Leopold Schmertzing
@leo81.bsky.social
Taking a writing break, associate fellow @aies.at, former program head @forumalpbach, @EP_EPRS, team @evamaydell, strategic foresight & security-defence nerd, @SAISHopkins/@univienna alum
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
At the 2025 European Forum Alpbach Defence Lab, we brought politicians, generals, industry, and experts together to answer one question:
What must Europe do to win in Ukraine, become a respected global actor, and adapt to an age of unpeace?
Their 20 key points are here:👇
What must Europe do to win in Ukraine, become a respected global actor, and adapt to an age of unpeace?
Their 20 key points are here:👇
December 9, 2025 at 6:38 PM
At the 2025 European Forum Alpbach Defence Lab, we brought politicians, generals, industry, and experts together to answer one question:
What must Europe do to win in Ukraine, become a respected global actor, and adapt to an age of unpeace?
Their 20 key points are here:👇
What must Europe do to win in Ukraine, become a respected global actor, and adapt to an age of unpeace?
Their 20 key points are here:👇
At the 2025 European Forum Alpbach Defence Lab, we brought politicians, generals, industry, and experts together to answer one question:
What must Europe do to win in Ukraine, become a respected global actor, and adapt to an age of unpeace?
Their 20 key points are here:👇
What must Europe do to win in Ukraine, become a respected global actor, and adapt to an age of unpeace?
Their 20 key points are here:👇
December 9, 2025 at 6:38 PM
At the 2025 European Forum Alpbach Defence Lab, we brought politicians, generals, industry, and experts together to answer one question:
What must Europe do to win in Ukraine, become a respected global actor, and adapt to an age of unpeace?
Their 20 key points are here:👇
What must Europe do to win in Ukraine, become a respected global actor, and adapt to an age of unpeace?
Their 20 key points are here:👇
MAGA, Russia, China, Brexiteers, autocracy inc., etc. - all fire on the EU because it is the most dangerous organization for them out there.
A strong EU is the only path towards a Europe that protects itself and supports liberty and the rule of law around the globe.
A strong EU is the only path towards a Europe that protects itself and supports liberty and the rule of law around the globe.
December 9, 2025 at 3:48 PM
MAGA, Russia, China, Brexiteers, autocracy inc., etc. - all fire on the EU because it is the most dangerous organization for them out there.
A strong EU is the only path towards a Europe that protects itself and supports liberty and the rule of law around the globe.
A strong EU is the only path towards a Europe that protects itself and supports liberty and the rule of law around the globe.
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
We need to show the world we are a player by building an independent eur security structure and taking the fight to Putin (and sorry to say, Trump).
November 23, 2025 at 10:13 PM
We need to show the world we are a player by building an independent eur security structure and taking the fight to Putin (and sorry to say, Trump).
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
MAN KANN DROHNEN IM INLAND ABSCHIEẞEN??? SCHNELL INFORMIERT DIE INNENMINISTER UND DAS BMVG
Französisches Militär hat letzte Nacht offenbar mehrere #Drohnen abgeschossen, die über einem U-Boot-Stützpunkt geflogen sind: www.franceinfo.fr/economie/emp... #submarines #France #drones
La marine nationale a tiré hier sur des drones au-dessus de la base de l'île Longue, qui abrite les sous-marins nucléaires français dans le Finistère
Le bataillon de fusiliers marins, qui assure la protection de cette base ultra-stratégique près de Brest, a effectué plusieurs tirs pour neutraliser les cinq drones.
www.franceinfo.fr
December 5, 2025 at 11:03 AM
MAN KANN DROHNEN IM INLAND ABSCHIEẞEN??? SCHNELL INFORMIERT DIE INNENMINISTER UND DAS BMVG
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
No single human, at any point in history, has ever had so much of the world unite in ridicule.
An utter tragedy of man.
(📸 AP)
An utter tragedy of man.
(📸 AP)
December 5, 2025 at 9:37 PM
No single human, at any point in history, has ever had so much of the world unite in ridicule.
An utter tragedy of man.
(📸 AP)
An utter tragedy of man.
(📸 AP)
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
NEW info on shipwreck attack. It gets worse.
The 2 survivors climbed atop wreckage and waved to overhead.
"Some of the people viewing the video thought ... could have been an attempt to surrender"
Others "said the most logical explanation was ... signaling for a rescue."
1/
The 2 survivors climbed atop wreckage and waved to overhead.
"Some of the people viewing the video thought ... could have been an attempt to surrender"
Others "said the most logical explanation was ... signaling for a rescue."
1/
December 5, 2025 at 7:50 PM
NEW info on shipwreck attack. It gets worse.
The 2 survivors climbed atop wreckage and waved to overhead.
"Some of the people viewing the video thought ... could have been an attempt to surrender"
Others "said the most logical explanation was ... signaling for a rescue."
1/
The 2 survivors climbed atop wreckage and waved to overhead.
"Some of the people viewing the video thought ... could have been an attempt to surrender"
Others "said the most logical explanation was ... signaling for a rescue."
1/
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
Quite breathtaking story - military grade drones at Dublin airport which flew on the path Zelensky's plane took. The drones reached the flight path of his plane exactly the time it should have been there, but just missed it because Zelensky arrived ahead of schedule:
Four unidentified military-style drones breached no-fly zone to target Zelenskyy's arrival in Dublin
Gardaí are investigating whether the drones took off from land in Dublin or from an undetected ship.
www.thejournal.ie
December 4, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Quite breathtaking story - military grade drones at Dublin airport which flew on the path Zelensky's plane took. The drones reached the flight path of his plane exactly the time it should have been there, but just missed it because Zelensky arrived ahead of schedule:
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
Hegseth is very transparently blaming a Navy admiral for his own decision. Let this be a lesson for every other military officer: The Trump administration will issue unlawful orders, then blame you for following them.
December 2, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Hegseth is very transparently blaming a Navy admiral for his own decision. Let this be a lesson for every other military officer: The Trump administration will issue unlawful orders, then blame you for following them.
Great to hear Austrian foreign minister @beate.neos.eu demands unity, speed and strength from Europe and favors qualified majority voting in EU foreign and security policy.
This is no technicality, without this change we will be torn apart by global tensions. And it can only be the beginning.
This is no technicality, without this change we will be torn apart by global tensions. And it can only be the beginning.
December 2, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Great to hear Austrian foreign minister @beate.neos.eu demands unity, speed and strength from Europe and favors qualified majority voting in EU foreign and security policy.
This is no technicality, without this change we will be torn apart by global tensions. And it can only be the beginning.
This is no technicality, without this change we will be torn apart by global tensions. And it can only be the beginning.
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
As you read about service members' response to being underbussed by Pete Hegseth, consider how this will play as Trump tries to start an illegal war with Venezuela.
December 2, 2025 at 8:35 AM
As you read about service members' response to being underbussed by Pete Hegseth, consider how this will play as Trump tries to start an illegal war with Venezuela.
Wenn das unsere Strategie ist um wieder wettbewerbsfähig zu werden, dann gute Nacht
„Ein hocheffizienter Verbrenner ist ein Verbrenner, der hocheffizient ist.“ (2/2)
December 1, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Wenn das unsere Strategie ist um wieder wettbewerbsfähig zu werden, dann gute Nacht
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
„Ein hocheffizienter Verbrenner ist ein Verbrenner, der hocheffizient ist.“ (2/2)
December 1, 2025 at 1:11 PM
„Ein hocheffizienter Verbrenner ist ein Verbrenner, der hocheffizient ist.“ (2/2)
Great article by @sbeverts.bsky.social.
I recently visited Brussels after some time away, and unfortunately, I could feel the fatalism in the institutions.
What it needs is a defence union, with people in charge who can actually deter the other big powers from doing as they can.
I recently visited Brussels after some time away, and unfortunately, I could feel the fatalism in the institutions.
What it needs is a defence union, with people in charge who can actually deter the other big powers from doing as they can.
Europe’s psychology of weakness:
When will Europeans decide they’ve had enough?
“There is no way out of this without investing in a stronger EU.”
by @sbeverts.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
When will Europeans decide they’ve had enough?
“There is no way out of this without investing in a stronger EU.”
by @sbeverts.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Europe’s psychology of weakness
It’s time the EU ditched its failing strategy of “react, hope, repeat.”
www.politico.eu
December 1, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Great article by @sbeverts.bsky.social.
I recently visited Brussels after some time away, and unfortunately, I could feel the fatalism in the institutions.
What it needs is a defence union, with people in charge who can actually deter the other big powers from doing as they can.
I recently visited Brussels after some time away, and unfortunately, I could feel the fatalism in the institutions.
What it needs is a defence union, with people in charge who can actually deter the other big powers from doing as they can.
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
Europe’s psychology of weakness:
When will Europeans decide they’ve had enough?
“There is no way out of this without investing in a stronger EU.”
by @sbeverts.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
When will Europeans decide they’ve had enough?
“There is no way out of this without investing in a stronger EU.”
by @sbeverts.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Europe’s psychology of weakness
It’s time the EU ditched its failing strategy of “react, hope, repeat.”
www.politico.eu
December 1, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Europe’s psychology of weakness:
When will Europeans decide they’ve had enough?
“There is no way out of this without investing in a stronger EU.”
by @sbeverts.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
When will Europeans decide they’ve had enough?
“There is no way out of this without investing in a stronger EU.”
by @sbeverts.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
Per a new report, Kash Patel refused to exit his plane without an FBI jacket, but the only one that would fit him was a woman’s jacket. Then he demanded SWAT patches for it. www.scribd.com/document/958...
December 1, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Per a new report, Kash Patel refused to exit his plane without an FBI jacket, but the only one that would fit him was a woman’s jacket. Then he demanded SWAT patches for it. www.scribd.com/document/958...
Von mir - heute im Standard!
Über die vier sicherheitspolitische Optionen für Österreich: NATO, Bündnisfreiheit, EU-Integration, strikte Neutralität
www.derstandard.at/story/300000...
Über die vier sicherheitspolitische Optionen für Österreich: NATO, Bündnisfreiheit, EU-Integration, strikte Neutralität
www.derstandard.at/story/300000...
Österreich muss sich sicherheitspolitisch entscheiden
Weiter an der Neutralität in dieser Form festzuhalten, könnte sich als fatal erweisen. Wege aus dieser Misere gäbe es einige. Zuwarten ist keiner
www.derstandard.at
December 1, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Von mir - heute im Standard!
Über die vier sicherheitspolitische Optionen für Österreich: NATO, Bündnisfreiheit, EU-Integration, strikte Neutralität
www.derstandard.at/story/300000...
Über die vier sicherheitspolitische Optionen für Österreich: NATO, Bündnisfreiheit, EU-Integration, strikte Neutralität
www.derstandard.at/story/300000...
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
RT weren’t just bystanders, they were complicit in my torture.
They fed my captors the narrative, scripted the lies, and filmed the propaganda that dehumanised me long before any sham courtroom.
They fed my captors the narrative, scripted the lies, and filmed the propaganda that dehumanised me long before any sham courtroom.
November 30, 2025 at 4:45 PM
RT weren’t just bystanders, they were complicit in my torture.
They fed my captors the narrative, scripted the lies, and filmed the propaganda that dehumanised me long before any sham courtroom.
They fed my captors the narrative, scripted the lies, and filmed the propaganda that dehumanised me long before any sham courtroom.
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
Hegseth is a murderer. Even if the US was "at war" with drug smugglers – which it isn't – that would still be a war crime ("no quarter", see Article 8(2)(b)(xii) of the ICC's Rome Statute)
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike, officials say: Kill them all
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order to kill all crew members in the Sept. 2 strike on a suspected drug boat. Navy SEALs fired a second missile.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Hegseth is a murderer. Even if the US was "at war" with drug smugglers – which it isn't – that would still be a war crime ("no quarter", see Article 8(2)(b)(xii) of the ICC's Rome Statute)
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
So its now been 4 days since the Witkoff-Ushakov transcript was released. And in that time, Witkoff has been confirmed in office, has been told he is off to Moscow, and has been strongly supported by Trump AND Putin.
Add 2+2 together and you get....
Add 2+2 together and you get....
November 28, 2025 at 7:24 AM
So its now been 4 days since the Witkoff-Ushakov transcript was released. And in that time, Witkoff has been confirmed in office, has been told he is off to Moscow, and has been strongly supported by Trump AND Putin.
Add 2+2 together and you get....
Add 2+2 together and you get....
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
Twitter pays people based on engagement (views, retweets, comments, etc). It appears that many MAGA accounts are based abroad and they use AI technology to generate low-effort rage bait.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
November 23, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Twitter pays people based on engagement (views, retweets, comments, etc). It appears that many MAGA accounts are based abroad and they use AI technology to generate low-effort rage bait.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
Wanna know how bad the Arizona legislator's petition forgeries were? Here's the examples from the Austin Smith indictment.
s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24...
s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24...
November 24, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Wanna know how bad the Arizona legislator's petition forgeries were? Here's the examples from the Austin Smith indictment.
s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24...
s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24...
Reposted by Leopold Schmertzing
The chairman of the Senate Armed Services is not a fan of the Trump admin’s Ukraine peace plan.
November 21, 2025 at 9:29 PM
The chairman of the Senate Armed Services is not a fan of the Trump admin’s Ukraine peace plan.