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
Just over 24 hours to go! If QMV makes you go "OMG", you can't resist a good trilogue & you read the OJEU while drinking your morning OJ, this may be the job for you
🚨🚨 LAST WEEK TO APPLY: Deadline for applications 18/09/26 🚨🚨
The @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social is looking for an EU institutions & EU politics fellow to join its research team in Brussels.
Please see the #job description and details on how to apply below 👇
buff.ly/AbxXqg3
The @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social is looking for an EU institutions & EU politics fellow to join its research team in Brussels.
Please see the #job description and details on how to apply below 👇
buff.ly/AbxXqg3
September 17, 2026 at 10:12 AM
Just over 24 hours to go! If QMV makes you go "OMG", you can't resist a good trilogue & you read the OJEU while drinking your morning OJ, this may be the job for you
Reposted by Max Bergmann
It's not an election, it's a Special Political Operation. I'm baffled by the Western commentators who act as though Putin is on tenterhooks, waiting to see whether his war of aggression against Ukraine has cost him votes in Nakhuygrad South-West. @andrewchak.bsky.social offers an antidote...
Russia is about to stage a countrywide Potemkin village farce and call it an election
All facade. No substance 🤢🤮
My latest for the New York Post.
nypost.com/2026/09/13/o...
All facade. No substance 🤢🤮
My latest for the New York Post.
nypost.com/2026/09/13/o...
Putin’s Kremlin gremlins are setting up a poll-temkin village across Russia in this week’s elections
Knock down this poll-temkin village.
nypost.com
September 16, 2026 at 1:56 PM
It's not an election, it's a Special Political Operation. I'm baffled by the Western commentators who act as though Putin is on tenterhooks, waiting to see whether his war of aggression against Ukraine has cost him votes in Nakhuygrad South-West. @andrewchak.bsky.social offers an antidote...
The State of the European Union feels like some bizarro future Sci-fi world. Modern space-age parliament, a leader that shuffles between three languages, and a speech that sanely and astutely assesses issues, lays out ideas and weirdly acknowledges climate change and supports democracy. Terrifying!
September 16, 2026 at 2:05 PM
The State of the European Union feels like some bizarro future Sci-fi world. Modern space-age parliament, a leader that shuffles between three languages, and a speech that sanely and astutely assesses issues, lays out ideas and weirdly acknowledges climate change and supports democracy. Terrifying!
It looks like the EU and Canada are going steady.
September 16, 2026 at 1:19 PM
It looks like the EU and Canada are going steady.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
SOTEU speeches represent a good indicator of Europe's policy priorities. Here it is a quick overview of how priority areas have evolved since 2020. Tomorrow at 14:00-15:00 CET we will unpack the speech with Bruegel colleagues in a live podcast - link here: www.bruegel.org/event/sound-...
September 16, 2026 at 9:05 AM
SOTEU speeches represent a good indicator of Europe's policy priorities. Here it is a quick overview of how priority areas have evolved since 2020. Tomorrow at 14:00-15:00 CET we will unpack the speech with Bruegel colleagues in a live podcast - link here: www.bruegel.org/event/sound-...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Greek finance minister Pierrakakis encourages Germany to undertake reforms. The country had „enormous potential“.
🧑🍳💋 www.handelsblatt.com/cmsid/100253...
🧑🍳💋 www.handelsblatt.com/cmsid/100253...
Handelsblatt
www.handelsblatt.com
September 16, 2026 at 6:16 AM
Greek finance minister Pierrakakis encourages Germany to undertake reforms. The country had „enormous potential“.
🧑🍳💋 www.handelsblatt.com/cmsid/100253...
🧑🍳💋 www.handelsblatt.com/cmsid/100253...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
My new book; out on October 22nd
September 16, 2026 at 9:36 AM
My new book; out on October 22nd
Reposted by Max Bergmann
And another one
www.dw.com/en/bulgaria-...
www.dw.com/en/bulgaria-...
Bulgaria: Fire at factory making munitions for Ukraine
Bulgarian authorities are investigating a fire at a munitions factory for links to an explosion at a similar facility in August. Arms maker EMCO says no human error was involved, as investigators look...
www.dw.com
September 12, 2026 at 7:12 PM
And another one
www.dw.com/en/bulgaria-...
www.dw.com/en/bulgaria-...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
September 11, 2026 at 10:33 AM
But regulating tech will just create loads of bureaucratic red tape, making it much costlier and time-consuming to destroy humanity.
The European Union is calling for global artificial intelligence rules, its top tech official said today, after a viral warning from a former Anthropic engineer said AI could end humanity.
EU tech chief backs global AI rules in wake of extinction warning
“Global rules are really needed,” European tech commissioner says after researchers sound alarm over AI risks.
www.politico.eu
September 11, 2026 at 10:38 AM
But regulating tech will just create loads of bureaucratic red tape, making it much costlier and time-consuming to destroy humanity.
EU money buying American weapons for Ukraine. Whatever it takes.
Today, we have approved €6.1 billion to help Ukraine procure air defence systems, missiles, drones and electronic warfare systems.
With this approval, Ukraine can purchase the Patriot equipment it needs to protect its skies from Russia's attacks.
With this approval, Ukraine can purchase the Patriot equipment it needs to protect its skies from Russia's attacks.
September 11, 2026 at 10:33 AM
EU money buying American weapons for Ukraine. Whatever it takes.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Lots of gas stations in Russia sell only diesel.
September 9, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Lots of gas stations in Russia sell only diesel.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Russian gasoline prices reached a new all-time high last week, according to Rosstat.
September 9, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Russian gasoline prices reached a new all-time high last week, according to Rosstat.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Brussels is back! @maxbergmann.bsky.social + @ottosvendsen.bsky.social discuss Iceland's EU accession vote, Elbridge Colby's visit to NATO, and Ratcliffe's surprise Moscow trip. Plus, @henryjfoy.ft.com maps out the EU's packed fall agenda.
Listen to The #Eurofile:
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Listen to The #Eurofile:
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Brussels is Back: the EU's Autumn Agenda with Henry Foy | The Eurofile | CSIS Podcasts
Max and Otto discuss discuss the week's biggest transatlantic stories before turning to a conversation with Henry Foy, Brussels Bureau Chief at the Financial Times, to map out the EU's packed fall age...
www.csis.org
September 9, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Brussels is back! @maxbergmann.bsky.social + @ottosvendsen.bsky.social discuss Iceland's EU accession vote, Elbridge Colby's visit to NATO, and Ratcliffe's surprise Moscow trip. Plus, @henryjfoy.ft.com maps out the EU's packed fall agenda.
Listen to The #Eurofile:
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Listen to The #Eurofile:
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Contextual point given the Saxony-Anhalt result: the AfD has no plausible route to federal power. In France, unless Le Pen radically alters her economic platform (unlikely) she will struggle to get to 50%+1 on 2 May
The EU tends to be more resilient than consensus suggests
The EU tends to be more resilient than consensus suggests
September 7, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Contextual point given the Saxony-Anhalt result: the AfD has no plausible route to federal power. In France, unless Le Pen radically alters her economic platform (unlikely) she will struggle to get to 50%+1 on 2 May
The EU tends to be more resilient than consensus suggests
The EU tends to be more resilient than consensus suggests
This is just such great news for Sweden www.theatlantic.com/science/2026...
The Netherlands Will Never Be Rid of Louisiana Crawfish
What will it take for the Dutch to eat them?
www.theatlantic.com
September 6, 2026 at 12:28 PM
This is just such great news for Sweden www.theatlantic.com/science/2026...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
This, The Eurofile, is one of the best podcasts for the grand view on matters European politics. And this particular episode is excellent with @henryjfoy.ft.com from the FT. Congrats to @maxbergmann.bsky.social
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-eurofile/id1664471780?i=1000787716185
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-eurofile/id1664471780?i=1000787716185
Brussels is Back: the EU
Podcast Episode · The Eurofile · 3 September · 40min
podcasts.apple.com
September 4, 2026 at 7:18 AM
This, The Eurofile, is one of the best podcasts for the grand view on matters European politics. And this particular episode is excellent with @henryjfoy.ft.com from the FT. Congrats to @maxbergmann.bsky.social
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-eurofile/id1664471780?i=1000787716185
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-eurofile/id1664471780?i=1000787716185
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Russian oil & gas revenues fell in August. The Iran war led to a small revenue bump this year, but no windfall. Domestic gasoline subsidies ate up a big portion of the price effect.
September 4, 2026 at 8:14 AM
Russian oil & gas revenues fell in August. The Iran war led to a small revenue bump this year, but no windfall. Domestic gasoline subsidies ate up a big portion of the price effect.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
I've been off for a bit so am catching up on EU-China trade war - here's what we missed:
A negotiating team led by Denis Redonnet is in Beijing this morning for talks with Ling Ji at Mofcom. Online talks through Aug delivered no major breakthroughs
A timeline of what changed:
A negotiating team led by Denis Redonnet is in Beijing this morning for talks with Ling Ji at Mofcom. Online talks through Aug delivered no major breakthroughs
A timeline of what changed:
September 1, 2026 at 10:56 AM
I've been off for a bit so am catching up on EU-China trade war - here's what we missed:
A negotiating team led by Denis Redonnet is in Beijing this morning for talks with Ling Ji at Mofcom. Online talks through Aug delivered no major breakthroughs
A timeline of what changed:
A negotiating team led by Denis Redonnet is in Beijing this morning for talks with Ling Ji at Mofcom. Online talks through Aug delivered no major breakthroughs
A timeline of what changed:
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Just as Trump was readying for a second term last year, I wrote on "Why Canada should join the EU".
Mark Carney will be visiting Brussels soon to attend Ursula von der Leyen's "State of the Union" speech -- something not even EU leaders do!
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
Mark Carney will be visiting Brussels soon to attend Ursula von der Leyen's "State of the Union" speech -- something not even EU leaders do!
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
Why Canada should join the EU
Europe needs space and resources, Canada needs people. Let’s deal
www.economist.com
August 26, 2026 at 11:31 AM
Just as Trump was readying for a second term last year, I wrote on "Why Canada should join the EU".
Mark Carney will be visiting Brussels soon to attend Ursula von der Leyen's "State of the Union" speech -- something not even EU leaders do!
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
Mark Carney will be visiting Brussels soon to attend Ursula von der Leyen's "State of the Union" speech -- something not even EU leaders do!
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Interesting read on the post-Trump "new right" and its Schmittian civilizationism. Including this warning for Europe that belies wishful thinking about a post-2028 return to Atlanticist business as usual ⬇️
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
August 25, 2026 at 9:13 AM
Interesting read on the post-Trump "new right" and its Schmittian civilizationism. Including this warning for Europe that belies wishful thinking about a post-2028 return to Atlanticist business as usual ⬇️
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
Me book writing this August.
Shawshank Crawling Through Dark Tunnel
ALT: Shawshank Crawling Through Dark Tunnel
static.klipy.com
August 18, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Me book writing this August.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
There’s a tendency in northeastern Europe to complain about southern Europe, and especially about Italy and Spain - that they ”don’t get it” re: the Russian threat etc.
But in Latvia it was Italians and in Romania Spaniards who shot down drones.
But in Latvia it was Italians and in Romania Spaniards who shot down drones.
Romania shoots down drone breaching its airspace - defence ministry reut.rs/3RTjBWR
Romania shoots down drone breaching its airspace - defence ministry
A Spanish F-18 fighter jet pilot on a NATO air policing mission shot down a drone illegally breaching Romanian national airspace, the fourth unmanned aircraft the country has shot down this year, Romania's defence ministry said on Sunday.
reut.rs
August 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
There’s a tendency in northeastern Europe to complain about southern Europe, and especially about Italy and Spain - that they ”don’t get it” re: the Russian threat etc.
But in Latvia it was Italians and in Romania Spaniards who shot down drones.
But in Latvia it was Italians and in Romania Spaniards who shot down drones.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Operation Epic Fury is the U.S.'s most munitions-intensive military campaign in decades. @tomkarako.bsky.social & Mark Cancian discuss the state of U.S. stockpiles, replenishment challenges, & what depleted inventories mean for deterrence, allies, & future conflicts.
Watch: https://bit.ly/45KRqfM
Watch: https://bit.ly/45KRqfM
Munitions Shortages After Epic Fury
YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies
www.youtube.com
August 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Operation Epic Fury is the U.S.'s most munitions-intensive military campaign in decades. @tomkarako.bsky.social & Mark Cancian discuss the state of U.S. stockpiles, replenishment challenges, & what depleted inventories mean for deterrence, allies, & future conflicts.
Watch: https://bit.ly/45KRqfM
Watch: https://bit.ly/45KRqfM