Gerardo Fortuna
@gerardofortuna.bsky.social
CIAO THERE. Brussels-based polémiste. Brussels Playbook Author at @politico.eu
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ICYMI: It’s now official. As of today, I’ve started as Brussels Playbook author at @politico.eu, bringing you scoops, whispers, and sharp analysis from the Brussels bubble to Europe (and beyond) every Wednesday and Thursday
I knew it would happen sooner or later: Costas Kadis has arrived on the coast of Cádiz
November 12, 2025 at 1:30 PM
I knew it would happen sooner or later: Costas Kadis has arrived on the coast of Cádiz
Reposted by Gerardo Fortuna
Border militarization klaxon.
Merging of migration and defense policies in Europe continues apace with announcement of €250mln purchase of drones to stop hybrid threats like incursions by other drones, and presumably migrants.
h/t @gerardofortuna.bsky.social
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Merging of migration and defense policies in Europe continues apace with announcement of €250mln purchase of drones to stop hybrid threats like incursions by other drones, and presumably migrants.
h/t @gerardofortuna.bsky.social
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Commission launches first Annual Migration Management Cycle under the Pact on Migration and Asylum
Today, the European Commission is taking a further step in implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum by launching the first Annual Migration Management Cycle.
ec.europa.eu
November 11, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Border militarization klaxon.
Merging of migration and defense policies in Europe continues apace with announcement of €250mln purchase of drones to stop hybrid threats like incursions by other drones, and presumably migrants.
h/t @gerardofortuna.bsky.social
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Merging of migration and defense policies in Europe continues apace with announcement of €250mln purchase of drones to stop hybrid threats like incursions by other drones, and presumably migrants.
h/t @gerardofortuna.bsky.social
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
What the EU does for you? Just making you feel old...
October 31, 2025 at 3:57 PM
What the EU does for you? Just making you feel old...
No media left behind: with this entry, I’ve officially liveblogged the EUCO for all three outlets doing live coverage of the EU summit. Not sure if that makes me the only one with a liveblog grand slam, but there can’t be that many
October 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM
No media left behind: with this entry, I’ve officially liveblogged the EUCO for all three outlets doing live coverage of the EU summit. Not sure if that makes me the only one with a liveblog grand slam, but there can’t be that many
There’s a new EU president in town: Séamus Boland elected this morning as @eesc-president.bsky.social. Yesterday, I had a chat with him — a farmer who, as he put it, “also happens to be very involved and loves drama, acting, writing plays and... showing off.”
October 22, 2025 at 4:57 PM
There’s a new EU president in town: Séamus Boland elected this morning as @eesc-president.bsky.social. Yesterday, I had a chat with him — a farmer who, as he put it, “also happens to be very involved and loves drama, acting, writing plays and... showing off.”
Fascinated by how the idea of Martin Selmayr and Bjoern Seibert both roaming Brussels at once feels like Grindelwald and Lord Voldemort coexisting in the same magical era
October 17, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Fascinated by how the idea of Martin Selmayr and Bjoern Seibert both roaming Brussels at once feels like Grindelwald and Lord Voldemort coexisting in the same magical era
⚠️Frictions in the Commission: the spokesperson service (aka von der Leyen) publicly called to order EVP Raffaele Fitto after he floated changes to the EU’s long-term proposal in a meeting with regional leaders.
This follow-up statement made the reprimand clear.
This follow-up statement made the reprimand clear.
October 16, 2025 at 3:57 PM
⚠️Frictions in the Commission: the spokesperson service (aka von der Leyen) publicly called to order EVP Raffaele Fitto after he floated changes to the EU’s long-term proposal in a meeting with regional leaders.
This follow-up statement made the reprimand clear.
This follow-up statement made the reprimand clear.
Reposted by Gerardo Fortuna
"the food arrived late, creating that notorious Brussels imbalance between flowing alcohol and missing snacks."
@gerardofortuna.bsky.social is the magic realism poet we deserved.
@gerardofortuna.bsky.social is the magic realism poet we deserved.
October 15, 2025 at 6:48 AM
"the food arrived late, creating that notorious Brussels imbalance between flowing alcohol and missing snacks."
@gerardofortuna.bsky.social is the magic realism poet we deserved.
@gerardofortuna.bsky.social is the magic realism poet we deserved.
Truly disastrous outcome for the anti–von der Leyen camp: the far-right no-confidence motion got just 179 votes (+4 from July’s attempt), while the Left’s fared even worse with 133.
This could mark the end of the motion-of-censure era
This could mark the end of the motion-of-censure era
October 9, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Truly disastrous outcome for the anti–von der Leyen camp: the far-right no-confidence motion got just 179 votes (+4 from July’s attempt), while the Left’s fared even worse with 133.
This could mark the end of the motion-of-censure era
This could mark the end of the motion-of-censure era
Reposted by Gerardo Fortuna
Over in Strasbourg, tensions were so high on Wednesday that the Socialists' lead negotiator on the file quit.
Within the EPP, divisions are becoming more obvious.
Read more in today's playbook:
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b... w/ @gerardofortuna.bsky.social and @maxgriera.bsky.social
Within the EPP, divisions are becoming more obvious.
Read more in today's playbook:
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b... w/ @gerardofortuna.bsky.social and @maxgriera.bsky.social
VDL’s no-confidence showdown
Presented by DP World By GERARDO FORTUNA with ZOYA SHEFTALOVICH PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Contact us on X @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur @swheaton | Listen to Playbook and view in your browse…
www.politico.eu
October 9, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Over in Strasbourg, tensions were so high on Wednesday that the Socialists' lead negotiator on the file quit.
Within the EPP, divisions are becoming more obvious.
Read more in today's playbook:
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b... w/ @gerardofortuna.bsky.social and @maxgriera.bsky.social
Within the EPP, divisions are becoming more obvious.
Read more in today's playbook:
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b... w/ @gerardofortuna.bsky.social and @maxgriera.bsky.social
Happy birthday to Ursula @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu! In my profile for today's Brussels Playbook, I look at her unstoppable work style and share a virtual birthday card where political leaders and her own commissioners send her their best wishes. Check it out!
October 8, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Happy birthday to Ursula @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu! In my profile for today's Brussels Playbook, I look at her unstoppable work style and share a virtual birthday card where political leaders and her own commissioners send her their best wishes. Check it out!
Von der Leyen's new three-step strategy for convincing opponents to back her underscores a more cooperative tone and a willingness to engage rather than confront.
Read more in this story with @maxgriera.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
Read more in this story with @maxgriera.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
Von der Leyen hopes her caring, sharing side will win round critics
The European Commission president faces another set of no-confidence votes on Thursday. She hopes that by listening more, she’ll bolster her support.
www.politico.eu
October 7, 2025 at 7:04 AM
Von der Leyen's new three-step strategy for convincing opponents to back her underscores a more cooperative tone and a willingness to engage rather than confront.
Read more in this story with @maxgriera.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
Read more in this story with @maxgriera.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
ICYMI: It’s now official. As of today, I’ve started as Brussels Playbook author at @politico.eu, bringing you scoops, whispers, and sharp analysis from the Brussels bubble to Europe (and beyond) every Wednesday and Thursday
October 2, 2025 at 12:13 PM
ICYMI: It’s now official. As of today, I’ve started as Brussels Playbook author at @politico.eu, bringing you scoops, whispers, and sharp analysis from the Brussels bubble to Europe (and beyond) every Wednesday and Thursday
Reposted by Gerardo Fortuna
October 2, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Detail spotters may have noticed: every EU leader pulled up in the same ride—a BMW i7 eDrive50, fully electric and courtesy of the Danish foreign affairs ministry.
This offered the most curious sight of the EUCO doorsteps so far: Italy’s Meloni stepping out of a German-made EV
This offered the most curious sight of the EUCO doorsteps so far: Italy’s Meloni stepping out of a German-made EV
October 1, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Detail spotters may have noticed: every EU leader pulled up in the same ride—a BMW i7 eDrive50, fully electric and courtesy of the Danish foreign affairs ministry.
This offered the most curious sight of the EUCO doorsteps so far: Italy’s Meloni stepping out of a German-made EV
This offered the most curious sight of the EUCO doorsteps so far: Italy’s Meloni stepping out of a German-made EV
Quiet atmosphere around Christiansborg Slot ahead of tomorrow’s informal EUCO in Copenhagen.
Locals seem more curious than annoyed by the summit’s security checks and traffic disruptions (quite a contrast to Brussels’ summit-season routine)
Locals seem more curious than annoyed by the summit’s security checks and traffic disruptions (quite a contrast to Brussels’ summit-season routine)
September 30, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Quiet atmosphere around Christiansborg Slot ahead of tomorrow’s informal EUCO in Copenhagen.
Locals seem more curious than annoyed by the summit’s security checks and traffic disruptions (quite a contrast to Brussels’ summit-season routine)
Locals seem more curious than annoyed by the summit’s security checks and traffic disruptions (quite a contrast to Brussels’ summit-season routine)
Out of sight, out of mind: Best 'window' seat in these tough times for European aircraft security—if a drone attack comes, you won’t see it anyway.
God eftermiddag from Copenhagen, on my way to tomorrow's informal EUCO!
God eftermiddag from Copenhagen, on my way to tomorrow's informal EUCO!
September 30, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Out of sight, out of mind: Best 'window' seat in these tough times for European aircraft security—if a drone attack comes, you won’t see it anyway.
God eftermiddag from Copenhagen, on my way to tomorrow's informal EUCO!
God eftermiddag from Copenhagen, on my way to tomorrow's informal EUCO!
EU Commission couldn’t think of a better way to mark the trade deal with Indonesia than serving something 'Indonesian' in the canteen, basically nasi goreng en croûte (yes, wrapped in pastry and baked).
Not sure Indonesians would approve, but hey, it’s the thought that counts.
Not sure Indonesians would approve, but hey, it’s the thought that counts.
September 26, 2025 at 1:27 PM
EU Commission couldn’t think of a better way to mark the trade deal with Indonesia than serving something 'Indonesian' in the canteen, basically nasi goreng en croûte (yes, wrapped in pastry and baked).
Not sure Indonesians would approve, but hey, it’s the thought that counts.
Not sure Indonesians would approve, but hey, it’s the thought that counts.
How likely is this proposal to succeed? Very difficult if not impossible: member states must agree, and there are staunch Israel allies like Czechia, Bulgaria, Austria, Hungary, and especially Italy and Germany which alone could tip the balance given their voting weight
Just in: The EU Commission has announced the proposal of a 'robust package of sanctions' against Israel that includes a partial supension of trade concessions.
"The aim is not to punish Israel but to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," says EU's chief diplomat Kallas
"The aim is not to punish Israel but to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," says EU's chief diplomat Kallas
September 17, 2025 at 11:13 AM
How likely is this proposal to succeed? Very difficult if not impossible: member states must agree, and there are staunch Israel allies like Czechia, Bulgaria, Austria, Hungary, and especially Italy and Germany which alone could tip the balance given their voting weight
Just in: The EU Commission has announced the proposal of a 'robust package of sanctions' against Israel that includes a partial supension of trade concessions.
"The aim is not to punish Israel but to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," says EU's chief diplomat Kallas
"The aim is not to punish Israel but to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," says EU's chief diplomat Kallas
September 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Just in: The EU Commission has announced the proposal of a 'robust package of sanctions' against Israel that includes a partial supension of trade concessions.
"The aim is not to punish Israel but to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," says EU's chief diplomat Kallas
"The aim is not to punish Israel but to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza," says EU's chief diplomat Kallas
y'all know how we can fit this pic on the header?
September 17, 2025 at 9:51 AM
y'all know how we can fit this pic on the header?
With food issues on the menu, EU-India trade talks finally head toward the ‘end game’.
Indeed, the clearest sign that things are accelerating is the arrival of agriculture on the agenda...
More on @euronews.com / with @peggycorlin.bsky.social
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
Indeed, the clearest sign that things are accelerating is the arrival of agriculture on the agenda...
More on @euronews.com / with @peggycorlin.bsky.social
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
EU and India chase down trade deal with wrangling over food
The fact that agriculture is now being formally addressed in EU-India trade negotiations signals that talks are edging toward the finish line, according to experts. #EuropeNews
www.euronews.com
September 11, 2025 at 1:16 PM
With food issues on the menu, EU-India trade talks finally head toward the ‘end game’.
Indeed, the clearest sign that things are accelerating is the arrival of agriculture on the agenda...
More on @euronews.com / with @peggycorlin.bsky.social
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
Indeed, the clearest sign that things are accelerating is the arrival of agriculture on the agenda...
More on @euronews.com / with @peggycorlin.bsky.social
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
The State of the European Union speech is part spectacle, part policy horoscope. My advice: watch the announcements, track what’s missing, note the language shifts.
Here’s more on what to listen out for in this marathon speech.
A 🧵:
Here’s more on what to listen out for in this marathon speech.
A 🧵:
September 9, 2025 at 2:29 PM
The State of the European Union speech is part spectacle, part policy horoscope. My advice: watch the announcements, track what’s missing, note the language shifts.
Here’s more on what to listen out for in this marathon speech.
A 🧵:
Here’s more on what to listen out for in this marathon speech.
A 🧵:
Can't help thinking how France might be heading to its 5th head of government and the Vatican had 2 Popes in the same period Italy has had just 1 PM. How the tables have turned
September 8, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Can't help thinking how France might be heading to its 5th head of government and the Vatican had 2 Popes in the same period Italy has had just 1 PM. How the tables have turned
EU farm boss Hansen will join trade czar Šefčovič in New Delhi this week (Thu-Fri). Don't get too excited, it's too soon for a deal, but yes, agri divergences are finally on the table and ready for being chewed over...
September 8, 2025 at 3:01 PM
EU farm boss Hansen will join trade czar Šefčovič in New Delhi this week (Thu-Fri). Don't get too excited, it's too soon for a deal, but yes, agri divergences are finally on the table and ready for being chewed over...