Dave Keating
@davekeating.substack.com
🇺🇸🇪🇺American by birth, European by choice
Brussels-based journalist www.DaveKeating.net
Find me on Substack: https://davekeating.substack.com/
Brussels-based journalist www.DaveKeating.net
Find me on Substack: https://davekeating.substack.com/
Pinned
Dave Keating
@davekeating.substack.com
· Oct 23
The agenda item at today's 🇪🇺#EUCO summit on 'climate & competitiveness' is chiefly about undoing some of the climate legislation that was passed during the 2019-2024 term (partly due to a 🇺🇸command).
Big ❓ for 🇺🇳#COP30: Will the EU PMs decide to scrap the planned 2040 target?
Big ❓ for 🇺🇳#COP30: Will the EU PMs decide to scrap the planned 2040 target?
Here's a backgrounder on what led up to today's explosive meeting in Geneva which has triggered tonight's #Eurovision meltdown:
Eurovision is unravelling tonight as country after country pulls out
Following today's decision to keep Israel in Eurovision 2026, Spain, Slovenia, Ireland and the Netherlands have quit the contest. Four more are considering. Eurovision may never recover.
davekeating.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Here's a backgrounder on what led up to today's explosive meeting in Geneva which has triggered tonight's #Eurovision meltdown:
Here's the backstory behind today's explosive #Eurovision meeting in Geneva which has resulted in four countries quitting the contest, with four more possible following suit.
Eurovision Song Contest unravelling over disagreements on Israel
YouTube video by Dave Keating
youtu.be
December 4, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Here's the backstory behind today's explosive #Eurovision meeting in Geneva which has resulted in four countries quitting the contest, with four more possible following suit.
Mark your calendars.
4 December 2025: the day Germany and Austria killed the Eurovision Song Contest.
It was the most powerful soft power instrument Europe produced as a whole. And it will now unravel.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
4 December 2025: the day Germany and Austria killed the Eurovision Song Contest.
It was the most powerful soft power instrument Europe produced as a whole. And it will now unravel.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Ireland among countries boycotting Eurovision after Israel allowed to compete
There had been calls for Israel to be excluded over the conduct of the war in Gaza.
www.bbc.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Mark your calendars.
4 December 2025: the day Germany and Austria killed the Eurovision Song Contest.
It was the most powerful soft power instrument Europe produced as a whole. And it will now unravel.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
4 December 2025: the day Germany and Austria killed the Eurovision Song Contest.
It was the most powerful soft power instrument Europe produced as a whole. And it will now unravel.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
It is encouraging to see the younger European generation pushing back against the Atlanticist old guard.
These peoples' time is over.
These peoples' time is over.
December 4, 2025 at 3:22 PM
It is encouraging to see the younger European generation pushing back against the Atlanticist old guard.
These peoples' time is over.
These peoples' time is over.
🇪🇺President von der Leyen's VP once again criticising her leadership - this time on the "red-tape-cutting" omnibus exercise which is being partly driven by VDL's promises to Trump in Scotland.
We saw what happened to the last person who dared to do that (Breton).
We saw what happened to the last person who dared to do that (Breton).
Red-tape cutting has become a ‘terrible political spectacle,’ EU’s Ribera says
The European Commission’s No.2 official criticized a “Trumpist” approach to EU deregulation.
www.politico.eu
December 4, 2025 at 1:46 PM
🇪🇺President von der Leyen's VP once again criticising her leadership - this time on the "red-tape-cutting" omnibus exercise which is being partly driven by VDL's promises to Trump in Scotland.
We saw what happened to the last person who dared to do that (Breton).
We saw what happened to the last person who dared to do that (Breton).
Today @EBU_HQ association of European & Middle Eastern broadcasters starts a 2-day debate on whether Israel should be excluded from #Eurovision2026.
9 Western European countries including 🇪🇸🇮🇪🇳🇴🇧🇪 (plus 🇸🇮) have said they'll quit the contest if 🇮🇱 is there.
🇩🇪🇦🇹 say 🇮🇱 must be on stage
Background here:
9 Western European countries including 🇪🇸🇮🇪🇳🇴🇧🇪 (plus 🇸🇮) have said they'll quit the contest if 🇮🇱 is there.
🇩🇪🇦🇹 say 🇮🇱 must be on stage
Background here:
On Israel, Eurovision close to 'critical mass' that removed Russia
Over the last two years the EBU hasn't excluded Israel because countries didn't actually threaten to leave. In the past week, five have done so - close to the number that got Russia removed in 2022.
open.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Today @EBU_HQ association of European & Middle Eastern broadcasters starts a 2-day debate on whether Israel should be excluded from #Eurovision2026.
9 Western European countries including 🇪🇸🇮🇪🇳🇴🇧🇪 (plus 🇸🇮) have said they'll quit the contest if 🇮🇱 is there.
🇩🇪🇦🇹 say 🇮🇱 must be on stage
Background here:
9 Western European countries including 🇪🇸🇮🇪🇳🇴🇧🇪 (plus 🇸🇮) have said they'll quit the contest if 🇮🇱 is there.
🇩🇪🇦🇹 say 🇮🇱 must be on stage
Background here:
Fantastic news! The excellent Matinale Europeenne newsletter by @davidcarretta.bsky.social, Christian Spillman & @grimmse.bsky.social is launching an English-language version: Morning Post Europe.
La Matinale fête ses 2 ans et lance Morning Post Europe
La Matinale fête ses 2 ans et lance Morning Post Europe
lamatinaleeuropeenne.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Fantastic news! The excellent Matinale Europeenne newsletter by @davidcarretta.bsky.social, Christian Spillman & @grimmse.bsky.social is launching an English-language version: Morning Post Europe.
Today's Substack looks at the implications of Marco Rubio's absence at yesterday's NATO summit and the 28-point plan's casting of the US as a 'mediator' between NATO and Russia.
It also contains an excerpt from my book The Owned Continent, out next week.
It also contains an excerpt from my book The Owned Continent, out next week.
Rubio's absence shows NATO is now a paper tiger
Yesterday, for the first time in decades, a US Secretary of State declined to attend a summit of NATO foreign ministers. Instead he sent a deputy who questioned whether NATO should exist.
davekeating.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Today's Substack looks at the implications of Marco Rubio's absence at yesterday's NATO summit and the 28-point plan's casting of the US as a 'mediator' between NATO and Russia.
It also contains an excerpt from my book The Owned Continent, out next week.
It also contains an excerpt from my book The Owned Continent, out next week.
President von der Leyen announced today a "historic day for our union" with the ending of Russian gas imports.
In truth, this is just speeding up a phase-out timeline that was already in place years ago. But she has an audience of one in mind with today's show: Donald Trump.
In truth, this is just speeding up a phase-out timeline that was already in place years ago. But she has an audience of one in mind with today's show: Donald Trump.
December 3, 2025 at 7:20 PM
President von der Leyen announced today a "historic day for our union" with the ending of Russian gas imports.
In truth, this is just speeding up a phase-out timeline that was already in place years ago. But she has an audience of one in mind with today's show: Donald Trump.
In truth, this is just speeding up a phase-out timeline that was already in place years ago. But she has an audience of one in mind with today's show: Donald Trump.
It's the scandal that everyone in Brussels is talking about.
The EU's former foreign policy chief Federica #Mogherini (also a former Italian foreign minister) has been arrested following dawn raids on the EU's foreign ministry, the College of Europe and private homes yesterday.
The EU's former foreign policy chief Federica #Mogherini (also a former Italian foreign minister) has been arrested following dawn raids on the EU's foreign ministry, the College of Europe and private homes yesterday.
December 3, 2025 at 1:10 PM
It's the scandal that everyone in Brussels is talking about.
The EU's former foreign policy chief Federica #Mogherini (also a former Italian foreign minister) has been arrested following dawn raids on the EU's foreign ministry, the College of Europe and private homes yesterday.
The EU's former foreign policy chief Federica #Mogherini (also a former Italian foreign minister) has been arrested following dawn raids on the EU's foreign ministry, the College of Europe and private homes yesterday.
"Anyone looking at Europe’s choices in recent months can see a psychology of weakness," says @sbeverts.bsky.social.
"It paints the picture of a continent lacking courage, unable to take decisive action even when it comes to its core interests."
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
"It paints the picture of a continent lacking courage, unable to take decisive action even when it comes to its core interests."
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
December 2, 2025 at 6:13 PM
"Anyone looking at Europe’s choices in recent months can see a psychology of weakness," says @sbeverts.bsky.social.
"It paints the picture of a continent lacking courage, unable to take decisive action even when it comes to its core interests."
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
"It paints the picture of a continent lacking courage, unable to take decisive action even when it comes to its core interests."
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Major scandal breaking in Brussels today - the EU's former foreign policy chief is reportedly in custody after dawn raids this morning on the EU's foreign ministry.
EU’s Mogherini and Sannino in custody in fraud probe
European prosecutor says it has “strong suspicions” competition rules were breached in awarding contract to run training academy for diplomats.
www.politico.eu
December 2, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Major scandal breaking in Brussels today - the EU's former foreign policy chief is reportedly in custody after dawn raids this morning on the EU's foreign ministry.
Straight from the horse's mouth.
“The United States really sees Europe as inconsequential, except maybe for some business purposes."
“There’s no reason that Europe cannot stop Russia. What they lack is the self-confidence and the political will.”
“The United States really sees Europe as inconsequential, except maybe for some business purposes."
“There’s no reason that Europe cannot stop Russia. What they lack is the self-confidence and the political will.”
'Europe is inconsequential' to US, former US commander tells Euronews
In an interview with Euronews’ flagship morning show Europe Today, former commanding general of US Army Europe General Ben Hodges warned that the continent is “slowly waking to the realisation” that i...
www.euronews.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Straight from the horse's mouth.
“The United States really sees Europe as inconsequential, except maybe for some business purposes."
“There’s no reason that Europe cannot stop Russia. What they lack is the self-confidence and the political will.”
“The United States really sees Europe as inconsequential, except maybe for some business purposes."
“There’s no reason that Europe cannot stop Russia. What they lack is the self-confidence and the political will.”
"In crisis after crisis, Europe’s role is not only small but shrinking still. The question is, when will Europeans decide they’ve had enough of this weakness and irrelevance?"
"This is, above all, a matter of psychology, of believing in one’s capabilities, including the capacity to say 'no.'"
"This is, above all, a matter of psychology, of believing in one’s capabilities, including the capacity to say 'no.'"
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 9:32 PM
"In crisis after crisis, Europe’s role is not only small but shrinking still. The question is, when will Europeans decide they’ve had enough of this weakness and irrelevance?"
"This is, above all, a matter of psychology, of believing in one’s capabilities, including the capacity to say 'no.'"
"This is, above all, a matter of psychology, of believing in one’s capabilities, including the capacity to say 'no.'"
So for those keeping track, that means Canada will join the EU's defence procurement scheme, but the UK won't.
It's really incredible how much British pride continues to inflict self-harm.
It's really incredible how much British pride continues to inflict self-harm.
Canada clinches deal to join Europe’s €150B defense scheme
The deal concludes months of tough talks and will allow Ottawa to take part in procurements financed by the EU’s SAFE program.
www.politico.eu
December 1, 2025 at 6:04 PM
So for those keeping track, that means Canada will join the EU's defence procurement scheme, but the UK won't.
It's really incredible how much British pride continues to inflict self-harm.
It's really incredible how much British pride continues to inflict self-harm.
The Left in 🇪🇺Parliament calls out EU leaders for staying silent as 🇺🇸 prepares to invade 🇻🇪.
"🇨🇴🇲🇽& 🇧🇷strongly oppose 🇺🇸interventionism, yet the European establishment seems not concerned at all" says @botengam.bsky.social. "Why does the EU systematically accept US violations of international law?”
"🇨🇴🇲🇽& 🇧🇷strongly oppose 🇺🇸interventionism, yet the European establishment seems not concerned at all" says @botengam.bsky.social. "Why does the EU systematically accept US violations of international law?”
December 1, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The Left in 🇪🇺Parliament calls out EU leaders for staying silent as 🇺🇸 prepares to invade 🇻🇪.
"🇨🇴🇲🇽& 🇧🇷strongly oppose 🇺🇸interventionism, yet the European establishment seems not concerned at all" says @botengam.bsky.social. "Why does the EU systematically accept US violations of international law?”
"🇨🇴🇲🇽& 🇧🇷strongly oppose 🇺🇸interventionism, yet the European establishment seems not concerned at all" says @botengam.bsky.social. "Why does the EU systematically accept US violations of international law?”
Reposted by Dave Keating
The 28-point plan was dead on arrival. Ukraine can't accept it, Trump doesn't have the cards to force them since he's ended most US assistance to them, and Russia won't accept adjustments.
Yet for the past two weeks, Europeans have again had to scramble to go along with a charade.
Yet for the past two weeks, Europeans have again had to scramble to go along with a charade.
Europe plays along as phony peace process for Ukraine continues
With the 28-point plan, European leaders have yet again been left as spectators on the sidelines as Washington and Moscow decide the fate of this continent.
davekeating.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:36 AM
The 28-point plan was dead on arrival. Ukraine can't accept it, Trump doesn't have the cards to force them since he's ended most US assistance to them, and Russia won't accept adjustments.
Yet for the past two weeks, Europeans have again had to scramble to go along with a charade.
Yet for the past two weeks, Europeans have again had to scramble to go along with a charade.
My article for FT @sustainableviews.bsky.social on the risk of a complete unravelling of EU climate policy if the Commission doesn't protect the upcoming carbon border levy from US pressure: www.sustainableviews.com/the-us-wants...
The US wants to kill Europe’s carbon border levy. Will the EU stay the course?
Experts warn that scrapping or delaying the CBAM could cause the EU’s entire climate policy to collapse Of the many EU laws that the Donald Trump administration is not happy about, the incoming Carbon...
www.sustainableviews.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:34 AM
My article for FT @sustainableviews.bsky.social on the risk of a complete unravelling of EU climate policy if the Commission doesn't protect the upcoming carbon border levy from US pressure: www.sustainableviews.com/the-us-wants...
Dublin City Council has thankfully withdrawn the proposal to rename Herzog Park, and that is the right decision.
I hope that people can understand when they've crossed the line between legitimate criticism of Israel and outright anti-semitism.
I hope that people can understand when they've crossed the line between legitimate criticism of Israel and outright anti-semitism.
Chief Rabbi: Move to erase Chaim Herzog’s name and history is a cruel hammer blow
Dublin’s Herzog Park, named after the former Israeli president, is marker of Ireland’s Jewish history
www.irishtimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Dublin City Council has thankfully withdrawn the proposal to rename Herzog Park, and that is the right decision.
I hope that people can understand when they've crossed the line between legitimate criticism of Israel and outright anti-semitism.
I hope that people can understand when they've crossed the line between legitimate criticism of Israel and outright anti-semitism.
Reposted by Dave Keating
Decline and Fall
A new post from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth just a couple hours after President Trump said he wouldn’t have wanted a second strike on alleged narco boats and that Hegseth said he didn’t order second strikes.
December 1, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Decline and Fall
The 28-point plan was dead on arrival. Ukraine can't accept it, Trump doesn't have the cards to force them since he's ended most US assistance to them, and Russia won't accept adjustments.
Yet for the past two weeks, Europeans have again had to scramble to go along with a charade.
Yet for the past two weeks, Europeans have again had to scramble to go along with a charade.
Europe plays along as phony peace process for Ukraine continues
With the 28-point plan, European leaders have yet again been left as spectators on the sidelines as Washington and Moscow decide the fate of this continent.
davekeating.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:36 AM
The 28-point plan was dead on arrival. Ukraine can't accept it, Trump doesn't have the cards to force them since he's ended most US assistance to them, and Russia won't accept adjustments.
Yet for the past two weeks, Europeans have again had to scramble to go along with a charade.
Yet for the past two weeks, Europeans have again had to scramble to go along with a charade.
Reposted by Dave Keating
This is *not* the sort of thing you see in this era, which makes it all the better that we are seeing it this weekend.
UPDATE: I added in the congressional response to the boat-strike section once I saw we had bipartisan, matching statements from both House and Senate Armed Services Committees. www.lawdork.com/p/trump-admi...
November 30, 2025 at 3:19 AM
This is *not* the sort of thing you see in this era, which makes it all the better that we are seeing it this weekend.
Reposted by Dave Keating
The deranged madman now threatens to blow up commercial airliners flying in and out of Venezuela.
November 29, 2025 at 2:20 PM
The deranged madman now threatens to blow up commercial airliners flying in and out of Venezuela.
Reposted by Dave Keating
“Mr. Trump, I’m from Donbas — why should I give my home and my region to Russia? Donbas is Ukraine.”
A Ukrainian soldier from Donetsk wrote this on a ruined wall. This isn’t politics; it’s a life tied to a street, a graveyard, a school.👇
A Ukrainian soldier from Donetsk wrote this on a ruined wall. This isn’t politics; it’s a life tied to a street, a graveyard, a school.👇
November 29, 2025 at 11:04 AM
“Mr. Trump, I’m from Donbas — why should I give my home and my region to Russia? Donbas is Ukraine.”
A Ukrainian soldier from Donetsk wrote this on a ruined wall. This isn’t politics; it’s a life tied to a street, a graveyard, a school.👇
A Ukrainian soldier from Donetsk wrote this on a ruined wall. This isn’t politics; it’s a life tied to a street, a graveyard, a school.👇