Garvan Walshe
@garvanwalshe.org
Civic entrepreneur building broadsheet social media at kronkite.social. I also chair Unhack Democracy and write on foreign affairs, defence and democracy.
My substack: garvanwalshe.org
My substack: garvanwalshe.org
Pinned
Garvan Walshe
@garvanwalshe.org
· Jan 14
A Trumpist attack on Greenland wouldn’t just be an attack on Denmark or Europe. It would be the start of a civil war in the transatlantic alliance between NATO and MAGA factions.
NATO has plenty of supporters in the US. Unfortunately MAGA despite its inherent imperialism has not a few in Europe.
NATO has plenty of supporters in the US. Unfortunately MAGA despite its inherent imperialism has not a few in Europe.
Reposted by Garvan Walshe
Trump polices have triggered a divide between Europe and the US. Europeans, please remember that Trump policies have also triggered a deep divide between Americans. We don’t all think alike.
February 13, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Trump polices have triggered a divide between Europe and the US. Europeans, please remember that Trump policies have also triggered a deep divide between Americans. We don’t all think alike.
Discovery from this article: “Britain charges a fee (£462) to renounce citizenship.”
That surely offends against the British sense of fair play.
That surely offends against the British sense of fair play.
One can make the case for requiring either a UK passport or some further documentation for dual British nationals to enter the country (this is true for eg the US). But making this change rapidly and getting a certificate so expensive is yet another Home Office cockup. Why always so draconian?
Gabrielle was all set for a routine trip from Australia to the UK. Then the rules for dual citizens suddenly changed
From 25 February all dual citizens visiting the UK must use their British passport, leaving many scrambling to get their documents in order
www.theguardian.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Discovery from this article: “Britain charges a fee (£462) to renounce citizenship.”
That surely offends against the British sense of fair play.
That surely offends against the British sense of fair play.
Facts and norms hm
Breaking News: The Trump administration repealed the bedrock scientific finding that greenhouse gases threaten human life and well being, meaning that the EPA can no longer regulate them. nyti.ms/4rSszQu
February 13, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Facts and norms hm
Ending ETS just at the point when solar and wind are cheaper than fossil fuels in order to give dirty dangerous and old fashioned technology of the 19th and 20th century would be very stupid and send Europe’s industry into the past
New headwinds for the ETS from EU leaders. EUCO President Costa:
“It is true that there are some leaders who don’t like ETS, but there several leaders who like ETS and took the floor to defend the system and that’s the reason we need to continue our discussion on this issue.”
“It is true that there are some leaders who don’t like ETS, but there several leaders who like ETS and took the floor to defend the system and that’s the reason we need to continue our discussion on this issue.”
February 13, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Ending ETS just at the point when solar and wind are cheaper than fossil fuels in order to give dirty dangerous and old fashioned technology of the 19th and 20th century would be very stupid and send Europe’s industry into the past
The court also said they were engaged in criminal damage - but that this was not enough to proscribe them.
Then again Polanski is not a serious politician.
Then again Polanski is not a serious politician.
A court has ruled that the government's authoritarian ban on Palestine Action was unlawful.
Time to stop criminalising the people protesting a genocide - and start ending the UK's complicity.
Time to stop criminalising the people protesting a genocide - and start ending the UK's complicity.
February 13, 2026 at 11:57 AM
The court also said they were engaged in criminal damage - but that this was not enough to proscribe them.
Then again Polanski is not a serious politician.
Then again Polanski is not a serious politician.
Portugal leading support for the Eurobomb…
Winds of change, Zeitenwende, etc:
Europe has changed.
Poll finds clear majorities for increasing defence spending and a European nuclear deterrent.
Source ecfr.eu/publication/...
Europe has changed.
Poll finds clear majorities for increasing defence spending and a European nuclear deterrent.
Source ecfr.eu/publication/...
February 13, 2026 at 8:33 AM
Portugal leading support for the Eurobomb…
In a political world where campaign strategy drives comms which drives policy, in that order, policy is put at the bottom of the heap. (UK)
In a policy driven world the comms is given excessively technical stuff to sell, but no influence over the product (European Commission)
Neither ideal
In a policy driven world the comms is given excessively technical stuff to sell, but no influence over the product (European Commission)
Neither ideal
You'd think this would be obvious. But it isn't. In the end, good policy will often produce good communications. Good communications will never on its own produce good policy. And in a valence world, policy and outcomes are what counts.
February 12, 2026 at 1:36 PM
In a political world where campaign strategy drives comms which drives policy, in that order, policy is put at the bottom of the heap. (UK)
In a policy driven world the comms is given excessively technical stuff to sell, but no influence over the product (European Commission)
Neither ideal
In a policy driven world the comms is given excessively technical stuff to sell, but no influence over the product (European Commission)
Neither ideal
So, if the only way to have a European nuclear deterrent legally is to set up a federal European state…
*No gifs of Altiero Spinelli could be found
@andrewduffeu.bsky.social
*No gifs of Altiero Spinelli could be found
@andrewduffeu.bsky.social
The sobering conclusion in short: there are no good options.
And precisely therefore, it is essential Europeans start thinking now about which sub-optimal option(s) they want to invest in. Ignoring difficult questions now will - as ever so often - only raise the costs of action in the future.
And precisely therefore, it is essential Europeans start thinking now about which sub-optimal option(s) they want to invest in. Ignoring difficult questions now will - as ever so often - only raise the costs of action in the future.
February 12, 2026 at 12:08 PM
So, if the only way to have a European nuclear deterrent legally is to set up a federal European state…
*No gifs of Altiero Spinelli could be found
@andrewduffeu.bsky.social
*No gifs of Altiero Spinelli could be found
@andrewduffeu.bsky.social
Europe has a narrow window of opportunity.
Just as we acted on health in the pandemic & on defence after Ukraine, now we must act on competitiveness.
•Complete Single Market
•Simplify procedures
•Turn savings into investment
•Strengthen strategic autonomy
•Pursue ambitious free & fair trade agenda
Just as we acted on health in the pandemic & on defence after Ukraine, now we must act on competitiveness.
•Complete Single Market
•Simplify procedures
•Turn savings into investment
•Strengthen strategic autonomy
•Pursue ambitious free & fair trade agenda
February 12, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Is a European Security Council putting the cart before the horse?
We need
- Common procurement ⬇️ costs and ⬆️ interop
- US-free cmd structure, doctrine, exercising
- Secure technology sharing between European and middle power allies (JP, SK, Aus, Ca)
Can an ESC achieve that?
We need
- Common procurement ⬇️ costs and ⬆️ interop
- US-free cmd structure, doctrine, exercising
- Secure technology sharing between European and middle power allies (JP, SK, Aus, Ca)
Can an ESC achieve that?
European Security Council: why creating a new institution is not the most realistic option. Making better use of existing formats can deliver just what Europe needs, argues @lscazzieri.bsky.social. 🔗 ow.ly/3AbV50YebZw
February 12, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Is a European Security Council putting the cart before the horse?
We need
- Common procurement ⬇️ costs and ⬆️ interop
- US-free cmd structure, doctrine, exercising
- Secure technology sharing between European and middle power allies (JP, SK, Aus, Ca)
Can an ESC achieve that?
We need
- Common procurement ⬇️ costs and ⬆️ interop
- US-free cmd structure, doctrine, exercising
- Secure technology sharing between European and middle power allies (JP, SK, Aus, Ca)
Can an ESC achieve that?
Indeed. Hope major West European states see this too.
My most flaming hot take is that they see Russian collapse as relatively imminent* and want a deal. If RF collapse with no deal, Trump gets no credit and US leverage diminishes.
*So many red flashing lights on the attrition board. It mainly awaits a catalyst now.
*So many red flashing lights on the attrition board. It mainly awaits a catalyst now.
Take claims that Ukraine will hold elections in May and the war will end in the summer with a grain of salt. All we know right now is that yet another White House push to bully Ukraine on behalf of Ru is under way. That's all Trump's been doing for a whole year. This too shall pass.
February 11, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Indeed. Hope major West European states see this too.
Reposted by Garvan Walshe
Applications are now open for the 13th Clara Marina O’Donnell fellowship, full details below.
Start date: October 2026 for six months
Pay: London Living Wage
Applications in by: 09/04/26
@centreeuropeanref.bsky.social @brookings.edu @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social
buff.ly/3vV64SZ
Start date: October 2026 for six months
Pay: London Living Wage
Applications in by: 09/04/26
@centreeuropeanref.bsky.social @brookings.edu @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social
buff.ly/3vV64SZ
February 11, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Applications are now open for the 13th Clara Marina O’Donnell fellowship, full details below.
Start date: October 2026 for six months
Pay: London Living Wage
Applications in by: 09/04/26
@centreeuropeanref.bsky.social @brookings.edu @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social
buff.ly/3vV64SZ
Start date: October 2026 for six months
Pay: London Living Wage
Applications in by: 09/04/26
@centreeuropeanref.bsky.social @brookings.edu @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social
buff.ly/3vV64SZ
EU funded NGOs play a vital role in defending the rights of Europeans including when the governments of their own member states abandon them.
The process is bureaucratic but transparent - where did the MCC get its money from?
Who is the “ultimate beneficial owner”?
The process is bureaucratic but transparent - where did the MCC get its money from?
Who is the “ultimate beneficial owner”?
Their arguments - unsurprisingly - are not very convincing.
By "recently uncovered" I guess the MCC means that they read @democracyreporting.bsky.social's press release 🫠
By "recently uncovered" I guess the MCC means that they read @democracyreporting.bsky.social's press release 🫠
February 11, 2026 at 1:08 PM
EU funded NGOs play a vital role in defending the rights of Europeans including when the governments of their own member states abandon them.
The process is bureaucratic but transparent - where did the MCC get its money from?
Who is the “ultimate beneficial owner”?
The process is bureaucratic but transparent - where did the MCC get its money from?
Who is the “ultimate beneficial owner”?
Reposted by Garvan Walshe
In Europe, goods and people mostly move freely — but services are still largely stuck behind a web of national bureaucracy. We are, in effect, sanctioning our own economies, warns MEP Barry Andrews.
A shared market for services? EU leaders’ competitiveness summit blind spot
In Europe, goods and people mostly move freely — but services are still largely stuck behind a web of national bureaucracy. We are, in effect, sanctioning our own economies, warns MEP Barry Andrews.
euobserver.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:50 PM
In Europe, goods and people mostly move freely — but services are still largely stuck behind a web of national bureaucracy. We are, in effect, sanctioning our own economies, warns MEP Barry Andrews.
Another piece of mercantilist advocacy here. But even if you think mercantilism and import substitution work (I don’t) this doesn’t address the generation of growth in Europe’s much larger service sector.
When EU leaders meet tomorrow to discuss the EU’s competitiveness agenda, they should stop chasing ghosts and confront the real problem Europe‘s economy is facing.
Our latest for @politico.eu with @nilsredeker.bsky.social and @sandertordoir.bsky.social 👇
Our latest for @politico.eu with @nilsredeker.bsky.social and @sandertordoir.bsky.social 👇
Europe is chasing the wrong fix for its growth crisis
The continent’s old growth model no longer works in today’s world. And EU leaders need a plan that matches the scale of this shift.
www.politico.eu
February 11, 2026 at 9:51 AM
Another piece of mercantilist advocacy here. But even if you think mercantilism and import substitution work (I don’t) this doesn’t address the generation of growth in Europe’s much larger service sector.
Hostile act by the Trump administration. It needs to be rejected.
NEW: Ukraine has begun planning presidential elections alongside a referendum on any peace deal with Russia, after the Trump administration pressed Kyiv to hold both votes by May 15 or risk losing proposed US security guarantees
w/ @henryjfoy.ft.com @maxseddon.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/50d3...
w/ @henryjfoy.ft.com @maxseddon.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/50d3...
Zelenskyy plans spring elections alongside referendum on peace deal after US push
Trump administration has pressured Ukrainian leader to hold both votes by May 15 or risk losing security guarantees
www.ft.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:39 AM
Hostile act by the Trump administration. It needs to be rejected.
- Mr Lulea, you’re a Romanian nationalist?
- Lulea: Yes
-So you’d defend Romania from foreign invasion?
- Lulea: Well no, not if it’s Russia invading
- I have no further questions
Funny how every European “nationalist” would sell their country out to Putin
- Lulea: Yes
-So you’d defend Romania from foreign invasion?
- Lulea: Well no, not if it’s Russia invading
- I have no further questions
Funny how every European “nationalist” would sell their country out to Putin
AUR leader says he'd cede Romanian land to Russia to avoid a possible war. Likely representative 40-60% of party voters
Even in hypothetical scenarios they can't pretend or try spinning it somewhat, to dumb, to vile. Nationalism of the 21st century. Old Vadim/Funar wouldn't have stooped so low
Even in hypothetical scenarios they can't pretend or try spinning it somewhat, to dumb, to vile. Nationalism of the 21st century. Old Vadim/Funar wouldn't have stooped so low
@miyhnea.bsky.social
>BVSED irredentism blood and soil nationalist party
>look inside
>"we have to give up our own territories so the big russia doesn't conquer us :'(((("
The fascist internationale. Literally all of them are like this regardless of country. When are we hanging these people?
>BVSED irredentism blood and soil nationalist party
>look inside
>"we have to give up our own territories so the big russia doesn't conquer us :'(((("
The fascist internationale. Literally all of them are like this regardless of country. When are we hanging these people?
February 10, 2026 at 7:17 PM
- Mr Lulea, you’re a Romanian nationalist?
- Lulea: Yes
-So you’d defend Romania from foreign invasion?
- Lulea: Well no, not if it’s Russia invading
- I have no further questions
Funny how every European “nationalist” would sell their country out to Putin
- Lulea: Yes
-So you’d defend Romania from foreign invasion?
- Lulea: Well no, not if it’s Russia invading
- I have no further questions
Funny how every European “nationalist” would sell their country out to Putin
Great part of a thread on the damage done to British fiscal policy by the political system’s inability to make non-simplistic decisions.
One of those insane things the Tories did that just mangled the marginal rates for no reason pretty much.
February 10, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Great part of a thread on the damage done to British fiscal policy by the political system’s inability to make non-simplistic decisions.
Very good to see people talking of expanding pesco - its current limitation to procurement is not required by the treaties and this would be a very positive idea. I hope someone takes this up or indeed that @maxbergmann.bsky.social himself expands on it!
I think something new needs to be built. A Schengen type structure created through PESCO is one option. But the geopolitical problem with a pure Coalition of the Willing of states is it maintains the divorce in Europe between economic and military power. In a war, need to have that linked.
February 10, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Very good to see people talking of expanding pesco - its current limitation to procurement is not required by the treaties and this would be a very positive idea. I hope someone takes this up or indeed that @maxbergmann.bsky.social himself expands on it!
Reposted by Garvan Walshe
I think something new needs to be built. A Schengen type structure created through PESCO is one option. But the geopolitical problem with a pure Coalition of the Willing of states is it maintains the divorce in Europe between economic and military power. In a war, need to have that linked.
February 10, 2026 at 2:51 PM
I think something new needs to be built. A Schengen type structure created through PESCO is one option. But the geopolitical problem with a pure Coalition of the Willing of states is it maintains the divorce in Europe between economic and military power. In a war, need to have that linked.
Monnet created the Coal and Steel community to stop this kind of nonsense. Just hand the thing over to Kubilius to sort out for you :)
There will be no MGCS if there is no FCAS, Emmanuel Macron hints: "If ... the German partner were to call into question the joint fighter project, we would be forced to call into question the joint tank project." www.lemonde.fr/economie/art...
Emmanuel Macron : « C’est le moment pour l’UE de lancer une capacité commune d’endettement, à travers des eurobonds »
A deux jours d’une rencontre des chefs d’Etat et de gouvernement de l’UE à Bruxelles, le président de la République appelle les Vingt-Sept, dans un entretien au « Monde » et à plusieurs journaux europ...
www.lemonde.fr
February 10, 2026 at 10:17 AM
Monnet created the Coal and Steel community to stop this kind of nonsense. Just hand the thing over to Kubilius to sort out for you :)
Vote remain…because the EU will turn into Argentina anyway?
The "Argentinian approach" to kill EU competitiveness stone dead. Wonder how much worrying there is in Germany about an increasing France problem. Because this is supposedly a centrist government.
A French government-linked strategy body on Monday urged the EU to impose a 30% tariff on Chinese imports, warning Beijing poses a “systemic threat” to Europe's industrial base.
www.euractiv.com/new...
www.euractiv.com/new...
February 10, 2026 at 9:47 AM
Vote remain…because the EU will turn into Argentina anyway?
Someone’s going to get sued - for a lot of money - and deservedly so
*my biggest and most exhausted sigh*
"As AI Enters the Operating Room, Reports Arise of Botched Surgeries and Misidentified Body Parts"
www.reuters.com/investigatio...
"As AI Enters the Operating Room, Reports Arise of Botched Surgeries and Misidentified Body Parts"
www.reuters.com/investigatio...
February 10, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Someone’s going to get sued - for a lot of money - and deservedly so
Reposted by Garvan Walshe
Pretty horrific account about an Irish (and thus also EU) citizen being held by ICE since September last year, despite having a legal work and residence permit in the US and being married to an US citizen.
"He said he has been locked in the same large, cold and damp room for 4½ months with more than 70 men. He said detainees are constantly hungry because meals served at tables in the centre of the room offer only child-sized portions." www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...
‘Absolute hell’: Irishman with valid US work permit held by Ice since September
Seamus Culleton has been in a detention facility in Texas for nearly five months despite having no criminal record
www.irishtimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Pretty horrific account about an Irish (and thus also EU) citizen being held by ICE since September last year, despite having a legal work and residence permit in the US and being married to an US citizen.