Bert de Wilde
@bertdewilde.bsky.social
MFA NL - EU strategy - personal opinions here
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
In this context, the fact that Belgium keeps making windfall revenue on immobilized Russian reserves (via taxation of Euroclear) must be re-examined. Belgium should transfer all that corporate tax income, with retroactive effect starting March 2022, to Ukraine in a transparent manner. Now. (2/2)
December 19, 2025 at 11:11 AM
In this context, the fact that Belgium keeps making windfall revenue on immobilized Russian reserves (via taxation of Euroclear) must be re-examined. Belgium should transfer all that corporate tax income, with retroactive effect starting March 2022, to Ukraine in a transparent manner. Now. (2/2)
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
One more point actually, about Belgium.
The Belgian authorities have indicated that they were vulnerable to Russian bullying. PM Bart De Wever has been commendably transparent that Putin's direct threats were among his motivations to oppose the Commission's proposal for a Reparations Loan. (1/2)
The Belgian authorities have indicated that they were vulnerable to Russian bullying. PM Bart De Wever has been commendably transparent that Putin's direct threats were among his motivations to oppose the Commission's proposal for a Reparations Loan. (1/2)
December 19, 2025 at 11:08 AM
One more point actually, about Belgium.
The Belgian authorities have indicated that they were vulnerable to Russian bullying. PM Bart De Wever has been commendably transparent that Putin's direct threats were among his motivations to oppose the Commission's proposal for a Reparations Loan. (1/2)
The Belgian authorities have indicated that they were vulnerable to Russian bullying. PM Bart De Wever has been commendably transparent that Putin's direct threats were among his motivations to oppose the Commission's proposal for a Reparations Loan. (1/2)
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
Meanwhile, the Russian reserves remain immobilized and the Reparations Loan idea can be revived in future. Overall, a very consequential decision that boils down to a show of EU strength and commitment. Even though many will paint it otherwise. (5/5 - end)
December 19, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Meanwhile, the Russian reserves remain immobilized and the Reparations Loan idea can be revived in future. Overall, a very consequential decision that boils down to a show of EU strength and commitment. Even though many will paint it otherwise. (5/5 - end)
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
The decision also introduces a precedent for flexibility in deciding on this kind of EU funding, namely the possibility of opting out for a few countries that don’t share the scheme’s objectives. This precedent is likely to be very useful in future EU decision-making. A strategic win. (4/5)
December 19, 2025 at 10:38 AM
The decision also introduces a precedent for flexibility in deciding on this kind of EU funding, namely the possibility of opting out for a few countries that don’t share the scheme’s objectives. This precedent is likely to be very useful in future EU decision-making. A strategic win. (4/5)
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
Compared with the proposed Reparations Loan: this morning’s decision provides the same amount of financing in 2026 and 2027, with the result that Ukraine’s needs are well covered. The financial conditions are slightly less advantageous for the EU, but the cost difference is small. (3/N)
December 19, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Compared with the proposed Reparations Loan: this morning’s decision provides the same amount of financing in 2026 and 2027, with the result that Ukraine’s needs are well covered. The financial conditions are slightly less advantageous for the EU, but the cost difference is small. (3/N)
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
In 2022, financial support to Ukraine was led by the US with Europeans as followers. Now the EU is leading it, while the US has withdrawn from the financial front. As recently as a year ago, the dominant expectation was that the EU would have no choice but to follow a US financial withdrawal. (2/N)
December 19, 2025 at 10:37 AM
In 2022, financial support to Ukraine was led by the US with Europeans as followers. Now the EU is leading it, while the US has withdrawn from the financial front. As recently as a year ago, the dominant expectation was that the EU would have no choice but to follow a US financial withdrawal. (2/N)
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
A few quick thoughts about this morning's decision. Don't believe the spin from various Russians & others: it's a big deal. The EU has now unambiguously demonstrated that it is able and willing to provide the external financial support Ukraine needs, for as long and as much as it takes. (1/N)
December 19, 2025 at 10:31 AM
A few quick thoughts about this morning's decision. Don't believe the spin from various Russians & others: it's a big deal. The EU has now unambiguously demonstrated that it is able and willing to provide the external financial support Ukraine needs, for as long and as much as it takes. (1/N)
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
Terug in Nederland na maandenlange inzet in het Caribisch gebied, de Oostzee én het Hoge Noorden: Zr. Ms. Van Amstel.
Als vlaggenschip van het NAVO-vlootverband (SNMG1) droeg het bij aan onderzeebootbestrijding, veiligheid, en afschrikking van Rusland.
Veel dank aan onze mensen en welkom thuis!
Als vlaggenschip van het NAVO-vlootverband (SNMG1) droeg het bij aan onderzeebootbestrijding, veiligheid, en afschrikking van Rusland.
Veel dank aan onze mensen en welkom thuis!
December 19, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Terug in Nederland na maandenlange inzet in het Caribisch gebied, de Oostzee én het Hoge Noorden: Zr. Ms. Van Amstel.
Als vlaggenschip van het NAVO-vlootverband (SNMG1) droeg het bij aan onderzeebootbestrijding, veiligheid, en afschrikking van Rusland.
Veel dank aan onze mensen en welkom thuis!
Als vlaggenschip van het NAVO-vlootverband (SNMG1) droeg het bij aan onderzeebootbestrijding, veiligheid, en afschrikking van Rusland.
Veel dank aan onze mensen en welkom thuis!
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
Rutte is een uitstekende NAVO-baas voor deze tijden.
December 20, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Rutte is een uitstekende NAVO-baas voor deze tijden.
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
Eindejaarsinterview Mark Rutte: ‘Sorry, maar we mogen Trump dankbaar zijn voor zijn leiderschap’
www.volkskrant.nl/buitenland/m...
www.volkskrant.nl/buitenland/m...
Mark Rutte: ‘Sorry, maar we mogen Trump dankbaar zijn voor zijn leiderschap’
Terwijl de ‘vredesonderhandelingen’ over Oekraïne in volle gang zijn, spreekt de Volkskrant Navo-topman Mark Rutte in Brussel over zijn respect voor Donald Trump, een roekeloze Poetin en de geloofwaar...
www.volkskrant.nl
December 20, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Eindejaarsinterview Mark Rutte: ‘Sorry, maar we mogen Trump dankbaar zijn voor zijn leiderschap’
www.volkskrant.nl/buitenland/m...
www.volkskrant.nl/buitenland/m...
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
We gathered today with a clear objective:
to address Ukraine’s pressing financing needs.
We delivered.
90 billion euro for the next two years through EU borrowing on the capital markets ↓
link.europa.eu/6qdC4G
to address Ukraine’s pressing financing needs.
We delivered.
90 billion euro for the next two years through EU borrowing on the capital markets ↓
link.europa.eu/6qdC4G
December 19, 2025 at 3:01 AM
We gathered today with a clear objective:
to address Ukraine’s pressing financing needs.
We delivered.
90 billion euro for the next two years through EU borrowing on the capital markets ↓
link.europa.eu/6qdC4G
to address Ukraine’s pressing financing needs.
We delivered.
90 billion euro for the next two years through EU borrowing on the capital markets ↓
link.europa.eu/6qdC4G
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
In Central and Eastern Europe, #geopolitics is both an old wound and a new political faultline. The #EU must tread carefully, argues BIG's Thomas Laffitte, lest opponents become polarized foes in a reductive battle of civilizations which may do more harm than good. ⬇️ #CEE
🔗 shorturl.at/KjRsX
🔗 shorturl.at/KjRsX
December 17, 2025 at 10:48 AM
In Central and Eastern Europe, #geopolitics is both an old wound and a new political faultline. The #EU must tread carefully, argues BIG's Thomas Laffitte, lest opponents become polarized foes in a reductive battle of civilizations which may do more harm than good. ⬇️ #CEE
🔗 shorturl.at/KjRsX
🔗 shorturl.at/KjRsX
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
Wat betekende het jaar 2025 voor de oorlog in Oekraïne en de pogingen die te beëindigen? @bobdeen.bsky.social blikte bij de eindejaarsshow van @haagschcollege.bsky.social terug en vooruit.
📺Kijk hier:
www.youtube.com/live/1tYCT1i...
📺Kijk hier:
www.youtube.com/live/1tYCT1i...
Café Europa Eindejaarsshow 2025
YouTube video by Haagsch College
www.youtube.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Wat betekende het jaar 2025 voor de oorlog in Oekraïne en de pogingen die te beëindigen? @bobdeen.bsky.social blikte bij de eindejaarsshow van @haagschcollege.bsky.social terug en vooruit.
📺Kijk hier:
www.youtube.com/live/1tYCT1i...
📺Kijk hier:
www.youtube.com/live/1tYCT1i...
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
The Netherlands disapproves of the latest US sanctions against two judges of the International Criminal Court. International courts and tribunals must be able to freely carry out their mandates. We will continue to work with partners to this end. We support the Court and its staff.
December 18, 2025 at 5:27 PM
The Netherlands disapproves of the latest US sanctions against two judges of the International Criminal Court. International courts and tribunals must be able to freely carry out their mandates. We will continue to work with partners to this end. We support the Court and its staff.
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
Nederland keurt de laatste sancties van de VS tegen twee rechters van het Internationaal Strafhof af. Internationale hoven en tribunalen moeten hun mandaat ongehinderd kunnen uitvoeren. Dat blijft de inzet van het kabinet en onze partners. We steunen het Hof en zijn medewerkers.
December 18, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Nederland keurt de laatste sancties van de VS tegen twee rechters van het Internationaal Strafhof af. Internationale hoven en tribunalen moeten hun mandaat ongehinderd kunnen uitvoeren. Dat blijft de inzet van het kabinet en onze partners. We steunen het Hof en zijn medewerkers.
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
During my visit to the NXP campus and a session with tech leaders, we explored how to take this cooperation forward. India is investing heavily - reflected in its dedicated Ministry of Electronics & IT. This underscores that this domain is at the heart of its ambitions. 2/2
December 18, 2025 at 3:16 PM
During my visit to the NXP campus and a session with tech leaders, we explored how to take this cooperation forward. India is investing heavily - reflected in its dedicated Ministry of Electronics & IT. This underscores that this domain is at the heart of its ambitions. 2/2
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
Semiconductors are becoming more and more essential for economic growth and security. India and the Netherlands are working closely in this field. #NXP is a shining example of how Dutch technology and India’s innovation ecosystem reinforce each other. 1/2
December 18, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Semiconductors are becoming more and more essential for economic growth and security. India and the Netherlands are working closely in this field. #NXP is a shining example of how Dutch technology and India’s innovation ecosystem reinforce each other. 1/2
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
A good conversation with Shashi Tharoor, Chair of India’s Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs. We explored how domestic debate shapes foreign policy, India’s role on the global stage, and opportunities for cooperation between India and the Netherlands.
December 18, 2025 at 4:49 PM
A good conversation with Shashi Tharoor, Chair of India’s Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs. We explored how domestic debate shapes foreign policy, India’s role on the global stage, and opportunities for cooperation between India and the Netherlands.
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
🇪🇺Affordable housing is one of the most pressing challenges in Europe. Rising house prices, rents and construction costs are putting growing pressure on households, affecting families, young people and workers. When decent housing is out of reach, social cohesion weakens and inequalities deepen. 1/6
December 16, 2025 at 4:24 PM
🇪🇺Affordable housing is one of the most pressing challenges in Europe. Rising house prices, rents and construction costs are putting growing pressure on households, affecting families, young people and workers. When decent housing is out of reach, social cohesion weakens and inequalities deepen. 1/6
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
President Maia Sandu of Moldova visited Clingendael today. She was welcomed by our Director Monika Sie Dhian Ho, Supervisory Board Chair Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and experts like @wouterzweers.bsky.social and @bobdeen.bsky.social.
December 16, 2025 at 5:21 PM
President Maia Sandu of Moldova visited Clingendael today. She was welcomed by our Director Monika Sie Dhian Ho, Supervisory Board Chair Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and experts like @wouterzweers.bsky.social and @bobdeen.bsky.social.
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
With these sanctions, we are targeting Russian earnings and protecting ourselves. We have also listed individuals and organisations involved in grave human rights violations in Russia and those responsible for Russian hybrid threats. 2/2
December 15, 2025 at 8:20 PM
With these sanctions, we are targeting Russian earnings and protecting ourselves. We have also listed individuals and organisations involved in grave human rights violations in Russia and those responsible for Russian hybrid threats. 2/2
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
A welcome step that the EU has adopted new sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet. Russia is using the shadow fleet to circumvent oil sanctions and steal Ukrainian grain. The Netherlands has urged for these measures. 1/2
December 15, 2025 at 8:20 PM
A welcome step that the EU has adopted new sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet. Russia is using the shadow fleet to circumvent oil sanctions and steal Ukrainian grain. The Netherlands has urged for these measures. 1/2
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
We urge Russia to stop this war by immediately agreeing to the ceasefire and by genuinely engaging in the peace process initiated by President Trump.
December 15, 2025 at 8:56 PM
We urge Russia to stop this war by immediately agreeing to the ceasefire and by genuinely engaging in the peace process initiated by President Trump.
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
We are fully committed to work together on an agreement to end the war, ensuring lasting peace and protecting long-term Euro-Atlantic security and unity.
December 15, 2025 at 8:56 PM
We are fully committed to work together on an agreement to end the war, ensuring lasting peace and protecting long-term Euro-Atlantic security and unity.
Reposted by Bert de Wilde
The people of Ukraine deserve a prosperous, independent, and sovereign future, free from the threat of Russian aggression, and as part of the EU.
link.europa.eu/dVbqPh
link.europa.eu/dVbqPh
December 15, 2025 at 8:56 PM
The people of Ukraine deserve a prosperous, independent, and sovereign future, free from the threat of Russian aggression, and as part of the EU.
link.europa.eu/dVbqPh
link.europa.eu/dVbqPh