Got my second-lever master's there, back in 2020

window epidemic in Russia continues apparently

I wrote my bachelor thesis on the enhanced cooperation clause as a desireable tool to go forward without waiting for Godot (aka reform of treaties) and nothing has developed on that front in the ten years that have passed. Totally share your skepticism.

Yes, I argued for speeding up trade negotiations just after Trump won - and maintain this view. The issue is that many governments see new deals as politically dangerous (MERCOSUR anyone?) and the tensions between capitals and Commission make the EU a less credible partner.
ecfr.eu/article/art-...

Except this course is hardly the minimal harm: it imposes significant long-term costs on the EU (tariffs are very sticky, they likely remain for decades and can easily be increased by US in the future) while escalation would have only brough some short term pain but a better final deal.

Hopefully it's both!

Glad to read it, thanks for sharing!

Have to admit also San Siro on Monday was painfully slow to leave via the metro even with expanded service. But turns out it's also the best place on Earth to listen to Bruce Springsteen, so I'm inclined to forgive everything.