Prof John O Brennan
@jobmaynooth.bsky.social
Professor of European Politics, Maynooth University, Ireland.
Posts on EU, Balkans and International Politics.
Author: The Eastern Enlargement of the EU.
Director, Centre for European and Eurasian Studies: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/europe
Posts on EU, Balkans and International Politics.
Author: The Eastern Enlargement of the EU.
Director, Centre for European and Eurasian Studies: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/europe
Pinned
John O'Brennan: Orbán is gone, but the EU has a new headache in Bulgaria
The country’s new administration has made a number of moves that indicate a striking change in its position towards Ukraine, placing it at odds with EU partner states and Ireland
www.irishtimes.com
My op ed argues Bulgaria is fast becoming the new Hungary within the EU, at least where Ukraine policy is concerned. New PM, Rumen Radev, has has set in train a pivot in Bulgarian policy: from strong support for Ukraine to obstruction of EU sanctions.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026...
Democracy indicators in the US are at their lowest in 50 years says the new annual report from the Global State of Democracy, IDEA.
Globally, democracy has declined for a 11th straight year.
And conflicts are at their highest since 1946.
Read the report.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Globally, democracy has declined for a 11th straight year.
And conflicts are at their highest since 1946.
Read the report.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Democracy indicators in US at lowest levels for 50 years, data shows
Trump administration undermining rule of law at home and worldwide, according to intergovernmental report
www.theguardian.com
September 15, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Democracy indicators in the US are at their lowest in 50 years says the new annual report from the Global State of Democracy, IDEA.
Globally, democracy has declined for a 11th straight year.
And conflicts are at their highest since 1946.
Read the report.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Globally, democracy has declined for a 11th straight year.
And conflicts are at their highest since 1946.
Read the report.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Canada is seeking a much closer relationship with the EU. This could be as an ‘Associate Member’. Mark Carney will be in Europe this week to make the case.
This is welcome news - Canada is among Europe’s closest friend in an increasingly turbulent world.
x.com/bbcworld/sta...
This is welcome news - Canada is among Europe’s closest friend in an increasingly turbulent world.
x.com/bbcworld/sta...
September 14, 2026 at 4:25 AM
Canada is seeking a much closer relationship with the EU. This could be as an ‘Associate Member’. Mark Carney will be in Europe this week to make the case.
This is welcome news - Canada is among Europe’s closest friend in an increasingly turbulent world.
x.com/bbcworld/sta...
This is welcome news - Canada is among Europe’s closest friend in an increasingly turbulent world.
x.com/bbcworld/sta...
This is the third time the Russians have attacked this plant, as well as trying to poison its owner.
And STILL the Bulgarian government goes to European Council summit meetings, fighting to take Russian oligarchs OFF the EU sanctions list.
And STILL the Bulgarian government goes to European Council summit meetings, fighting to take Russian oligarchs OFF the EU sanctions list.
⚡️Explosion at Bulgarian ammunition depot supplying Ukraine sparks massive fire, sabotage probe.
The latest incident comes amid broader concern over fires, explosions, and suspected sabotage at European defense facilities supplying Ukraine.
The latest incident comes amid broader concern over fires, explosions, and suspected sabotage at European defense facilities supplying Ukraine.
Explosion at Bulgarian ammunition depot supplying Ukraine sparks massive fire, sabotage probe
The latest incident comes amid broader concern over fires, explosions, and suspected sabotage at European defense facilities supplying Ukraine.
kyivindependent.com
September 12, 2026 at 9:02 PM
This is the third time the Russians have attacked this plant, as well as trying to poison its owner.
And STILL the Bulgarian government goes to European Council summit meetings, fighting to take Russian oligarchs OFF the EU sanctions list.
And STILL the Bulgarian government goes to European Council summit meetings, fighting to take Russian oligarchs OFF the EU sanctions list.
The Trumpification of British politics continues: another convicted crypto criminal (pardoned by Trump) gives £36 million to Reform.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform UK given record £36m donation by British crypto billionaire
Ben Delo was convicted in US for failing to implement adequate anti-money laundering controls but pardoned by Trump
www.theguardian.com
September 12, 2026 at 5:53 AM
The Trumpification of British politics continues: another convicted crypto criminal (pardoned by Trump) gives £36 million to Reform.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
This is how much respect for 9/11 victims the grizzled old fraudster has…..
This is disgusting, horrible and disrespectful, but I hadn't expected anything else from Trump….
September 11, 2026 at 7:25 PM
This is how much respect for 9/11 victims the grizzled old fraudster has…..
A reminder that the convicted sex pest and his deeply corrupt family are about to arrive in Ireland, where everyone involved in the Irish Open golf tournament will disgrace themselves in fawning over these criminal reprobate monsters.
www.rte.ie/news/munster...
www.rte.ie/news/munster...
All the details on restrictions in Clare for Trump visit
Gardaí have said a "significant policing and security operation" is under way in Co Clare for US President Donald Trump's visit to Doonbeg for the Amgen Irish Open.
www.rte.ie
September 11, 2026 at 4:20 PM
A reminder that the convicted sex pest and his deeply corrupt family are about to arrive in Ireland, where everyone involved in the Irish Open golf tournament will disgrace themselves in fawning over these criminal reprobate monsters.
www.rte.ie/news/munster...
www.rte.ie/news/munster...
As we approach the Swedish general election on Sunday, this excellent piece asks how Sweden “lost its soul”, as far right ideas went mainstream.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
How Sweden lost its soul – and stopped being Sweden | Martin Gelin
In 2022 my country entered a new era of cruelty. It will take more than one election to get the old, tolerant Sweden back, writes Swedish journalist Martin Gelin
www.theguardian.com
September 11, 2026 at 4:14 PM
As we approach the Swedish general election on Sunday, this excellent piece asks how Sweden “lost its soul”, as far right ideas went mainstream.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Once again, we see the close links between Bulgaria and Russia in the very murky world of private sector security training.
Bulgaria has serious questions to answer if Russian nationals have been trained at this centre near Gabrovo.
eualive.net/russian-link...
Bulgaria has serious questions to answer if Russian nationals have been trained at this centre near Gabrovo.
eualive.net/russian-link...
Russian links, Western veterans and a Bulgarian training camp raise security questions
A leaked Australian intelligence assessment has raised questions over alleged Russian military links to a ...
eualive.net
September 11, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Once again, we see the close links between Bulgaria and Russia in the very murky world of private sector security training.
Bulgaria has serious questions to answer if Russian nationals have been trained at this centre near Gabrovo.
eualive.net/russian-link...
Bulgaria has serious questions to answer if Russian nationals have been trained at this centre near Gabrovo.
eualive.net/russian-link...
Brilliant column by @rafaelbehr - the AfD victory demonstrates that the unholy alliance between racist nationalism and untethered digital power is hurtling Europe back to the 1930s.
Stefan Zweig would indeed recognise the symptoms of European sickness.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Stefan Zweig would indeed recognise the symptoms of European sickness.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
European democracies are running out of time to turn away from the abyss | Rafael Behr
Far-right parties, Maga ideology and Kremlin money are conniving to suffocate liberal idealism for another generation, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr
www.theguardian.com
September 9, 2026 at 6:37 AM
Brilliant column by @rafaelbehr - the AfD victory demonstrates that the unholy alliance between racist nationalism and untethered digital power is hurtling Europe back to the 1930s.
Stefan Zweig would indeed recognise the symptoms of European sickness.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Stefan Zweig would indeed recognise the symptoms of European sickness.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Brilliant piece (as ever) from Simon Tisdall, on the age of tyrants, and the extraordinary damage they are doing all over the world. Compelling reading for anybody interested in the disorder and chaos unleashed by a bunch of criminal old men. 👍👍👍
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The world is being driven to the brink by thugs and dictators, but there is a route to a brighter future | Simon Tisdall
It’s no surprise some analysts say we are already in the midst of the third world war, but ordinary people have more power than we think, says Guardian foreign affairs commentator Simon Tisdall
www.theguardian.com
September 6, 2026 at 9:33 AM
Brilliant piece (as ever) from Simon Tisdall, on the age of tyrants, and the extraordinary damage they are doing all over the world. Compelling reading for anybody interested in the disorder and chaos unleashed by a bunch of criminal old men. 👍👍👍
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
While the wages of most US workers fails to keep pace with inflation, this is what this thundering vainglorious narcissist is spending his time on.
August 28, 2026 at 8:39 AM
While the wages of most US workers fails to keep pace with inflation, this is what this thundering vainglorious narcissist is spending his time on.
One of the greatest Americans of her time, RIP Dolly Parton. Someone who lived her Christian values like few other rich stars. She did an enormous amount of good, particularly for child literacy. And then there is the music. A true original.
www.theguardian.com/music/2026/a...
www.theguardian.com/music/2026/a...
Dolly Parton, country star, actor and philanthropist, dies aged 80
Songwriter of I Will Always Love You, Jolene and 9 to 5 also invested millions in child literacy, Covid-19 vaccine development and other causes
www.theguardian.com
August 25, 2026 at 6:05 PM
One of the greatest Americans of her time, RIP Dolly Parton. Someone who lived her Christian values like few other rich stars. She did an enormous amount of good, particularly for child literacy. And then there is the music. A true original.
www.theguardian.com/music/2026/a...
www.theguardian.com/music/2026/a...
Who knew? The only guy in history to bankrupt a casino…….
WaPo Exclusive:
Ticket sales and fundraising collapsed after Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center — even as the center's leaders publicly claimed a financial turnaround, according to confidential documents obtained by The Washington Post.
Ticket sales and fundraising collapsed after Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center — even as the center's leaders publicly claimed a financial turnaround, according to confidential documents obtained by The Washington Post.
Kennedy Center finances deteriorated sharply after Trump name change
Budget and meeting documents obtained by The Post show ticket revenue and fundraising plummeted even as leaders publicly touted a financial turnaround.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 25, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Who knew? The only guy in history to bankrupt a casino…….
An excellent appraisal of how Trump and his surrogates might try to declare a national emergency to prevent Mid-term elections from happening, or grossly interfere with November vote.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Trump’s continued distrust in election integrity has experts eyeing his next move
President’s speech, declassification of documents and heightened claims of noncitizen voting have experts concerned
www.theguardian.com
August 25, 2026 at 2:47 PM
An excellent appraisal of how Trump and his surrogates might try to declare a national emergency to prevent Mid-term elections from happening, or grossly interfere with November vote.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
He’s such a pathetic hebephrenic narcissistic schoolboy.
August 25, 2026 at 11:05 AM
He’s such a pathetic hebephrenic narcissistic schoolboy.
Armenia seems determined to leave the Russian orbit quite decisively and move much closer to the European Union.
Is a bid for EU membership on the cards?
eualive.net/armenia-move...
Is a bid for EU membership on the cards?
eualive.net/armenia-move...
Armenia moves towards EU membership bid as Russia warns of consequences
Armenia is preparing to begin the process of formally applying for European Union membership, Prime ...
eualive.net
August 25, 2026 at 8:58 AM
Armenia seems determined to leave the Russian orbit quite decisively and move much closer to the European Union.
Is a bid for EU membership on the cards?
eualive.net/armenia-move...
Is a bid for EU membership on the cards?
eualive.net/armenia-move...
Why ‘Renaissance’ Marine Le Pen is a bigger threat than ever (to France and the European Union).
Great piece by Mujtaba Rahman.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Great piece by Mujtaba Rahman.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Marine Le Pen's career has been resurrected – and she is a bigger threat than ever | Mujtaba Rahman
No longer banned from next year’s presidential election, Le Pen is a far more formidable force than her understudy, Jordan Bardella, says Mujtaba Rahman of Europe at Eurasia Group
www.theguardian.com
August 24, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Why ‘Renaissance’ Marine Le Pen is a bigger threat than ever (to France and the European Union).
Great piece by Mujtaba Rahman.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Great piece by Mujtaba Rahman.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Had Canada agreed to these outrageous American demands it wouldn’t have become a US state.
It would have become a colony.
It would have become a colony.
August 23, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Had Canada agreed to these outrageous American demands it wouldn’t have become a US state.
It would have become a colony.
It would have become a colony.
Trump is trying to browbeat Canada in the same way Putin tried to browbeat Ukraine. But the Canadians, just like the Ukrainians, are having none of it. Canada is not willing to become a slave of the United States.
So Uncle Fester can take his tariffs back to Epstein island.
So Uncle Fester can take his tariffs back to Epstein island.
August 23, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Trump is trying to browbeat Canada in the same way Putin tried to browbeat Ukraine. But the Canadians, just like the Ukrainians, are having none of it. Canada is not willing to become a slave of the United States.
So Uncle Fester can take his tariffs back to Epstein island.
So Uncle Fester can take his tariffs back to Epstein island.
Canada’s determination not to be brow beaten by Mango Mussolini stands in marked contrast to the timidly and meekness of European leaders, who have shown Trump over and over again that he can walk all over them without complaint.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
How to Lose a Trade War
Trump’s bullying of Canada is failing.
www.theatlantic.com
August 22, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Canada’s determination not to be brow beaten by Mango Mussolini stands in marked contrast to the timidly and meekness of European leaders, who have shown Trump over and over again that he can walk all over them without complaint.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Europe: this is how you deal with Trump.
Carney’s full remarks regarding the suspension of trade talks.
Read Mark Carney's full speech after trade talks with the U.S. collapsed | CBC News
Below are Prime Minister Mark Carney's remarks after Canada suspended trade talks with the U.S. and the Trump administration imposed new 50 per cent tariffs:
www.cbc.ca
August 22, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Europe: this is how you deal with Trump.
After all the sleaze of the Tory years, the UK Labour government could have come in and earned a lot of goodwill by:
1/ banning ALL second jobs for MPs
2/ banning ALL gifts to MPs and Ministers.
Instead they have their faces giddily in the trough.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
1/ banning ALL second jobs for MPs
2/ banning ALL gifts to MPs and Ministers.
Instead they have their faces giddily in the trough.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
MPs ‘failing to learn lesson’ over freebies after accepting £400,000 of hospitality
MPs receive Harry Styles concert tickets worth £858, Chelsea flower show tickets worth £1,839, and £3,432 of hospitality at Brit awards
www.theguardian.com
August 22, 2026 at 6:37 AM
After all the sleaze of the Tory years, the UK Labour government could have come in and earned a lot of goodwill by:
1/ banning ALL second jobs for MPs
2/ banning ALL gifts to MPs and Ministers.
Instead they have their faces giddily in the trough.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
1/ banning ALL second jobs for MPs
2/ banning ALL gifts to MPs and Ministers.
Instead they have their faces giddily in the trough.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
A superb distillation of the ideas in this book about how phenomenally dangerous some tech titans (and their political supplicants) are for democracy. Chilling stuff.
“The Nerd Reich": Author Gil Durán on Big Tech Fascism, Peter Thiel, JD ... youtu.be/sg7YNUbaV-8?si…
“The Nerd Reich": Author Gil Durán on Big Tech Fascism, Peter Thiel, JD ... youtu.be/sg7YNUbaV-8?si…
"The Nerd Reich": Author Gil Durán on Big Tech Fascism, Peter Thiel, JD Vance & the War on Democracy
YouTube video by Democracy Now!
https://youtu.be/sg7YNUbaV-8?si…
August 21, 2026 at 2:59 PM
A superb distillation of the ideas in this book about how phenomenally dangerous some tech titans (and their political supplicants) are for democracy. Chilling stuff.
“The Nerd Reich": Author Gil Durán on Big Tech Fascism, Peter Thiel, JD ... youtu.be/sg7YNUbaV-8?si…
“The Nerd Reich": Author Gil Durán on Big Tech Fascism, Peter Thiel, JD ... youtu.be/sg7YNUbaV-8?si…
A fascinating report on the challenges Andy Burnham’s government faces in turning around Britain’s train services and linking this to regional and national economic growth.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Back on track: can Burnham fix the north’s woeful rail services?
From a new high-speed line to better intercity links, the PM has a chance to tackle problems he criticised as Manchester mayor
www.theguardian.com
August 21, 2026 at 10:59 AM
A fascinating report on the challenges Andy Burnham’s government faces in turning around Britain’s train services and linking this to regional and national economic growth.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
The more this bloviating bovine thug screams about Iran, the more it becomes obvious that the Iranians have him where they want him: squinting and spluttering like a deranged, Mad Cow-infected Colonel Kurtz imitator.
August 20, 2026 at 12:25 PM
The more this bloviating bovine thug screams about Iran, the more it becomes obvious that the Iranians have him where they want him: squinting and spluttering like a deranged, Mad Cow-infected Colonel Kurtz imitator.