Niko Jaakkola
@nikoecon.bsky.social
Associate Prof, Uni Bologna, Economics of climate & natural resources. Tweeting also as citizen, 🇫🇮/🇪🇺 and as resident 🇮🇹. Views are mine, most likely borrowed from somewhere.
Suomeksi @nikoekon.bsky.social
https://sites.google.com/view/jaakkola
Suomeksi @nikoekon.bsky.social
https://sites.google.com/view/jaakkola
Pinned
Niko Jaakkola
@nikoecon.bsky.social
· Nov 23
“Big Push” Green Industrial Policy
Carbon pricing is a central part of climate policy, but is politically difficult while the economy is still reliant on fossil fuels
The long-lived green investments required to break the carbon lock-...
www.cesifo.org
I wrote a policy piece for the EconPol Forum, together with Rick van der Ploeg and Tony Venables. We argue that decisive 'big push' green industrial policy is needed to convince firms & households that, without a doubt, the green transition is going to happen. 1/N
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
If Trump wants to look for treason by American officials, he need look no further.
EXCLUSIVE: US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff advised Russia on how to pitch Ukraine plans to Trump, in audio files reviewed by Bloomberg
Witkoff Advised Russia on How to Pitch Ukraine Plan to Trump
US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, fresh from the triumph of the Gaza peace deal, held a phone call last month with a senior Kremlin official to suggest they work together on a similar plan for Ukraine — and that Vladimir Putin should raise it with Donald Trump.
bloom.bg
November 25, 2025 at 11:46 PM
If Trump wants to look for treason by American officials, he need look no further.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
But I tell ya what: I've been speaking with some Ukrainians over the weekend who say that the US cutting off aid would be bad, but not the end of the world. "It's not 2023," they argue. Ukraine is significantly more self-sufficient than it was previously.
November 22, 2025 at 11:22 PM
But I tell ya what: I've been speaking with some Ukrainians over the weekend who say that the US cutting off aid would be bad, but not the end of the world. "It's not 2023," they argue. Ukraine is significantly more self-sufficient than it was previously.
"Is this 'buccaneering'?"
The Economist on the British government's proposal that the country with the comparatively best record on integration in one generation could emulate Denmark, which struggles in integration, and where the tough line on asylum presents further barriers
November 22, 2025 at 6:05 PM
"Is this 'buccaneering'?"
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
After more than 10 years of “the Danish Model”, nativism is hegemonic in the country, the far right polls near level highs again, and the Social Democrats lost Copenhagen and poll at historic low.
European Social Democrats should look at the facts, not the myths!
Me in @theguardian.com
European Social Democrats should look at the facts, not the myths!
Me in @theguardian.com
The ‘Danish model’ is the darling of centre-left parties like Labour. The problem is, it doesn’t even work in Denmark | Cas Mudde
This week’s local elections are the latest reminder that when social democrats move rightwards, they’re making a mistake, says academic and author Cas Mudde
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:59 PM
After more than 10 years of “the Danish Model”, nativism is hegemonic in the country, the far right polls near level highs again, and the Social Democrats lost Copenhagen and poll at historic low.
European Social Democrats should look at the facts, not the myths!
Me in @theguardian.com
European Social Democrats should look at the facts, not the myths!
Me in @theguardian.com
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
Many people think about cold in Northern Europe if the Atlantic Ocean current system #AMOC fails. But that wouldn’t be the only problem for Europe by far.
This new study shows that severe drought is another one. 🌊
This new study shows that severe drought is another one. 🌊
📢 New paper on the impacts of AMOC collapse on European hydroclimate. 🌊
We find an AMOC collapse would exacerbate drought conditions across Europe, linked to reduced precipitation. In combination with climate change droughts are expected to become more frequent and severe.
doi.org/10.5194/hess...
We find an AMOC collapse would exacerbate drought conditions across Europe, linked to reduced precipitation. In combination with climate change droughts are expected to become more frequent and severe.
doi.org/10.5194/hess...
Changing European hydroclimate under a collapsed AMOC in the Community Earth System Model
Abstract. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is expected to weaken or even collapse under anthropogenic climate change. Given the importance of the AMOC in the present-day climate,...
doi.org
November 22, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Many people think about cold in Northern Europe if the Atlantic Ocean current system #AMOC fails. But that wouldn’t be the only problem for Europe by far.
This new study shows that severe drought is another one. 🌊
This new study shows that severe drought is another one. 🌊
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
This is not a peace plan. It is a proposal that weakens Ukraine and divides America from Europe, preparing the way for a larger war in the future. In the meantime, it benefits unnamed Russian and American investors, at the expense of everyone else.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Trump Has a Recipe for War and Corruption, Not Peace
Who would benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine?
www.theatlantic.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:11 AM
This is not a peace plan. It is a proposal that weakens Ukraine and divides America from Europe, preparing the way for a larger war in the future. In the meantime, it benefits unnamed Russian and American investors, at the expense of everyone else.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
The EU, by virtue of its huge market and its expertise, has convening power, especially in trade. It should set itself up as the champion of like-minded countries that want to forge ahead without America
To avoid crushing change, Europe must take control of its destiny
If it does not, China will exploit the continent’s weaknesses
econ.st
November 22, 2025 at 11:40 AM
The EU, by virtue of its huge market and its expertise, has convening power, especially in trade. It should set itself up as the champion of like-minded countries that want to forge ahead without America
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
From the great new NBER paper by Bloom et al on the cost of Brexit.
It ain't pretty - they estimate UK GDP is down between 6-8%. Consistent with the doppelgang model of @johnspringford.bsky.social for CER.
A lot of 'free' GDP available availabe for Labour if it had the courage to reset properly.
It ain't pretty - they estimate UK GDP is down between 6-8%. Consistent with the doppelgang model of @johnspringford.bsky.social for CER.
A lot of 'free' GDP available availabe for Labour if it had the courage to reset properly.
November 17, 2025 at 9:57 PM
From the great new NBER paper by Bloom et al on the cost of Brexit.
It ain't pretty - they estimate UK GDP is down between 6-8%. Consistent with the doppelgang model of @johnspringford.bsky.social for CER.
A lot of 'free' GDP available availabe for Labour if it had the courage to reset properly.
It ain't pretty - they estimate UK GDP is down between 6-8%. Consistent with the doppelgang model of @johnspringford.bsky.social for CER.
A lot of 'free' GDP available availabe for Labour if it had the courage to reset properly.
The world's richest man invests $20bn in training an AI to claim he's more moral than Jesus and physically tougher than Mike Tyson.
The president of the USA is desperately grabbing for the Nobel Peace Prize by rewarding aggression, while trying to make a quick buck in the process.
The president of the USA is desperately grabbing for the Nobel Peace Prize by rewarding aggression, while trying to make a quick buck in the process.
November 22, 2025 at 10:26 AM
The world's richest man invests $20bn in training an AI to claim he's more moral than Jesus and physically tougher than Mike Tyson.
The president of the USA is desperately grabbing for the Nobel Peace Prize by rewarding aggression, while trying to make a quick buck in the process.
The president of the USA is desperately grabbing for the Nobel Peace Prize by rewarding aggression, while trying to make a quick buck in the process.
Let me get this straight. The US wants to use the frozen Russian CB reserves, which are held in an EU country, to invest in Ukraine's reconstruction, with the US getting 50% of the profits. What!? They'd expropriate the assets of the aggressor to squeeze profits off the victim? (Read the piece.)
Two European officials said that the frozen assets section of the Ukraine peace agreement was one of the most alarming since it implies authority over assets that are mostly immobilised in European institutions.
One said it was almost as if the text had been drawn up as “a deliberate provocation”.
One said it was almost as if the text had been drawn up as “a deliberate provocation”.
Trump’s grab for Russian frozen assets puts EU Ukraine loan in doubt on.ft.com/3LXpzSY
November 22, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Let me get this straight. The US wants to use the frozen Russian CB reserves, which are held in an EU country, to invest in Ukraine's reconstruction, with the US getting 50% of the profits. What!? They'd expropriate the assets of the aggressor to squeeze profits off the victim? (Read the piece.)
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
More evidence that the Trump/Witkoff “peace plan” for Ukraine came straight from the Russians - it uses Russian syntax.
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
November 21, 2025 at 3:58 PM
More evidence that the Trump/Witkoff “peace plan” for Ukraine came straight from the Russians - it uses Russian syntax.
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
Fully agree with my paper's editorial on Trump. Ukraine needs Europe to stop flattering Trump the conman and take a clear stand for its own survival and values. www.ft.com/content/8ccf...
Trump’s world view: cynical, self-interested and money-grabbing
Latest Ukraine peace plan presented by the US would be a capitulation to Moscow
www.ft.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:06 AM
Fully agree with my paper's editorial on Trump. Ukraine needs Europe to stop flattering Trump the conman and take a clear stand for its own survival and values. www.ft.com/content/8ccf...
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
The Witkoff-Dmitriev plan is even more amateurish than I imagined. It favours Russia although does contain elements that Russia will not like. Premature leaking means that it is no more than work in progress. Here is an annotated version (This is free). open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...?
The Witkoff-Dmitriev peace plan annotated
We now know a bit more about the process which led to the new peace plan and we now have a copy of its contents, to which I will turn soon.
open.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:36 AM
The Witkoff-Dmitriev plan is even more amateurish than I imagined. It favours Russia although does contain elements that Russia will not like. Premature leaking means that it is no more than work in progress. Here is an annotated version (This is free). open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...?
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
type for books used to be set using little metal letters built into words in racks and then inked and pressed on to paper. If you had stock phrases you wanted to reuse a lot you could make a cast of them called a ‘stereotype’. The sound of them *clicking* into place, in French, is ‘cliché’
Man, everything is so bleak, anyone got a fun fact or little bit of trivia they want to share
November 21, 2025 at 10:17 AM
type for books used to be set using little metal letters built into words in racks and then inked and pressed on to paper. If you had stock phrases you wanted to reuse a lot you could make a cast of them called a ‘stereotype’. The sound of them *clicking* into place, in French, is ‘cliché’
Very useful thread on the disgraceful document intended to subjugate Ukraine and wreck NATO.
Some notable things in what's being called the "Trump peace plan" but which could not have been more clearly written in Moscow if it came with a 2 for 1 deal on tickets to the Bolshoi Ballet. 🧵
November 21, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Very useful thread on the disgraceful document intended to subjugate Ukraine and wreck NATO.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
It (the G8 clause) suggests that this is less a peace plan and more a trip into Putin's psyche. It's also interesting because it gives more weight to the idea that Trump's fixation on letting Russia back into the G7/8 comes from repeated conversations about it with Putin.
November 21, 2025 at 10:06 AM
It (the G8 clause) suggests that this is less a peace plan and more a trip into Putin's psyche. It's also interesting because it gives more weight to the idea that Trump's fixation on letting Russia back into the G7/8 comes from repeated conversations about it with Putin.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
The plan says that "A dialogue will be held between Russia and NATO, mediated by the United States." This implies that both Russia and the Trump administration don't see the US as part of NATO in any real sense. That should deeply alarm every other NATO state.
November 21, 2025 at 10:06 AM
The plan says that "A dialogue will be held between Russia and NATO, mediated by the United States." This implies that both Russia and the Trump administration don't see the US as part of NATO in any real sense. That should deeply alarm every other NATO state.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
Agree. Coalition of the Willing has to stop deluding itself that after a ceasefire on reasonable terms it will send symbolic forces to Ukraine w US backing. UK, France, Germany, Poland &c must invest whatever it takes to defeat RU in UA, or they will have to fight it, without US help, further West.
It’s not a “US plan”, it’s Moscow’s plan, dictated to guilty men in the White House. Setting aside the injustices being pushed on Ukraine, this would be a disaster for European security & guarantee a war with 🇷🇺 in a few years, in which, presumably, 🇺🇸 and 🇷🇺 are on the same side.
on.ft.com/3LYajoR
on.ft.com/3LYajoR
US plan for Ukraine-Russia peace calls on Kyiv to cede land under its control
Ukrainian officials say President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is being pressed to agree to terms negotiated by the US and Russia
on.ft.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Agree. Coalition of the Willing has to stop deluding itself that after a ceasefire on reasonable terms it will send symbolic forces to Ukraine w US backing. UK, France, Germany, Poland &c must invest whatever it takes to defeat RU in UA, or they will have to fight it, without US help, further West.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
⚡️ “Nothing but a disgrace.”
Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard warned that the EU has bought 124 billion dollars more in goods from Russia than the aid it has given Ukraine.
Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard warned that the EU has bought 124 billion dollars more in goods from Russia than the aid it has given Ukraine.
November 20, 2025 at 5:31 PM
⚡️ “Nothing but a disgrace.”
Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard warned that the EU has bought 124 billion dollars more in goods from Russia than the aid it has given Ukraine.
Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard warned that the EU has bought 124 billion dollars more in goods from Russia than the aid it has given Ukraine.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
Instead of banning the use of the name “veggie burger”, the world would be a better place if meat burgers were banned. 🙃
Ban on veggie ‘burgers’: plant-based products may lose meaty names in UK under EU law
Exclusive: Trade agreement means UK is subject to some food labelling rules, with vote on vegetarian food terms this week
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Instead of banning the use of the name “veggie burger”, the world would be a better place if meat burgers were banned. 🙃
Two solutions to this: (1) find a way to take Russia's frozen reserves collectively (effectively indemnifying Belgium) and use those to finance Ukraine's defence; (2) fund Ukraine at the EU level with joint debt.
Nordic countries can’t keep shouldering a disproportionate share of support for Ukraine, Sweden’s foreign minister warned in an interview with POLITICO.
Nordic countries paying most for Ukraine ‘not sustainable,’ Swedish foreign minister says
The EU must seize Russia’s frozen assets, Maria Malmer Stenergard believes, because any other solution would be unfair to Ukraine’s biggest backers.
www.politico.eu
November 20, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Two solutions to this: (1) find a way to take Russia's frozen reserves collectively (effectively indemnifying Belgium) and use those to finance Ukraine's defence; (2) fund Ukraine at the EU level with joint debt.
Useful analysis by Jack Watling. Ukraine faces a tough winter and a tough 2026. Europe should hit Russia economically by banning the decrepit tankers of the shadow fleet from crossing the Strait of Denmark, and help Ukraine's manpower issues by bringing European trainers into Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Hardest Winter
With the Donbas in Peril, Europe Must Pressure Russia Now
reader.foreignaffairs.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Useful analysis by Jack Watling. Ukraine faces a tough winter and a tough 2026. Europe should hit Russia economically by banning the decrepit tankers of the shadow fleet from crossing the Strait of Denmark, and help Ukraine's manpower issues by bringing European trainers into Ukraine.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
Now the phrase ‘American security guarantees’ is being thrown around, which frankly means nothing, especially under the current administration.
Handing an invading army of torturers, rapists, and murderers everything they want won’t bring peace, it will only encourage them to do it again.
Handing an invading army of torturers, rapists, and murderers everything they want won’t bring peace, it will only encourage them to do it again.
November 20, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Now the phrase ‘American security guarantees’ is being thrown around, which frankly means nothing, especially under the current administration.
Handing an invading army of torturers, rapists, and murderers everything they want won’t bring peace, it will only encourage them to do it again.
Handing an invading army of torturers, rapists, and murderers everything they want won’t bring peace, it will only encourage them to do it again.
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
Europe needs tactical nukes to counter Putin, says Airbus chief
Europe needs tactical nukes to counter Putin, says Airbus chief
European aerospace heavyweight warns that the continent must have a stronger deterrent against Russia’s massive arsenal.
www.politico.eu
November 19, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Europe needs tactical nukes to counter Putin, says Airbus chief
Reposted by Niko Jaakkola
Bellingcat’s contact email has always been a magnet for people with fairly unusual views; paranoid delusions, sprawling conspiracies, the works. But recently, the pattern has shifted, we’re seeing more and more emails clearly written with ChatGPT.
November 19, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Bellingcat’s contact email has always been a magnet for people with fairly unusual views; paranoid delusions, sprawling conspiracies, the works. But recently, the pattern has shifted, we’re seeing more and more emails clearly written with ChatGPT.