Sirpa Maenpaa
@sirpamaenpaa.bsky.social
Retired Finnish diplomat. Member of Nordic Women Mediators - Finland. Like = usually bookmark.
Incl. clarification - EU doesn’t regulate content, but some national legislations may. Political history background for European choices.
The Truth About Europe’s Regulation of Digital Platforms by Bertrand Badré, et al @projectsyndicate.bsky.social prosyn.org/bEX0tnR
The Truth About Europe’s Regulation of Digital Platforms
Bertrand Badré, Guillaume Klossa and Margrethe Vestager rebut the Trump administration’s incendiary claim that the European Union censors online content.
prosyn.org
January 5, 2026 at 12:23 AM
Incl. clarification - EU doesn’t regulate content, but some national legislations may. Political history background for European choices.
Strongly recommended. Analyzing possible motivations for Venezuela operation. Applebaum’s POV Venezuelan opposition that won elections.
Great discussion on spheres of influence incl. rumours on deal with Putin re Venezuela. Did US global firms really wish US retreat from world to W. hemisphere?
Great discussion on spheres of influence incl. rumours on deal with Putin re Venezuela. Did US global firms really wish US retreat from world to W. hemisphere?
With David Frum on Venezuela, spheres of influence, and the deeper implications of Trump's foreign policy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oSR...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oSR...
Bonus Episode: How Is Trump Planning to ‘Run’ Venezuela? (With Anne Applebaum) | The David Frum Show
YouTube video by The Atlantic
www.youtube.com
January 4, 2026 at 7:55 AM
Strongly recommended. Analyzing possible motivations for Venezuela operation. Applebaum’s POV Venezuelan opposition that won elections.
Great discussion on spheres of influence incl. rumours on deal with Putin re Venezuela. Did US global firms really wish US retreat from world to W. hemisphere?
Great discussion on spheres of influence incl. rumours on deal with Putin re Venezuela. Did US global firms really wish US retreat from world to W. hemisphere?
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
Good time to repost this
www.bellingcat.com/resources/20...
www.bellingcat.com/resources/20...
OSHIT: Seven Deadly Sins of Bad Open Source Research - bellingcat
Learning to recognise these widespread mistakes will help you judge the quality of open source analysis — or improve your own.
www.bellingcat.com
January 3, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Good time to repost this
www.bellingcat.com/resources/20...
www.bellingcat.com/resources/20...
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
The Western alliance has been foundational to the global order since WW II. Now, European leaders are asking whether it’s dead.
Is ‘The West’ Over?
As Europe-U.S. relations become more strained, once-unshakeable allies abroad wonder whether the rift can be repaired.
on.wsj.com
December 26, 2025 at 8:36 PM
The Western alliance has been foundational to the global order since WW II. Now, European leaders are asking whether it’s dead.
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
A longer holiday read on the currently quite messy Arctic security dynamics, courtesy of the US.
I hope everyone can get some rest over the holidays, despite everything !
I hope everyone can get some rest over the holidays, despite everything !
New Ice Curtain Or Headed To A Meltdown?
The Arctic is getting more crowded - and less predictable, thanks to weird US flexes.
open.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:49 PM
A longer holiday read on the currently quite messy Arctic security dynamics, courtesy of the US.
I hope everyone can get some rest over the holidays, despite everything !
I hope everyone can get some rest over the holidays, despite everything !
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
« Project Sunrise » : l’administration Trump précise son plan colonial pour transformer Gaza en « smart city » futuriste. Pas la peine d’y chercher les deux millions de Palestiniens déplacés, ils n’y existent pas.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Exclusive | U.S. Pitches ‘Project Sunrise’ Plan to Turn Gaza Into High-Tech Metropolis
The Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff drafted blueprint could see the U.S. commit to roughly 20% of some reconstruction costs over 10 years.
www.wsj.com
December 20, 2025 at 10:41 AM
« Project Sunrise » : l’administration Trump précise son plan colonial pour transformer Gaza en « smart city » futuriste. Pas la peine d’y chercher les deux millions de Palestiniens déplacés, ils n’y existent pas.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
US defence act passes in rebuke to Trump administration’s stance on Europe ft.trib.al/wpMUaQN
US defence act passes in rebuke to Trump administration’s stance on Europe
Legislation commits to minimum troop numbers on the continent and continued assistance to Ukraine
ft.trib.al
December 17, 2025 at 5:50 PM
US defence act passes in rebuke to Trump administration’s stance on Europe ft.trib.al/wpMUaQN
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
NEW: The Kremlin is setting information conditions to reject any meaningful security guarantees for Ukraine by threatening Europe.
Read the full update: isw.pub/UkrWar121025
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ [🧵] (1/8)
Read the full update: isw.pub/UkrWar121025
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ [🧵] (1/8)
December 11, 2025 at 4:36 AM
NEW: The Kremlin is setting information conditions to reject any meaningful security guarantees for Ukraine by threatening Europe.
Read the full update: isw.pub/UkrWar121025
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ [🧵] (1/8)
Read the full update: isw.pub/UkrWar121025
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ [🧵] (1/8)
More details of the compromise text regarding Europe: Ukraine Security Assistance 400 million USD per year for 2 years, Baltic Security Initiative, minimum of troops in Europe 76.000, SACEUR to remain American. Next to Senate.
Troop pay, Ukraine and social issues - US House passes massive 2026 defense bill reut.rs/3MvXQt1
Troop pay, Ukraine and social issues - US House passes massive 2026 defense bill
The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a compromise version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, a nearly $1 trillion bill setting policy for the Pentagon that Congress hopes to pass for a 65th straight year.
reut.rs
December 11, 2025 at 6:22 AM
More details of the compromise text regarding Europe: Ukraine Security Assistance 400 million USD per year for 2 years, Baltic Security Initiative, minimum of troops in Europe 76.000, SACEUR to remain American. Next to Senate.
National Defense Authorization Act for 2026 has been passed by House of Representatives, moving to Senate, and text understood to have backing of White House.
For instance includes deepening US resources for the Baltic states and hardening NATO's northeastern flank.
For instance includes deepening US resources for the Baltic states and hardening NATO's northeastern flank.
US lawmakers approve a sweeping defense bill bolstering European security, in a sharp counter to President Donald Trump's mounting threats to downgrade ties to traditional allies and NATO.
u.afp.com/S7mj
u.afp.com/S7mj
December 11, 2025 at 1:35 AM
National Defense Authorization Act for 2026 has been passed by House of Representatives, moving to Senate, and text understood to have backing of White House.
For instance includes deepening US resources for the Baltic states and hardening NATO's northeastern flank.
For instance includes deepening US resources for the Baltic states and hardening NATO's northeastern flank.
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
Kremlin hails Trump’s national security strategy as aligned with Russia’s vision
Kremlin hails Trump’s national security strategy as aligned with Russia’s vision
Moscow welcomes White House document critical of the EU as talks to end the Ukraine war enter a key phase
The Kremlin has heaped praise on Donald Trump’s latest national security strategy, calling it an encouraging change of policy that largely aligns with Russian thinking.
The remarks follow the publication of a White House document on Friday that criticises the EU and says Europe is at risk of “civilisational erasure”, while making clear the US is keen to establish better relations with Russia. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Kremlin hails Trump’s national security strategy as aligned with Russia’s vision
Politico’s analysis: ”The measure (=bipartisan defense bill) stands in stark contrast to President Donald Trump’s new national security strategy”.
(The one of my AI’s I consult on US politics told me NSS is for info on Administration plans to Congress, not for approval.)
(The one of my AI’s I consult on US politics told me NSS is for info on Administration plans to Congress, not for approval.)
Compromise defense bill stymies Trump on Europe troop withdrawals
Compromise defense bill stymies Trump on Europe troop withdrawals
The National Defense Authorization Act also would repeal a pair of decades-old war authorizations and proposes an $8 billion boost to Trump's defense budget.
dlvr.it
December 8, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Politico’s analysis: ”The measure (=bipartisan defense bill) stands in stark contrast to President Donald Trump’s new national security strategy”.
(The one of my AI’s I consult on US politics told me NSS is for info on Administration plans to Congress, not for approval.)
(The one of my AI’s I consult on US politics told me NSS is for info on Administration plans to Congress, not for approval.)
Same day as National Security Strategy:
US sets 2027 deadline for Europe-led NATO defense, officials say - www.reuters.com/business/aer...
US sets 2027 deadline for Europe-led NATO defense, officials say - www.reuters.com/business/aer...
Exclusive: US sets 2027 deadline for Europe-led NATO defense, officials say
The United States wants Europe to take over the majority of NATO's conventional defense capabilities, from intelligence to missiles, by 2027, Pentagon officials told diplomats in Washington this week,...
www.reuters.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Same day as National Security Strategy:
US sets 2027 deadline for Europe-led NATO defense, officials say - www.reuters.com/business/aer...
US sets 2027 deadline for Europe-led NATO defense, officials say - www.reuters.com/business/aer...
Useful to read, for instance what he wants for Europe.
December 5, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Useful to read, for instance what he wants for Europe.
The story covers broader investment community in US and Russia planning business co-operation for mining in Arctic and Siberia, and for US firms’ acquisition of Lukoil and Nordstream.
The Kremlin pitched the White House on peace through business. To Europe’s dismay, the president and his envoy are on board.
Make Money Not War: Trump’s Real Plan for Peace in Ukraine
The Kremlin pitched the White House on peace through business. To Europe’s dismay, the president and his envoy are on board.
on.wsj.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:50 AM
The story covers broader investment community in US and Russia planning business co-operation for mining in Arctic and Siberia, and for US firms’ acquisition of Lukoil and Nordstream.
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
A multinational force is now authorized for Gaza, but its success depends on countries that may not be ready to take the risk.
A Historic Resolution, an Unworkable Plan: The Uncertain Future of Gaza’s New Mandate
With the authorization of an international administration and stabilization force for Gaza, U.N. Security Council Resolution 2803 marks a historic
warontherocks.com
November 27, 2025 at 8:45 PM
A multinational force is now authorized for Gaza, but its success depends on countries that may not be ready to take the risk.
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
This is the best analysis I’ve seen on structures that have emerged from crypto to hotel deals, orders of magnitude, motivations of firms involved.
Other examples than Trump family also mentioned in spiking of winner of Nobel peace prize at betting market before announcement.
Other examples than Trump family also mentioned in spiking of winner of Nobel peace prize at betting market before announcement.
Populism hasn’t killed insiders—it’s enriching them. From Donald Trump’s crypto empire to booming prediction markets, the insider economy is thriving
Donald Trump and the unseemly rise of “insider capitalism”
The returns to access in America are soaring
econ.st
November 23, 2025 at 6:40 AM
This is the best analysis I’ve seen on structures that have emerged from crypto to hotel deals, orders of magnitude, motivations of firms involved.
Other examples than Trump family also mentioned in spiking of winner of Nobel peace prize at betting market before announcement.
Other examples than Trump family also mentioned in spiking of winner of Nobel peace prize at betting market before announcement.
Most lucid annotation of the points of the plan so far.
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 22, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Most lucid annotation of the points of the plan so far.
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
Amidst the Putin-Witkoff nonsense on handing Ukraine to Moscow, clear reporting as always from @michaeldweiss.bsky.social
macspaunday.substack.com/p/he-got-thi...
macspaunday.substack.com/p/he-got-thi...
“He Must Have Got This From K.”
How a Russian operative used the American media to force a risible “peace deal” into existence
macspaunday.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Amidst the Putin-Witkoff nonsense on handing Ukraine to Moscow, clear reporting as always from @michaeldweiss.bsky.social
macspaunday.substack.com/p/he-got-thi...
macspaunday.substack.com/p/he-got-thi...
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
Story here with exclusive new details: The Trump admin and Russian officials have drawn up a sweeping new proposal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine that envisions major concessions from Kyiv and urged President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept it...
via @financialtimes.com
www.ft.com/content/2353...
via @financialtimes.com
www.ft.com/content/2353...
US and Russian officials draft new peace plan for Ukraine
Sweeping 28-point proposal would include territorial concessions and rollback of American military assistance
www.ft.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Story here with exclusive new details: The Trump admin and Russian officials have drawn up a sweeping new proposal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine that envisions major concessions from Kyiv and urged President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept it...
via @financialtimes.com
www.ft.com/content/2353...
via @financialtimes.com
www.ft.com/content/2353...
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
Officials in the US and UK have taken sweeping action against “one of the largest investment fraud operations in history,” confiscating a historic amount of funds in the process. www.wired.com/story/feds-s...
Feds Seize Record-Breaking $15 Billion in Bitcoin From Alleged Scam Empire
Officials in the US and UK have taken sweeping action against “one of the largest investment fraud operations in history,” confiscating a historic amount of funds in the process.
www.wired.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Officials in the US and UK have taken sweeping action against “one of the largest investment fraud operations in history,” confiscating a historic amount of funds in the process. www.wired.com/story/feds-s...
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
The SAFE instrument, whereby the EU level provides loans to member-states to ramp up defence, has been more of a success than I had anticipated. The uptake by member-states is huge.
And, of course, profoundly driven by the threat perception of Russia (see Baltics!).
Great chart from Daniel Kral.
And, of course, profoundly driven by the threat perception of Russia (see Baltics!).
Great chart from Daniel Kral.
October 3, 2025 at 11:11 AM
The SAFE instrument, whereby the EU level provides loans to member-states to ramp up defence, has been more of a success than I had anticipated. The uptake by member-states is huge.
And, of course, profoundly driven by the threat perception of Russia (see Baltics!).
Great chart from Daniel Kral.
And, of course, profoundly driven by the threat perception of Russia (see Baltics!).
Great chart from Daniel Kral.
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
The Balkan state’s former foreign minister on what international “governing boards” need to get right
Kosovo shows that Donald Trump’s Gaza plan can work, writes Petrit Selimi
The Balkan state’s former foreign minister on what international “governing boards” need to get right
econ.st
October 2, 2025 at 11:45 AM
The Balkan state’s former foreign minister on what international “governing boards” need to get right
Reposted by Sirpa Maenpaa
High time to learn from Ukraine
⚡️Poland to send military representatives to Ukraine for training on shooting down Russian drones.
Poland to send military representatives to Ukraine for training on shooting down Russian drones
Poland will send its military representatives to Ukraine to undergo consultations and training on how to effectively shoot down Russian drones, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 11.
kyivindependent.com
September 12, 2025 at 7:26 AM
High time to learn from Ukraine