turncoat for the Russians. I interviewed him in the county lockup after his arrest in 1994, then by telephone for eight hours. Deluded, deeply alcoholic, he thought he could lift up the hood of history and tinker with the engine.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/o...
Aldrich Ames, C.I.A. Turncoat Who Helped the Soviets, Dies at 84
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:56 AM
My NYT obit on Aldrich Ames, CIA turncoat for the Russians. I interviewed him in the county lockup after his arrest in 1994, then by telephone for eight hours. Deluded, deeply alcoholic, he thought he could lift up the hood of history and tinker with the engine.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/o...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Let's rewatch “All the President’s Men" to appreciate how DC's streetscape and built environment changed in the past half century.
How has DC's built environment changed in the past 50 years? Watch "All the President’s Men" to find out
View this post on ggwash.org
ggwash.org
January 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Let's rewatch “All the President’s Men" to appreciate how DC's streetscape and built environment changed in the past half century.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Many of us have been written about what *concretely* Europe should do to go from knowing it’s under threat and the old solutions don’t work anymore.
@maxbergmann.bsky.social right that we won’t get out of this without more *integration*. Money per se not the obstacle (anymore).
@maxbergmann.bsky.social right that we won’t get out of this without more *integration*. Money per se not the obstacle (anymore).
Those calling for Europe to "wake up" need to outline a plan. What does it mean for Europe to "wake up." I think Europe is very much awake. But it doesn't know where it should go. There's just a brain death default to more defense spending.
Big reforms are needed on defense and foreign policy 1/
Big reforms are needed on defense and foreign policy 1/
January 6, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Many of us have been written about what *concretely* Europe should do to go from knowing it’s under threat and the old solutions don’t work anymore.
@maxbergmann.bsky.social right that we won’t get out of this without more *integration*. Money per se not the obstacle (anymore).
@maxbergmann.bsky.social right that we won’t get out of this without more *integration*. Money per se not the obstacle (anymore).
Reposted by Max Bergmann
All of this, yes, and big reforms are needed on tech dependency and innovation. I think this all needs to happen in parallel, but the EU is in a dire situation and the EU/Europe’s market heft is likely to be a swifter counterweight. #EU #security #bigtech
Those calling for Europe to "wake up" need to outline a plan. What does it mean for Europe to "wake up." I think Europe is very much awake. But it doesn't know where it should go. There's just a brain death default to more defense spending.
Big reforms are needed on defense and foreign policy 1/
Big reforms are needed on defense and foreign policy 1/
January 6, 2026 at 9:30 PM