Max Bergmann
@maxbergmann.bsky.social
Director of the Europe, Russia, Eurasia Program at CSIS. Podcasts EuroFile and Russian Roulette. Fmr State Department official. DC sports, Tottenham
Reposted by Max Bergmann
DC local media is a generational opportunity for someone.
February 4, 2026 at 3:53 PM
DC local media is a generational opportunity for someone.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Today is a dark day for American journalism. Some of the best reporters and editors around the globe have been laid off by the Washington Post. The news-consuming public will pay the price.
My job wasn't spared. It's been the honor of a lifetime to be Berlin bureau chief, if only for 6 months.
My job wasn't spared. It's been the honor of a lifetime to be Berlin bureau chief, if only for 6 months.
February 4, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Today is a dark day for American journalism. Some of the best reporters and editors around the globe have been laid off by the Washington Post. The news-consuming public will pay the price.
My job wasn't spared. It's been the honor of a lifetime to be Berlin bureau chief, if only for 6 months.
My job wasn't spared. It's been the honor of a lifetime to be Berlin bureau chief, if only for 6 months.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Defence needs not only material but also an intellectual Big Bang & discussions about the future of European defence and how to achieve a true European Defence Union
Great discussion w Max Bergmann, co-author of the paper “How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America”
Great discussion w Max Bergmann, co-author of the paper “How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America”
February 3, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Defence needs not only material but also an intellectual Big Bang & discussions about the future of European defence and how to achieve a true European Defence Union
Great discussion w Max Bergmann, co-author of the paper “How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America”
Great discussion w Max Bergmann, co-author of the paper “How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America”
Reposted by Max Bergmann
🎧 CSIS expert Richard Rossow joined @maxbergmann.bsky.social and @donatienneruy.bsky.social on The #Eurofile last week to assess the opportunities and risks in the new EU–India free trade agreement.
Tune in to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Tune in to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Davos, Greenland, and the EU-India Deal | The Eurofile | CSIS Podcasts
Max and Donatienne discuss last week's World Economic Forum in Davos before turning to a conversation with Rick Rossow about the newly announced EU-India free trade agreement.
www.csis.org
February 3, 2026 at 6:21 PM
🎧 CSIS expert Richard Rossow joined @maxbergmann.bsky.social and @donatienneruy.bsky.social on The #Eurofile last week to assess the opportunities and risks in the new EU–India free trade agreement.
Tune in to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Tune in to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
🚨 European EV registrations end 2025 with a bang.
22.6% of new cars in the EU were pure battery electric vehicles in December. With plug-in hybrid vehicles included, the share rises to 33.3%.
Discover the latest data in Bruegel's European Clean Tech Tracker: european-clean-tech-tracker.bruegel.org
22.6% of new cars in the EU were pure battery electric vehicles in December. With plug-in hybrid vehicles included, the share rises to 33.3%.
Discover the latest data in Bruegel's European Clean Tech Tracker: european-clean-tech-tracker.bruegel.org
February 3, 2026 at 3:03 PM
🚨 European EV registrations end 2025 with a bang.
22.6% of new cars in the EU were pure battery electric vehicles in December. With plug-in hybrid vehicles included, the share rises to 33.3%.
Discover the latest data in Bruegel's European Clean Tech Tracker: european-clean-tech-tracker.bruegel.org
22.6% of new cars in the EU were pure battery electric vehicles in December. With plug-in hybrid vehicles included, the share rises to 33.3%.
Discover the latest data in Bruegel's European Clean Tech Tracker: european-clean-tech-tracker.bruegel.org
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Criticism of the Nordic Nuke Debate™️ in Aftonbladet:
"We've gone from 'we can't join NATO because NATO has nukes' to asking 'shouldn't we get our own?'"
"If a country like Sweden develops nuclear weapons the [NPT] would collapse, and with it, in practice, the rules based international order."
"We've gone from 'we can't join NATO because NATO has nukes' to asking 'shouldn't we get our own?'"
"If a country like Sweden develops nuclear weapons the [NPT] would collapse, and with it, in practice, the rules based international order."
Svenska kärnvapen är mest en fantasi
MÜNCHEN Förra veckan diskuterades kärnvapen i Sverige. På kort tid har debatten gått från ”vi kan inte gå med i Nato eftersom Nato har kärnvapen” till frågan ”b
www.aftonbladet.se
February 3, 2026 at 8:32 AM
Criticism of the Nordic Nuke Debate™️ in Aftonbladet:
"We've gone from 'we can't join NATO because NATO has nukes' to asking 'shouldn't we get our own?'"
"If a country like Sweden develops nuclear weapons the [NPT] would collapse, and with it, in practice, the rules based international order."
"We've gone from 'we can't join NATO because NATO has nukes' to asking 'shouldn't we get our own?'"
"If a country like Sweden develops nuclear weapons the [NPT] would collapse, and with it, in practice, the rules based international order."
Reposted by Max Bergmann
The interview Commissioner Dombrovskis gave to the BBC last night suggests at least some leaders are waking up. Will the PM join them? Will France?
The world has changed since the 2016 #Brexit vote. In response, the UK & EU need to be more willing to change fundamental aspects of their post-Brexit relationship.
New @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social/ KAS UK & Ireland policy brief by @cerianbond.bsky.social
Read here: buff.ly/vQRCfrT
New @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social/ KAS UK & Ireland policy brief by @cerianbond.bsky.social
Read here: buff.ly/vQRCfrT
February 3, 2026 at 9:28 AM
The interview Commissioner Dombrovskis gave to the BBC last night suggests at least some leaders are waking up. Will the PM join them? Will France?
Reposted by Max Bergmann
NEW: In the latest episode of The Negotiator Files, @poni.csis.org is joined by Rose Gottemoeller to discuss her role as the chief U.S. negotiator of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).
Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbXF...
Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbXF...
The Negotiator Files - A Conversation With Rose Gottemoeller
In this episode of The Negotiator Files, Rose Gottemoeller discusses her role as the chief U.S. negotiator of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New ST...
www.youtube.com
February 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM
NEW: In the latest episode of The Negotiator Files, @poni.csis.org is joined by Rose Gottemoeller to discuss her role as the chief U.S. negotiator of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).
Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbXF...
Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbXF...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
"Perhaps most dispiriting for many Europeans was realising the French had been right all along."
www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
Europe’s five stages of grief for the transatlantic alliance
From denial to bargaining to acceptance that the world has changed
www.economist.com
January 31, 2026 at 11:10 AM
"Perhaps most dispiriting for many Europeans was realising the French had been right all along."
www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
In the latest episode of The Eurofile, CSIS Chair in India and Emerging Asia economics expert Rick Rossow joins @erep.csis.org's @maxbergmann.bsky.social and Donatienne Ruy to discuss the newly announced EU-India free trade agreement.
Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
January 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM
In the latest episode of The Eurofile, CSIS Chair in India and Emerging Asia economics expert Rick Rossow joins @erep.csis.org's @maxbergmann.bsky.social and Donatienne Ruy to discuss the newly announced EU-India free trade agreement.
Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Listen here: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Good discussion on EU-India trade agreement @maxbergmann.bsky.social @donatienneruy.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/t...
Davos, Greenland, and the EU-India Deal
Podcast Episode · The Eurofile · 29/01/2026 · 43m
podcasts.apple.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:31 AM
Good discussion on EU-India trade agreement @maxbergmann.bsky.social @donatienneruy.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/t...
This is huge. And my guess is that this doesn't lead to a two speed Europe but a mass bandwagon effect. If the Six agree others will almost all follow.
Six European economies vow to drive progress on stalled projects www.reuters.com/business/ger...
Six European economies vow to drive progress on stalled projects
Ministers from six leading European economies including Germany and France vowed to be the drivers of European progress as they tackled how to advance projects stalled by the EU's complex decision-mak...
www.reuters.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:03 PM
This is huge. And my guess is that this doesn't lead to a two speed Europe but a mass bandwagon effect. If the Six agree others will almost all follow.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Holistically I do find this platform better now than it was 3, 6 months ago, and generally feel like my experience here is within my control.
Don’t know if it’s still honeymoon phase-y, but if the idea that “capital goes where it’s treated best” also holds for conversation, pretty bullish on this platform.
January 29, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Holistically I do find this platform better now than it was 3, 6 months ago, and generally feel like my experience here is within my control.
Two things can be true: this is a freak storm/cold spell and a legit weather disaster AND DC is dealing with this badly. The city is in its 3rd term of a machine mayor, the local paper doesn't cover the city anymore, and DC not run as well. There's a real lethargy and good that change is coming.
January 29, 2026 at 6:53 PM
Two things can be true: this is a freak storm/cold spell and a legit weather disaster AND DC is dealing with this badly. The city is in its 3rd term of a machine mayor, the local paper doesn't cover the city anymore, and DC not run as well. There's a real lethargy and good that change is coming.
Lots of this happening across the city.
Good People Alert: Couple “act(s) of collective altruism” www.popville.com/2026/01/good...
Good People Alert: Couple “act(s) of collective altruism” - PoPville
Thanks to Maddy for sending above yesterday: "An act of collective altruism took place this afternoon outside Teaism in Dupont Circle. An SUV got stuck in the haphazardly plowed roads across from the ...
www.popville.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Lots of this happening across the city.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Will the next big transatlantic conflict be over US hybrid warfare against Europe? Excellent interview about what Europe needs to do to defend itself without the US, with an American(!) former diplomat @maxbergmann.bsky.social
"I think with the EU, the [Trump] administration has decided to effectively declare a hybrid war against the European project...There's a huge effort to support and back the far-right in Europe...And why? Because the administration wants to break European unity."
youtu.be/5ALdXlatcCs?...
youtu.be/5ALdXlatcCs?...
How Europe Can Defend Itself Without America | Max Bergmann
YouTube video by The Next Best with Marcel Dirsus
youtu.be
January 29, 2026 at 1:20 PM
Will the next big transatlantic conflict be over US hybrid warfare against Europe? Excellent interview about what Europe needs to do to defend itself without the US, with an American(!) former diplomat @maxbergmann.bsky.social
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Belgorod. 'In a reader survey conducted in January by Fonar, a local news publication, a quarter of respondents felt “devastated and disappointed” ... Only 6% said they gave aid to participants in Russia’s “special military operation”.' www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
Near the front line, Russians are growing tired of war
A report from Belgorod, where not all residents see Ukrainians as enemies
www.economist.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:54 AM
Belgorod. 'In a reader survey conducted in January by Fonar, a local news publication, a quarter of respondents felt “devastated and disappointed” ... Only 6% said they gave aid to participants in Russia’s “special military operation”.' www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
The Termite Thesis on the US dollar.
Good, sober, realistic warning bell by Sobel and Kamin in @alphaville.ft.com
Meanwhile the euro has its problems but on many metrics doesn’t look so bad, boasting the ECB as its financial fortress. The continent rearming will buttress geopolitical heft.
Good, sober, realistic warning bell by Sobel and Kamin in @alphaville.ft.com
Meanwhile the euro has its problems but on many metrics doesn’t look so bad, boasting the ECB as its financial fortress. The continent rearming will buttress geopolitical heft.
January 28, 2026 at 9:45 PM
The Termite Thesis on the US dollar.
Good, sober, realistic warning bell by Sobel and Kamin in @alphaville.ft.com
Meanwhile the euro has its problems but on many metrics doesn’t look so bad, boasting the ECB as its financial fortress. The continent rearming will buttress geopolitical heft.
Good, sober, realistic warning bell by Sobel and Kamin in @alphaville.ft.com
Meanwhile the euro has its problems but on many metrics doesn’t look so bad, boasting the ECB as its financial fortress. The continent rearming will buttress geopolitical heft.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
One for European leaders and politicians to note: 52% of those polled said the "ability to oppose Donald Trump's interference will be a determining factor" in their next elections.
This figure is, unsurprisingly, highest in Denmark.
This figure is, unsurprisingly, highest in Denmark.
January 28, 2026 at 7:04 AM
One for European leaders and politicians to note: 52% of those polled said the "ability to oppose Donald Trump's interference will be a determining factor" in their next elections.
This figure is, unsurprisingly, highest in Denmark.
This figure is, unsurprisingly, highest in Denmark.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
73% of EU citizens polled think that when it comes to defence, Europe "must now rely solely on itself, without counting on the support of the United States"
January 28, 2026 at 7:04 AM
73% of EU citizens polled think that when it comes to defence, Europe "must now rely solely on itself, without counting on the support of the United States"
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Slovak PM Fico, one of the few EU leaders to frequently support Trump, told fellow EU leaders he was concerned about the president’s “psychological state"
Fico used the word “dangerous” to describe how Trump came across during their Jan 17 meeting
Fico used the word “dangerous” to describe how Trump came across during their Jan 17 meeting
European leader spoke of shock at Trump’s state of mind after Mar-a-Lago meeting
The Slovak PM, a Trump ally, told leaders at last week’s EU summit he was concerned about the way the U.S. president spoke to him, European diplomats said.
www.politico.eu
January 28, 2026 at 8:22 AM
Slovak PM Fico, one of the few EU leaders to frequently support Trump, told fellow EU leaders he was concerned about the president’s “psychological state"
Fico used the word “dangerous” to describe how Trump came across during their Jan 17 meeting
Fico used the word “dangerous” to describe how Trump came across during their Jan 17 meeting
Reposted by Max Bergmann
US-EU trade deal still up in the air as some MEPs seek details on murky Trump-Rutte agreement on Greenland
www.politico.eu/article/eu-p...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-p...
EU Parliament delays decision to unfreeze US trade deal
Lawmakers are divided on whether to play hardball with Washington or to ratify the deal to smooth trade relations.
www.politico.eu
January 27, 2026 at 7:56 AM
US-EU trade deal still up in the air as some MEPs seek details on murky Trump-Rutte agreement on Greenland
www.politico.eu/article/eu-p...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-p...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
"Although derisking may still be a priority for Brussels and Ottawa in some specific sectors, neither government is espousing a broad strategy to isolate China at the moment." www.csis.org/analysis/can...
Canada and the European Union: Two New Wins for Chinese Exports in the West
Canada and the European Union appear to have reached agreements allowing more EVs made in China to enter their markets. These deals suggest that these close allies are considering increasing their tec...
www.csis.org
January 27, 2026 at 10:22 AM
"Although derisking may still be a priority for Brussels and Ottawa in some specific sectors, neither government is espousing a broad strategy to isolate China at the moment." www.csis.org/analysis/can...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
"at a time when Washington is increasingly focused on technological competition with China, it appears as though some close allies may be considering a more diversified approach to technological stacks—one which may include some reliance and cooperation with China." www.csis.org/analysis/can...
Canada and the European Union: Two New Wins for Chinese Exports in the West
Canada and the European Union appear to have reached agreements allowing more EVs made in China to enter their markets. These deals suggest that these close allies are considering increasing their tec...
www.csis.org
January 27, 2026 at 10:22 AM
"at a time when Washington is increasingly focused on technological competition with China, it appears as though some close allies may be considering a more diversified approach to technological stacks—one which may include some reliance and cooperation with China." www.csis.org/analysis/can...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Thank you Max, you're 100% right. Ukraine, a country of 39 million, manages to hold back Russia since four years (and counting). But the EU, with it's 450 million citizens and all it's economic power cannot? Complete and utter bogus. It's a question of determination and willpower, not of capacity!
Please. This is absurd. Europe can certainly deter Russia and defend itself if its focused and determined. Perpetuating a sense of European helplessness may help Rutte bureaucratically but its 1. wrong 2. prevents action. 3. willfully blind: the US ain't coming to defend Europe.
“If anyone thinks here… that the European Union or Europe as a whole can defend itself without the US, keep on dreaming,” Nato SecGen Mark Rutte told the European Parliament. “You can’t.”
“It will make things more complicated. I think Putin will love it. So think again.”
as.ft.com/r/25718b02-2...
“It will make things more complicated. I think Putin will love it. So think again.”
as.ft.com/r/25718b02-2...
January 26, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Thank you Max, you're 100% right. Ukraine, a country of 39 million, manages to hold back Russia since four years (and counting). But the EU, with it's 450 million citizens and all it's economic power cannot? Complete and utter bogus. It's a question of determination and willpower, not of capacity!