John-Henry Lembrant
@johnhenrylembrant.bsky.social
x-fugee seeking the promised land. I read things, sometimes comment on things. Europhile.
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
The aims of Europeans for 🇺🇦 have been clear & repeated for some time. Seeing them reaffirmed again is good.
But the only thing that will make a difference: If Europe finally realizes this IS and MUST be their affairs, and they must solve it — largely on their own.
Yes, terrifying, but the truth.
But the only thing that will make a difference: If Europe finally realizes this IS and MUST be their affairs, and they must solve it — largely on their own.
Yes, terrifying, but the truth.
Here is the European joint statement
- Ukraine needs "ironclad security guarantees"
- No limitations on Ukraine's armed forces
- No Russian veto on Kyiv's EU/Nato membership
- No decisions on Ukraine's territory without Ukraine
- No let up on Russian sanction
- Ukraine needs "ironclad security guarantees"
- No limitations on Ukraine's armed forces
- No Russian veto on Kyiv's EU/Nato membership
- No decisions on Ukraine's territory without Ukraine
- No let up on Russian sanction
August 16, 2025 at 9:58 AM
The aims of Europeans for 🇺🇦 have been clear & repeated for some time. Seeing them reaffirmed again is good.
But the only thing that will make a difference: If Europe finally realizes this IS and MUST be their affairs, and they must solve it — largely on their own.
Yes, terrifying, but the truth.
But the only thing that will make a difference: If Europe finally realizes this IS and MUST be their affairs, and they must solve it — largely on their own.
Yes, terrifying, but the truth.
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
When assessing the trade offs in relations with the US, remember that Trump is going to start withdrawing US forces from Europe anyway
Europe braces for a key decision from the US president on the future of American forces on the continent
u.afp.com/Sg7R
u.afp.com/Sg7R
July 28, 2025 at 6:39 AM
When assessing the trade offs in relations with the US, remember that Trump is going to start withdrawing US forces from Europe anyway
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
By agreeing to the 15% plus purchases (and backing off on planned services regulation?), it is much more likely that this is a durable outcome.
Worse, the EU has effectively legitimised the actions of a US administration riding roughshod over the global trade regime.
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Worse, the EU has effectively legitimised the actions of a US administration riding roughshod over the global trade regime.
7
July 28, 2025 at 5:35 AM
By agreeing to the 15% plus purchases (and backing off on planned services regulation?), it is much more likely that this is a durable outcome.
Worse, the EU has effectively legitimised the actions of a US administration riding roughshod over the global trade regime.
7
Worse, the EU has effectively legitimised the actions of a US administration riding roughshod over the global trade regime.
7
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
As was famously said about the French Revolution, it is too early to tell. And as ever we lack the counterfactual. But it is hard at the moment not to see this as among the worst possible outcomes for Europe.
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July 28, 2025 at 5:35 AM
As was famously said about the French Revolution, it is too early to tell. And as ever we lack the counterfactual. But it is hard at the moment not to see this as among the worst possible outcomes for Europe.
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Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
Europe spends more time speaking about and thinking of “power” than actually accruing any… we theorise it and even invent sophisticated concepts to side-step the inconvenience of its real meaning.
Fear of power.
Fear of power.
July 27, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Europe spends more time speaking about and thinking of “power” than actually accruing any… we theorise it and even invent sophisticated concepts to side-step the inconvenience of its real meaning.
Fear of power.
Fear of power.
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
I can’t help but scratch my head at the anti-green, deregulation rhetoric currently circulating in Germany.
Rationalising regulations, like supply chain reporting, makes sense — but halting investments is self-defeating for the West’s key clean tech hub.
Let's review a few facts.
1/4
Rationalising regulations, like supply chain reporting, makes sense — but halting investments is self-defeating for the West’s key clean tech hub.
Let's review a few facts.
1/4
May 14, 2025 at 10:18 AM
I can’t help but scratch my head at the anti-green, deregulation rhetoric currently circulating in Germany.
Rationalising regulations, like supply chain reporting, makes sense — but halting investments is self-defeating for the West’s key clean tech hub.
Let's review a few facts.
1/4
Rationalising regulations, like supply chain reporting, makes sense — but halting investments is self-defeating for the West’s key clean tech hub.
Let's review a few facts.
1/4
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
Zelensky imposes sanctions on Chinese firms over alleged arms supplies to Russia. Affected: Beijing Aviation and Aerospace Xianghui Tech, Rui Jin Machinery, Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber. These firms provide a range of dual-use goods.
www.president.gov.ua/documents/24...
www.president.gov.ua/documents/24...
April 18, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Zelensky imposes sanctions on Chinese firms over alleged arms supplies to Russia. Affected: Beijing Aviation and Aerospace Xianghui Tech, Rui Jin Machinery, Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber. These firms provide a range of dual-use goods.
www.president.gov.ua/documents/24...
www.president.gov.ua/documents/24...
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
what do you mean you think
BESSENT: I THINK CHINA TARIFF RATE IS CUMULATIVE
April 2, 2025 at 9:35 PM
what do you mean you think
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
Trump is imposing a 10% tariff on the Heard and McDonald Islands.
The Heard and McDonald Islands are uninhabited.
The Heard and McDonald Islands are uninhabited.
April 2, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Trump is imposing a 10% tariff on the Heard and McDonald Islands.
The Heard and McDonald Islands are uninhabited.
The Heard and McDonald Islands are uninhabited.
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
The real way Trump could have messed with the EU was to impose different tariff rates for France, Italy, Germany etc. And then watch their heads explde as they yell YOU CAN'T DO THAT WE ARE A CUSTOMS UNION and he'd be like yeah I just did.
April 2, 2025 at 9:17 PM
The real way Trump could have messed with the EU was to impose different tariff rates for France, Italy, Germany etc. And then watch their heads explde as they yell YOU CAN'T DO THAT WE ARE A CUSTOMS UNION and he'd be like yeah I just did.
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
The White Paper on EU defence is out. Of course, I read it, and I can say: if you love EU acronyms and the nitty-gritty of EU instruments and details, you will love it.
If you just want to know the key elements, better read my thread. 🧵
commission.europa.eu/topics/defen...
If you just want to know the key elements, better read my thread. 🧵
commission.europa.eu/topics/defen...
Future of European defence
White paper on the future of European defence sets out investment needs to deliver EU defence capabilities to secure Europe’s peace. Find out more.
commission.europa.eu
March 19, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The White Paper on EU defence is out. Of course, I read it, and I can say: if you love EU acronyms and the nitty-gritty of EU instruments and details, you will love it.
If you just want to know the key elements, better read my thread. 🧵
commission.europa.eu/topics/defen...
If you just want to know the key elements, better read my thread. 🧵
commission.europa.eu/topics/defen...
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
A brutal strike on hospital in Sumy, Ukraine.
That’s russia’s follow-up to their peace talks.
That’s russia’s follow-up to their peace talks.
March 18, 2025 at 10:38 PM
A brutal strike on hospital in Sumy, Ukraine.
That’s russia’s follow-up to their peace talks.
That’s russia’s follow-up to their peace talks.
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
Unsung hero of the day: the anonymous Romanian police officer who, whilst taking fugitive French drug kingpin Mohamed Amra to prison in Bucharest, not only resisted his offer of a €2m crypto bribe, but reported this to the prosecutors, as reported by Romanian media, and confirmed by @radiofrance.fr.
March 7, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Unsung hero of the day: the anonymous Romanian police officer who, whilst taking fugitive French drug kingpin Mohamed Amra to prison in Bucharest, not only resisted his offer of a €2m crypto bribe, but reported this to the prosecutors, as reported by Romanian media, and confirmed by @radiofrance.fr.
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
Some thoughts on the European response to the chaos now emanating from the White House - on Ukraine and more broadly, based on chats with senior European policymakers directly or indirectly involved in formulating the bloc's response 1/
March 7, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Some thoughts on the European response to the chaos now emanating from the White House - on Ukraine and more broadly, based on chats with senior European policymakers directly or indirectly involved in formulating the bloc's response 1/
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
Who says EU doesn't have agency? Big news from Berlin
€500bn fund for infrastructure confirmed
And debt brake has been abolished for defence (1% of GDP needs to come from budget. Everything above that can be borrowed, no upper limit)
And this just the beginning of the European response
🇪🇺🇩🇪
€500bn fund for infrastructure confirmed
And debt brake has been abolished for defence (1% of GDP needs to come from budget. Everything above that can be borrowed, no upper limit)
And this just the beginning of the European response
🇪🇺🇩🇪
March 4, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Who says EU doesn't have agency? Big news from Berlin
€500bn fund for infrastructure confirmed
And debt brake has been abolished for defence (1% of GDP needs to come from budget. Everything above that can be borrowed, no upper limit)
And this just the beginning of the European response
🇪🇺🇩🇪
€500bn fund for infrastructure confirmed
And debt brake has been abolished for defence (1% of GDP needs to come from budget. Everything above that can be borrowed, no upper limit)
And this just the beginning of the European response
🇪🇺🇩🇪
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
The European Union remains a funny animal.
Outside observers: rich place, lots of industry, lower debt levels than US/China. Should be able to rearm quickly and cheaply if they coordinate decision-making.
Leaders on the inside: I don’t trust my neighbour so let’s bicker while the house burns down.
Outside observers: rich place, lots of industry, lower debt levels than US/China. Should be able to rearm quickly and cheaply if they coordinate decision-making.
Leaders on the inside: I don’t trust my neighbour so let’s bicker while the house burns down.
March 3, 2025 at 10:32 AM
The European Union remains a funny animal.
Outside observers: rich place, lots of industry, lower debt levels than US/China. Should be able to rearm quickly and cheaply if they coordinate decision-making.
Leaders on the inside: I don’t trust my neighbour so let’s bicker while the house burns down.
Outside observers: rich place, lots of industry, lower debt levels than US/China. Should be able to rearm quickly and cheaply if they coordinate decision-making.
Leaders on the inside: I don’t trust my neighbour so let’s bicker while the house burns down.
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
This is inane.
If you want EU money for joint defense projects, joint decision-making is part of the deal—there’s no way around it.
If you see that as a power grab, you’re fundamentally confused about the choices on the table. www.politico.eu/article/eu-l...
If you want EU money for joint defense projects, joint decision-making is part of the deal—there’s no way around it.
If you see that as a power grab, you’re fundamentally confused about the choices on the table. www.politico.eu/article/eu-l...
EU leaders fear Commission power grab on defense after Trump’s exit
Tensions around defense spending will take center stage during an emergency meeting of EU leaders on Thursday.
www.politico.eu
March 3, 2025 at 10:18 AM
This is inane.
If you want EU money for joint defense projects, joint decision-making is part of the deal—there’s no way around it.
If you see that as a power grab, you’re fundamentally confused about the choices on the table. www.politico.eu/article/eu-l...
If you want EU money for joint defense projects, joint decision-making is part of the deal—there’s no way around it.
If you see that as a power grab, you’re fundamentally confused about the choices on the table. www.politico.eu/article/eu-l...
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
The negotiations will not be easy, but India and the EU seem determined to sign a major trade agreement by the end of the year.
#EuropeNews
#EuropeNews
EU and India aim to sign a free trade agreement by year's end
The negotiations will not be easy, but India and the EU seem determined to sign a major trade agreement by the end of the year.
l.euronews.com
March 1, 2025 at 1:02 AM
The negotiations will not be easy, but India and the EU seem determined to sign a major trade agreement by the end of the year.
#EuropeNews
#EuropeNews
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
Yes, it was a choreographed trap. Trump himself, as well as JD Vance, as well as two journalists, baited Zelensky with dishonest speaking points. They then escalated very artificially against him after he spoke back. Then they threw him out of the White House.
I've watched the full 50 minutes three times. I've read the reactions.
It was a choreographed trap. Vance sat there waiting for the opportunity to attack Zelenskyy.
A mobster set up.
Trump and his people have sided with the Kremlin mafia.
They are the enemy.
NATO must reorganise without the US.
It was a choreographed trap. Vance sat there waiting for the opportunity to attack Zelenskyy.
A mobster set up.
Trump and his people have sided with the Kremlin mafia.
They are the enemy.
NATO must reorganise without the US.
March 1, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Yes, it was a choreographed trap. Trump himself, as well as JD Vance, as well as two journalists, baited Zelensky with dishonest speaking points. They then escalated very artificially against him after he spoke back. Then they threw him out of the White House.
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
Europeans are understandably focusing on the impact of Trump, Musk and Vance's chaotic impulses on Ukraine, NATO and the EU.
But a bigger moment of crisis related to the position of US government credibility in financial markets is looming.
But a bigger moment of crisis related to the position of US government credibility in financial markets is looming.
February 28, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Europeans are understandably focusing on the impact of Trump, Musk and Vance's chaotic impulses on Ukraine, NATO and the EU.
But a bigger moment of crisis related to the position of US government credibility in financial markets is looming.
But a bigger moment of crisis related to the position of US government credibility in financial markets is looming.
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
If Europe hopes to safeguard its own sovereignty and values, it must strategically decouple and dramatically lessen its dependence on US tech companies that are either seeking confrontation or are otherwise vulnerable to being weaponised by Washington ↘️https://on.ft.com/4hJDSFF
Europe’s dependence on US tech is a critical weakness
In order to protect their sovereignty, the continent’s leaders must invest in a digital ecosystem independent of America
on.ft.com
February 19, 2025 at 1:38 PM
If Europe hopes to safeguard its own sovereignty and values, it must strategically decouple and dramatically lessen its dependence on US tech companies that are either seeking confrontation or are otherwise vulnerable to being weaponised by Washington ↘️https://on.ft.com/4hJDSFF
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
Maros Sefcovic, speaking in Washington, threatened to use the anti coercion instrument on Trump administration, via @joannasopinska.bsky.social
"The range of countermeasures is broad & can be deployed swiftly, including important export restrictions, limitations on access to the EU market and more"
"The range of countermeasures is broad & can be deployed swiftly, including important export restrictions, limitations on access to the EU market and more"
February 19, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Maros Sefcovic, speaking in Washington, threatened to use the anti coercion instrument on Trump administration, via @joannasopinska.bsky.social
"The range of countermeasures is broad & can be deployed swiftly, including important export restrictions, limitations on access to the EU market and more"
"The range of countermeasures is broad & can be deployed swiftly, including important export restrictions, limitations on access to the EU market and more"
Reposted by John-Henry Lembrant
And a member of the ECR, the group of Melonis Fratelli d'Italia and the Polish PiS.
For European strong support for Ukraine, it will be crucial that the ECR sides with Ukraine and the EU rather than with Trump and Putin, as Orbán is poised to do.
For European strong support for Ukraine, it will be crucial that the ECR sides with Ukraine and the EU rather than with Trump and Putin, as Orbán is poised to do.
February 19, 2025 at 9:19 PM
And a member of the ECR, the group of Melonis Fratelli d'Italia and the Polish PiS.
For European strong support for Ukraine, it will be crucial that the ECR sides with Ukraine and the EU rather than with Trump and Putin, as Orbán is poised to do.
For European strong support for Ukraine, it will be crucial that the ECR sides with Ukraine and the EU rather than with Trump and Putin, as Orbán is poised to do.