European Policy Centre’s Post

📢 Event | Trump 2.0 – Potential consequences & EUrope’s response 🗓 Wednesday, 22 January 2025 | 12:00 – 13:00 📍 Online Donald Trump’s return to The White House poses significant challenges for Europe. In this EPC Update, leading experts will explore the potential consequences of Trump 2.0 for the EU and how the bloc can respond to this new reality. 🔍 Key questions: - Does Trump’s presidency mark a second turning point for the EU following the Zeitenwende sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? - What are the economic, political, and geopolitical implications for Europe? - How can the EU27 maintain unity and respond to US unpredictability? - What can Europe do to secure NATO’s future and support Ukraine? - How should the EU react to domestic political interference by figures like Elon Musk? 🎙️ Speakers: Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive & Chief Economist, European Policy Centre Janis Emmanouilidis, Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Studies, European Policy Centre João Vale de Almeida, Former Ambassador of the European Union to the United States Moderator: Jacki Davis, Senior Adviser, European Policy Centre Register now 👉 https://lnkd.in/egHpif6i

Check out this piece on The Washington Post, "How to stop rogue states like Russia from interfering in our politics," by our Executive Director Richard Fontaine https://lnkd.in/gB8GbQtf

One of the best ways China can exert positive regional influence is by making a good-faith soft power pledge: never to attack Taiwan, and signing a 99-year agreement allowing Taiwan to remain independent, similar to the Hong Kong agreement with the UK. This simple move would dramatically reduce regional tensions, boost trade, and increase investment, as stability fosters economic growth and reduced defense spending. China should signal its desire to become a force for good in our shared biosphere, humanity's home. An agreement never to invade Taiwan if it signs an agreement to return to China after 99 years as an independent state would be a very, very good longterm strategic soft power move! https://lnkd.in/d-KMVFN8

For anyone who's read my new book, you know that Paul Manafort was not only a consigliere to despots for years on end, but was more important than anyone else for the explosion of the foreign lobbying industry in the U.S. And now he's back. Here's what we know about Manafort's new lobbying schemes, and why his links with Kremlin agents remain inexplicably classified. https://lnkd.in/emw-t_DV

Mikheil Kavelashvili has stepped into the presidency of Georgia amid a delicate political landscape. With his inauguration marking a commitment to national unity and an ambitious drive to join the EU by 2030, the stakes are higher than ever. However, the path is fraught with challenges, particularly from Russian opposition, which employs both hybrid warfare and political maneuvering to undermine Georgia's aspirations. Kavelashvili's call for mutual respect and shared values is commendable, yet the recent delay in EU accession talks has sparked protests, signaling a potential rift in public support. As Georgia seeks to bolster economic ties with Europe, it must navigate the dual pressures of domestic dissent and external threats. This pivotal moment serves as a reminder: true progress requires not just vision, but also the courage to overcome contradictions. The world will be watching! What are your thoughts on Georgia’s EU ambitions?

'Trump 2.0: potential consequences and Europe's response' Sharing this online event by the European Policy Centre, open to the public. To register: https://lnkd.in/e2EQ_-e9 #USA #EU #Trump #Washington #Brussels #defence #geopolitics #ForeignPolicy #ForeignAffairs

The Czech Republic, in coordination with Belgium and other European countries, identified Viktor Medvedchuk as the leader of a significant Russian influence operation focused on manipulating the European Parliament and public opinion. Jan Lipavsky, the Czech Foreign Minister, emphasized that Medvedchuk, operating from Russia, sought to spread pro-Russian narratives undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and infiltrating the European legislative body. The Czech Republic's exposure of these activities, described by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser as a significant blow against the Russian propaganda apparatus, underscores the scale and sophistication of Russia's efforts to destabilize European democracies. The revelations are critical as the European Union prepares for significant electoral challenges amid ongoing Russian aggression. Read the brief #CzechIntelligence, #BelgianIntelligence, #SecurityCommandCenter, #EuropeanMap, #NetworkDiagrams, #DataAnalysis, #Collaboration, #Technology, #Counterintelligence, #InfluenceOperations

Today marks one year since Yevgeny Prigozhin's death. As we reflect on this anniversary, a question looms: What happened to Wagner's vast media empire? At its peak, Wagner's media system was estimated to include over 400 small companies in addition to Prigozhin's main enterprises. The fate of this network has been a subject of interest since his demise. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reports that remnants of the Wagner Group's propaganda machine continue to influence the information landscape. While some networks have been dismantled, others persist, now aligning with Kremlin narratives on Ukraine. Key propaganda outlets remain dormant but ready to resume operations. According to RSF, in occupied Ukrainian territories, Alexander Malkevich, a former Prigozhin associate, has established his own disinformation empire. RSF condemns these networks for polluting the information arena and transforming occupied regions into information black holes. The battle for control over Prigozhin's propaganda legacy continues, with various actors vying for dominance in the disinformation sphere. Full article: https://lnkd.in/ddZzVhRX

How do you negotiate with sociopaths? It is a beautiful and difficult-to-answer question by Julija Varneckienė, and it invites a big discussion and commentary. For now, I want to share some thoughts on the negotiation between two figures often described as sociopaths - Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. By the way, what are your ways to negotiate with people who you perceive as sociopaths? https://lnkd.in/dDvnhAsp

E184: in conversation with @realDonaldTrump , live on @X (0:00) bestie intros: big house talk! (1:37) economy: regulation, taxes, tariffs, taming inflation, de-dollarization (12:02) federal debt: growth, spend control, where to cut, role of energy, nuclear (20:22) foreign policy: ukraine/russia (25:05) foreign policy: israel/palestine (28:13) abortion: stance on a national ban (31:09) foreign policy: china (32:33) covid: origins, fauci relationship, deep state, bad deals (39:39) border: wall, immigration, h-1bs, recruiting global talent (46:07) jfk files: full release, importance of transparency (48:06) debate prediction (50:15) post-interview debrief