Dave Keating
@davekeating.substack.com
🇺🇸🇪🇺American by birth, European by choice
Brussels-based journalist www.DaveKeating.net
Find me on Substack: https://davekeating.substack.com/
Brussels-based journalist www.DaveKeating.net
Find me on Substack: https://davekeating.substack.com/
Pinned
Dave Keating
@davekeating.substack.com
· May 19
At their first official summit since #Brexit, the UK and the EU will today sign a partnership deal on security, energy and fisheries.
But it appears the youth mobility scheme won't be part of this deal for now. We'll find out at the press conference in two hours.
But it appears the youth mobility scheme won't be part of this deal for now. We'll find out at the press conference in two hours.
A Commission official has admitted to Euractiv that President von der Leyen's office "softened" the #DemocracyShield text published today "so as not to upset the US".
Our leaders only want to talk about Russia. When it comes to disinformation, the EU's biggest threat is the one who cannot be named.
Our leaders only want to talk about Russia. When it comes to disinformation, the EU's biggest threat is the one who cannot be named.
Can the EU's new Democracy Shield protect Europe from America?
It appears MAGA has successfully intimidated the Commission into defanging its new anti-disinformation tool proposed today.
davekeating.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:11 PM
A Commission official has admitted to Euractiv that President von der Leyen's office "softened" the #DemocracyShield text published today "so as not to upset the US".
Our leaders only want to talk about Russia. When it comes to disinformation, the EU's biggest threat is the one who cannot be named.
Our leaders only want to talk about Russia. When it comes to disinformation, the EU's biggest threat is the one who cannot be named.
Reposted by Dave Keating
This article is an antidote to the all too common trope in the UK among Brexiters and exceptionalists that Europe is somehow a "global bully" (while simultaneously being too weak and unable to rein in emotional France and vengeful Germany. Or something)
No. Europe is a port in a storm.
A 🧵
No. Europe is a port in a storm.
A 🧵
November 12, 2025 at 9:07 AM
This article is an antidote to the all too common trope in the UK among Brexiters and exceptionalists that Europe is somehow a "global bully" (while simultaneously being too weak and unable to rein in emotional France and vengeful Germany. Or something)
No. Europe is a port in a storm.
A 🧵
No. Europe is a port in a storm.
A 🧵
This fusion of the 🇺🇸🇬🇧 media, evident in this BBC crisis, is something I touch on in my book The Owned Continent, out 1 December.
BBC News made a choice in 2023 to axe BBC World and switch to being based from both London & Washington.
From ex-BBC Lewis Goodall: open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
BBC News made a choice in 2023 to axe BBC World and switch to being based from both London & Washington.
From ex-BBC Lewis Goodall: open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
November 11, 2025 at 3:52 PM
This fusion of the 🇺🇸🇬🇧 media, evident in this BBC crisis, is something I touch on in my book The Owned Continent, out 1 December.
BBC News made a choice in 2023 to axe BBC World and switch to being based from both London & Washington.
From ex-BBC Lewis Goodall: open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
BBC News made a choice in 2023 to axe BBC World and switch to being based from both London & Washington.
From ex-BBC Lewis Goodall: open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
Another one bites the dust
The BBC Surrenders to Trump
The capitulation of our national broadcaster to the political forces most determined to destroy it is a worrying sign of things to come
www.adambienkov.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Another one bites the dust
Reposted by Dave Keating
My take on why 🇪🇺President von der Leyen and her centre-right EPP group are playing a dangerous game by planning to ally with the far right next week to pass the deregulation demanded by Trump: davekeating.substack.com/p/von-der-le...
November 8, 2025 at 12:43 PM
My take on why 🇪🇺President von der Leyen and her centre-right EPP group are playing a dangerous game by planning to ally with the far right next week to pass the deregulation demanded by Trump: davekeating.substack.com/p/von-der-le...
This 💯💯💯
Do our European leaders ever stop to think about the deep humiliation of constantly allowing the US to dictate our policies here in Europe?
Or they are incapable of shame?
Do our European leaders ever stop to think about the deep humiliation of constantly allowing the US to dictate our policies here in Europe?
Or they are incapable of shame?
Maybe Keir should demand the heads of major US news networks any time they imply Britain is on the brink of civil war or that we live under sharia law. Or does it not work both ways?
November 10, 2025 at 12:53 PM
This 💯💯💯
Do our European leaders ever stop to think about the deep humiliation of constantly allowing the US to dictate our policies here in Europe?
Or they are incapable of shame?
Do our European leaders ever stop to think about the deep humiliation of constantly allowing the US to dictate our policies here in Europe?
Or they are incapable of shame?
Reposted by Dave Keating
Two panels commemorating the contribution of Black American soldiers towards the liberation of the Netherlands in World War Two have been quietly removed from a cemetery in Limburg. It follows a complaint by right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Op Margraten zijn twee panelen over zwarte Amerikaanse bevrijders van Nederland opeens weg. ‘Past bij beleid van de regering-Trump’
Op Margraten zijn twee panelen over zwarte Amerikaanse bevrijders van Nederland opeens weg. ‘Past bij beleid van de regering-Trump’
Op de Amerikaanse begraafplaats in Margraten is het opeens stil geworden rond de zwarte Amerikanen die hielpen Nederland bevrijden. Twee panelen die hun bijdrage herdachten – én wezen op hun strijd tegen racisme binnen het leger – werden zonder toelichting verwijderd.
www.nrc.nl
November 8, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Two panels commemorating the contribution of Black American soldiers towards the liberation of the Netherlands in World War Two have been quietly removed from a cemetery in Limburg. It follows a complaint by right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Reposted by Dave Keating
To put this in context: the $40 billion bailout is equivalent to 30% of the Argentinian government’s annual budget. All to prop up a failed libertarian-fascist experiment in slash & burn politics.
$40B of your money to this guy, so he can dance at CPAC at Mar-a-Lago while Americans wait for their paychecks, hoping the money actually comes.
November 9, 2025 at 11:38 AM
To put this in context: the $40 billion bailout is equivalent to 30% of the Argentinian government’s annual budget. All to prop up a failed libertarian-fascist experiment in slash & burn politics.
Reposted by Dave Keating
The BBC is apologising for its Panorama edit. It shouldn’t. First, the narrative is true: Donald Trump *did* incite the Capitol riot. Second, the apology won’t appease those attacking it. So why not at least stand for something?
Wrote this on it earlier this week:
inews.co.uk/news/world/b...
Wrote this on it earlier this week:
inews.co.uk/news/world/b...
The BBC was right about the Capitol riots. In a sane world, Trump would be in jail
The US President faced impeachment over the violence, and in a world where Republicans had more courage, he would have been found guilty
inews.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 7:05 AM
The BBC is apologising for its Panorama edit. It shouldn’t. First, the narrative is true: Donald Trump *did* incite the Capitol riot. Second, the apology won’t appease those attacking it. So why not at least stand for something?
Wrote this on it earlier this week:
inews.co.uk/news/world/b...
Wrote this on it earlier this week:
inews.co.uk/news/world/b...
Reposted by Dave Keating
No US visa if you look like an American
The Trump administration has ordered visa officers to deny immigrants who are obese or have certain health issues, in yet another instance of the president’s strange obsession with physical traits. trib.al/b0AtL8r
Trump Says U.S. Visas Can Be Denied to Fat People From Now On
New State Department guidance encourages embassies and consulates to deny visas to people with obesity or other health issues.
trib.al
November 8, 2025 at 1:52 PM
No US visa if you look like an American
My take on why 🇪🇺President von der Leyen and her centre-right EPP group are playing a dangerous game by planning to ally with the far right next week to pass the deregulation demanded by Trump: davekeating.substack.com/p/von-der-le...
November 8, 2025 at 12:43 PM
My take on why 🇪🇺President von der Leyen and her centre-right EPP group are playing a dangerous game by planning to ally with the far right next week to pass the deregulation demanded by Trump: davekeating.substack.com/p/von-der-le...
IPA, the EU international journalists union, has condemned the firing of an Italian journalist for asking a question in the Commission midday press briefing perceived as critical of Israel.
So far no indication that the Commission pressured Agenzia Nova to fire him.
So far no indication that the Commission pressured Agenzia Nova to fire him.
November 7, 2025 at 11:29 AM
IPA, the EU international journalists union, has condemned the firing of an Italian journalist for asking a question in the Commission midday press briefing perceived as critical of Israel.
So far no indication that the Commission pressured Agenzia Nova to fire him.
So far no indication that the Commission pressured Agenzia Nova to fire him.
Next week,🇪🇺President von der Leyen's centre-right EPP group is preparing to ally with the far right in order to pass the 1st of her deregulation packages.
A Commission official says these #Omnibus proposals are being sold as "concessions" to Trump.
Our leadership are going down 2 dangerous paths.
A Commission official says these #Omnibus proposals are being sold as "concessions" to Trump.
Our leadership are going down 2 dangerous paths.
Von der Leyen prepares cooperation with far right to implement Trump's deregulation demands
The cordón sanitaire in the EU Parliament has been broken. Next week, the centre right may team up with the far right to rip up EU climate laws. Next on the chopping block: EU digital rules.
davekeating.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Next week,🇪🇺President von der Leyen's centre-right EPP group is preparing to ally with the far right in order to pass the 1st of her deregulation packages.
A Commission official says these #Omnibus proposals are being sold as "concessions" to Trump.
Our leadership are going down 2 dangerous paths.
A Commission official says these #Omnibus proposals are being sold as "concessions" to Trump.
Our leadership are going down 2 dangerous paths.
Reposted by Dave Keating
Presumably the first of many peace prizes all awarded to one vain and rather orange man
November 5, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Presumably the first of many peace prizes all awarded to one vain and rather orange man
Now official - the EU has weakened its planned 2040 emissions reduction target at the insistence of national governments.
It is part of the overall story of Europe backtracking on its goals to fight climate change - party because of Trump pressure, partly because of changing public attitudes.
It is part of the overall story of Europe backtracking on its goals to fight climate change - party because of Trump pressure, partly because of changing public attitudes.
EU countries agree weakened 2040 climate goal and target for COP30
The deal avoids the EU going empty handed to the COP30 climate summit starting on Nov. 10.
www.politico.eu
November 5, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Now official - the EU has weakened its planned 2040 emissions reduction target at the insistence of national governments.
It is part of the overall story of Europe backtracking on its goals to fight climate change - party because of Trump pressure, partly because of changing public attitudes.
It is part of the overall story of Europe backtracking on its goals to fight climate change - party because of Trump pressure, partly because of changing public attitudes.
It's important for Europeans, and others from visa-waiver countries, to understand they don't have freedom of speech rights when visiting the United States.
The Trump regime is still deporting visitors for critical comments made online, because they can.
The Trump regime is still deporting visitors for critical comments made online, because they can.
How My Reporting on the Columbia Protests Led to My Deportation
As an Australian who wrote about the demonstrations while on campus, I gave my phone a superficial clean before flying to the U.S. I underestimated what I was up against.
www.newyorker.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:05 AM
It's important for Europeans, and others from visa-waiver countries, to understand they don't have freedom of speech rights when visiting the United States.
The Trump regime is still deporting visitors for critical comments made online, because they can.
The Trump regime is still deporting visitors for critical comments made online, because they can.
Now our cowardly European leaders are even letting Trump dictate who they can and can't meet with.
Friedrich Merz and Ursula von der Leyen will reportedly skip the EU-Latin America summit over fear of angering the US president.
Friedrich Merz and Ursula von der Leyen will reportedly skip the EU-Latin America summit over fear of angering the US president.
EU Leaders Skip Latin American Summit to Avoid Irking Trump
European leaders including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will skip the EU’s summit with Latin American and Caribbean states due in part to con...
www.bloomberg.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Now our cowardly European leaders are even letting Trump dictate who they can and can't meet with.
Friedrich Merz and Ursula von der Leyen will reportedly skip the EU-Latin America summit over fear of angering the US president.
Friedrich Merz and Ursula von der Leyen will reportedly skip the EU-Latin America summit over fear of angering the US president.
Brussels Airport shut down tonight due to drones. All flights in and out suspended, incoming flights diverted to other airports.
Drones also sighted over Kleine-Brogel military airbase.
Drones also sighted over Kleine-Brogel military airbase.
Air traffic over Brussels Airport halted after drone sighting
"For safety reasons, all air traffic has been temporarily stopped," said Skeyes spokesperson Kurt Verwilligen.
www.brusselstimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Brussels Airport shut down tonight due to drones. All flights in and out suspended, incoming flights diverted to other airports.
Drones also sighted over Kleine-Brogel military airbase.
Drones also sighted over Kleine-Brogel military airbase.
Reposted by Dave Keating
Business sources tell me that EU companies have been told to get in touch with Mofcom re licenses for Nexperia chips.
Reminiscent of the rare earths saga!
Reminiscent of the rare earths saga!
November 4, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Business sources tell me that EU companies have been told to get in touch with Mofcom re licenses for Nexperia chips.
Reminiscent of the rare earths saga!
Reminiscent of the rare earths saga!
This was all foretold. It was spelled out clearly during the campaign by #Project2025.
Whether the majority of American voters want fascism or they're indifferent to it, they chose it. In Europe we should have our eyes open to that.
My piece from last year:
Whether the majority of American voters want fascism or they're indifferent to it, they chose it. In Europe we should have our eyes open to that.
My piece from last year:
November 4, 2025 at 3:19 PM
This was all foretold. It was spelled out clearly during the campaign by #Project2025.
Whether the majority of American voters want fascism or they're indifferent to it, they chose it. In Europe we should have our eyes open to that.
My piece from last year:
Whether the majority of American voters want fascism or they're indifferent to it, they chose it. In Europe we should have our eyes open to that.
My piece from last year:
Reposted by Dave Keating
this is such a great encapsulation of why this race feels existential even to people outside NYC. Cuomo as the final boss of everything wrong with the current Democratic Party, Mamdani happily grabbing the third rails everyone’s told are too dangerous to touch (trans people, Muslims, socialism)
It's uncanny how Cuomo has been laser-focused at appealing to the absolute worst qualities in people - their insularity, their tribalism, and now their fear. A campaign monumental in its cynicism, a colossal bet by this man and his billionaire backers that people are basically bad.
This isn't a closing election argument, it's Vidkun Quisling explaining why surrender is better than resistance.
November 4, 2025 at 5:45 AM
this is such a great encapsulation of why this race feels existential even to people outside NYC. Cuomo as the final boss of everything wrong with the current Democratic Party, Mamdani happily grabbing the third rails everyone’s told are too dangerous to touch (trans people, Muslims, socialism)
Reposted by Dave Keating
Remember when Farage talks *about* work he is largely talking *to* people who have retired from it
'Alarm clock Britain' is remarkably hackneyed, cliched and - frankly - dull - phraseology from someone who is meant to be good at this stuff.
November 3, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Remember when Farage talks *about* work he is largely talking *to* people who have retired from it
This chimes with what I've been hearing.
“Our negotiators had never seen this before in any international talks. People being summoned to the U.S. Embassy in London — intimidation, threats of cessation of business, threats of family members losing visas."
“Our negotiators had never seen this before in any international talks. People being summoned to the U.S. Embassy in London — intimidation, threats of cessation of business, threats of family members losing visas."
US accused of threatening EU diplomats during bid to kill green shipping rules
Negotiators at shipping talks in London were told both they and their countries could be punished unless they voted with the U.S.
www.politico.eu
November 3, 2025 at 9:06 AM
This chimes with what I've been hearing.
“Our negotiators had never seen this before in any international talks. People being summoned to the U.S. Embassy in London — intimidation, threats of cessation of business, threats of family members losing visas."
“Our negotiators had never seen this before in any international talks. People being summoned to the U.S. Embassy in London — intimidation, threats of cessation of business, threats of family members losing visas."
Reposted by Dave Keating
US citizen shot from behind as he warned ICE agents children would be coming to get bus, lawyers say
U.S. citizen shot from behind as he warned ICE agents about children gathering at bus stop, lawyers say
Lawyers for Carlos Jimenez said he was in fear after an agent threatened him with chemical spray, then pointed a gun at him.
www.latimes.com
November 2, 2025 at 11:25 PM
US citizen shot from behind as he warned ICE agents children would be coming to get bus, lawyers say