Sophie in't Veld
@sophieintveld.bsky.social
Former Member of the European Parliament - Chair Advisory Council @cdteu.org - Keynote speaker at Speakers Academy - Blogging on Substack.com
Bouchez en Yesilgöz hebben hetzelfde playbook: het land in gijzeling houden voor partijpolitiek gewin. Beide ultra-rechtse populisten.
November 10, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Bouchez en Yesilgöz hebben hetzelfde playbook: het land in gijzeling houden voor partijpolitiek gewin. Beide ultra-rechtse populisten.
100 legal experts demonstrating how "deregulation" is code-language for "dismantling the rule of law". Their paper 👇 @alemanno.bsky.social
“The Omnibus fails to meet the constitutional standards the EU’s own legal order demands”.
That’s the conclusion reached by legal opinion endorsed by 100+ academics warning the Parliament about this dangerous precedent.
Read the opinion 👇 #Omnibus #CSRD #CSDDD
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
That’s the conclusion reached by legal opinion endorsed by 100+ academics warning the Parliament about this dangerous precedent.
Read the opinion 👇 #Omnibus #CSRD #CSDDD
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
November 10, 2025 at 9:41 AM
100 legal experts demonstrating how "deregulation" is code-language for "dismantling the rule of law". Their paper 👇 @alemanno.bsky.social
European gvts are using Pegasus #spyware. Its vendor NSO will now be run by a close Trump ally. NSO and the Israel gvt have access to ALL the data acquired with #Pegasus. Do you still think national authorities will handle this perfectly well @hennavirkkunen.bsky.social @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu?
⚠️ David Friedman, Trump's former ambassador to Israel and one of the key architects of the Abraham Accords, has been appointed head of #spyware vendor NSO Group.
www.themarker.com/technation/2...
www.themarker.com/technation/2...
שגריר ארה"ב לשעבר דיוויד פרידמן מונה ליו"ר NSO, שעוברת לבעלות אמריקאית
המהלך מגיע לאחר חודשים של מאמצים לבטל את הסנקציות מארה"ב על החברה, ואחרי שפאראגון, המתחרה הגדולה, עברה גם היא לבעלות אמריקאית ■ לא ברור מי הבעלים החדשים, איך ניירת חושפת כי עו"ד שייצג בעבר את שר המשפט...
www.themarker.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM
European gvts are using Pegasus #spyware. Its vendor NSO will now be run by a close Trump ally. NSO and the Israel gvt have access to ALL the data acquired with #Pegasus. Do you still think national authorities will handle this perfectly well @hennavirkkunen.bsky.social @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu?
So while Musk is busy attacking democracy in Europe, and while European governments are scrambling to find budget for social security, housing and defense, Musk gets a 1 trillion dollar bonus, tax breaks and velvet enforcement of EU rules?
November 8, 2025 at 9:43 AM
So while Musk is busy attacking democracy in Europe, and while European governments are scrambling to find budget for social security, housing and defense, Musk gets a 1 trillion dollar bonus, tax breaks and velvet enforcement of EU rules?
Greek Coast Guard Chief charged for #Pylos shipwreck that left some 600 people dead. But there should also be political accountability for the migration policies and rhetoric that led to this disaster. Both at Greek and EU level
Among the charges cited by the court of appeal: manslaughter by negligence in international waters but within Greece's rescue zone, exposure by negligence with legal obligation to rescue people that resulted in death & repeated exposure by omission of other people to danger bbc.com/news/article...
Greek coastguard chief to be prosecuted over deadly migrant shipwreck
Vice Adm Tryfon Kontizas is one of four senior coastguard figures to face manslaughter charges over the 2023 disaster.
bbc.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:50 AM
Greek Coast Guard Chief charged for #Pylos shipwreck that left some 600 people dead. But there should also be political accountability for the migration policies and rhetoric that led to this disaster. Both at Greek and EU level
De EU kan de verkiezing van populistische leiders niet voorkomen. Maar ze kan wèl voorkomen dat dwarsliggers de hele EU kunnen gijzelen: door het veto af te schaffen. Maar dat willen de regeringsleiders nu juist niet. Nog liever tolereren ze Orban en blokkeren ze EU uitbreiding @standaard.be
November 4, 2025 at 2:33 PM
De EU kan de verkiezing van populistische leiders niet voorkomen. Maar ze kan wèl voorkomen dat dwarsliggers de hele EU kunnen gijzelen: door het veto af te schaffen. Maar dat willen de regeringsleiders nu juist niet. Nog liever tolereren ze Orban en blokkeren ze EU uitbreiding @standaard.be
The real solution is to take away the Veto, the favourite weapon of corrupted autocrats www.ft.com/content/9493...
EU moves to prevent ‘Trojan horses’ from joining bloc
Enlargement commissioner Marta Kos says bloc is discussing stricter safeguards against new entrants emulating Hungary
www.ft.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:34 PM
The real solution is to take away the Veto, the favourite weapon of corrupted autocrats www.ft.com/content/9493...
Reposted by Sophie in't Veld
Dutch election result = one more constructive voice at EU top table. Good. But one swallow does not make summer, writes @sophieintveld.bsky.social.
Pro-European these days can even mean disregarding the constitutional order laid down in the EU Treaties.
Pro-European these days can even mean disregarding the constitutional order laid down in the EU Treaties.
Pro-Which Europe?
“Europe wins!”, “Europe’s dream”, “Good news for Europe”: last week’s Dutch election results led to jubilant headlines.
sophieintveld.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Dutch election result = one more constructive voice at EU top table. Good. But one swallow does not make summer, writes @sophieintveld.bsky.social.
Pro-European these days can even mean disregarding the constitutional order laid down in the EU Treaties.
Pro-European these days can even mean disregarding the constitutional order laid down in the EU Treaties.
Debate in @europarl.europa.eu doesn’t need gimmicks but a clash of ideas in the political arena, with the scent of wild animals, sawdust and sweat, nostrils flaring and adrenaline rushing. Start by abolishing trilogues, where in camera the compromises are boiled until no political spice is left
The European Parliament’s political groups have never been more polarized.
But on one thing they agree: the debates are painfully dull — and it’s time to change that.
But on one thing they agree: the debates are painfully dull — and it’s time to change that.
Inside lawmakers’ plans to make the EU Parliament more fun
Political groups want to put controversial topics first, shake up the debate format — and actually grill commissioners.
www.politico.eu
November 4, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Debate in @europarl.europa.eu doesn’t need gimmicks but a clash of ideas in the political arena, with the scent of wild animals, sawdust and sweat, nostrils flaring and adrenaline rushing. Start by abolishing trilogues, where in camera the compromises are boiled until no political spice is left
The election victory of pro-European forces is excellent news for an embattled Europe. But pro-which Europe exactly? The status quo of the EU is untenable, change is needed. Pro-European forces have to push for democratic reform of the EU. My thoughts open.substack.com/pub/sophiein...
Pro-Which Europe?
“Europe wins!”, “Europe’s dream”, “Good news for Europe”: last week’s Dutch election results led to jubilant headlines.
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:07 AM
The election victory of pro-European forces is excellent news for an embattled Europe. But pro-which Europe exactly? The status quo of the EU is untenable, change is needed. Pro-European forces have to push for democratic reform of the EU. My thoughts open.substack.com/pub/sophiein...
Reposted by Sophie in't Veld
💥Former deputy head of Hungary’s foreign intelligence, Andras Telkes, says that Viktor Orbán’s government cooperated politically with Russia’s SVR when Orbán adopted the Russian spy agency’s narrative claiming the EU was backing Hungary’s opposition leader. More on this: telex.hu/english/2025...
November 3, 2025 at 8:52 PM
💥Former deputy head of Hungary’s foreign intelligence, Andras Telkes, says that Viktor Orbán’s government cooperated politically with Russia’s SVR when Orbán adopted the Russian spy agency’s narrative claiming the EU was backing Hungary’s opposition leader. More on this: telex.hu/english/2025...
“Greek investigative outlet Tvxs.gr has uncovered evidence that Intellexa, the company behind the Predator spyware system, held operational training sessions inside the offices of Krikel, a firm involved in sensitive 🇬🇷Greek Police procurements.”
www.dnews.gr/eidhseis/new...
www.dnews.gr/eidhseis/new...
Intellexa Conducted Covert Training Sessions Inside Offices of Greek Police Contractor Krikel - Dnews
The Athens trial targets four business figures accused of violating communications privacy laws. A new revelation has added significant weight to concerns over the intersection of private spyware deve...
www.dnews.gr
November 3, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Those who feel a minimal, intergovernmental, weak EU is more than enough, effectively cede power to the US, China and Russia.
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 11:47 AM
Those who feel a minimal, intergovernmental, weak EU is more than enough, effectively cede power to the US, China and Russia.
EU funds flowing into spyware firms….but also into the pockets of the governments abusing spyware to silence their critics and opponents. All funding of spyware and its abuse should be cut. @vaspanagiotopoulos.com @ftm.eu
⚠️ In a new document, part of the so-called discharge process, the European Commission admits EU funds flowed to #spyware firms after our @ftm.eu probe, and a letter by 39 MEPs.
🚫 However it fails to list all 🇪🇺 programmes from which surveillance companies have benefited.
www.ftm.eu/newsletters/...
🚫 However it fails to list all 🇪🇺 programmes from which surveillance companies have benefited.
www.ftm.eu/newsletters/...
Newsletter | Brussels admits EU funds flowed to spyware firms after FTM probe
Follow the Money - Platform for investigative journalism
www.ftm.eu
November 3, 2025 at 10:48 AM
EU funds flowing into spyware firms….but also into the pockets of the governments abusing spyware to silence their critics and opponents. All funding of spyware and its abuse should be cut. @vaspanagiotopoulos.com @ftm.eu
In case you think the #Karaivaz murder is just another Mafia killing, then ask yourself why there is no proper investigation www.tovima.com/society/cd-w.... This is not a Mafia issue but a rule of law issue. In the European Union today.
CD With Contacts - including G. Dimitriadis and P. Kontoleon - Belonging to Assassinated Journalist Karaivaz Destroyed - tovima.com
Revelation came on Tuesday during a relevant trial, with the CD reportedly containing the names of top officials that resigned in the wake of a wiretapping furor
www.tovima.com
November 2, 2025 at 2:42 PM
In case you think the #Karaivaz murder is just another Mafia killing, then ask yourself why there is no proper investigation www.tovima.com/society/cd-w.... This is not a Mafia issue but a rule of law issue. In the European Union today.
The murder of Greek journalist Giorgos #Karaivaz has never been resolved. Now one of the suspects who was tried and acquitted for the murder, has himself been murdered. Will the cover up continue or will the authorities finally investigate? www.ekathimerini.com/news/1285558...
Man previously acquitted for journalist’s murder found dead in Arachova hotel | eKathimerini.com
A man who had previously been accused – and later acquitted – of involvement in the 2021 murder of investigative journalist Giorgos Karaivaz was found dead on Saturday night in a hotel in the wider Ar...
www.ekathimerini.com
November 2, 2025 at 2:21 PM
The murder of Greek journalist Giorgos #Karaivaz has never been resolved. Now one of the suspects who was tried and acquitted for the murder, has himself been murdered. Will the cover up continue or will the authorities finally investigate? www.ekathimerini.com/news/1285558...
Reposted by Sophie in't Veld
🎧 🚨How do anti-rights actors use #money and #media to shape what we see, think, and believe?
@sophieintveld.bsky.social speaks with Belgian Senator @celiagroothedde.bsky.social about how anti-gender networks are reshaping #Europe's political and cultural landscape.
youtu.be/t2PCdl5exh0?...
@sophieintveld.bsky.social speaks with Belgian Senator @celiagroothedde.bsky.social about how anti-gender networks are reshaping #Europe's political and cultural landscape.
youtu.be/t2PCdl5exh0?...
"Influencing Politics, Shaping Culture" Episode 4 - The Right to Decide
YouTube video by European Parliamentary Forum
youtu.be
October 31, 2025 at 1:14 PM
🎧 🚨How do anti-rights actors use #money and #media to shape what we see, think, and believe?
@sophieintveld.bsky.social speaks with Belgian Senator @celiagroothedde.bsky.social about how anti-gender networks are reshaping #Europe's political and cultural landscape.
youtu.be/t2PCdl5exh0?...
@sophieintveld.bsky.social speaks with Belgian Senator @celiagroothedde.bsky.social about how anti-gender networks are reshaping #Europe's political and cultural landscape.
youtu.be/t2PCdl5exh0?...
The war on women is spreading.
Latvia could become the first EU country to withdraw from a landmark international treaty to combat domestic abuse and violence against women following a parliamentary vote yesterday.
Latvia’s parliament votes to quit global treaty protecting women
Lawmakers voted to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention just a year after it came into force, with the move awaiting approval from Latvia’s president.
www.politico.eu
October 31, 2025 at 11:05 AM
The war on women is spreading.
In de categorie weetjes: D66 was al eens eerder de grootste partij (in aantal stemmen): in 2014 bij de Europese verkiezingen. Door de lijstverbinding met de CU kreeg het CDA echter meer zetels.
Wachten op verkiezingsuitslag: ogen gericht op Venray en briefstemmen
Wachten op verkiezingsuitslag: ogen gericht op Venray en briefstemmen
Omdat het totaalaantal stemmen tussen D66 en PVV zo dicht bij elkaar zit, zal de uitslag in Venray en vooral die van de briefstemmers de doorslag geven.
nos.nl
October 31, 2025 at 11:01 AM
In de categorie weetjes: D66 was al eens eerder de grootste partij (in aantal stemmen): in 2014 bij de Europese verkiezingen. Door de lijstverbinding met de CU kreeg het CDA echter meer zetels.
The 🇳🇱 are back. Liberal @D66 scored a spectacular victory, far-right @PVV scored a spectacular defeat. Prime Minister Jetten will be a very different voice in Europe, heading a stable, centrist coalition 1/2
Spannende nek-aan-nekrace D66 en PVV zorgt voor onduidelijkheid over formatie #tweede-kamerverkiezingen
Spannende nek-aan-nekrace D66 en PVV zorgt voor onduidelijkheid over formatie
De verkiezingsstrijd is ongekend spannend. De kans dat we maandag pas weten of PVV of D66 de grootste partij wordt is groot. Dat schept ook onduidelijkheid over het verloop van de formatie.
www.nu.nl
October 30, 2025 at 12:47 PM
The 🇳🇱 are back. Liberal @D66 scored a spectacular victory, far-right @PVV scored a spectacular defeat. Prime Minister Jetten will be a very different voice in Europe, heading a stable, centrist coalition 1/2
While Europeans express outrage over the sacking of American talk show hosts, maybe they should spare a few minutes worrying about intensifying attacks on media freedom and independent journalists right here in Europe. Alarming developments in Italy f.ex: ipi.media/melonis-ital... #Francesdibi
Meloni's Italy puts media freedom under pressure, regardless of EU rules – ipi.media
This article is part of a series published by IPI and written by expert guest contributors from across Europe on different threats facing media freedom and independent journalism. The views of the aut...
ipi.media
October 29, 2025 at 11:33 AM
While Europeans express outrage over the sacking of American talk show hosts, maybe they should spare a few minutes worrying about intensifying attacks on media freedom and independent journalists right here in Europe. Alarming developments in Italy f.ex: ipi.media/melonis-ital... #Francesdibi
Europe had better come out of denial mode pdq. European leaders have consistently underestimated Trump. Even now they believe we can just sit it out and in 2028 things will go back to normal. Europe urgently needs to come to terms with the new reality and stand on its own two feet.
Q: Bannon said there's a plan for you to run and potentially win a third term.
TRUMP: Well, I haven't really thought about it. I have the best poll numbers I've ever had. I mean, I just solved 8 wars and a 9th is coming.
TRUMP: Well, I haven't really thought about it. I have the best poll numbers I've ever had. I mean, I just solved 8 wars and a 9th is coming.
October 27, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Europe had better come out of denial mode pdq. European leaders have consistently underestimated Trump. Even now they believe we can just sit it out and in 2028 things will go back to normal. Europe urgently needs to come to terms with the new reality and stand on its own two feet.
Als je dacht dat de ondergrens al was bereikt… vrouwen terugsturen naar Afghanistan, want ze zijn nog niet verwesterd, dus ze kunnen zich nog wel “conformeren” aan het Talibaan regime. Weerzinwekkend. De regering heeft een intense minachting voor vrouwen. @ministerbz.bsky.social
Van Weel wil Taliban voor rechter, maar blijft Afghaanse vrouwen terugsturen #binnenland
Van Weel wil Taliban voor rechter, maar blijft Afghaanse vrouwen terugsturen
De Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst zet onder demissionair minister David van Weel in op het terugsturen van vrouwen naar Afghanistan, waar vrouwen worden onderdrukt door de Taliban. Dat weet de minister, want zijn ministerie wil het land voor het Internationaal Gerechtshof hebben.
www.nu.nl
October 27, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Als je dacht dat de ondergrens al was bereikt… vrouwen terugsturen naar Afghanistan, want ze zijn nog niet verwesterd, dus ze kunnen zich nog wel “conformeren” aan het Talibaan regime. Weerzinwekkend. De regering heeft een intense minachting voor vrouwen. @ministerbz.bsky.social
Wie zich zorgen maakt over de risico’s van #Palantir van de verklaarde anti-democraat Thiel in het hart van onze meest cruciale systemen is een “moraalridder” volgens Theo Francken. Zijn minachting voor de democratische rechtsstaat is niet verrassend maar wel hoogst alarmerend voor een minister
October 27, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Wie zich zorgen maakt over de risico’s van #Palantir van de verklaarde anti-democraat Thiel in het hart van onze meest cruciale systemen is een “moraalridder” volgens Theo Francken. Zijn minachting voor de democratische rechtsstaat is niet verrassend maar wel hoogst alarmerend voor een minister
Multi-speed Europe as promoted by Draghi is a false good idea. Born from rightful exasperation over European sclerosis, it will erode democratic checks and balances. Pragmatism and passion for a powerful Europe need to go hand in hand. My blog: open.substack.com/pub/sophiein...
When pragmatism is a false good idea
In his recent speech Mario Draghi proposes “pragmatic federalism” or multi-speed Europe.
open.substack.com
October 26, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Multi-speed Europe as promoted by Draghi is a false good idea. Born from rightful exasperation over European sclerosis, it will erode democratic checks and balances. Pragmatism and passion for a powerful Europe need to go hand in hand. My blog: open.substack.com/pub/sophiein...