Wester van Gaal
@westervangaal.bsky.social
Journalist @euobs in Brussels - EU politics, climate, green finance, industrial policy. Formerly @vice @decorrespondent
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
To all concerned with climate finance! In my article published in @climate-policy.bsky.social, I find that overlooking the influence of banks’ types of equity on sustainable lending narrows the scope of analysis and limits the tools available to reach Paris-aligned portfolios. See abstract for more!
November 11, 2025 at 7:00 AM
To all concerned with climate finance! In my article published in @climate-policy.bsky.social, I find that overlooking the influence of banks’ types of equity on sustainable lending narrows the scope of analysis and limits the tools available to reach Paris-aligned portfolios. See abstract for more!
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
"If the directive passes close to its current watered-down form, the legal experts warn it faces a "high risk of annulment" before the EU’s top court." See EUobserver story below
Check out Deregulation Watch for more news on the Commission's Omnibuses... corporateeurope.org/en/deregulat...
Check out Deregulation Watch for more news on the Commission's Omnibuses... corporateeurope.org/en/deregulat...
November 10, 2025 at 3:22 PM
"If the directive passes close to its current watered-down form, the legal experts warn it faces a "high risk of annulment" before the EU’s top court." See EUobserver story below
Check out Deregulation Watch for more news on the Commission's Omnibuses... corporateeurope.org/en/deregulat...
Check out Deregulation Watch for more news on the Commission's Omnibuses... corporateeurope.org/en/deregulat...
Our coverage of a letter sent by 100+ law profs/experts to the EP legal committee today urging a pause on #CSDDD and #CSRD legislation, warning current proposals likely breach EU law and carry a "high risk of annulment," if adopted @alemanno.bsky.social et al
Over one hundred legal experts have warned that the EU’s Omnibus I package, which cuts green and social reporting rules, breached EU law and was "likely to be annulled" if adopted.
Deregulation plans break EU law, legal scholars warn
Over one hundred legal experts have warned that the EU’s Omnibus I package, which cuts green and social reporting rules, breached EU law and was "likely to be annulled" if adopted.
euobserver.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Our coverage of a letter sent by 100+ law profs/experts to the EP legal committee today urging a pause on #CSDDD and #CSRD legislation, warning current proposals likely breach EU law and carry a "high risk of annulment," if adopted @alemanno.bsky.social et al
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
This is what deindustrialization in a carbon shock therapy setting looks like. If the state doesn’t do the planning and redistribute any remaining surpluses downward, private equity will do the planning and redistribute any remaining surpluses upward (and out of country).
on.ft.com/3WNWnA9
on.ft.com/3WNWnA9
November 9, 2025 at 11:36 AM
This is what deindustrialization in a carbon shock therapy setting looks like. If the state doesn’t do the planning and redistribute any remaining surpluses downward, private equity will do the planning and redistribute any remaining surpluses upward (and out of country).
on.ft.com/3WNWnA9
on.ft.com/3WNWnA9
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
“China is now making more money from exporting green technology than America makes from exporting fossil fuels. This trend will continue simply because renewables are cheap.”
Gift link: China’s clean-energy revolution will reshape markets and politics
www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
Gift link: China’s clean-energy revolution will reshape markets and politics
www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
China’s clean-energy revolution will reshape markets and politics
The world’s biggest manufacturer now has an interest in the world decarbonising
www.economist.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:55 AM
“China is now making more money from exporting green technology than America makes from exporting fossil fuels. This trend will continue simply because renewables are cheap.”
Gift link: China’s clean-energy revolution will reshape markets and politics
www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
Gift link: China’s clean-energy revolution will reshape markets and politics
www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
In other words, the whole legal and political hassle of taking the money from Euroclear (via an EU bond), and handing the money to Ukraine could be avoided by just issuing an EU bond, handing *that* money to Ukraine, and servicing it from the returns on Euroclear's assets.
November 7, 2025 at 4:04 PM
In other words, the whole legal and political hassle of taking the money from Euroclear (via an EU bond), and handing the money to Ukraine could be avoided by just issuing an EU bond, handing *that* money to Ukraine, and servicing it from the returns on Euroclear's assets.
Trump admin silently removes memorials of two black WOII soldiers (added only in 2024) who died liberating the Netherlands, from US cemetery in Margraten.
Op Margraten zijn twee panelen over zwarte Amerikaanse bevrijders van Nederland opeens weg. ‘Past bij beleid van de regering-Trump’
Op Margraten zijn twee panelen over zwarte Amerikaanse bevrijders van Nederland opeens weg. ‘Past bij beleid van de regering-Trump’
Op de Amerikaanse begraafplaats in Margraten is het opeens stil geworden rond de zwarte Amerikanen die hielpen Nederland bevrijden. Twee panelen die hun bijdrage herdachten – én wezen op hun strijd tegen racisme binnen het leger – werden zonder toelichting verwijderd.
www.nrc.nl
November 7, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Trump admin silently removes memorials of two black WOII soldiers (added only in 2024) who died liberating the Netherlands, from US cemetery in Margraten.
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
Interesting figures from Philip Lane. The constant downward revision to real exports is quite telling.
November 6, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Interesting figures from Philip Lane. The constant downward revision to real exports is quite telling.
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
In a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, US state attorneys demanded Meta defy EU sustainability and human rights directives — citing "European elites" and "bureaucrats in Brussels."
US states demand Meta reject EU sustainability directives
In a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, US state attorneys demanded Meta defy EU sustainability and human rights directives — citing "European elites" and "bureaucrats in Brussels."
euobserver.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:34 AM
In a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, US state attorneys demanded Meta defy EU sustainability and human rights directives — citing "European elites" and "bureaucrats in Brussels."
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
An EU official has warned the US not to interfere in the Brazil UN climate talks (COP30), citing aggressive personal tactics at last month’s International Maritime Organization meetings — while contrasting Washington’s approach with China’s constructive engagement.
US warned not to bully diplomats at Brazil COP climate talks
An EU official has warned the US not to interfere in the Brazil UN climate talks (COP30), citing aggressive personal tactics at last month’s International Maritime Organization meetings — while contrasting Washington’s approach with China’s constructive engagement.
euobserver.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:13 PM
An EU official has warned the US not to interfere in the Brazil UN climate talks (COP30), citing aggressive personal tactics at last month’s International Maritime Organization meetings — while contrasting Washington’s approach with China’s constructive engagement.
Japan, Mexico, Canada, China — all tightening or mandating emissions trading. “It is a virus,” said one EU official. “We want to further enhance this virus.”
Not sure this is the best word choice.
Not sure this is the best word choice.
November 5, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Japan, Mexico, Canada, China — all tightening or mandating emissions trading. “It is a virus,” said one EU official. “We want to further enhance this virus.”
Not sure this is the best word choice.
Not sure this is the best word choice.
It literally warns about the threat of a “socially fair economy."
Remarkable letter from 16 US state attorneys general demanding that Zuckerberg not comply with EU sustainability and human‑rights directives. #csddd #csrd
In a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, US state attorneys demanded Meta defy EU sustainability and human rights directives — citing "European elites" and "bureaucrats in Brussels."
November 5, 2025 at 12:58 PM
It literally warns about the threat of a “socially fair economy."
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
As a result of the US shutdown curtailing services, American soldiers garrisoned in Germany are being advised to visit local foodbanks.
home.army.mil/bavaria/abou...
home.army.mil/bavaria/abou...
November 5, 2025 at 12:04 PM
As a result of the US shutdown curtailing services, American soldiers garrisoned in Germany are being advised to visit local foodbanks.
home.army.mil/bavaria/abou...
home.army.mil/bavaria/abou...
Tldr: lots of carbon credits and further “flexibility“ of fuel tax and 2035 combustion engine ban.
European governments struck a deal on a watered-down 2040 climate target on Wednesday after an all-night negotiation marathon. However, the draft agreement substantially dilutes the European Commission’s original proposal and delays one of the bloc’s core climate laws.
EU ministers strike watered-down 2040 climate deal after all-night talks
European governments struck a deal on a watered-down 2040 climate target on Wednesday after an all-night negotiation marathon. However, the draft agreement substantially dilutes the European Commission’s original proposal and delays one of the bloc’s core climate laws.
euobserver.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Tldr: lots of carbon credits and further “flexibility“ of fuel tax and 2035 combustion engine ban.
Remarkable letter from 16 US state attorneys general demanding that Zuckerberg not comply with EU sustainability and human‑rights directives. #csddd #csrd
In a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, US state attorneys demanded Meta defy EU sustainability and human rights directives — citing "European elites" and "bureaucrats in Brussels."
US states demand Meta reject EU sustainability directives
In a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, US state attorneys demanded Meta defy EU sustainability and human rights directives — citing "European elites" and "bureaucrats in Brussels."
euobserver.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
Very good read @JohnDelury: What China wants from Europe
"First thing Europeans must keep in mind is that at the level of grand strategy Europe isn't a priority. US remains the unavoidable great power China confronts... Beijing in a funny way has an America First foreign policy"
"First thing Europeans must keep in mind is that at the level of grand strategy Europe isn't a priority. US remains the unavoidable great power China confronts... Beijing in a funny way has an America First foreign policy"
November 5, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Very good read @JohnDelury: What China wants from Europe
"First thing Europeans must keep in mind is that at the level of grand strategy Europe isn't a priority. US remains the unavoidable great power China confronts... Beijing in a funny way has an America First foreign policy"
"First thing Europeans must keep in mind is that at the level of grand strategy Europe isn't a priority. US remains the unavoidable great power China confronts... Beijing in a funny way has an America First foreign policy"
"That's the paradox of the EU’s grand exercise in simplification & Green Deal backtracking. Driven by fear of de-industrialisation, it may instead turn Europe into China’s largest customer for [future tech]. Without legal certainty, the engine of investment stalls," via @davidcarretta.bsky.social
We are testing La Matinale Européenne in English.
Today’s pilot by me: “Omnibus Politics: Killing Legal Certainty, Stalling Investment”
Don’t miss our brief. And let we know what you think.
With @grimmse.bsky.social and @cspillmann.bsky.social 👇
europemorningpost.substack.com/p/omnibus-po...
Today’s pilot by me: “Omnibus Politics: Killing Legal Certainty, Stalling Investment”
Don’t miss our brief. And let we know what you think.
With @grimmse.bsky.social and @cspillmann.bsky.social 👇
europemorningpost.substack.com/p/omnibus-po...
Omnibus Politics: Killing Legal Certainty, Stalling Investment
Good morning!
europemorningpost.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:36 AM
"That's the paradox of the EU’s grand exercise in simplification & Green Deal backtracking. Driven by fear of de-industrialisation, it may instead turn Europe into China’s largest customer for [future tech]. Without legal certainty, the engine of investment stalls," via @davidcarretta.bsky.social
they went as themselves.
November 4, 2025 at 8:03 PM
they went as themselves.
I'm pretty sure a majority of Europeans/Germans would prefer their leaders not to be such wimps and deal with the consequences.
EU Leaders Skip Latin American Summit to Avoid Irking Trump
European leaders including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will skip the EU’s summit with Latin American and Caribbean states due in part to con...
www.bloomberg.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:57 PM
I'm pretty sure a majority of Europeans/Germans would prefer their leaders not to be such wimps and deal with the consequences.
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
EU leaders will proclaim the benefits of the bloc’s Global Gateway programme from the rooftops when they attend a joint summit with the African Union in Angola later this month. Privately, senior EU lawmakers have serious doubts.
'Big doubts' about EU's oversold Africa investment plan, warns parliament's development chief
EU leaders will proclaim the benefits of the bloc’s Global Gateway programme from the rooftops when they attend a joint summit with the African Union in Angola later this month. Privately, senior EU lawmakers have serious doubts.
euobserver.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:01 AM
EU leaders will proclaim the benefits of the bloc’s Global Gateway programme from the rooftops when they attend a joint summit with the African Union in Angola later this month. Privately, senior EU lawmakers have serious doubts.
Sounds awesome.
2. Stacie Goddard and I have a new piece in International organization laying out a future world order based on hyper elites tied to absolute sovereigns. We call it neo-royalism.
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mxthh...
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mxthh...
www.dropbox.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Sounds awesome.
De NOS-post.
Nearly a million New Yorkers ready to flee NYC if Mamdani becomes mayor — possibly igniting mass exodus: poll
Nearly a million New Yorkers ready to flee NYC if Mamdani becomes mayor — possibly igniting mass exodus: poll
Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are prepared to bolt from the Big Apple if socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins Tuesday's mayoral race — potentially setting the stage for the largest population flight in US history, a new poll warns.
nypost.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:41 PM
De NOS-post.
Reposted by Wester van Gaal
Favo stroman nu is: 'IEDEREEN zegt midden is winnaar, terwijl het extreem rechts is, en ik leg dat hier uit!'
Terwijl letterlijk iedereen vrijwel meteen al zei dat extreemrechts is gegroeid
Terwijl letterlijk iedereen vrijwel meteen al zei dat extreemrechts is gegroeid
November 3, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Favo stroman nu is: 'IEDEREEN zegt midden is winnaar, terwijl het extreem rechts is, en ik leg dat hier uit!'
Terwijl letterlijk iedereen vrijwel meteen al zei dat extreemrechts is gegroeid
Terwijl letterlijk iedereen vrijwel meteen al zei dat extreemrechts is gegroeid
"Wordt ons land straks geregeerd door een premier die wil gaan trouwen met een man?....wordt de SGP gedwongen vrouwen op kieslijsten te plaatsen?" aldus de hoofdredactie van het reformatorisch dagblad.
Met dit soort teksten zetten ze zichzelf, en hun medechristenen, volledig voor schut.
Met dit soort teksten zetten ze zichzelf, en hun medechristenen, volledig voor schut.
Een christen voelt zich niet thuis in het land-van-Jetten
Waarom zijn gebeden van christenen woensdag niet verhoord? Maar wie verder kijkt dan dit gesomber, ziet juist een glimpje zonlicht.
www.rd.nl
November 3, 2025 at 9:50 AM
"Wordt ons land straks geregeerd door een premier die wil gaan trouwen met een man?....wordt de SGP gedwongen vrouwen op kieslijsten te plaatsen?" aldus de hoofdredactie van het reformatorisch dagblad.
Met dit soort teksten zetten ze zichzelf, en hun medechristenen, volledig voor schut.
Met dit soort teksten zetten ze zichzelf, en hun medechristenen, volledig voor schut.