Tom Vasseur
@tomvasseur.bsky.social
Director at the Cool Heating Coalition (@coolheatingco.bsky.social) working on ♨️ and ❄️ decarbonisation
Also cares about democracy ✊ and Europe 🇪🇺
All views expressed are my own
Sometimes writes at: http://tomvasseur.wordpress.com
Also cares about democracy ✊ and Europe 🇪🇺
All views expressed are my own
Sometimes writes at: http://tomvasseur.wordpress.com
Het is weer de tijd van eindejaarslijstjes en ik had eens zin om uit de boeken die ik dit jaar gelezen heb een top 5 op te stellen. 📖
Aanbevelingen voor 2026 zijn welkom. ☺️
Misschien dat ik later het ook voor films doe.
Aanbevelingen voor 2026 zijn welkom. ☺️
Misschien dat ik later het ook voor films doe.
December 21, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Het is weer de tijd van eindejaarslijstjes en ik had eens zin om uit de boeken die ik dit jaar gelezen heb een top 5 op te stellen. 📖
Aanbevelingen voor 2026 zijn welkom. ☺️
Misschien dat ik later het ook voor films doe.
Aanbevelingen voor 2026 zijn welkom. ☺️
Misschien dat ik later het ook voor films doe.
"'These leaders are full of slogans, but they don’t dare,' one EU diplomat told me as talks broke up in the early hours."
Glad I'm not the only one with that sense.
Glad I'm not the only one with that sense.
December 19, 2025 at 7:32 AM
"'These leaders are full of slogans, but they don’t dare,' one EU diplomat told me as talks broke up in the early hours."
Glad I'm not the only one with that sense.
Glad I'm not the only one with that sense.
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
One of the disappointing measures announced yesterday by the European Commission: the Clean Corporate Vehicles Regulation.
A regulation that does not lead, but merely follows the market. Too late, too little ambition, too much focus on outdated tech. It’s for yesterday, not for a European future.
A regulation that does not lead, but merely follows the market. Too late, too little ambition, too much focus on outdated tech. It’s for yesterday, not for a European future.
To highlight one of the disappointing measures from the Automotive Package proposed yesterday by the European Commission: the Clean Corporate Vehicles Regulation.
Whereas the impact study is still… |...
To highlight one of the disappointing measures from the Automotive Package proposed yesterday by the European Commission: the Clean Corporate Vehicles Regulation.
Whereas the impact study is still ba...
www.linkedin.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:54 AM
One of the disappointing measures announced yesterday by the European Commission: the Clean Corporate Vehicles Regulation.
A regulation that does not lead, but merely follows the market. Too late, too little ambition, too much focus on outdated tech. It’s for yesterday, not for a European future.
A regulation that does not lead, but merely follows the market. Too late, too little ambition, too much focus on outdated tech. It’s for yesterday, not for a European future.
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
Useful 🧵 on EU vs US economy ⬇️
Trump’s ambassador to the EU is accidentally—and unwittingly—saying the US economy is losing ground to the EU, even if he doesn’t seem to realise it.
By comparing the wrong GDP metrics, Andrew Puzder is arguing the EU is currently trouncing the US. And it’s all because of Trump!
Let me explain🧵
By comparing the wrong GDP metrics, Andrew Puzder is arguing the EU is currently trouncing the US. And it’s all because of Trump!
Let me explain🧵
December 15, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Useful 🧵 on EU vs US economy ⬇️
I remember my comparative pol. science professor Hans Keman said something during a course in 2011-2012 like "presidential systems tend to gravitate towards authoritarianism, with the exception of the United States, and we don't really get why."
Sadly, now there is more data to find out.
Sadly, now there is more data to find out.
We know, based on loads of comparative evidence, that presidential systems are unstable and prone to clientelism, democratic backsliding, and the like. SCOTUS is doing its best to amplify all the worst aspects of presidential systems. They're cutting the wires that hold the system up.
the unitarian notion of accountability is, in general, very strange as it holds that a single election — the president’s reelect — is more democratically accountable than the rolling process of democratic assent produced by legislative elections and congressional oversight.
December 9, 2025 at 7:24 PM
I remember my comparative pol. science professor Hans Keman said something during a course in 2011-2012 like "presidential systems tend to gravitate towards authoritarianism, with the exception of the United States, and we don't really get why."
Sadly, now there is more data to find out.
Sadly, now there is more data to find out.
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
A modern district heating and cooling system is just like a choir: it needs different elements, just as a choir needs different voices, to create true harmony.
This harmony has been achieved in Tartu, an Estonian town leading the way towards a more energy-efficient, affordable and cleaner future.
This harmony has been achieved in Tartu, an Estonian town leading the way towards a more energy-efficient, affordable and cleaner future.
Harmony in heat: a new chapter for district energy
YouTube video by Bankwatch
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:42 PM
A modern district heating and cooling system is just like a choir: it needs different elements, just as a choir needs different voices, to create true harmony.
This harmony has been achieved in Tartu, an Estonian town leading the way towards a more energy-efficient, affordable and cleaner future.
This harmony has been achieved in Tartu, an Estonian town leading the way towards a more energy-efficient, affordable and cleaner future.
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
Saying Trump is “transactional” is just a gentle way of saying he’s corrupt. Every power he has been trusted with, he treats as a way to extract favors and benefits from anyone he sees as situationally vulnerable.
December 8, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Saying Trump is “transactional” is just a gentle way of saying he’s corrupt. Every power he has been trusted with, he treats as a way to extract favors and benefits from anyone he sees as situationally vulnerable.
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
Dus een kliek van rijke zakenlieden weet via een bevriende NRC-journalist een onwelgevallige informateur die openstond voor regeringsdeelname van PvdA/GL tot aftreden te dwingen zodat de weg vrijkomt voor de eigen voorkeursvariant van een minderheidskabinet. Vat ik het zo goed samen?
December 8, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Dus een kliek van rijke zakenlieden weet via een bevriende NRC-journalist een onwelgevallige informateur die openstond voor regeringsdeelname van PvdA/GL tot aftreden te dwingen zodat de weg vrijkomt voor de eigen voorkeursvariant van een minderheidskabinet. Vat ik het zo goed samen?
De frustratie en woede in Nederland behoeft echt aan serieuze duiding.
Verhuftering is ondertussen een chronisch probleem en er lijkt geen serieuze aandacht voor te zijn als een maatschappelijk vraagstuk.
Verhuftering is ondertussen een chronisch probleem en er lijkt geen serieuze aandacht voor te zijn als een maatschappelijk vraagstuk.
Enorm pakketpunt Tilburg is agressie zat en sluit opnieuw de deur
Enorm pakketpunt Tilburg is agressie zat en sluit opnieuw de deur
Dinsdag kwam zelfs de politie eraan te pas.
nos.nl
December 7, 2025 at 9:28 AM
De frustratie en woede in Nederland behoeft echt aan serieuze duiding.
Verhuftering is ondertussen een chronisch probleem en er lijkt geen serieuze aandacht voor te zijn als een maatschappelijk vraagstuk.
Verhuftering is ondertussen een chronisch probleem en er lijkt geen serieuze aandacht voor te zijn als een maatschappelijk vraagstuk.
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
I may be overdoing it with the optimism, but I think it’s good to have if black on white. Makes it easier for (or forces) European politicians to adjust.
Also, the policy spelled out in the strategy to interfere in European affairs for the benefit of the far right hopefully backfires.
Also, the policy spelled out in the strategy to interfere in European affairs for the benefit of the far right hopefully backfires.
The headline, the main takeaway from a European viewpoint is this:
The transatlantic relationship as we know it is over. Yes, we kinda knew this. But this is now official US White House policy. Not a sppech, not a statement. The West as it used to be no longer exists.
The transatlantic relationship as we know it is over. Yes, we kinda knew this. But this is now official US White House policy. Not a sppech, not a statement. The West as it used to be no longer exists.
December 5, 2025 at 10:14 AM
I may be overdoing it with the optimism, but I think it’s good to have if black on white. Makes it easier for (or forces) European politicians to adjust.
Also, the policy spelled out in the strategy to interfere in European affairs for the benefit of the far right hopefully backfires.
Also, the policy spelled out in the strategy to interfere in European affairs for the benefit of the far right hopefully backfires.
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
If Europe (except far right populists) thinks we can still rely on the US as an ally, the new NSS should disabuse them. No criticism of Russia, but hostility to the EU. And “Managing European relations with Russia will require significant US diplomatic engagement”, rather than military pushback!
December 5, 2025 at 7:47 AM
If Europe (except far right populists) thinks we can still rely on the US as an ally, the new NSS should disabuse them. No criticism of Russia, but hostility to the EU. And “Managing European relations with Russia will require significant US diplomatic engagement”, rather than military pushback!
Linzen weken (15min)
Olie in de pan, lage hitte
🧅 snipperen 🔪
🧅 in de pan, laat fruiten
🥔&🥕 pellen & in blokjes 🔪
🥔&🥕 in de pan, roeren, hitte middenhoog
Waterkoker (1L) aan
Linzen afgieten & in de pan
Water in de pan, hitte hoog
🧂 & peper erbij
Zodra het borrelt, hitte middenhoog & klaar in 20min ✨
Olie in de pan, lage hitte
🧅 snipperen 🔪
🧅 in de pan, laat fruiten
🥔&🥕 pellen & in blokjes 🔪
🥔&🥕 in de pan, roeren, hitte middenhoog
Waterkoker (1L) aan
Linzen afgieten & in de pan
Water in de pan, hitte hoog
🧂 & peper erbij
Zodra het borrelt, hitte middenhoog & klaar in 20min ✨
Nieuwe richtlijnen van Gezondheidsraad: minder biefstuk, meer bonen
Nieuwe richtlijnen van Gezondheidsraad: minder biefstuk, meer bonen
Als we gezonder willen worden en de planeet leefbaar willen houden, moet er vooral minder vlees op ons bord en meer peulvruchten en noten.
nos.nl
December 4, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Linzen weken (15min)
Olie in de pan, lage hitte
🧅 snipperen 🔪
🧅 in de pan, laat fruiten
🥔&🥕 pellen & in blokjes 🔪
🥔&🥕 in de pan, roeren, hitte middenhoog
Waterkoker (1L) aan
Linzen afgieten & in de pan
Water in de pan, hitte hoog
🧂 & peper erbij
Zodra het borrelt, hitte middenhoog & klaar in 20min ✨
Olie in de pan, lage hitte
🧅 snipperen 🔪
🧅 in de pan, laat fruiten
🥔&🥕 pellen & in blokjes 🔪
🥔&🥕 in de pan, roeren, hitte middenhoog
Waterkoker (1L) aan
Linzen afgieten & in de pan
Water in de pan, hitte hoog
🧂 & peper erbij
Zodra het borrelt, hitte middenhoog & klaar in 20min ✨
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
De deken van de pastorale eenheid Brussel-centrum, Benoît Lobet, staat volledig achter het ontwerp van de Brusselse "moderne" kerststal.
Deken van Brussel reageert op heisa kerststal: 'Zombies is wat we wilden laten zien'
De deken van de pastorale eenheid Brussel-centrum, Benoît Lobet, staat volledig achter het ontwerp van de Brusselse "moderne" kerststal.
short.bruzz.be
December 3, 2025 at 6:31 PM
De deken van de pastorale eenheid Brussel-centrum, Benoît Lobet, staat volledig achter het ontwerp van de Brusselse "moderne" kerststal.
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
La une de CathoBel. Le doyen Benoît Lobet: "Quand j’entends Mr #Bouchez dire qu’il voit dans ces personnages quelque chose comme les #zombies qui sont autour de la Gare du Midi, c’est précisément ce qu’on a voulu montrer. Les valeurs chrétiennes ce n’est pas une extase devant un Disneyland."
December 3, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
Europeans still seem to love European cars.
Imagine if Germany stopped denigrating EVs and actually started buying its own EVs, like its European neighbours do.
Imagine if Germany stopped denigrating EVs and actually started buying its own EVs, like its European neighbours do.
Note also that the top four are actually the same German (VW) EV technology, and even six in the top ten (+ID.3 and Buzz). In addition, there are two other German car manufacturers (BMW, Mercedes-Benz) in the top ten.
The EV share of new car sales in 🇩🇰 Denmark was 73.7% in November. Of private individuals buying a new car, 91% opted for an EV.
December 2, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Europeans still seem to love European cars.
Imagine if Germany stopped denigrating EVs and actually started buying its own EVs, like its European neighbours do.
Imagine if Germany stopped denigrating EVs and actually started buying its own EVs, like its European neighbours do.
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
A new Razom We Stand report reveals how European parties & #Gazprom networks are helping Russia’s fossil-fuel profits.
While Ukrainians die, the #EU stop fueling Russia’s war.
Read the report - razomwestand.com/new-research...
While Ukrainians die, the #EU stop fueling Russia’s war.
Read the report - razomwestand.com/new-research...
November 26, 2025 at 3:06 PM
A new Razom We Stand report reveals how European parties & #Gazprom networks are helping Russia’s fossil-fuel profits.
While Ukrainians die, the #EU stop fueling Russia’s war.
Read the report - razomwestand.com/new-research...
While Ukrainians die, the #EU stop fueling Russia’s war.
Read the report - razomwestand.com/new-research...
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
#ETS2 was designed to help households shift to cleaner, cheaper heating, but its delay means delayed savings. 💸
Our Policy Officer Loïc Delorme breaks down what this means for households, the Social Climate Fund & the just transition on the @foresight-ce.bsky.social podcast. 🎙️
Listen here 👇
Our Policy Officer Loïc Delorme breaks down what this means for households, the Social Climate Fund & the just transition on the @foresight-ce.bsky.social podcast. 🎙️
Listen here 👇
November 27, 2025 at 2:25 PM
#ETS2 was designed to help households shift to cleaner, cheaper heating, but its delay means delayed savings. 💸
Our Policy Officer Loïc Delorme breaks down what this means for households, the Social Climate Fund & the just transition on the @foresight-ce.bsky.social podcast. 🎙️
Listen here 👇
Our Policy Officer Loïc Delorme breaks down what this means for households, the Social Climate Fund & the just transition on the @foresight-ce.bsky.social podcast. 🎙️
Listen here 👇
Pretty scathing commentary as VDL II is reaching its first year:
- "gutting [its] own Green Deal"
- "churning out vacuous political documents which (...) are never implemented"
It shows a palpable frustration that reflects a broader sentiment I'm seeing in Brussels right now.
- "gutting [its] own Green Deal"
- "churning out vacuous political documents which (...) are never implemented"
It shows a palpable frustration that reflects a broader sentiment I'm seeing in Brussels right now.
November 24, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Pretty scathing commentary as VDL II is reaching its first year:
- "gutting [its] own Green Deal"
- "churning out vacuous political documents which (...) are never implemented"
It shows a palpable frustration that reflects a broader sentiment I'm seeing in Brussels right now.
- "gutting [its] own Green Deal"
- "churning out vacuous political documents which (...) are never implemented"
It shows a palpable frustration that reflects a broader sentiment I'm seeing in Brussels right now.
Is it happening again?
November 23, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Is it happening again?
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
"I am not fighting chocolate and cheer, only belts no longer fitting, local optimistic says ahead of Christmas holidays"
"His comments to @steporciello.bsky.social may impact family menus soon being planned across Europe"
#EUSky #Cop30 #GreenSky 🔌💡
"His comments to @steporciello.bsky.social may impact family menus soon being planned across Europe"
#EUSky #Cop30 #GreenSky 🔌💡
The EU is not fighting fossil fuels, only emissions, Von der Leyen says ahead of G20
The EU is not fighting fossil fuels, only emissions, Von der Leyen says ahead of G20
Her comments to reporters in South Africa may impact global climate talks wrapping up in Brazil
dlvr.it
November 21, 2025 at 2:28 PM
"I am not fighting chocolate and cheer, only belts no longer fitting, local optimistic says ahead of Christmas holidays"
"His comments to @steporciello.bsky.social may impact family menus soon being planned across Europe"
#EUSky #Cop30 #GreenSky 🔌💡
"His comments to @steporciello.bsky.social may impact family menus soon being planned across Europe"
#EUSky #Cop30 #GreenSky 🔌💡
Simply baffling how the Commission's leadership is undermining the credibility of its own policies and projecting weakness.
And only to throw a bone to an unproven, uneconomic technology.
And only to throw a bone to an unproven, uneconomic technology.
The EU is not fighting fossil fuels, only emissions, Von der Leyen says ahead of G20
The EU is not fighting fossil fuels, only emissions, Von der Leyen says ahead of G20
Her comments to reporters in South Africa may impact global climate talks wrapping up in Brazil
dlvr.it
November 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Simply baffling how the Commission's leadership is undermining the credibility of its own policies and projecting weakness.
And only to throw a bone to an unproven, uneconomic technology.
And only to throw a bone to an unproven, uneconomic technology.
Het Amerikaanse verraadplan voor Oekraïne legt ook Europese landen beperkingen op om troepen naar dat land te sturen.
Onacceptabel.
Onacceptabel.
Ukraine’s sovereignty is confirmed, but Kyiv must constitutionally renounce NATO membership. NATO agrees never to admit Ukraine and not to expand further. Ukraine’s military is capped at 600,000. European jets will be based in Poland, but NATO troops won’t be in Ukraine.
2/9
2/9
November 21, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Het Amerikaanse verraadplan voor Oekraïne legt ook Europese landen beperkingen op om troepen naar dat land te sturen.
Onacceptabel.
Onacceptabel.
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
All the rape, torture, and murder will be brushed under the carpet, a great lesson for any future war criminals.
November 21, 2025 at 7:08 AM
All the rape, torture, and murder will be brushed under the carpet, a great lesson for any future war criminals.
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
Various group-philosophical pessimisms will have you believing that universalism is impossible, not worth striving for. That if you don't oppress, you will inevitably be a victim. I refuse. We are best protected by democracy, by the rule of law, by human and civil rights.
November 18, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Various group-philosophical pessimisms will have you believing that universalism is impossible, not worth striving for. That if you don't oppress, you will inevitably be a victim. I refuse. We are best protected by democracy, by the rule of law, by human and civil rights.
Reposted by Tom Vasseur
The world's govts already agreed to triple renewables, double energy efficiency, & substantially cut methane emissions
*If* they follow through on these by 2035, it would quickly slow the rate of warming, lowering temperature rise this century from 2.6C to 1.7C
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
*If* they follow through on these by 2035, it would quickly slow the rate of warming, lowering temperature rise this century from 2.6C to 1.7C
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Keeping promises on renewables, energy efficiency and methane ‘would avoid nearly 1C of global heating’
Analysis published at Cop30 summit shows adhering to pledges offer world hope of avoiding climate breakdown
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:16 AM
The world's govts already agreed to triple renewables, double energy efficiency, & substantially cut methane emissions
*If* they follow through on these by 2035, it would quickly slow the rate of warming, lowering temperature rise this century from 2.6C to 1.7C
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
*If* they follow through on these by 2035, it would quickly slow the rate of warming, lowering temperature rise this century from 2.6C to 1.7C
www.theguardian.com/environment/...