for those watching Carney declare his grá for the EU and wondering what an "associate membership" actually means..sylvian kahn offers an insight.
TL;DR: The EU has ditched the USofE model (it doesn't scale well) and is inventing new models of collaboration between nations.
TL;DR: The EU has ditched the USofE model (it doesn't scale well) and is inventing new models of collaboration between nations.
Sylvian Kahns «L'Europe : un État qui s'ignore» argues the EU has accidentally built the "new state": mutualising sovereignty while promoting the freedom of member states.
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
September 17, 2026 at 10:38 AM
for those watching Carney declare his grá for the EU and wondering what an "associate membership" actually means..sylvian kahn offers an insight.
TL;DR: The EU has ditched the USofE model (it doesn't scale well) and is inventing new models of collaboration between nations.
TL;DR: The EU has ditched the USofE model (it doesn't scale well) and is inventing new models of collaboration between nations.
Yes🙂.This is also where🇬🇧was (still) in 2016,being granted an opt-out from "ever closer union".A 🇪🇺 of nation-states is not the direction of travel,like it or not.🇪🇺is a peace project,the path we've chosen to achieve this aim is integration,most likely with a "USofE" as the goal at an unspecified date.
September 24, 2026 at 9:03 AM
Yes🙂.This is also where🇬🇧was (still) in 2016,being granted an opt-out from "ever closer union".A 🇪🇺 of nation-states is not the direction of travel,like it or not.🇪🇺is a peace project,the path we've chosen to achieve this aim is integration,most likely with a "USofE" as the goal at an unspecified date.
Not gonna happen.
Europa denkt nach wie vor nationalistisch und klein-klein.
Wir sollten längst die USofE sein und sind doch nur eine Ansammlung von Bundesländern, die sich Staaten halten, die sich wiederum die EU halten.
Europa denkt nach wie vor nationalistisch und klein-klein.
Wir sollten längst die USofE sein und sind doch nur eine Ansammlung von Bundesländern, die sich Staaten halten, die sich wiederum die EU halten.
February 18, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Not gonna happen.
Europa denkt nach wie vor nationalistisch und klein-klein.
Wir sollten längst die USofE sein und sind doch nur eine Ansammlung von Bundesländern, die sich Staaten halten, die sich wiederum die EU halten.
Europa denkt nach wie vor nationalistisch und klein-klein.
Wir sollten längst die USofE sein und sind doch nur eine Ansammlung von Bundesländern, die sich Staaten halten, die sich wiederum die EU halten.
Language, Cuisine & Culture are the new borders in Europe.
Switzerland not only functions as a microcosm of EU it is being considered as a potential model for an enlarged EU (the USofE model doesn't scale well).
Neither require "Thinking European". In fact, diversity is a strength.
4/7
Switzerland not only functions as a microcosm of EU it is being considered as a potential model for an enlarged EU (the USofE model doesn't scale well).
Neither require "Thinking European". In fact, diversity is a strength.
4/7
February 6, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Language, Cuisine & Culture are the new borders in Europe.
Switzerland not only functions as a microcosm of EU it is being considered as a potential model for an enlarged EU (the USofE model doesn't scale well).
Neither require "Thinking European". In fact, diversity is a strength.
4/7
Switzerland not only functions as a microcosm of EU it is being considered as a potential model for an enlarged EU (the USofE model doesn't scale well).
Neither require "Thinking European". In fact, diversity is a strength.
4/7
you're right. It's focussed the minds in EU too. They have ditched the USofE idea and are undergoing radical structural changes.
A new EU is emerging with the collapse of the USA and their place in the world order. The UK is collapsing too but I don't think the British are aware.
A new EU is emerging with the collapse of the USA and their place in the world order. The UK is collapsing too but I don't think the British are aware.
Sylvian Kahns «L'Europe : un État qui s'ignore» argues the EU has accidentally built the "new state": mutualising sovereignty while promoting the freedom of member states.
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
June 23, 2026 at 10:05 PM
you're right. It's focussed the minds in EU too. They have ditched the USofE idea and are undergoing radical structural changes.
A new EU is emerging with the collapse of the USA and their place in the world order. The UK is collapsing too but I don't think the British are aware.
A new EU is emerging with the collapse of the USA and their place in the world order. The UK is collapsing too but I don't think the British are aware.
the EU prefers federalism...not a top-down superstate, like a USofE.
It's still largely a bunch of trade treaties & travel arrangements and as Carney mentioned in his speech, "the world's regulatory body".
and as murdoch found out..it's really difficult to influence.
It's still largely a bunch of trade treaties & travel arrangements and as Carney mentioned in his speech, "the world's regulatory body".
and as murdoch found out..it's really difficult to influence.
September 17, 2026 at 2:15 PM
the EU prefers federalism...not a top-down superstate, like a USofE.
It's still largely a bunch of trade treaties & travel arrangements and as Carney mentioned in his speech, "the world's regulatory body".
and as murdoch found out..it's really difficult to influence.
It's still largely a bunch of trade treaties & travel arrangements and as Carney mentioned in his speech, "the world's regulatory body".
and as murdoch found out..it's really difficult to influence.
My #1 new topic for 2025: Time for The United States of Europe! – Gerd Leonhard Futurist Humanist Author Keynot#USofE" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">e Speaker buff.ly/3DiyF8Q
#USofE
#USofE
Time for The United States of Europe! – Gerd Leonhard Futurist Humanist Author Keynote Speaker
Generated with Google Notebook LM — pretty powerful stuff
buff.ly
March 2, 2025 at 3:28 PM
My #1 new topic for 2025: Time for The United States of Europe! – Gerd Leonhard Futurist Humanist Author Keynot#USofE" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">e Speaker buff.ly/3DiyF8Q
#USofE
#USofE
you're right but the EU has moved on considerably since 2016 while the UK still talks in cakeism or cherry picking terms.
They EU realised the USofE model doesn't scale well so introduced a 2-tier model with DCFTA nations and are moving away from bespoke "Swiss" style deals.
They EU realised the USofE model doesn't scale well so introduced a 2-tier model with DCFTA nations and are moving away from bespoke "Swiss" style deals.
February 3, 2026 at 12:39 PM
you're right but the EU has moved on considerably since 2016 while the UK still talks in cakeism or cherry picking terms.
They EU realised the USofE model doesn't scale well so introduced a 2-tier model with DCFTA nations and are moving away from bespoke "Swiss" style deals.
They EU realised the USofE model doesn't scale well so introduced a 2-tier model with DCFTA nations and are moving away from bespoke "Swiss" style deals.
yeah..FPTP doesn't belong in this century. I agree.
The EU is backing away from the USofE idea. It doesn't scale well and the experience with Viktor Orbán (the Nigel Farage of Hungary) has led to a rethink on future structures.
Federalism is still a key component but in a "baroque" way.
The EU is backing away from the USofE idea. It doesn't scale well and the experience with Viktor Orbán (the Nigel Farage of Hungary) has led to a rethink on future structures.
Federalism is still a key component but in a "baroque" way.
Sylvian Kahns «L'Europe : un État qui s'ignore» argues the EU has accidentally built the "new state": mutualising sovereignty while promoting the freedom of member states.
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
May 19, 2026 at 4:45 PM
yeah..FPTP doesn't belong in this century. I agree.
The EU is backing away from the USofE idea. It doesn't scale well and the experience with Viktor Orbán (the Nigel Farage of Hungary) has led to a rethink on future structures.
Federalism is still a key component but in a "baroque" way.
The EU is backing away from the USofE idea. It doesn't scale well and the experience with Viktor Orbán (the Nigel Farage of Hungary) has led to a rethink on future structures.
Federalism is still a key component but in a "baroque" way.
I agree. The "reset" was a nonsense the bigger problem is Britons (not the UK) still view the EU like it was 10 years ago. It's changed. A lot.
the EU realised recently the USofE idea doesn't scale well and has changed tack dramatically but the discourse in London is still 2016-esque.
the EU realised recently the USofE idea doesn't scale well and has changed tack dramatically but the discourse in London is still 2016-esque.
Sylvian Kahns «L'Europe : un État qui s'ignore» argues the EU has accidentally built the "new state": mutualising sovereignty while promoting the freedom of member states.
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
July 15, 2026 at 5:23 PM
I agree. The "reset" was a nonsense the bigger problem is Britons (not the UK) still view the EU like it was 10 years ago. It's changed. A lot.
the EU realised recently the USofE idea doesn't scale well and has changed tack dramatically but the discourse in London is still 2016-esque.
the EU realised recently the USofE idea doesn't scale well and has changed tack dramatically but the discourse in London is still 2016-esque.
I quite like Sylvian Kahns take on which direction the EU is going in now. It's not possible to put old labels on it...e.g. it's federal but not in a USofE way....
Sylvian Kahns «L'Europe : un État qui s'ignore» argues the EU has accidentally built the "new state": mutualising sovereignty while promoting the freedom of member states.
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
February 24, 2026 at 1:16 PM
I quite like Sylvian Kahns take on which direction the EU is going in now. It's not possible to put old labels on it...e.g. it's federal but not in a USofE way....
LOLs. Only belarus and the UK in Europe still uses single round FPTP for general elections because...spoiler: it doesn't work. Representative + localised politics & governance does.
the EU is shifting away from the USofE concept. It doesn't scale.
the EU is shifting away from the USofE concept. It doesn't scale.
August 1, 2026 at 5:16 PM
LOLs. Only belarus and the UK in Europe still uses single round FPTP for general elections because...spoiler: it doesn't work. Representative + localised politics & governance does.
the EU is shifting away from the USofE concept. It doesn't scale.
the EU is shifting away from the USofE concept. It doesn't scale.
spot on!
I'm surprised at Nialls comments. I thought he had some insights into EU workings.
The EU is undergoing a major restructuring and change of tack, away from the USofE idea, which doesn't scale well - Ukraine highlighted that - to a newer model.
I'm surprised at Nialls comments. I thought he had some insights into EU workings.
The EU is undergoing a major restructuring and change of tack, away from the USofE idea, which doesn't scale well - Ukraine highlighted that - to a newer model.
Commission to decouple EU reforms and Enlargement Package
On 4 November, only the 2025 Enlargement Package will be presented. The communication on EU reforms will have to wait a few weeks
newunionpost.eu
January 27, 2026 at 2:01 PM
spot on!
I'm surprised at Nialls comments. I thought he had some insights into EU workings.
The EU is undergoing a major restructuring and change of tack, away from the USofE idea, which doesn't scale well - Ukraine highlighted that - to a newer model.
I'm surprised at Nialls comments. I thought he had some insights into EU workings.
The EU is undergoing a major restructuring and change of tack, away from the USofE idea, which doesn't scale well - Ukraine highlighted that - to a newer model.
This is Churchill's "USofE" 1946 speech
rm.coe.int/16806981f3
I would contend that it's very clear that Churchill didn't see the UK being part of it. "United Kingdom" or "Britain" is hardly mentioned.
See "We British have our own Commonwealth of Nations". 1/2
rm.coe.int/16806981f3
I would contend that it's very clear that Churchill didn't see the UK being part of it. "United Kingdom" or "Britain" is hardly mentioned.
See "We British have our own Commonwealth of Nations". 1/2
rm.coe.int
December 29, 2024 at 9:49 PM
This is Churchill's "USofE" 1946 speech
rm.coe.int/16806981f3
I would contend that it's very clear that Churchill didn't see the UK being part of it. "United Kingdom" or "Britain" is hardly mentioned.
See "We British have our own Commonwealth of Nations". 1/2
rm.coe.int/16806981f3
I would contend that it's very clear that Churchill didn't see the UK being part of it. "United Kingdom" or "Britain" is hardly mentioned.
See "We British have our own Commonwealth of Nations". 1/2
I think the EU, via the expansion east, triggered a seismic internal shift that lends itself to a faster moving, more competitive, model.
the speed to adapt was a key criticism from Draghi. And he was right. The USofE model doesn't scale well.
the speed to adapt was a key criticism from Draghi. And he was right. The USofE model doesn't scale well.
External events exposed some weaknesses as the EU sails into territory it was never designed to navigate.
Expanding east, with Ukraine & Moldova, is actually helping make the EU leaner & more effective.
Adding Security to Economy as key drivers behind this "Objet Politique non Identifié".
5/8
Expanding east, with Ukraine & Moldova, is actually helping make the EU leaner & more effective.
Adding Security to Economy as key drivers behind this "Objet Politique non Identifié".
5/8
July 2, 2026 at 10:08 AM
I think the EU, via the expansion east, triggered a seismic internal shift that lends itself to a faster moving, more competitive, model.
the speed to adapt was a key criticism from Draghi. And he was right. The USofE model doesn't scale well.
the speed to adapt was a key criticism from Draghi. And he was right. The USofE model doesn't scale well.
USofE would be a fitting answer. Get rid of EU vetos that represent less than 10% of Europe's population.
Unify all current NATO troops into a European force. Build more common divisions fast. Buy weapons that you can't yet make but only from trusted suppliers.
Unify all current NATO troops into a European force. Build more common divisions fast. Buy weapons that you can't yet make but only from trusted suppliers.
March 2, 2025 at 8:28 PM
USofE would be a fitting answer. Get rid of EU vetos that represent less than 10% of Europe's population.
Unify all current NATO troops into a European force. Build more common divisions fast. Buy weapons that you can't yet make but only from trusted suppliers.
Unify all current NATO troops into a European force. Build more common divisions fast. Buy weapons that you can't yet make but only from trusted suppliers.
there are two major EU referendums in Europe soon in Switzerland & Iceland. If Iceland vote YES (to resume accession talks), Norway will likely follow and we'll see an end to EFTA.
This suits the EU which is moving away from bespoke deals and the USofE Idea.
Sylvian Kahn helps explain 👇
This suits the EU which is moving away from bespoke deals and the USofE Idea.
Sylvian Kahn helps explain 👇
Sylvian Kahns «L'Europe : un État qui s'ignore» argues the EU has accidentally built the "new state": mutualising sovereignty while promoting the freedom of member states.
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
June 29, 2026 at 11:31 AM
there are two major EU referendums in Europe soon in Switzerland & Iceland. If Iceland vote YES (to resume accession talks), Norway will likely follow and we'll see an end to EFTA.
This suits the EU which is moving away from bespoke deals and the USofE Idea.
Sylvian Kahn helps explain 👇
This suits the EU which is moving away from bespoke deals and the USofE Idea.
Sylvian Kahn helps explain 👇
Suddenly everyone demands an EU army and a "USofE" to take on Russia after Trump scuttled NATO.
Kahn characterises this new EU as a "baroque" state: a unique, complex structure that does not fit the conventional mould but still possesses state-like characteristics e.g. during covid.
4/8
Kahn characterises this new EU as a "baroque" state: a unique, complex structure that does not fit the conventional mould but still possesses state-like characteristics e.g. during covid.
4/8
February 10, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Suddenly everyone demands an EU army and a "USofE" to take on Russia after Trump scuttled NATO.
Kahn characterises this new EU as a "baroque" state: a unique, complex structure that does not fit the conventional mould but still possesses state-like characteristics e.g. during covid.
4/8
Kahn characterises this new EU as a "baroque" state: a unique, complex structure that does not fit the conventional mould but still possesses state-like characteristics e.g. during covid.
4/8
"The EU was formed to screw the United States" says the Don in this Fox clip. Unipolar thinking, you lose I win, confrontation over collaboration. The US used to be our our closest friend, and now we must get divorced. That's why we need a #unitedstatesofEurope #USofE now.
March 1, 2025 at 3:28 PM
"The EU was formed to screw the United States" says the Don in this Fox clip. Unipolar thinking, you lose I win, confrontation over collaboration. The US used to be our our closest friend, and now we must get divorced. That's why we need a #unitedstatesofEurope #USofE now.
you seem to be looking for problems.
Fun Fact: the EU has not stood still for the last 50 years and will not stand still for the next 50.
It's completely changed even just in the last 5 years from a USofE trajectory to a new "Objet Politique non Identifié" as Kahn describes it so well.
Fun Fact: the EU has not stood still for the last 50 years and will not stand still for the next 50.
It's completely changed even just in the last 5 years from a USofE trajectory to a new "Objet Politique non Identifié" as Kahn describes it so well.
External events exposed some weaknesses as the EU sails into territory it was never designed to navigate.
Expanding east, with Ukraine & Moldova, is actually helping make the EU leaner & more effective.
Adding Security to Economy as key drivers behind this "Objet Politique non Identifié".
5/8
Expanding east, with Ukraine & Moldova, is actually helping make the EU leaner & more effective.
Adding Security to Economy as key drivers behind this "Objet Politique non Identifié".
5/8
July 11, 2026 at 4:22 PM
you seem to be looking for problems.
Fun Fact: the EU has not stood still for the last 50 years and will not stand still for the next 50.
It's completely changed even just in the last 5 years from a USofE trajectory to a new "Objet Politique non Identifié" as Kahn describes it so well.
Fun Fact: the EU has not stood still for the last 50 years and will not stand still for the next 50.
It's completely changed even just in the last 5 years from a USofE trajectory to a new "Objet Politique non Identifié" as Kahn describes it so well.
you're spot on Seán.
Niall is mistaken, the EU has not "failed to prepare for the end of the current world order."
EU realised a few years ago that the USofE model doesn't scale well. Ukraine & Moldova underlined that and there's major internal reform underway, decoupled from enlargement.
Niall is mistaken, the EU has not "failed to prepare for the end of the current world order."
EU realised a few years ago that the USofE model doesn't scale well. Ukraine & Moldova underlined that and there's major internal reform underway, decoupled from enlargement.
Commission to decouple EU reforms and Enlargement Package
On 4 November, only the 2025 Enlargement Package will be presented. The communication on EU reforms will have to wait a few weeks
newunionpost.eu
January 27, 2026 at 1:26 PM
you're spot on Seán.
Niall is mistaken, the EU has not "failed to prepare for the end of the current world order."
EU realised a few years ago that the USofE model doesn't scale well. Ukraine & Moldova underlined that and there's major internal reform underway, decoupled from enlargement.
Niall is mistaken, the EU has not "failed to prepare for the end of the current world order."
EU realised a few years ago that the USofE model doesn't scale well. Ukraine & Moldova underlined that and there's major internal reform underway, decoupled from enlargement.
It's receiving criticism for that but it's also a reminder that the EU doesn't have and doesn't want the power to dictate such deep legal & regulatory changes on EU member states.
The EU realised recently the USofE idea doesn't scale well and we all can see what a bad actor in charge can do.
5/6
The EU realised recently the USofE idea doesn't scale well and we all can see what a bad actor in charge can do.
5/6
June 7, 2026 at 1:30 PM
It's receiving criticism for that but it's also a reminder that the EU doesn't have and doesn't want the power to dictate such deep legal & regulatory changes on EU member states.
The EU realised recently the USofE idea doesn't scale well and we all can see what a bad actor in charge can do.
5/6
The EU realised recently the USofE idea doesn't scale well and we all can see what a bad actor in charge can do.
5/6
New video via the European Liberal Forum: Technology vs Humanity, Pain and Love, and more. This is an interview excerpt, you can watch the whole thing at youtu.be/wjDpqHZpXFM?... or visit www.gerd.tv/programs/tec... #USofE 'United States of Europe' #techvshuman #thegoodfuture
Technology vs Humanity, Pain and Love, and more. Interview Excerpt
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
gerd.fm
July 2, 2026 at 12:42 PM
New video via the European Liberal Forum: Technology vs Humanity, Pain and Love, and more. This is an interview excerpt, you can watch the whole thing at youtu.be/wjDpqHZpXFM?... or visit www.gerd.tv/programs/tec... #USofE 'United States of Europe' #techvshuman #thegoodfuture
yikes! the EU is just a bunch of trade treaties & travel agreements Dave and deliberately doesn't interfere in domestic politics.
Once that happens, it's a superstate. The very same USofE model it doesn't want to be.
Pushing responsibility in that direction misunderstands what the EU is.
1/2
Once that happens, it's a superstate. The very same USofE model it doesn't want to be.
Pushing responsibility in that direction misunderstands what the EU is.
1/2
September 7, 2026 at 9:26 AM
yikes! the EU is just a bunch of trade treaties & travel agreements Dave and deliberately doesn't interfere in domestic politics.
Once that happens, it's a superstate. The very same USofE model it doesn't want to be.
Pushing responsibility in that direction misunderstands what the EU is.
1/2
Once that happens, it's a superstate. The very same USofE model it doesn't want to be.
Pushing responsibility in that direction misunderstands what the EU is.
1/2
you're spot on. the EU has ditched the USofE idea - it doesn't scale well - and embraced a new form of statehood that doesn't exist yet.
Sylvian Kahn puts it well in his missive. 👇
Sylvian Kahn puts it well in his missive. 👇
Sylvian Kahns «L'Europe : un État qui s'ignore» argues the EU has accidentally built the "new state": mutualising sovereignty while promoting the freedom of member states.
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
A quick 🧵on the crossroads the EU faces as it expands east and Canada says hi.
TL;DR: "Atlanticism is dead. Long live the EU".
September 17, 2026 at 10:33 AM
you're spot on. the EU has ditched the USofE idea - it doesn't scale well - and embraced a new form of statehood that doesn't exist yet.
Sylvian Kahn puts it well in his missive. 👇
Sylvian Kahn puts it well in his missive. 👇