Johan Olofsson
@jmolofsson.bsky.social
Retired
enjoying my otium in Barcelona
Am here to read — not to argue
Believe in giving you the last word
Once a student of theology, sociology & medicine
Grew up in Lund
Relatives in Finland
Not a Follow Back type
Fond of the feed Quiet Posters
enjoying my otium in Barcelona
Am here to read — not to argue
Believe in giving you the last word
Once a student of theology, sociology & medicine
Grew up in Lund
Relatives in Finland
Not a Follow Back type
Fond of the feed Quiet Posters
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
🚨🚨Very welcome new French landmark legislation was approved yesterday introducing the concept of consent in the legal definition of #rape following the shocking #GisèlePelicot trial last year. 🧵 www.politico.eu/article/fran...
France moves to define all nonconsensual sex as rape after Pelicot trial
The trial of Gisèle Pélicot’s rapists accelerated the debate on consent in France.
www.politico.eu
October 30, 2025 at 4:44 PM
🚨🚨Very welcome new French landmark legislation was approved yesterday introducing the concept of consent in the legal definition of #rape following the shocking #GisèlePelicot trial last year. 🧵 www.politico.eu/article/fran...
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
World Travel and Tourism Council quits UK for EU due to Brexit. 'The benefits of a European head office include lower operational costs, EU single market access and recruitment flexibility of a multilingual talent pool'. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Brexit sees another international institution abandon Britain for Europe
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has become the latest major international institution to announce plans to close its doors on its headquarters in the UK
www.independent.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 10:46 AM
World Travel and Tourism Council quits UK for EU due to Brexit. 'The benefits of a European head office include lower operational costs, EU single market access and recruitment flexibility of a multilingual talent pool'. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
Everything you wanted to know about the Dutch elections but were afraid to ask or couldn't find in English
As usual, some surprises in the exit poll for the Dutch elections. D66 largest in the exit poll, just before PVV. Given MOE still uncertain which party has won. VVD more or less stable, and given earlier poll losses, they celebrate that as a win. GL-PvdA lose 5 seats. CDA gains.
October 29, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Everything you wanted to know about the Dutch elections but were afraid to ask or couldn't find in English
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
Huge thanks to @edwinhayward.com for taking part in this month’s Bremainers Ask feature
An author/political commentator Edwin’s book Slaying Brexit Unicorns, debunks many of the myths surrounding Brexit
Read his excellent answers to our Q’s on Labour, Brexit, Reform & more @suewilson91.bsky.social
An author/political commentator Edwin’s book Slaying Brexit Unicorns, debunks many of the myths surrounding Brexit
Read his excellent answers to our Q’s on Labour, Brexit, Reform & more @suewilson91.bsky.social
Bremainers Ask ..... Edwin Hayward - Bremain in Spain
Bremain in Spain is campaigning for a strong & close relationship with the EU and to protect the rights of British migrants living in Spain.
www.bremaininspain.com
October 2, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Huge thanks to @edwinhayward.com for taking part in this month’s Bremainers Ask feature
An author/political commentator Edwin’s book Slaying Brexit Unicorns, debunks many of the myths surrounding Brexit
Read his excellent answers to our Q’s on Labour, Brexit, Reform & more @suewilson91.bsky.social
An author/political commentator Edwin’s book Slaying Brexit Unicorns, debunks many of the myths surrounding Brexit
Read his excellent answers to our Q’s on Labour, Brexit, Reform & more @suewilson91.bsky.social
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
🚨🚨Important @politico.eu opinion piece by @alanderminna.bsky.social & @josephdeweck.bsky.social suggesting- based on recent polling- that there is quite strong support among EU citizens for more European integration, notably in terms of security and defence:
September 5, 2025 at 4:50 AM
🚨🚨Important @politico.eu opinion piece by @alanderminna.bsky.social & @josephdeweck.bsky.social suggesting- based on recent polling- that there is quite strong support among EU citizens for more European integration, notably in terms of security and defence:
Quote:
Brexit means more than Brexit. Those who voted Leave in 2016 have distinctive views on a range of so-called cultural issues.
They are especially concerned about immigration, they are doubtful about many equalities policies, and they are more inclined to be sceptical about climate change.
Brexit means more than Brexit. Those who voted Leave in 2016 have distinctive views on a range of so-called cultural issues.
They are especially concerned about immigration, they are doubtful about many equalities policies, and they are more inclined to be sceptical about climate change.
Morning Bluesky.
Reform starts its conference today. This is an interesting read by psephologist Sir John Curtice about the make-up of the party and what’s needed to defeat Farage.
Reform starts its conference today. This is an interesting read by psephologist Sir John Curtice about the make-up of the party and what’s needed to defeat Farage.
Sir John Curtice: How Reform's capture of the Brexit vote could be enough to win an election
The party has now been ahead in the polls for five months, but can it keep the momentum?
www.bbc.co.uk
September 5, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Quote:
Brexit means more than Brexit. Those who voted Leave in 2016 have distinctive views on a range of so-called cultural issues.
They are especially concerned about immigration, they are doubtful about many equalities policies, and they are more inclined to be sceptical about climate change.
Brexit means more than Brexit. Those who voted Leave in 2016 have distinctive views on a range of so-called cultural issues.
They are especially concerned about immigration, they are doubtful about many equalities policies, and they are more inclined to be sceptical about climate change.
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
Tbh there's a great argument to be made for re-opening dozens of railway lines shut in the 60s and 70s. Many were shut due to the assumption that cars were the future and railways would die out. Now we know that we need extensive public transport both for sustainability & income inequality reasons.
Calls are being made to re-open a railway line shut 60 years ago as concerns grow that transport links in Dumfries and Galloway have become a key cause of depopulation
www.heraldscotland.com/news...
@martin1williams.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news...
@martin1williams.bsky.social
August 28, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Tbh there's a great argument to be made for re-opening dozens of railway lines shut in the 60s and 70s. Many were shut due to the assumption that cars were the future and railways would die out. Now we know that we need extensive public transport both for sustainability & income inequality reasons.
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
When 37 intelligence officials are saying one thing about Russia and Tulsi Gabbard is saying another, who are you going to trust
Gabbard revokes the security clearances of 37 former intelligence officials.
The move comes as her office has placed escalating scrutiny on Obama administration officials involved in a review of Russian election interference.
The move comes as her office has placed escalating scrutiny on Obama administration officials involved in a review of Russian election interference.
Gabbard revokes security clearances of 37 former intelligence officials
The move comes as her office has placed escalating scrutiny on Obama administration officials involved in a review of Russian election interference.
www.politico.com
August 21, 2025 at 12:54 PM
When 37 intelligence officials are saying one thing about Russia and Tulsi Gabbard is saying another, who are you going to trust
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
"Diplomats and governments on NATO’s eastern flank warn that Russia is trying to use peace talks to obtain a strategic advantage it hasn't been able to win on the battlefield despite three-and-a-half years of bloody fighting that cost it over a million casualties."
Vladimir Putin is focusing on a deal that would grant him Ukraine’s key defensive lines, just as Adolf Hitler secured Czechoslovakia’s fortifications in 1938.
Why there are fears of Munich 1938 in Washington 2025
Putin is focusing on a deal that would grant him Ukraine’s key defensive lines, just as Hitler secured Czechoslovakia’s fortifications in 1938.
www.politico.eu
August 19, 2025 at 6:47 AM
"Diplomats and governments on NATO’s eastern flank warn that Russia is trying to use peace talks to obtain a strategic advantage it hasn't been able to win on the battlefield despite three-and-a-half years of bloody fighting that cost it over a million casualties."
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
The discussion about security guarantees is based on a misunderstanding of what Putin has said or means. But that doesn't mean it can't be useful. If the European countries run with it now, it can be very difficult for Russia to get out of it later.
Reminder that Putin has never said he wants a trilateral meeting, had never said he would respect Ukrainian sovereignty, and has never said he wants to end the war. Not to be a downer, but the discussion of security guarantees is premature.
August 19, 2025 at 10:59 AM
The discussion about security guarantees is based on a misunderstanding of what Putin has said or means. But that doesn't mean it can't be useful. If the European countries run with it now, it can be very difficult for Russia to get out of it later.
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
Nothing appears to have actually changed with regard to Ukraine in the last seven days, but numerous world leaders flew to the US to flatter the President. Such is this Trump Presidency.
August 19, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Nothing appears to have actually changed with regard to Ukraine in the last seven days, but numerous world leaders flew to the US to flatter the President. Such is this Trump Presidency.
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
I really resent that I have to waste valuable lifetime following the incoherent ramblings of a major earthly leader while the people who elect him only give a hoot about politics once every 4 years and otherwise go on with their (soon not so merry) lives. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
August 19, 2025 at 4:45 AM
I really resent that I have to waste valuable lifetime following the incoherent ramblings of a major earthly leader while the people who elect him only give a hoot about politics once every 4 years and otherwise go on with their (soon not so merry) lives. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
I höst beslutar ScandFibre Logistics (SFL) vilket eller vilka företag som får utföra transporterna av papper och förpackningsmaterial under de kommande fem åren. Risken är stor att många transporter förs över från tåg till lastbil.
#järnvägar
LÄS ARTIKELN: jarnvagar.nu/gods-fran-ta...
#järnvägar
LÄS ARTIKELN: jarnvagar.nu/gods-fran-ta...
Gods från tåg till lastbil efter höjda banavgifter – Järnvägar.nu
I höst beslutar ScandFibre Logistics (SFL) vilket eller vilka företag som får utföra transporterna av papper och förpackningsmaterial under de kommande fem åren. Avtalen är värda fem–sex miljarder kro...
jarnvagar.nu
August 19, 2025 at 5:06 AM
I höst beslutar ScandFibre Logistics (SFL) vilket eller vilka företag som får utföra transporterna av papper och förpackningsmaterial under de kommande fem åren. Risken är stor att många transporter förs över från tåg till lastbil.
#järnvägar
LÄS ARTIKELN: jarnvagar.nu/gods-fran-ta...
#järnvägar
LÄS ARTIKELN: jarnvagar.nu/gods-fran-ta...
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
Reminder that Putin has never said he wants a trilateral meeting, had never said he would respect Ukrainian sovereignty, and has never said he wants to end the war. Not to be a downer, but the discussion of security guarantees is premature.
August 19, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Reminder that Putin has never said he wants a trilateral meeting, had never said he would respect Ukrainian sovereignty, and has never said he wants to end the war. Not to be a downer, but the discussion of security guarantees is premature.
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
Interesting, and according to expectations:
Leaving the EU creates also barriers to service trade - and of course many services are linked to goods trade.
Equally logical is that this is not compensated by increased trade with the rest of the world - there was nothing holding UK back while in EU.
Leaving the EU creates also barriers to service trade - and of course many services are linked to goods trade.
Equally logical is that this is not compensated by increased trade with the rest of the world - there was nothing holding UK back while in EU.
“The services sector is our most important economic asset, accounting for 80% of total UK output. However, the latest research by London School of Economics (LSE) shows that services exports have declined by around 16% in the EU markets most affected by Brexit-related trade barriers. “
The Reality of UK Services Trade Post-Brexit - British Chambers of Commerce
The services sector represents 80% of UK output, but LSE research indicates a 16% drop in services exports to key EU markets affected by Brexit trade barriers.
www.britishchambers.org.uk
August 19, 2025 at 5:53 AM
Interesting, and according to expectations:
Leaving the EU creates also barriers to service trade - and of course many services are linked to goods trade.
Equally logical is that this is not compensated by increased trade with the rest of the world - there was nothing holding UK back while in EU.
Leaving the EU creates also barriers to service trade - and of course many services are linked to goods trade.
Equally logical is that this is not compensated by increased trade with the rest of the world - there was nothing holding UK back while in EU.
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
What happened when an Oxford Uni AI/Media specialist, Alex Connock turned to ChatGPT to deliver a term-long master’s course for his students?
He was impressed
BUT before doing so he prompted ChatGPT to absorb everything he’s ever said or written about his subject
theconversation.com/i-got-an-ai-...
He was impressed
BUT before doing so he prompted ChatGPT to absorb everything he’s ever said or written about his subject
theconversation.com/i-got-an-ai-...
I got an AI to impersonate me and teach me my own course – here’s what I learned about the future of education
Can AI agents superpower the classroom?
theconversation.com
August 19, 2025 at 8:24 AM
What happened when an Oxford Uni AI/Media specialist, Alex Connock turned to ChatGPT to deliver a term-long master’s course for his students?
He was impressed
BUT before doing so he prompted ChatGPT to absorb everything he’s ever said or written about his subject
theconversation.com/i-got-an-ai-...
He was impressed
BUT before doing so he prompted ChatGPT to absorb everything he’s ever said or written about his subject
theconversation.com/i-got-an-ai-...
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
Negating formidable defensive lines by “negotiations” is an old dictator tactic. Hitler used it in Czechoslovakia, Stalin tried to use it in Finland, Putin tries to use it in Ukraine.
Hesitate to contradict a former FCO PUS, but the idea of giving Putin all of Donetsk to get lasting peace in Ukraine shows a lack of knowledge of Putin (who thinks UA isn't a state & Ukrainians are just Russians) & of UA's military geography (ripe for further conquest without its Donetsk defences).
It’s surreal that articles like this have to be written but dealing with a sociopathic US president requires extraordinary measures.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
August 18, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Negating formidable defensive lines by “negotiations” is an old dictator tactic. Hitler used it in Czechoslovakia, Stalin tried to use it in Finland, Putin tries to use it in Ukraine.
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
A sick question from a Kremlin-coddling stooge & utter coward.
The Ukrainian troops I met on the front were fighting — were willing to give their lives — to protect their children, families, & friends. Their homes, nation, & freedom. Not being ‘sent to their deaths’ for ‘maps.’
The Ukrainian troops I met on the front were fighting — were willing to give their lives — to protect their children, families, & friends. Their homes, nation, & freedom. Not being ‘sent to their deaths’ for ‘maps.’
August 18, 2025 at 6:27 PM
A sick question from a Kremlin-coddling stooge & utter coward.
The Ukrainian troops I met on the front were fighting — were willing to give their lives — to protect their children, families, & friends. Their homes, nation, & freedom. Not being ‘sent to their deaths’ for ‘maps.’
The Ukrainian troops I met on the front were fighting — were willing to give their lives — to protect their children, families, & friends. Their homes, nation, & freedom. Not being ‘sent to their deaths’ for ‘maps.’
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
Jeg har talt med @information.dk om resultatet af topmødet i Alaska og perspektiverne for en fredsaftale.
Denne passage opsummerer vist min hovedpointe: "Det mest slående ved Alaska-topmødet er ifølge Anders Puck Nielsen »den totale inkompetence og naivitet fra amerikansk side«."
Denne passage opsummerer vist min hovedpointe: "Det mest slående ved Alaska-topmødet er ifølge Anders Puck Nielsen »den totale inkompetence og naivitet fra amerikansk side«."
Militæranalytiker om Alaska-topmøde: Ruslands position er grundlæggende den samme som før
Efter Trump og Putins tilsyneladende resultatløse topmøde i Alaska går der rygter om, at Putin alligevel vil acceptere en sikkerhedsgaranti. Disse rygter tror militæranalytiker Anders Puck Nielsen ikk...
www.information.dk
August 18, 2025 at 5:29 AM
Jeg har talt med @information.dk om resultatet af topmødet i Alaska og perspektiverne for en fredsaftale.
Denne passage opsummerer vist min hovedpointe: "Det mest slående ved Alaska-topmødet er ifølge Anders Puck Nielsen »den totale inkompetence og naivitet fra amerikansk side«."
Denne passage opsummerer vist min hovedpointe: "Det mest slående ved Alaska-topmødet er ifølge Anders Puck Nielsen »den totale inkompetence og naivitet fra amerikansk side«."
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
It just occurred to me that of all the state leaders meeting in the White House, Zelensky represents the country with the largest army. Sure, the US and others have more expensive equipment, but it's still food for thought.
August 18, 2025 at 7:40 PM
It just occurred to me that of all the state leaders meeting in the White House, Zelensky represents the country with the largest army. Sure, the US and others have more expensive equipment, but it's still food for thought.
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
It's a bit ridiculous to watch the Western press excited about Trump's message about security guarantees for Ukraine without reporting that the Russians simultaneously deny having made such a concession.
Russian foreign ministry clarifies that they will under no circumstances accept NATO soldiers on Ukrainian territory after a peace agreement. So much for Steve Witkoff's claim that Putin had given this concession in Alaska.
August 18, 2025 at 8:49 PM
It's a bit ridiculous to watch the Western press excited about Trump's message about security guarantees for Ukraine without reporting that the Russians simultaneously deny having made such a concession.
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
BREAKING: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has posted following a call with President Trump
“Ukraine reaffirms its readiness to work with maximum effort to achieve peace”
“Ukraine reaffirms its readiness to work with maximum effort to achieve peace”
August 16, 2025 at 7:35 AM
BREAKING: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has posted following a call with President Trump
“Ukraine reaffirms its readiness to work with maximum effort to achieve peace”
“Ukraine reaffirms its readiness to work with maximum effort to achieve peace”
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
A kiss behind the parasol, unseen and unknown — to all but the happy sun. 🌞
An artist well worth a follow: @les-illus-d-alex.bsky.social
An artist well worth a follow: @les-illus-d-alex.bsky.social
August 16, 2025 at 7:36 AM
A kiss behind the parasol, unseen and unknown — to all but the happy sun. 🌞
An artist well worth a follow: @les-illus-d-alex.bsky.social
An artist well worth a follow: @les-illus-d-alex.bsky.social
Reposted by Johan Olofsson
The meaning we need to unpack is that if the democracies of Europe allow Trump to take the lead in negotiating with Putin, the results will be very bad for Ukraine and all Europe.
Europe needs to seize control of the situation, and that means accelerating investment in defence and in Ukraine.
Europe needs to seize control of the situation, and that means accelerating investment in defence and in Ukraine.
August 16, 2025 at 8:13 AM
The meaning we need to unpack is that if the democracies of Europe allow Trump to take the lead in negotiating with Putin, the results will be very bad for Ukraine and all Europe.
Europe needs to seize control of the situation, and that means accelerating investment in defence and in Ukraine.
Europe needs to seize control of the situation, and that means accelerating investment in defence and in Ukraine.