alina
@ramshackle78.bsky.social
EM doc. Politics nerd 🇷🇴🇬🇧🇫🇷
European at core
Into military stuff nowadays, out of necessity
European at core
Into military stuff nowadays, out of necessity
💯 This due to the some of the same things that caused Brexit: lingering beliefs from Empire days (so assuming that others are dying to have you back and uncondintionally), still not properly understanding how EU works, still not engaging with what it means to be part of Europe amongst others
One question barely discussed in the UK is how to build the EU constituencies to support the UK to rejoin - if it came to that
The Brits tend to think of EU membership as a pure function of domestic politics.
Closer ties sure but most member-states aren’t dying to have a flaky family member back.
The Brits tend to think of EU membership as a pure function of domestic politics.
Closer ties sure but most member-states aren’t dying to have a flaky family member back.
Backing Rejoin would turn the next election into the second Brexit referendum Sir Keir always wanted. It’s the logical step that might give him his best chance of winning.
February 15, 2026 at 9:50 AM
💯 This due to the some of the same things that caused Brexit: lingering beliefs from Empire days (so assuming that others are dying to have you back and uncondintionally), still not properly understanding how EU works, still not engaging with what it means to be part of Europe amongst others
About time govt properly used Douglas Alexander who is a talented politician and a far more grown-up operator than Anas Sarwar. Palace intrigue does not bring prosperity to either Scotland or UK, this sort of stuff that he's embarking on is the thing that's needed
The UK Government has announced that Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander will travel to Australia, New Zealand and Singapore on a week-long trade and defence mission.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/scottish-sec...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/scottish-sec...
February 15, 2026 at 7:17 AM
About time govt properly used Douglas Alexander who is a talented politician and a far more grown-up operator than Anas Sarwar. Palace intrigue does not bring prosperity to either Scotland or UK, this sort of stuff that he's embarking on is the thing that's needed
Quantum 🇩🇪 got the €150mil from European Investment Bank (EIB), Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, and KfW. IOW, great progress on public+private finance and on making defence financing ESG compatible
February 15, 2026 at 7:04 AM
Quantum 🇩🇪 got the €150mil from European Investment Bank (EIB), Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, and KfW. IOW, great progress on public+private finance and on making defence financing ESG compatible
FWIW, having 'listened' to Rubio again by reading the transcript I still think it was a non-event & strategically that's as good as it gets.
Rubio had 3 audiences: Europeans in the room, audiences at home & the other inhabitants of the snake pit/viper's nest that is current regime.
🧵
Rubio had 3 audiences: Europeans in the room, audiences at home & the other inhabitants of the snake pit/viper's nest that is current regime.
🧵
February 15, 2026 at 6:36 AM
FWIW, having 'listened' to Rubio again by reading the transcript I still think it was a non-event & strategically that's as good as it gets.
Rubio had 3 audiences: Europeans in the room, audiences at home & the other inhabitants of the snake pit/viper's nest that is current regime.
🧵
Rubio had 3 audiences: Europeans in the room, audiences at home & the other inhabitants of the snake pit/viper's nest that is current regime.
🧵
Reposted by alina
Ofelia Torres, the teenage Chicago Public Schools student whose fight against cancer while her father was detained by ICE came to represent the federal government's overreach during Operation Midway Blitz, has died. Brave young woman. I will never forget her. RIP.
February 15, 2026 at 1:54 AM
Ofelia Torres, the teenage Chicago Public Schools student whose fight against cancer while her father was detained by ICE came to represent the federal government's overreach during Operation Midway Blitz, has died. Brave young woman. I will never forget her. RIP.
Besides, changing of the opinions, is everybody's job, working politicians AND civil society. Always has been and always has happened that way.
Athenian democracy, Christianity, Buddhism spread, abolition of slavery, civil rights, women's suffrage, universal mass education, smoking norms, etc
Athenian democracy, Christianity, Buddhism spread, abolition of slavery, civil rights, women's suffrage, universal mass education, smoking norms, etc
"That's someone else's job!"
*The Groups attempt to change public opinion*
"No not like that."
*The Groups attempt to change public opinion*
"No not like that."
February 15, 2026 at 3:23 AM
Besides, changing of the opinions, is everybody's job, working politicians AND civil society. Always has been and always has happened that way.
Athenian democracy, Christianity, Buddhism spread, abolition of slavery, civil rights, women's suffrage, universal mass education, smoking norms, etc
Athenian democracy, Christianity, Buddhism spread, abolition of slavery, civil rights, women's suffrage, universal mass education, smoking norms, etc
Reposted by alina
I for one had no expectations.
Saying nothing (new) to Europe is also saying nothing to the other intended audience across the Atlantic
Saying nothing (new) to Europe is also saying nothing to the other intended audience across the Atlantic
Rubio just made a speech to the European defense community in Munich that did not mention Ukraine. Or democracy. Or US business deals with Russia. Or the administration's plans to support the European far right. But there were lots of nice words about our common civilization.
February 14, 2026 at 1:43 PM
I for one had no expectations.
Saying nothing (new) to Europe is also saying nothing to the other intended audience across the Atlantic
Saying nothing (new) to Europe is also saying nothing to the other intended audience across the Atlantic
There's so much over-interpretation of Rubio's speech at Munich, in both directions. Rubio speech matters only in so far as it wasn't an event
For everything else, there's always the next truth social.
What Europe needs to do remains the same. European leaders' speeches matter at Munich
For everything else, there's always the next truth social.
What Europe needs to do remains the same. European leaders' speeches matter at Munich
February 14, 2026 at 12:29 PM
There's so much over-interpretation of Rubio's speech at Munich, in both directions. Rubio speech matters only in so far as it wasn't an event
For everything else, there's always the next truth social.
What Europe needs to do remains the same. European leaders' speeches matter at Munich
For everything else, there's always the next truth social.
What Europe needs to do remains the same. European leaders' speeches matter at Munich
And with this signing the provisional application of 🇨🇦 participation in SAFE can start and this means 🇨🇦 legal entities/products can begin to be treated as eligible in SAFE procurements so procurement teams on both sides of the Atlantic can start to plan
Historic day!🇪🇺🤝🇨🇦
Amidst global shifts, Canada and the EU are strengthening ties when needed most.
Pleasure to sign w Minister McGuinty important agreement under the #SAFE instrument this morning! It will boost our industries & security, strengthen our defence cooperation & economic ties.
Amidst global shifts, Canada and the EU are strengthening ties when needed most.
Pleasure to sign w Minister McGuinty important agreement under the #SAFE instrument this morning! It will boost our industries & security, strengthen our defence cooperation & economic ties.
February 14, 2026 at 11:45 AM
And with this signing the provisional application of 🇨🇦 participation in SAFE can start and this means 🇨🇦 legal entities/products can begin to be treated as eligible in SAFE procurements so procurement teams on both sides of the Atlantic can start to plan
Reposted by alina
UK Poll of Polls, 14 February 2026
Reform: 29% (27-31%)
Labour: 20% (18-22%)
Conservative: 19% (17-20%)
Greens: 14% (13-16%)
Lib Dem: 12% (11-14%)
Other: 3% (3-4%)
SNP: 3% (2-3%)
Reform: 29% (27-31%)
Labour: 20% (18-22%)
Conservative: 19% (17-20%)
Greens: 14% (13-16%)
Lib Dem: 12% (11-14%)
Other: 3% (3-4%)
SNP: 3% (2-3%)
February 14, 2026 at 10:25 AM
UK Poll of Polls, 14 February 2026
Reform: 29% (27-31%)
Labour: 20% (18-22%)
Conservative: 19% (17-20%)
Greens: 14% (13-16%)
Lib Dem: 12% (11-14%)
Other: 3% (3-4%)
SNP: 3% (2-3%)
Reform: 29% (27-31%)
Labour: 20% (18-22%)
Conservative: 19% (17-20%)
Greens: 14% (13-16%)
Lib Dem: 12% (11-14%)
Other: 3% (3-4%)
SNP: 3% (2-3%)
Reposted by alina
3/ The Iranian people now need what Ukraine needed on February 24 – unity, resolve and speed. Regimes like this must not be given time. Time only means more killing. They must be stopped now.
We will reach the point where we make enough interceptors to render Shaheds useless to Russia.
We will reach the point where we make enough interceptors to render Shaheds useless to Russia.
February 14, 2026 at 11:30 AM
3/ The Iranian people now need what Ukraine needed on February 24 – unity, resolve and speed. Regimes like this must not be given time. Time only means more killing. They must be stopped now.
We will reach the point where we make enough interceptors to render Shaheds useless to Russia.
We will reach the point where we make enough interceptors to render Shaheds useless to Russia.
Reposted by alina
2/ We are thankful for every delivery. But HIMARS took months. Tanks took months. Jets took years. We cannot afford to lose a single day.
Ukraine shares no border with Iran and has no conflict with its regime. Yet Iranian drones kill Ukrainians and destroy our infrastructure.
Ukraine shares no border with Iran and has no conflict with its regime. Yet Iranian drones kill Ukrainians and destroy our infrastructure.
February 14, 2026 at 11:30 AM
2/ We are thankful for every delivery. But HIMARS took months. Tanks took months. Jets took years. We cannot afford to lose a single day.
Ukraine shares no border with Iran and has no conflict with its regime. Yet Iranian drones kill Ukrainians and destroy our infrastructure.
Ukraine shares no border with Iran and has no conflict with its regime. Yet Iranian drones kill Ukrainians and destroy our infrastructure.
The amount of leaking, briefings and counter briefing to the press is just disgusting
www.thetimes.com/article/ed61...
www.thetimes.com/article/ed61...
Keir Starmer clings on as rivals stall — but reprieve may be brief
The prime minister was expected to be ousted this week but the coup never came. After the loss of three key staff members, he faces a battle to show what he offers
www.thetimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:16 AM
The amount of leaking, briefings and counter briefing to the press is just disgusting
www.thetimes.com/article/ed61...
www.thetimes.com/article/ed61...
Mutual defence clause getting wings
February 14, 2026 at 10:11 AM
Mutual defence clause getting wings
Were was this Keir a year ago, when SAFE negotiations started???
Anyway, I guess better late than never. And it matters for internal politics as well
Anyway, I guess better late than never. And it matters for internal politics as well
February 14, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Were was this Keir a year ago, when SAFE negotiations started???
Anyway, I guess better late than never. And it matters for internal politics as well
Anyway, I guess better late than never. And it matters for internal politics as well
Reposted by alina
It finally happened! A memeable Starmer photo
February 14, 2026 at 9:31 AM
It finally happened! A memeable Starmer photo
Oh wow, finally!
A clear public stand from people the govt might feel obliged to listen to.
Even if they respond and say they disagree, they have to defend that position.
Plus gives journalists something serious to ask politicians about
A clear public stand from people the govt might feel obliged to listen to.
Even if they respond and say they disagree, they have to defend that position.
Plus gives journalists something serious to ask politicians about
I never really sign stuff. But this was different. It's not about trying to facilitate or block a particular party's route to power. It's about an electoral system that's unsuited to the political realities we face today and risks giving us government after government with no convincing mandate.
Over 50 Academics Warn That Voting System Is Not Fit For Multi-Party Politics
Dozens of academics have written to the government to warn that the current voting system risks producing distorted results on an 'unprecedented' s...
www.politicshome.com
February 14, 2026 at 7:58 AM
Oh wow, finally!
A clear public stand from people the govt might feel obliged to listen to.
Even if they respond and say they disagree, they have to defend that position.
Plus gives journalists something serious to ask politicians about
A clear public stand from people the govt might feel obliged to listen to.
Even if they respond and say they disagree, they have to defend that position.
Plus gives journalists something serious to ask politicians about
I truly envy the ability to say these things with a straight face when you've not only made no effort to even insert a modicum of friction in the 'special relationship' but you've doubled and tripled down on buying US stuff.
Incredible really
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Incredible really
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
February 14, 2026 at 6:03 AM
I truly envy the ability to say these things with a straight face when you've not only made no effort to even insert a modicum of friction in the 'special relationship' but you've doubled and tripled down on buying US stuff.
Incredible really
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Incredible really
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
I don't know how bad do you need to be that even Gavin Williamson, him with the whip and the spier in his MoD office, has concerns about you.
How is it possible that we end up with these sorts of people??
www.thetimes.com/article/d4f3...
How is it possible that we end up with these sorts of people??
www.thetimes.com/article/d4f3...
Nato ambassador in row over lover was ‘promoted by old boy network’
Two former defence secretaries including Gavin Williamson reveal concerns about Nato envoy Angus Lapsley
www.thetimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 5:07 AM
I don't know how bad do you need to be that even Gavin Williamson, him with the whip and the spier in his MoD office, has concerns about you.
How is it possible that we end up with these sorts of people??
www.thetimes.com/article/d4f3...
How is it possible that we end up with these sorts of people??
www.thetimes.com/article/d4f3...
Even talking about this is stupid
Doicești SMR (NuScale, ~462 MW)
$6–7bn total capex for ~460 MW.
Implied cost intensity: ~$13k–$15k per kW
Producing ~3.6 TWh/year
CERNAVODA 3&4 (CANDU, +1,400 MW)
~€7bn for ~1,400 MW added capacity.
Implied cost intensity: ~€5k per kW
Producing ~11.0 TWh/year
Doicești SMR (NuScale, ~462 MW)
$6–7bn total capex for ~460 MW.
Implied cost intensity: ~$13k–$15k per kW
Producing ~3.6 TWh/year
CERNAVODA 3&4 (CANDU, +1,400 MW)
~€7bn for ~1,400 MW added capacity.
Implied cost intensity: ~€5k per kW
Producing ~11.0 TWh/year
Planned SMR nuclear power plant to cost $6-7 billion, Romanian PM says reut.rs/4rrBQir
Planned SMR nuclear power plant to cost $6-7 billion, Romanian PM says
Romania's planned 460 MW small modular nuclear reactor plant would cost up to $7 billion and it will take time to devise a funding plan for such a big investment, Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Friday.
reut.rs
February 14, 2026 at 2:32 AM
Even talking about this is stupid
Doicești SMR (NuScale, ~462 MW)
$6–7bn total capex for ~460 MW.
Implied cost intensity: ~$13k–$15k per kW
Producing ~3.6 TWh/year
CERNAVODA 3&4 (CANDU, +1,400 MW)
~€7bn for ~1,400 MW added capacity.
Implied cost intensity: ~€5k per kW
Producing ~11.0 TWh/year
Doicești SMR (NuScale, ~462 MW)
$6–7bn total capex for ~460 MW.
Implied cost intensity: ~$13k–$15k per kW
Producing ~3.6 TWh/year
CERNAVODA 3&4 (CANDU, +1,400 MW)
~€7bn for ~1,400 MW added capacity.
Implied cost intensity: ~€5k per kW
Producing ~11.0 TWh/year