Otto Svendsen
@ottosvendsen.bsky.social
Associate Fellow at CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program. Dane in DC. European defense, transatlantic affairs, the Arctic. Views my own.
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
Must-read 👉🏻 A new CSIS report by @maxbergmann.bsky.social & Otto Hastrup Svendsen outlines 5 key tasks #Europeans should undertake to defend themselves with less #America & deter further #Russian aggression
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America
A potential U.S. force posture reduction in Europe will leave the continent vulnerable to further Russian aggression. Europe needs a bold action plan to mitigate capability gaps and ensure deterrence ...
www.csis.org
November 11, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Must-read 👉🏻 A new CSIS report by @maxbergmann.bsky.social & Otto Hastrup Svendsen outlines 5 key tasks #Europeans should undertake to defend themselves with less #America & deter further #Russian aggression
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
Watch | @maxbergmann.bsky.social discusses the current role of the U.S. military in Europe’s ability to defend itself, the vulnerabilities that could result from a significant reduction of U.S. forces, and what must be done to address them.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhQj...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhQj...
How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America
With the war in Ukraine ongoing and a potential drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe on the Horizon, European leaders are facing renewed pressure to strengthen ...
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Watch | @maxbergmann.bsky.social discusses the current role of the U.S. military in Europe’s ability to defend itself, the vulnerabilities that could result from a significant reduction of U.S. forces, and what must be done to address them.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhQj...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhQj...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
As usual, @maxbergmann.bsky.social and @ottosvendsen.bsky.social are asking all the right questions! Give this new report by them for @csis.org on “How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America”. Timely stuff!
Read: www.csis.org/analysis/how...
Read: www.csis.org/analysis/how...
November 11, 2025 at 1:13 PM
As usual, @maxbergmann.bsky.social and @ottosvendsen.bsky.social are asking all the right questions! Give this new report by them for @csis.org on “How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America”. Timely stuff!
Read: www.csis.org/analysis/how...
Read: www.csis.org/analysis/how...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
Eurobonds for Ukraine, say we. www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
Why funding Ukraine is a giant opportunity for Europe
The bill will be huge. It is also a historic bargain
www.economist.com
October 30, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Eurobonds for Ukraine, say we. www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
A significant reduction of US forces in Europe could leave the continent exposed to Russian aggression.
@maxbergmann.bsky.social @ottosvendsen.bsky.social offer a bold plan to close capability gaps and sustain deterrence with limited US involvement. Learn more below:
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
@maxbergmann.bsky.social @ottosvendsen.bsky.social offer a bold plan to close capability gaps and sustain deterrence with limited US involvement. Learn more below:
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America
A potential U.S. force posture reduction in Europe will leave the continent vulnerable to further Russian aggression. Europe needs a bold action plan to mitigate capability gaps and ensure deterrence ...
www.csis.org
October 15, 2025 at 3:28 PM
A significant reduction of US forces in Europe could leave the continent exposed to Russian aggression.
@maxbergmann.bsky.social @ottosvendsen.bsky.social offer a bold plan to close capability gaps and sustain deterrence with limited US involvement. Learn more below:
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
@maxbergmann.bsky.social @ottosvendsen.bsky.social offer a bold plan to close capability gaps and sustain deterrence with limited US involvement. Learn more below:
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
🚨New report ahead of US force posture review. There needs to be a revolution in European military affairs. It's great Europeans are spending more. But they are neglecting the deeper reforms needed for Europe to defend itself with (potentially much) less America. We offer some ideas... 1/
NEW: How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America
Our latest report identifies key military gaps that would be created by a significant reduction of US forces in Europe–and how Europeans can step up to address them.
✍️ @maxbergmann.bsky.social @ottosvendsen.bsky.social
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
Our latest report identifies key military gaps that would be created by a significant reduction of US forces in Europe–and how Europeans can step up to address them.
✍️ @maxbergmann.bsky.social @ottosvendsen.bsky.social
www.csis.org/analysis/how...
How Europe Can Defend Itself with Less America
A potential U.S. force posture reduction in Europe will leave the continent vulnerable to further Russian aggression. Europe needs a bold action plan to mitigate capability gaps and ensure deterrence ...
www.csis.org
October 9, 2025 at 10:04 PM
🚨New report ahead of US force posture review. There needs to be a revolution in European military affairs. It's great Europeans are spending more. But they are neglecting the deeper reforms needed for Europe to defend itself with (potentially much) less America. We offer some ideas... 1/
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen:
"We do not want either a conflict or a war with Russia. No one in Europe wants that. There is only one aggressive party, and that is Russia…
If we do not dare to stand up for ourselves&do what needs to be done,we will simply be too easy a target at some point”
"We do not want either a conflict or a war with Russia. No one in Europe wants that. There is only one aggressive party, and that is Russia…
If we do not dare to stand up for ourselves&do what needs to be done,we will simply be too easy a target at some point”
September 18, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen:
"We do not want either a conflict or a war with Russia. No one in Europe wants that. There is only one aggressive party, and that is Russia…
If we do not dare to stand up for ourselves&do what needs to be done,we will simply be too easy a target at some point”
"We do not want either a conflict or a war with Russia. No one in Europe wants that. There is only one aggressive party, and that is Russia…
If we do not dare to stand up for ourselves&do what needs to be done,we will simply be too easy a target at some point”
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
On a recent podcast with @maxbergmann.bsky.social, the CSIS crew discusses Europe's efforts to rig up a trade grand strategy as the US and China smash the global trading order.
"It's Complicated: A Status Update on EU Trade, Mercosur, and The State of the Union"
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
"It's Complicated: A Status Update on EU Trade, Mercosur, and The State of the Union"
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
It's Complicated: A Status Update on EU Trade, Mercosur, and The State of the Union feat. Sander Tordoir and Federico Steinberg | The Eurofile | CSIS Podcasts
Max and Donatienne are back from summer vacation with a preview of European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address to European Parliament this week, and a conversation ...
www.csis.org
September 16, 2025 at 7:11 AM
On a recent podcast with @maxbergmann.bsky.social, the CSIS crew discusses Europe's efforts to rig up a trade grand strategy as the US and China smash the global trading order.
"It's Complicated: A Status Update on EU Trade, Mercosur, and The State of the Union"
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
"It's Complicated: A Status Update on EU Trade, Mercosur, and The State of the Union"
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
This evening, @korea.csis.org hosted His Excellency Lee Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea, for an address on foreign policy and U.S.-Korea relations following his White House meeting with President Donald J. Trump.
Read his remarks here: www.csis.org/analysis/sta...
Read his remarks here: www.csis.org/analysis/sta...
Statesmen's Forum: His Excellency Lee Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea
The CSIS Korea Chair welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for an address on U.S.-Korea relations following his White House meeting with President Donald J. Trump, marking President Lee's firs...
www.csis.org
August 25, 2025 at 11:58 PM
This evening, @korea.csis.org hosted His Excellency Lee Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea, for an address on foreign policy and U.S.-Korea relations following his White House meeting with President Donald J. Trump.
Read his remarks here: www.csis.org/analysis/sta...
Read his remarks here: www.csis.org/analysis/sta...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
Have burning questions about the #EU, #NATO, or what’s going on in European politics?
✍️ We want to hear from YOU on #Eurofile!
📤 Send your Questions to erep@csis.org or reply below
🎙️ Hosts @maxbergmann.bsky.social & @donatienneruy.bsky.social are ready
✍️ We want to hear from YOU on #Eurofile!
📤 Send your Questions to erep@csis.org or reply below
🎙️ Hosts @maxbergmann.bsky.social & @donatienneruy.bsky.social are ready
August 23, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Have burning questions about the #EU, #NATO, or what’s going on in European politics?
✍️ We want to hear from YOU on #Eurofile!
📤 Send your Questions to erep@csis.org or reply below
🎙️ Hosts @maxbergmann.bsky.social & @donatienneruy.bsky.social are ready
✍️ We want to hear from YOU on #Eurofile!
📤 Send your Questions to erep@csis.org or reply below
🎙️ Hosts @maxbergmann.bsky.social & @donatienneruy.bsky.social are ready
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
Truly unnecessary and unfortunate. NATO setting itself up for another major effort to avoid a Trump blowup. Earlier alliance history did not have annual summits. Let’s go back to that.
NATO announces next summit in Türkiye, 7-8 Jul 2026. NATO persists in holding annual summits, unnecessarily. This is certainly not evidence- or conditions-based. www.nato.int/cps/en/natoh...
www.nato.int
August 19, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Truly unnecessary and unfortunate. NATO setting itself up for another major effort to avoid a Trump blowup. Earlier alliance history did not have annual summits. Let’s go back to that.
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
🌐 NEW: As the dust settles in Scotland, what stands out about the EU-US trade deal? @maxbergmann.bsky.social & @donatienneruy.bsky.social discuss:
🔹 What's next for transatlantic trade?
🔹 Has Brussels dodged the worst of US tariffs?
🎧 Tune in to #TheEurofile below:
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
🔹 What's next for transatlantic trade?
🔹 Has Brussels dodged the worst of US tariffs?
🎧 Tune in to #TheEurofile below:
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Europe Bends the Knee on Trade and Previewing Denmark’s EU Presidency with Lykke Friis | The Eurofile | CSIS Podcasts
Max and Donatienne discuss last week’s EU-US trade deal announcement, and Max talks with Lykke Friis, director of the Copenhagen-based think tank Europa, about Denmark’s presidency of the European Uni...
www.csis.org
August 1, 2025 at 2:33 PM
🌐 NEW: As the dust settles in Scotland, what stands out about the EU-US trade deal? @maxbergmann.bsky.social & @donatienneruy.bsky.social discuss:
🔹 What's next for transatlantic trade?
🔹 Has Brussels dodged the worst of US tariffs?
🎧 Tune in to #TheEurofile below:
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
🔹 What's next for transatlantic trade?
🔹 Has Brussels dodged the worst of US tariffs?
🎧 Tune in to #TheEurofile below:
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
A test: if the bad trade deal was a necessary evil in order to maintain the US security guarantee, then, in order to ensure that Europe is stronger moving forward, member states will have zero problems in implementing ALL of the “#Draghi” and “#Letta” conclusions and agreeing to the next MFF?
July 31, 2025 at 1:46 PM
A test: if the bad trade deal was a necessary evil in order to maintain the US security guarantee, then, in order to ensure that Europe is stronger moving forward, member states will have zero problems in implementing ALL of the “#Draghi” and “#Letta” conclusions and agreeing to the next MFF?
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
Enjoyed talking EU-China relations in the Trump era with @maxbergmann.bsky.social
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
The Looming US-EU Trade Collision and a Preview of the EU-China Summit with Noah Barkin | The Eurofile | CSIS Podcasts
Max and Otto discuss President Trump’s latest tariff threats and the timid European response.
www.csis.org
July 18, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Enjoyed talking EU-China relations in the Trump era with @maxbergmann.bsky.social
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
CSIS mourns the loss of our Chief Communications Officer, Andrew Schwartz. For 20 years, he led with vision and integrity, shaping how CSIS engaged the world. His leadership, mentorship, and legacy in strategic communications will have a lasting impact
Full Statement: www.csis.org/analysis/mem...
Full Statement: www.csis.org/analysis/mem...
July 17, 2025 at 5:11 PM
CSIS mourns the loss of our Chief Communications Officer, Andrew Schwartz. For 20 years, he led with vision and integrity, shaping how CSIS engaged the world. His leadership, mentorship, and legacy in strategic communications will have a lasting impact
Full Statement: www.csis.org/analysis/mem...
Full Statement: www.csis.org/analysis/mem...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
Wrote a little love letter to Denmark 🫶🇩🇰
In good Nordic style, I of course had to dunk on them a little. But the main point is: if all European countries were more like Denmark, Ukraine and Europe would be in a very different place now.
On the Europe Dispatch with @phillipspobrien.bsky.social
In good Nordic style, I of course had to dunk on them a little. But the main point is: if all European countries were more like Denmark, Ukraine and Europe would be in a very different place now.
On the Europe Dispatch with @phillipspobrien.bsky.social
Small State Power: Be Like Denmark
In this week’s Europe Dispatch, Minna Ålander writes about how Denmark is showing that even small states can punch far above their weight and lead by example.
open.substack.com
July 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Wrote a little love letter to Denmark 🫶🇩🇰
In good Nordic style, I of course had to dunk on them a little. But the main point is: if all European countries were more like Denmark, Ukraine and Europe would be in a very different place now.
On the Europe Dispatch with @phillipspobrien.bsky.social
In good Nordic style, I of course had to dunk on them a little. But the main point is: if all European countries were more like Denmark, Ukraine and Europe would be in a very different place now.
On the Europe Dispatch with @phillipspobrien.bsky.social
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
Very good example of EU budget-related cheap talk by the Swedish PM: First, here are all the things I want more money for. Second, I am not ready to pay more. Third, this means other things become less important - but I won’t tell you which ones and where I would cut.
The next EU budget cannot be business as usual
The bloc must rethink and reprioritize in order to seize opportunities and tackle the new challenges we face today.
www.politico.eu
July 14, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Very good example of EU budget-related cheap talk by the Swedish PM: First, here are all the things I want more money for. Second, I am not ready to pay more. Third, this means other things become less important - but I won’t tell you which ones and where I would cut.
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
@ottosvendsen.bsky.social and @maxbergmann.bsky.social with a solid debate on whether the Hague summit was a success on the most recent edition of the Eurofile
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
NATO’s Brain Death in the Hague and the State of the UK Economy with Professor Sarah Hall | The Eurofile | CSIS Podcasts
Max and Otto discuss last week’s NATO summit in The Hague, and Donatienne talks with Sarah Hall, 1931 Professor of Geography and Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge University, about the state of t...
www.csis.org
July 10, 2025 at 12:20 PM
@ottosvendsen.bsky.social and @maxbergmann.bsky.social with a solid debate on whether the Hague summit was a success on the most recent edition of the Eurofile
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
Denmark, that just started its presidency of the European Union, is getting serious.
Buy-European, at scale.
Could not have thought of a better country to take the rotating presidency of the EU at this moment in time.
Buy-European, at scale.
Could not have thought of a better country to take the rotating presidency of the EU at this moment in time.
🇩🇰Denmark surprises nearly everyone and selects three interim short range ground-based air defence systems at one time in order to have everything in operation by 2026:
NASAMS (Kongsberg)
IRIS-T SLM (Diehl)
MICA (MBDA)
Here we go!
www.fmn.dk/da/nyheder/2...
NASAMS (Kongsberg)
IRIS-T SLM (Diehl)
MICA (MBDA)
Here we go!
www.fmn.dk/da/nyheder/2...
July 8, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Denmark, that just started its presidency of the European Union, is getting serious.
Buy-European, at scale.
Could not have thought of a better country to take the rotating presidency of the EU at this moment in time.
Buy-European, at scale.
Could not have thought of a better country to take the rotating presidency of the EU at this moment in time.
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
It was thanks to the Nordic group pressure that also Sweden and Norway put much more money on the table last and this year, thanks to Denmark’s massive aid making them look ridiculous. And the one thing that’s important among us in the Nordics is not to look worse than the others…
July 6, 2025 at 5:13 PM
It was thanks to the Nordic group pressure that also Sweden and Norway put much more money on the table last and this year, thanks to Denmark’s massive aid making them look ridiculous. And the one thing that’s important among us in the Nordics is not to look worse than the others…
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
There’s one country in Europe that really sticks out in its leadership by example and by punching above its weight:
Denmark.
Denmark.
Denmark Becomes First Country to Host Ukrainian Defense Industry
Denmark becomes the first nation to host Ukrainian defense production facilities, strengthening ties and cooperation in defense technologies with Ukraine.
united24media.com
July 6, 2025 at 9:31 AM
There’s one country in Europe that really sticks out in its leadership by example and by punching above its weight:
Denmark.
Denmark.
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
🎧 NEW: #NATO met in The Hague—and European allies opened their wallets.
🎙️@maxbergmann.bsky.social & special guest co-host @ottosvendsen.bsky.social break down the 5% spending target + Max's commentary, "NATO's 'Brain Death' in the Hague."
Tune in HERE: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
🎙️@maxbergmann.bsky.social & special guest co-host @ottosvendsen.bsky.social break down the 5% spending target + Max's commentary, "NATO's 'Brain Death' in the Hague."
Tune in HERE: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
July 4, 2025 at 2:20 PM
🎧 NEW: #NATO met in The Hague—and European allies opened their wallets.
🎙️@maxbergmann.bsky.social & special guest co-host @ottosvendsen.bsky.social break down the 5% spending target + Max's commentary, "NATO's 'Brain Death' in the Hague."
Tune in HERE: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
🎙️@maxbergmann.bsky.social & special guest co-host @ottosvendsen.bsky.social break down the 5% spending target + Max's commentary, "NATO's 'Brain Death' in the Hague."
Tune in HERE: www.csis.org/podcasts/eur...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
On Tuesday, July 8th, at 12:00 PM ET @erep.csis.org will be hosting an in-person discussion on Denmark's role in European and Transatlantic security.
Link to register below:
www.csis.org/events/denma...
Link to register below:
www.csis.org/events/denma...
Denmark’s Role in European and Transatlantic Security | CSIS Events
Please join Troels Lund Poulsen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Denmark and Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, for a hybrid event featuring a conversation…
www.csis.org
July 3, 2025 at 1:15 PM
On Tuesday, July 8th, at 12:00 PM ET @erep.csis.org will be hosting an in-person discussion on Denmark's role in European and Transatlantic security.
Link to register below:
www.csis.org/events/denma...
Link to register below:
www.csis.org/events/denma...
Reposted by Otto Svendsen
Time for us, as a continent, to drink from the poisoned chalice and admit that the Americans were right all along about air-conditioning.
July 2, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Time for us, as a continent, to drink from the poisoned chalice and admit that the Americans were right all along about air-conditioning.