Europe is a mess: Europeans blaming Russian for issues in the UK
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Slovakia not only extended the trade embargo against Ukraine, but expanded it from 4 to 14 positions. Options related to its further tightening cannot be excluded.
Slovakia also once again emphasized that it will not provide Ukraine with any military assistance.
Robert Fico generally fulfills his election promises - a rare case for a European politician.
Slovakia also once again emphasized that it will not provide Ukraine with any military assistance.
Robert Fico generally fulfills his election promises - a rare case for a European politician.
These dudes trying to get back to normal life…
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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met the Russian Ambassador in Bratislava Igor Bratchikov, and discussed the prospects for relations.
Fico said that Slovakia should prepare for the period after the end of the conflict in Ukraine and the “standardization of relations” with Russia.”
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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico met the Russian Ambassador in Bratislava Igor Bratchikov, and discussed the prospects for relations.
Fico said that Slovakia should prepare for the period after the end of the conflict in Ukraine and the “standardization of relations” with Russia.”
Ukraine don’t have a problem at this moment but talking pass 2024 is when the issue will really hit hard…
“Ukraine will have to sit down at the table and talk to Putin. - In my opinion, there is no other way out, because it will not have military potential. We can give them a lot of tanks, a lot of cannons and ammunition, but Ukraine is starting to run out of soldiers from June this year. Ukraine's mobilization potential is very much exhausted -
Polish General Waldemar Skrzypczak”
“Ukraine will have to sit down at the table and talk to Putin. - In my opinion, there is no other way out, because it will not have military potential. We can give them a lot of tanks, a lot of cannons and ammunition, but Ukraine is starting to run out of soldiers from June this year. Ukraine's mobilization potential is very much exhausted -
Polish General Waldemar Skrzypczak”
If folks paying attention, you’d understand why there’s some EU folks saying, “we need to patch things up with Russia”
In 2023, Spain purchased a record amount of Russian gas in its history, El Mundo reports.
Over the nine months of this year, Madrid imported six times more Russian gas than in 2018. And the same amount as in all of 2022.
“This year will end as the year when the Spanish gas system received the most Russian gas in its entire history,” the publication writes.
And he notes that so far the United States has not been able to replace Russia in the Spanish gas supply market.
According to FT, Russian liquefied gas is actively resold to Europe by China.
In 2023, Spain purchased a record amount of Russian gas in its history, El Mundo reports.
Over the nine months of this year, Madrid imported six times more Russian gas than in 2018. And the same amount as in all of 2022.
“This year will end as the year when the Spanish gas system received the most Russian gas in its entire history,” the publication writes.
And he notes that so far the United States has not been able to replace Russia in the Spanish gas supply market.
According to FT, Russian liquefied gas is actively resold to Europe by China.
Yep, that’s what’s happening that far right bullshit though is going to fuck up some of those you are peeing countries. The white population is dropping like a rock and they going to fuck up everything going out the door.
What in the fuck I meant to say, European. My God.
“⚡ I have concerning news from Norway.
The Norwegian MOD has requisitioned over 3,500 vehicles from civilians in the country, they have not given any statements as to why and where these vehicles (which include trucks and SUVs) are going to be used, simply that you must hand over what the military orders, or you'll be faced with 3 years in prison, officially speaking, the civilians are entitled to fair compensation
To put it bluntly, this is a flagrant violation of the rights of the Norwegian people, they deserve to know what their vehicles and trucks may be used for, and the tight lipped mouths of the Norwegian authorities are not helping.”
The Norwegian MOD has requisitioned over 3,500 vehicles from civilians in the country, they have not given any statements as to why and where these vehicles (which include trucks and SUVs) are going to be used, simply that you must hand over what the military orders, or you'll be faced with 3 years in prison, officially speaking, the civilians are entitled to fair compensation
To put it bluntly, this is a flagrant violation of the rights of the Norwegian people, they deserve to know what their vehicles and trucks may be used for, and the tight lipped mouths of the Norwegian authorities are not helping.”
Interesting
And this is why also Russia and Saudi Arabia are hurting with the dropping gas prices. You know that could go both ways my fellow Russian supporter
Hungary and its combative leader Viktor Orbán have long been a thorn in the EU’s side, and this week promises to be a big one for that relationship.
On Thursday and Friday, EU leaders meet to discuss a number of issues — Ukrainian membership of the EU, the bloc’s long-term budget, migration — on which Hungary has the potential to cause major disruption.
-The decision comes as Orbán is holding the other 26 EU countries hostage ahead of a key European Council meeting in Brussels. EU leaders are set to make a historic decision on opening negotiations to bring Ukraine into the club and seal a key budget deal that would throw a €50 billion lifeline to Kyiv’s flailing war economy. Orbán is threatening to derail the entire summit.
-Some EU countries see the Hungarian threats as a way to get more money from the European Commission, and even though giving in to Orbán now could make things easier in the short term, it could undermine the EU in the long term. Letting Orbán get his way would also infuriate the European Parliament ahead of next year’s EU elections and the subsequent dishing out of top EU jobs, including for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has yet to officially say she wants a second term.
“It’s a catch-22,” another EU official said. “In the end, she’ll need Orbán. But giving in on rule of law could be the end of the aspired second term. This is very, very sensitive for the European Parliament.”
On Thursday and Friday, EU leaders meet to discuss a number of issues — Ukrainian membership of the EU, the bloc’s long-term budget, migration — on which Hungary has the potential to cause major disruption.
-The decision comes as Orbán is holding the other 26 EU countries hostage ahead of a key European Council meeting in Brussels. EU leaders are set to make a historic decision on opening negotiations to bring Ukraine into the club and seal a key budget deal that would throw a €50 billion lifeline to Kyiv’s flailing war economy. Orbán is threatening to derail the entire summit.
-Some EU countries see the Hungarian threats as a way to get more money from the European Commission, and even though giving in to Orbán now could make things easier in the short term, it could undermine the EU in the long term. Letting Orbán get his way would also infuriate the European Parliament ahead of next year’s EU elections and the subsequent dishing out of top EU jobs, including for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has yet to officially say she wants a second term.
“It’s a catch-22,” another EU official said. “In the end, she’ll need Orbán. But giving in on rule of law could be the end of the aspired second term. This is very, very sensitive for the European Parliament.”
Europe withheld 10 billion euro from frozen funds that Hungary was expected to receive. First mainstream media widely reported that Hungary was due to receive such funds after completing a judicial reform recommended by the unelected EU commission. Despite that, in the last minute the EU said such reforms "weren't officially published" and kept the money.
This was never mentioned by any press vehicle or any of their sources before. Either they all missed this requirement or the EU as usual just made up a new rule as they go.
It is now less likely that Hungary will allow the talks on Ukrainian EU membership to start.
This was never mentioned by any press vehicle or any of their sources before. Either they all missed this requirement or the EU as usual just made up a new rule as they go.
It is now less likely that Hungary will allow the talks on Ukrainian EU membership to start.
The Supreme Court wants to weigh in on mifepristone. Just wait until you realize it’s all made up.
I read about that but didn’t know it was the EU who’s pushing it
I must’ve read over that
The US has money owed to Afghanistan. It has money that’s owed to Iran. You asked what rule or law the European Union was enforcing. I replied all their rules and laws are a farce and only useful to show their civility until it’s more civilized to break it.
The Netherlands, under the leadership of the new government, may reduce military support to Ukraine.
Bloomberg reports this.
“We believe that we should not provide military support to Ukraine while we are not able to defend our country,” potential Prime Minister Geert Wilders said during a speech in parliament.
Bloomberg reports this.
“We believe that we should not provide military support to Ukraine while we are not able to defend our country,” potential Prime Minister Geert Wilders said during a speech in parliament.
“European allies are failing Ukraine – CNN
Western countries continue their attempts to shift responsibility for Ukraine's problems onto each other. An article was published on the website of the American television channel CNN, the author of which believes that European countries are letting Kiev down. He is convinced that the difficulties with the allocation of aid and the start of negotiations on accession to the EU demonstrate that Western countries are tired of Ukraine. A senior NATO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the West is paying less and less attention to Kyiv. He believes that this trend is observed in both Europe and the United States, and at the same time notes that the EU should take more responsibility for Ukraine, since it is located nearby.
A disturbing article also appeared in Politico. It quoted an unnamed European official as saying that European attention to Ukraine is fading and fears that the right will take advantage of the current situation to come to power. Many are also worried about how long they will have to “pour money into this black hole” and whether the result will ever be achieved.
At the moment, the greatest threat to Ukraine is posed by Hungary, whose prime minister is threatening to block both the allocation of money to it and the start of negotiations on joining the EU, but skepticism is also growing among other members of the union about the continued support of Kyiv.”
Western countries continue their attempts to shift responsibility for Ukraine's problems onto each other. An article was published on the website of the American television channel CNN, the author of which believes that European countries are letting Kiev down. He is convinced that the difficulties with the allocation of aid and the start of negotiations on accession to the EU demonstrate that Western countries are tired of Ukraine. A senior NATO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the West is paying less and less attention to Kyiv. He believes that this trend is observed in both Europe and the United States, and at the same time notes that the EU should take more responsibility for Ukraine, since it is located nearby.
A disturbing article also appeared in Politico. It quoted an unnamed European official as saying that European attention to Ukraine is fading and fears that the right will take advantage of the current situation to come to power. Many are also worried about how long they will have to “pour money into this black hole” and whether the result will ever be achieved.
At the moment, the greatest threat to Ukraine is posed by Hungary, whose prime minister is threatening to block both the allocation of money to it and the start of negotiations on joining the EU, but skepticism is also growing among other members of the union about the continued support of Kyiv.”
With a New Leader, Poland Prepares for a Course Change in Europe
Prime Minister Donald Tusk is sworn in and vows to try to invigorate flagging European support for Ukraine and push for “full mobilization” against Russia’s military assault.
Dec. 13, 2023
Poland’s new prime minister, Donald Tusk, arriving for a summit at the European Council building in Brussels on Wednesday.Virginia Mayo/Associated Press
Just hours after being sworn in, Poland’s new prime minister, Donald Tusk, left for a trip to Brussels on Wednesday to try to invigorate flagging European support for Ukraine and push for “full mobilization” against Russia’s military assault.
In a speech to Parliament on Tuesday, Mr. Tusk outlined an assertive Polish foreign policy anchored in close ties to the United States and the European Union, and “Poland’s full involvement with Ukraine in this cruel conflict with the Russian aggressor.”
“I am fed up with some European politicians from countries of the West who speak about being tired of the situation in Ukraine,” he said.
The return to power of Mr. Tusk, who had previously served as Poland’s prime minister before becoming a senior E.U. official in Brussels, ended eight years of rule by Law and Justice, a conservative nationalist party that has long been at odds with the European Union.
His approval as prime minister by the Polish parliament this week ushered in a potentially consequential change of direction by the biggest and most populous country on the European Union’s formerly communist eastern flank.
That could help counter the steady rise of Ukraine fatigue across much of Europe and rebuff efforts by Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, to block further military and economic aid for Ukraine. Breaking ranks with his NATO allies, Mr. Orban, who relies on Russian energy supplies and has followed the Kremlin’s example of restricting independent media and the space for opposition politics, met with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia in China in October.
Before losing power in Poland this week, Law and Justice officials had clashed repeatedly with the European bloc and, despite offering robust support to Ukraine during the first year of the war with Russia, the government led by the party presided over a sharp souring of relations with Kyiv ahead of Poland’s general election on Oct. 15.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary addressing the Parliament in Budapest on Wednesday. Mr. Tusk’s ascension in Poland further isolates Mr. Orban within the European Union.Bernadett Szabo/Reuters
Disputes over cheap Ukrainian grain and a blockade of the border by Polish truckers eroded previously strong Polish support for Ukraine. Fearful of losing votes to a far-right party opposed to helping Ukraine, the former prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, at one point even suggested that Poland would suspend arms deliveries. It did not.
“Poland will now finally have a serious foreign policy again instead of a supposed foreign policy that was all about domestic politics,” said Roman Kuzniar, a professor of strategic and international studies at the University of Warsaw and a former presidential adviser.
Mr. Tusk’s trip to Brussels for a summit with fellow leaders signaled his desire to repair strained relations with the European Union and unlock nearly $60 billion in funding frozen under Mr. Morawiecki’s government. It was also an assertion of Poland as a counterweight to countries pushing to curb aid to Ukraine — like Hungary, a close ideological ally of the previous Polish government in its battles with Brussels.
“There is no doubt that the Poland of Donald Tusk will be back at the center of European policy, not just a troublemaker,” Mr. Kuzniar said.
Mr. Tusk, a centrist, has close relations with many officials in Brussels from his time as president of the European Council, the bloc’s principal power center, from 2014 until 2019. The hope in Warsaw is that these will help unblock funds that were frozen under the previous Polish government because of disputes over the rule of law, minority rights and other issues.
Without naming them in his remarks in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr. Tusk took a thinly veiled swipe at Mr. Orban and the prime minister of neighboring Slovakia, Robert Fico. Both oppose helping Ukraine and want to keep it out of the European Union.
“I will not mention their name and the country names,” Mr. Tusk said, expressing hope that his visit to Brussels would “convince our traditional allies to take a clear stance in favor of freedom” and “in defense of Ukraine.”
Many European leaders share Mr. Orban’s skepticism about the wisdom of putting Ukraine on a fast track into the European Union, but nearly all support giving it a four-year financial and military aid package worth 70 billion euros, or almost $76 billion.
Mr. Tusk, center, then the president of the European Council, in 2019 with other E.U. leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, left, and Charles Michel, right. Mr. Tusk has close relations with many officials in Brussels from his time there.Olivier Hoslet/EPA, via Shutterstock
Hungary has been blocking that package, as well as Sweden’s admission to NATO, which has been delayed by foot-dragging by the Hungarian and Turkish parliaments on votes on the Nordic nation’s membership in the military alliance.
Piotr Buras, head of the Warsaw office of the European Council on Foreign Relations, said divisions over Ukraine were part of a bigger struggle over the future of the European Union.
Mr. Tusk and Mr. Orban, he said, “stand on opposite sides of a battle over two visions of Europe” — a trading bloc focused entirely on economic relations or a “community of values” committed to the rule of law and democratic norms.
Mr. Orban, committed to building what he calls “illiberal democracy” and exporting that model to other countries, has resisted efforts by Brussels to enforce adherence to liberal values, comparing the European Union to the Soviet Union.
“Tusk is absolutely opposed to Orban’s vision but the question now is how determined he will be to stand up to him,” Mr. Buras said.
Mr. Kuzniar recalled that Mr. Orban and Mr. Tusk were once close, before an authoritarian shift by the Hungarian leader years ago, but said they were now bitterly estranged. “There is a deep ideological break,” he said, adding: “Why bother with Hungary, it is not a strategically important country?”
But Hungary, despite its small size and limited military power, has some clout as the standard-bearer of efforts by nationalist forces in a number of countries to reshape Europe, something that Mr. Orban has openly declared as his mission.
Dismissing the possibility that Hungary might follow Britain and leave the European Union or be forced out, Mr. Orban this week vowed to fight to remake Europe in Hungary’s image. “My plan is not to leave,” he said in Budapest, “but to take over Brussels.”
In his speech to Parliament on Tuesday, Mr. Tusk pledged to defend what he described as “European political values of democracy, the rule of law, media independence and freedom of speech.” He added: “By some strange coincidence, politicians who attack the foundations of Western political civilization are also anti-Ukrainian.”
Yes, thatis the biggest fuckup EU made. How can you mess up your energy supply without even having a valid alternative ?
China is also in trouble
“Europe is preparing a plan to allocate 20 billion euros to Ukraine - if it fails to approve a package of 50 billion.
According to the Financial Times, this is an alternative plan in case Hungary again blocks a common EU decision (as it did in December).
The scheme involves countries providing credit guarantees to the EU budget, which will allow the European Commission to borrow up to 20 billion on foreign markets and send it to Ukraine.
According to the publication's sources, the exact terms are still being discussed, and the final amount will be set "in accordance with the needs of Ukraine."
Not all EU countries can join this scheme, the publication writes. In addition, for Germany and the Netherlands it will require parliamentary approval.
The downside to this model is that it will be limited to loans and does not include grants.
Another option being considered is providing short-term loans to Ukraine. But it will require the consent of most EU countries.”
According to the Financial Times, this is an alternative plan in case Hungary again blocks a common EU decision (as it did in December).
The scheme involves countries providing credit guarantees to the EU budget, which will allow the European Commission to borrow up to 20 billion on foreign markets and send it to Ukraine.
According to the publication's sources, the exact terms are still being discussed, and the final amount will be set "in accordance with the needs of Ukraine."
Not all EU countries can join this scheme, the publication writes. In addition, for Germany and the Netherlands it will require parliamentary approval.
The downside to this model is that it will be limited to loans and does not include grants.
Another option being considered is providing short-term loans to Ukraine. But it will require the consent of most EU countries.”