Koen Verhelst
@koenverhelst.bsky.social
Trade Reporter, POLITICO | Brussels 🇪🇺 via Rīga 🇱🇻 and Bonn 🇩🇪 | Grew up in an exclave 🇳🇱 |
✉️ kverhelst@politico.eu
✉️ kverhelst@politico.eu
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
For decades, the European Union has relied on the United States to act as shock absorber and chief powerbroker at global climate talks. No longer.
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Trump’s COP30 snub thrusts Europe into a role it’s not ready for
Without the US, the EU will bear the brunt of demands leveled at rich countries during the talks.
www.politico.eu
November 10, 2025 at 2:18 PM
For decades, the European Union has relied on the United States to act as shock absorber and chief powerbroker at global climate talks. No longer.
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
Oh ironie van de geschiedenis: de architect van de publieke afbraak moet ons nu verdedigen
www.volkskrant.nl/columns-van-...
www.volkskrant.nl/columns-van-...
5 procent naar defensie is niet genoeg om ons veilig te houden
www.volkskrant.nl
June 24, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Oh ironie van de geschiedenis: de architect van de publieke afbraak moet ons nu verdedigen
www.volkskrant.nl/columns-van-...
www.volkskrant.nl/columns-van-...
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
G7 embraces ‘realpolitik’ to work around disruptive Trump
...definitive summit wrap from @koenverhelst.bsky.social, Giorgio Leali and Nick Taylor-Vaisey
www.politico.eu/article/g7-e...
...definitive summit wrap from @koenverhelst.bsky.social, Giorgio Leali and Nick Taylor-Vaisey
www.politico.eu/article/g7-e...
G7 embraces ‘realpolitik’ to work around disruptive Trump
Trump’s G7 allies couldn’t get him on board with stronger measures against Russia — but at least they “live to fight another day.”
www.politico.eu
June 18, 2025 at 4:01 AM
G7 embraces ‘realpolitik’ to work around disruptive Trump
...definitive summit wrap from @koenverhelst.bsky.social, Giorgio Leali and Nick Taylor-Vaisey
www.politico.eu/article/g7-e...
...definitive summit wrap from @koenverhelst.bsky.social, Giorgio Leali and Nick Taylor-Vaisey
www.politico.eu/article/g7-e...
The EU is not giving in to the US on a 10 percent base tariff, the bloc told me today at the G7 in Canada:
www.politico.eu/article/eu-d...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-d...
EU denies it will yield to Trump’s 10 percent base tariff
Reports the bloc might accept the U.S. 10 percent global baseline tariff are “speculative and do not reflect the current state of discussions,” an EU spokesperson said.
www.politico.eu
June 16, 2025 at 9:23 PM
The EU is not giving in to the US on a 10 percent base tariff, the bloc told me today at the G7 in Canada:
www.politico.eu/article/eu-d...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-d...
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
When it comes to simplifying the EU's green rules, experts just get in the way.
So countries thought it best to sideline them.
Read our latest deep dive behind the scenes of the EU's mission to cut red tape:
www.politico.eu/article/eu-c...
w/ @l-guillot.bsky.social & @koenverhelst.bsky.social
So countries thought it best to sideline them.
Read our latest deep dive behind the scenes of the EU's mission to cut red tape:
www.politico.eu/article/eu-c...
w/ @l-guillot.bsky.social & @koenverhelst.bsky.social
EU countries sideline experts in dash to slash green rules
Diplomats warn that leaving experts out of policy discussions on simplifying green regulations will do more harm than good.
www.politico.eu
June 13, 2025 at 2:36 PM
When it comes to simplifying the EU's green rules, experts just get in the way.
So countries thought it best to sideline them.
Read our latest deep dive behind the scenes of the EU's mission to cut red tape:
www.politico.eu/article/eu-c...
w/ @l-guillot.bsky.social & @koenverhelst.bsky.social
So countries thought it best to sideline them.
Read our latest deep dive behind the scenes of the EU's mission to cut red tape:
www.politico.eu/article/eu-c...
w/ @l-guillot.bsky.social & @koenverhelst.bsky.social
This latest one is very reminiscent of the 200% wine and spirits threat from a few months back. A lot of chatter, zero policy
I always feel nervous when I go out on a limb, but it feels so good when I’m vindicated! #policywonkadrenalinerush
On Trump's tariff threat against the EU. - The most recent threat is just that - a threat, there is no announcement or executive order. This could be a way to try to increase leverage in negotiations, including trade talks between Commissioner Sefcovic and USTR Greer later today.
May 26, 2025 at 3:04 PM
This latest one is very reminiscent of the 200% wine and spirits threat from a few months back. A lot of chatter, zero policy
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
Private equity heeft de festivalwereld ontdekt. Vrees voor duurdere tickets en afzeggende artiesten op tientallen festivals. Verhaal van @henkwillem.bsky.social voor @ftm.nl
www.ftm.nl/artikelen/ro...
www.ftm.nl/artikelen/ro...
Zwarte Cross, Awakenings en nog tientallen festivals stiekem gekocht door Amerikaanse roofkapitalist
Wat hebben Europese festivals als Sziget, Sónar, Wacken Open Air en Awakenings gemeen? Ze zijn sinds kort eigendom van de roemruchte durfinvesteerder KKR, dat 1,3 miljard euro voor tachtig festivals n...
www.ftm.nl
May 17, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Private equity heeft de festivalwereld ontdekt. Vrees voor duurdere tickets en afzeggende artiesten op tientallen festivals. Verhaal van @henkwillem.bsky.social voor @ftm.nl
www.ftm.nl/artikelen/ro...
www.ftm.nl/artikelen/ro...
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
The European Commission presented to EU countries today a list of the concessions it is willing to make to the Donald Trump administration as well as a new list of goods it is going to slap with tariffs if negotiations fail, an EU official and an EU diplomat told POLITICO.
Brussels unveils Trump trade retaliation tactics to EU countries
EU executive is planning a two-track approach of incentives and retaliatory measures to convince the White House to strike a deal.
www.politico.eu
April 30, 2025 at 6:03 PM
The European Commission presented to EU countries today a list of the concessions it is willing to make to the Donald Trump administration as well as a new list of goods it is going to slap with tariffs if negotiations fail, an EU official and an EU diplomat told POLITICO.
🚨 EU countries approve the €20+ bln retaliation package against Trump just now. Only Hungary voted against.
April 9, 2025 at 1:06 PM
🚨 EU countries approve the €20+ bln retaliation package against Trump just now. Only Hungary voted against.
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
My old job with the stellar Sustainability team at POLITICO in Brussels is up for grabs!
You'll get the chance to work with great colleagues @mariannegros.bsky.social, Leonie Cater and James Fernyhough.
Apply here: jobs.mpleo.net/en/politico/...
You'll get the chance to work with great colleagues @mariannegros.bsky.social, Leonie Cater and James Fernyhough.
Apply here: jobs.mpleo.net/en/politico/...
Job Opportunities
jobs.mpleo.net
April 7, 2025 at 1:59 PM
My old job with the stellar Sustainability team at POLITICO in Brussels is up for grabs!
You'll get the chance to work with great colleagues @mariannegros.bsky.social, Leonie Cater and James Fernyhough.
Apply here: jobs.mpleo.net/en/politico/...
You'll get the chance to work with great colleagues @mariannegros.bsky.social, Leonie Cater and James Fernyhough.
Apply here: jobs.mpleo.net/en/politico/...
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
De markten zijn net acht procent op en neer gestuiterd omdat Hassett onderbroken werd en toen 'yeah' zei - duidelijk niet in antwoord op de vraag.
KILMEADE: Would Trump consider a 90 days pause in tariffs?
HASSETT: I think the president is gonna decide what the president is gonna decide ... even if you think there will be some negative effect from the trade side, that's still a small share of GDP
HASSETT: I think the president is gonna decide what the president is gonna decide ... even if you think there will be some negative effect from the trade side, that's still a small share of GDP
April 7, 2025 at 2:31 PM
De markten zijn net acht procent op en neer gestuiterd omdat Hassett onderbroken werd en toen 'yeah' zei - duidelijk niet in antwoord op de vraag.
If all is hostile, turn friendly: EU offers Donald Trump to slash all tariffs on industrial goods.
www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
w/ fresh reporting from Luxembourg by @camgijs.bsky.social @jakobweizman.bsky.social and data via @gi-coi.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
w/ fresh reporting from Luxembourg by @camgijs.bsky.social @jakobweizman.bsky.social and data via @gi-coi.bsky.social
EU offers Trump removal of all industrial tariffs
“Europe is always ready for a good deal,” says Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
www.politico.eu
April 7, 2025 at 2:59 PM
If all is hostile, turn friendly: EU offers Donald Trump to slash all tariffs on industrial goods.
www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
w/ fresh reporting from Luxembourg by @camgijs.bsky.social @jakobweizman.bsky.social and data via @gi-coi.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
w/ fresh reporting from Luxembourg by @camgijs.bsky.social @jakobweizman.bsky.social and data via @gi-coi.bsky.social
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
🛡️ POLITICO hot take: Europe's plan to save the steel industry — but also, make it green — is really all about defence.
The action plan is a blueprint for manufacturing low-carbon deterrence against an expansionist Russia.
w/ @koenverhelst.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/indu...
The action plan is a blueprint for manufacturing low-carbon deterrence against an expansionist Russia.
w/ @koenverhelst.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/indu...
No industry, no tanks: EU bets on more clean steel to secure its future
Saving and greening European steel mills is now a key part of the EU’s defence strategy.
www.politico.eu
March 20, 2025 at 7:50 AM
🛡️ POLITICO hot take: Europe's plan to save the steel industry — but also, make it green — is really all about defence.
The action plan is a blueprint for manufacturing low-carbon deterrence against an expansionist Russia.
w/ @koenverhelst.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/indu...
The action plan is a blueprint for manufacturing low-carbon deterrence against an expansionist Russia.
w/ @koenverhelst.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/indu...
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
Voor @nrcnl.bsky.social sprak ik met Kim Haneul, een Noord-Koreaan die jaren als dwangarbeider in Rusland werkte en recent wist te vluchten naar Zuid-Korea. "We kregen maar één dag per jaar vrij"
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/...
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/...
Noord-Koreaanse dwangarbeiders ploeteren om geld te verdienen voor het regime. ‘We kregen één dag per jaar vrij’
Noord-Koreaanse dwangarbeider: Zo’n honderdduizend Noord-Koreanen werken onder dwang in het buitenland om geld te verdienen voor het regime. Zoals Kim Haneul, die ontsnapte van een bouwplaats in Mosko...
www.nrc.nl
March 20, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Voor @nrcnl.bsky.social sprak ik met Kim Haneul, een Noord-Koreaan die jaren als dwangarbeider in Rusland werkte en recent wist te vluchten naar Zuid-Korea. "We kregen maar één dag per jaar vrij"
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/...
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/...
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
NEW: The EU won't propose a ban on bloc-wide purchases of Russian LNG in its 16th sanctions package, two EU diplomats said.
That comes despite the EU importing record volumes of the supercooled fuel from Moscow this month. w/
@koenverhelst.bsky.social pro.politico.eu/news/192991
That comes despite the EU importing record volumes of the supercooled fuel from Moscow this month. w/
@koenverhelst.bsky.social pro.politico.eu/news/192991
POLITICO Pro
pro.politico.eu
January 28, 2025 at 2:02 PM
NEW: The EU won't propose a ban on bloc-wide purchases of Russian LNG in its 16th sanctions package, two EU diplomats said.
That comes despite the EU importing record volumes of the supercooled fuel from Moscow this month. w/
@koenverhelst.bsky.social pro.politico.eu/news/192991
That comes despite the EU importing record volumes of the supercooled fuel from Moscow this month. w/
@koenverhelst.bsky.social pro.politico.eu/news/192991
Kijk, @mobiliteit.brussels, I fixed it for you.
Betere fietsinfrastructuur en openbaar vervoer leidt tot minder noodzaak om de auto te nemen. Klinkt wellicht paradoxaal, maar is keer op keer wetenschappelijk bewezen.
Betere fietsinfrastructuur en openbaar vervoer leidt tot minder noodzaak om de auto te nemen. Klinkt wellicht paradoxaal, maar is keer op keer wetenschappelijk bewezen.
January 9, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Kijk, @mobiliteit.brussels, I fixed it for you.
Betere fietsinfrastructuur en openbaar vervoer leidt tot minder noodzaak om de auto te nemen. Klinkt wellicht paradoxaal, maar is keer op keer wetenschappelijk bewezen.
Betere fietsinfrastructuur en openbaar vervoer leidt tot minder noodzaak om de auto te nemen. Klinkt wellicht paradoxaal, maar is keer op keer wetenschappelijk bewezen.
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
“According to the finance ministry’s calculations, the cost to society of trips by car is close to one euro/km. On the other hand, every km travelled by bike yields societal gains of 60 euro cents thanks to the health benefits of cycling, transport efficiency gains, & lower infrastructure spending.”
What the world can learn from Copenhagen’s cycling revolution
Close to two-thirds of the city’s residents commute by bike to school or work every day.
theprogressplaybook.com
January 3, 2025 at 8:27 AM
“According to the finance ministry’s calculations, the cost to society of trips by car is close to one euro/km. On the other hand, every km travelled by bike yields societal gains of 60 euro cents thanks to the health benefits of cycling, transport efficiency gains, & lower infrastructure spending.”
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
Giorgia Meloni pitched her Albania refugee camp as a near-miraculous solution. A few months in, the camps host more Italian staff than they ever did refugees as Meloni struggles to dodge European refugee repatriation laws. By @elenagiordano.bsky.social and moi: www.politico.eu/article/gior...
Meloni’s Albanian migrant detention centers are now ghost towns
The much-touted solution to Europe’s migration crisis houses only Italian police — who have taken to adopting stray dogs and sunbathing.
www.politico.eu
January 2, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Giorgia Meloni pitched her Albania refugee camp as a near-miraculous solution. A few months in, the camps host more Italian staff than they ever did refugees as Meloni struggles to dodge European refugee repatriation laws. By @elenagiordano.bsky.social and moi: www.politico.eu/article/gior...
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
If you work in the European Quarter, you’ve seen the mural on Rue de la Loi, a wash of color in an otherwise grey, traffic-choked street.
It was torn down today to make room for new European Commission offices. But it could be revived!
A very Brussels bubble scoop 👇 www.politico.eu/article/brus...
It was torn down today to make room for new European Commission offices. But it could be revived!
A very Brussels bubble scoop 👇 www.politico.eu/article/brus...
‘Future is Europe’ mural is a thing of the past
It may or may not be resurrected.
www.politico.eu
December 4, 2024 at 1:08 PM
If you work in the European Quarter, you’ve seen the mural on Rue de la Loi, a wash of color in an otherwise grey, traffic-choked street.
It was torn down today to make room for new European Commission offices. But it could be revived!
A very Brussels bubble scoop 👇 www.politico.eu/article/brus...
It was torn down today to make room for new European Commission offices. But it could be revived!
A very Brussels bubble scoop 👇 www.politico.eu/article/brus...
So for all us joining the X-odus, here's a nice piece that gives one hope for the future of Western sanctions against Russia 🛃
💎Diamond tracing will get real, as Botswana will certify its exports soon. And Angola just kicked out Alrosa. More here:
www.politico.eu/article/west...
💎Diamond tracing will get real, as Botswana will certify its exports soon. And Angola just kicked out Alrosa. More here:
www.politico.eu/article/west...
How the West convinced Russia’s diamond competitors to join it
Involving Africa’s diamond producing nations proves crucial for a shot at workable G7 sanctions against Russian stones.
www.politico.eu
December 4, 2024 at 11:38 AM
So for all us joining the X-odus, here's a nice piece that gives one hope for the future of Western sanctions against Russia 🛃
💎Diamond tracing will get real, as Botswana will certify its exports soon. And Angola just kicked out Alrosa. More here:
www.politico.eu/article/west...
💎Diamond tracing will get real, as Botswana will certify its exports soon. And Angola just kicked out Alrosa. More here:
www.politico.eu/article/west...
Waking up under a Blue Sky with 1.9k followers after months of radio silence on my part - the pressure is on! 😅
December 4, 2024 at 11:34 AM
Waking up under a Blue Sky with 1.9k followers after months of radio silence on my part - the pressure is on! 😅
Let's announce also here: I've joined Politico's trade team this week! 🌴🍌🚗🏭💱🌍🚨
My phone number stays the same, so let's grab a coffee or lunch soon. ☕
Main thing on the agenda will be the daily Morning Trade newsletter with @zimmerfrau.bsky.social, @camgijs.bsky.social and @busvine.bsky.social. 🗞️
My phone number stays the same, so let's grab a coffee or lunch soon. ☕
Main thing on the agenda will be the daily Morning Trade newsletter with @zimmerfrau.bsky.social, @camgijs.bsky.social and @busvine.bsky.social. 🗞️
January 4, 2024 at 10:43 AM
Let's announce also here: I've joined Politico's trade team this week! 🌴🍌🚗🏭💱🌍🚨
My phone number stays the same, so let's grab a coffee or lunch soon. ☕
Main thing on the agenda will be the daily Morning Trade newsletter with @zimmerfrau.bsky.social, @camgijs.bsky.social and @busvine.bsky.social. 🗞️
My phone number stays the same, so let's grab a coffee or lunch soon. ☕
Main thing on the agenda will be the daily Morning Trade newsletter with @zimmerfrau.bsky.social, @camgijs.bsky.social and @busvine.bsky.social. 🗞️
As the Brussels bubble is fully immersed the Raw Materials Week, it wakes up to the news of a political agreement on the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act.
Key changes:
- aluminium is in
- recycling benchmark by 2030 from 15% to 25%
#crma #criticalrawmaterials
Key changes:
- aluminium is in
- recycling benchmark by 2030 from 15% to 25%
#crma #criticalrawmaterials
November 14, 2023 at 9:26 AM
As the Brussels bubble is fully immersed the Raw Materials Week, it wakes up to the news of a political agreement on the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act.
Key changes:
- aluminium is in
- recycling benchmark by 2030 from 15% to 25%
#crma #criticalrawmaterials
Key changes:
- aluminium is in
- recycling benchmark by 2030 from 15% to 25%
#crma #criticalrawmaterials
Reposted by Koen Verhelst
Eine historische Premiere: In Rota, Spanien, trainiert die EU diese Woche zum ersten Mal überhaupt gemeinsam ihre geplante militärische Eingreiftruppe.
Wir sind dabei. Hier unser Bericht, nachzusehen und nachzulesen:
Wie die EU zur Militärmacht werden will:
www.zdf.de/nachrichten/...
Wir sind dabei. Hier unser Bericht, nachzusehen und nachzulesen:
Wie die EU zur Militärmacht werden will:
www.zdf.de/nachrichten/...
EU-Übung: Wie die Europäische Union Militärmacht werden will
An Spaniens Küste trainiert erstmals die geplante militärische Eingreiftruppe der Europäischen Union. Die könnte sie jetzt schon gut gebrauchen.
www.zdf.de
October 18, 2023 at 2:05 PM
Eine historische Premiere: In Rota, Spanien, trainiert die EU diese Woche zum ersten Mal überhaupt gemeinsam ihre geplante militärische Eingreiftruppe.
Wir sind dabei. Hier unser Bericht, nachzusehen und nachzulesen:
Wie die EU zur Militärmacht werden will:
www.zdf.de/nachrichten/...
Wir sind dabei. Hier unser Bericht, nachzusehen und nachzulesen:
Wie die EU zur Militärmacht werden will:
www.zdf.de/nachrichten/...