Louis Drounau
@louisdrounau.eudemocracy.eu
Founder of European Democracy Consulting (eudemocracy.eu), European Democracy Consulting Stiftung (edcstiftung.eu, epfo.eu) and EuropeanConstitution.eu 🇪🇺 PhD candidate, Uni Innsbruck
Sucker for #europeanparties, #eudemocracy and #eureform.
Sucker for #europeanparties, #eudemocracy and #eureform.
Pinned
🚨 Long thread alert!
Today, the EP (@europarl.europa.eu) is voting on the agreement reached with the Council on the new Regulation on the statute and funding of #europeanparties and foundations, under the Polish presidency back in June 2025.
So, what does this mean for our common parties?
1/24
Today, the EP (@europarl.europa.eu) is voting on the agreement reached with the Council on the new Regulation on the statute and funding of #europeanparties and foundations, under the Polish presidency back in June 2025.
So, what does this mean for our common parties?
1/24
"Europe will probably more closely resemble a confederation of some sorts"
A confederation is already what the EU is -- with some entirely integrated competencies, some partially integrated ones, but no political union.
And this is precisely what has to change: we now need a federal Europe. #toFedEU
A confederation is already what the EU is -- with some entirely integrated competencies, some partially integrated ones, but no political union.
And this is precisely what has to change: we now need a federal Europe. #toFedEU
Content which re-imagines the EU as a pan-European empire has flooded social media platforms over the past two years, garnering billions of views collectively on X, TikTok and Instagram.
Forget the far right. The kids want a ‘United States of Europe.’
Based on social media, the upcoming generation is expressing more European solidarity than the continent has seen in decades.
www.politico.eu
December 15, 2025 at 12:08 PM
"Europe will probably more closely resemble a confederation of some sorts"
A confederation is already what the EU is -- with some entirely integrated competencies, some partially integrated ones, but no political union.
And this is precisely what has to change: we now need a federal Europe. #toFedEU
A confederation is already what the EU is -- with some entirely integrated competencies, some partially integrated ones, but no political union.
And this is precisely what has to change: we now need a federal Europe. #toFedEU
Reposted by Louis Drounau
A refreshing dose of American honesty
A refreshing dose of American honesty
We already let American big tech gobble up most of Europe’s tech startups. Should we feed them our energy sector as well?
dlvr.it
December 14, 2025 at 5:10 AM
A refreshing dose of American honesty
For a more positive reading of the US National Security Strategy
For a more positive reading of the US National Security Strategy
Beyond the outraged reactions to the US Security Strategy, a more positive reading can yield constructive guidance for the EU
dlvr.it
December 13, 2025 at 11:03 AM
"Leaving aside the usual MAGA obsessions, a more positive-minded reading can yield more constructive guidance, to highlight what the US believes and seeks, and to understand how Europe could respond and evolve."
My take on the recent US National Security Strategy.
www.euractiv.com/news/for-a-m...
My take on the recent US National Security Strategy.
www.euractiv.com/news/for-a-m...
For a more positive reading of the US National Security Strategy | Euractiv
Beyond the outraged reactions to the US Security Strategy, a more positive reading can yield constructive guidance for the EU
www.euractiv.com
December 13, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Falls short of calling for a federal Europe, which it should, but still worth signing.
We must stand up for our Union.
Our democracy and our independence depend on it. 🇪🇺
Read our statement: europeanmovement.eu/publication-...
Our democracy and our independence depend on it. 🇪🇺
Read our statement: europeanmovement.eu/publication-...
Urgent call by European civil society to the European leaders and the leadership of the European Union - European Movement
We invite member organisations of the European Movement International network, as well as partners outside our network, to support the statement and add their organisation’s name to the list of signat...
europeanmovement.eu
December 12, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Falls short of calling for a federal Europe, which it should, but still worth signing.
Reposted by Louis Drounau
"Leaving aside the usual MAGA obsessions, a more positive-minded reading can yield more constructive guidance, to highlight what the US believes and seeks, and to understand how Europe could respond and evolve."
My take on the recent US National Security Strategy.
www.euractiv.com/news/for-a-m...
My take on the recent US National Security Strategy.
www.euractiv.com/news/for-a-m...
For a more positive reading of the US National Security Strategy | Euractiv
Beyond the outraged reactions to the US Security Strategy, a more positive reading can yield constructive guidance for the EU
www.euractiv.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:24 AM
"Leaving aside the usual MAGA obsessions, a more positive-minded reading can yield more constructive guidance, to highlight what the US believes and seeks, and to understand how Europe could respond and evolve."
My take on the recent US National Security Strategy.
www.euractiv.com/news/for-a-m...
My take on the recent US National Security Strategy.
www.euractiv.com/news/for-a-m...
Not that she is wrong, but how ironic is it to hear Ursula von der Leyen, entirely unknown to non-German European citizens in 2019, sing the "people should choose their leaders" chorus?
Any steps made by the Commission since then to remedy this situation? ... none?!
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Any steps made by the Commission since then to remedy this situation? ... none?!
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Don’t meddle in European democracy, von der Leyen tells Trump
Commission president hits back at U.S. plan to undermine the European orthodoxy it says will lead to “civilizational erasure.”
www.politico.eu
December 12, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Not that she is wrong, but how ironic is it to hear Ursula von der Leyen, entirely unknown to non-German European citizens in 2019, sing the "people should choose their leaders" chorus?
Any steps made by the Commission since then to remedy this situation? ... none?!
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
Any steps made by the Commission since then to remedy this situation? ... none?!
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
While this is just one example out of many: why isn't the allocation of public/taxpayers' money to #europeanparties published once it is decided, instead of months later in a PDF on an obscure sub-website of the EP?
This is why we started the EPFO and we need you!
www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
This is why we started the EPFO and we need you!
www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
December 12, 2025 at 8:35 AM
While this is just one example out of many: why isn't the allocation of public/taxpayers' money to #europeanparties published once it is decided, instead of months later in a PDF on an obscure sub-website of the EP?
This is why we started the EPFO and we need you!
www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
This is why we started the EPFO and we need you!
www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
Reposted by Louis Drounau
For a more positive reading of the US National Security Strategy
For a more positive reading of the US National Security Strategy
Beyond the outraged reactions to the US Security Strategy, a more positive reading can yield constructive guidance for the EU
dlvr.it
December 12, 2025 at 5:15 AM
For a more positive reading of the US National Security Strategy
"Leaving aside the usual MAGA obsessions, a more positive-minded reading can yield more constructive guidance, to highlight what the US believes and seeks, and to understand how Europe could respond and evolve."
My take on the recent US National Security Strategy.
www.euractiv.com/news/for-a-m...
My take on the recent US National Security Strategy.
www.euractiv.com/news/for-a-m...
For a more positive reading of the US National Security Strategy | Euractiv
Beyond the outraged reactions to the US Security Strategy, a more positive reading can yield constructive guidance for the EU
www.euractiv.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:24 AM
"Leaving aside the usual MAGA obsessions, a more positive-minded reading can yield more constructive guidance, to highlight what the US believes and seeks, and to understand how Europe could respond and evolve."
My take on the recent US National Security Strategy.
www.euractiv.com/news/for-a-m...
My take on the recent US National Security Strategy.
www.euractiv.com/news/for-a-m...
Off-topic post of the day: Cory Doctorow talks Rescuing the Internet From “Enshittification” on the Daily Show
inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=d2e-...
inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=d2e-...
inv.nadeko.net
December 10, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Off-topic post of the day: Cory Doctorow talks Rescuing the Internet From “Enshittification” on the Daily Show
inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=d2e-...
inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=d2e-...
This sanction on the European Left opens an interesting question: should @volteuropa.org become a European party, does its integrated nature (same name, logo, colours, programme) mean that Volt Europa would be able to co-fund virtually all the activities of its national chapters?
#europeanparties
#europeanparties
Additionally, EL was fined under €1,900 for a joint activity with the Party Communist Français where it "neither achieved meaningful visibility, nor had any co-ownership of the event's substance or organisation".
3/3
3/3
December 9, 2025 at 8:29 AM
This sanction on the European Left opens an interesting question: should @volteuropa.org become a European party, does its integrated nature (same name, logo, colours, programme) mean that Volt Europa would be able to co-fund virtually all the activities of its national chapters?
#europeanparties
#europeanparties
Reposted by Louis Drounau
On 4 December, the Party of the European Left (EL) was fined just under €5,000 by the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations.
1/3
@appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu
#europeanparties
👉 For more: appf.europa.eu/appf/en/othe...
1/3
@appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu
#europeanparties
👉 For more: appf.europa.eu/appf/en/othe...
Sanctions | Other Information | Authority for European Political Parties and<br>European Political Foundations
Sanctions imposed on European political parties/foundations by the Authority;Opinions delivered by the Committee of Independent Eminent Persons;documents to date
appf.europa.eu
December 9, 2025 at 8:08 AM
On 4 December, the Party of the European Left (EL) was fined just under €5,000 by the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations.
1/3
@appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu
#europeanparties
👉 For more: appf.europa.eu/appf/en/othe...
1/3
@appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu
#europeanparties
👉 For more: appf.europa.eu/appf/en/othe...
🚨 BREAKING: President Donald J. Trump has just won the very first and prestigious World Global Curling Federation Peace Prize for Tremendous Actions that Make the World More Peaceful Again. What a bigly achievement.
#breaking #exclusive #FIFA #DonaldTrump #realaward
#breaking #exclusive #FIFA #DonaldTrump #realaward
December 8, 2025 at 8:34 AM
🚨 BREAKING: President Donald J. Trump has just won the very first and prestigious World Global Curling Federation Peace Prize for Tremendous Actions that Make the World More Peaceful Again. What a bigly achievement.
#breaking #exclusive #FIFA #DonaldTrump #realaward
#breaking #exclusive #FIFA #DonaldTrump #realaward
"Franklin and delegates from 7 colonies agreed to his Plan of Union and then went home to try and sell it. But when the plan was presented at the colonial capitals, each of the individual legislatures rejected it because they did not want to give up their autonomy."
kenburns.com/films/the-am...
kenburns.com/films/the-am...
The American Revolution - Ken Burns
The American Revolution was at once a war for independence, a war of conquest, a civil war, and a world war, fought by neighbors on American farms and between global powers an ocean or more away. It i...
kenburns.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:24 AM
"Franklin and delegates from 7 colonies agreed to his Plan of Union and then went home to try and sell it. But when the plan was presented at the colonial capitals, each of the individual legislatures rejected it because they did not want to give up their autonomy."
kenburns.com/films/the-am...
kenburns.com/films/the-am...
Reading about EU policy, regardless of the field, is very repetitive: 1/ some country (US, China,..) accomplishes something, 2/ institutions/experts/NGOs/gov call for Europe to do something similar, 3/ nat gov trip over their own feet because of national interests.
www.euractiv.com/news/macron-...
www.euractiv.com/news/macron-...
Macron seeks to rebalance trade as Chinese exports flood Europe | Euractiv
Macron’s trip comes as French public concern over China rises
www.euractiv.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Reading about EU policy, regardless of the field, is very repetitive: 1/ some country (US, China,..) accomplishes something, 2/ institutions/experts/NGOs/gov call for Europe to do something similar, 3/ nat gov trip over their own feet because of national interests.
www.euractiv.com/news/macron-...
www.euractiv.com/news/macron-...
The lack of transparency around #europeanparties, and citizens' complete lack of knowledge of/exposure to them, leads to situations that would be unacceptable at the national level. Whether this specific point is good or bad isn't the issue, the double standard is.
www.euractiv.com/opinion/the-...
www.euractiv.com/opinion/the-...
The Brief – Manfred Weber’s wages of sin | Euractiv
For many Europeans, "Brussels" evokes images the overpaid political hack gaming the system. Weber has become their poster boy
www.euractiv.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:33 AM
The lack of transparency around #europeanparties, and citizens' complete lack of knowledge of/exposure to them, leads to situations that would be unacceptable at the national level. Whether this specific point is good or bad isn't the issue, the double standard is.
www.euractiv.com/opinion/the-...
www.euractiv.com/opinion/the-...
Monnet "saw politicians as short-termist by nature, egotistical by nature" -- this is why we have political parties, to create long-projects that go beyond politicians' self-interest. And this is why we need strong #europeanparties that citizens can join and vote for, and who choose representatives.
December 1, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Monnet "saw politicians as short-termist by nature, egotistical by nature" -- this is why we have political parties, to create long-projects that go beyond politicians' self-interest. And this is why we need strong #europeanparties that citizens can join and vote for, and who choose representatives.
In its 2026 budgetary plan, the APPF asked Parliament for an additional 8 staff, to account for the increase in #europeanparties and foundations and for its expanded tasks under the new regulation. The @europarl.europa.eu heard that call and granted 0 additional staff.
@appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu
@appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu
November 28, 2025 at 9:08 AM
In its 2026 budgetary plan, the APPF asked Parliament for an additional 8 staff, to account for the increase in #europeanparties and foundations and for its expanded tasks under the new regulation. The @europarl.europa.eu heard that call and granted 0 additional staff.
@appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu
@appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu
Good to see MEPs calling for more independence from large foreign tech firms. There are too many European alternatives (or free and open-source ones, such as Firefox and LibreOffice) not to switch.
european-alternatives.eu
www.politico.eu/article/get-...
european-alternatives.eu
www.politico.eu/article/get-...
Get us off Microsoft! Lawmakers press EU Parliament to change in-house IT.
“We cannot afford this level of dependence on foreign tech,” lawmakers say in letter obtained by POLITICO.
www.politico.eu
November 26, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Good to see MEPs calling for more independence from large foreign tech firms. There are too many European alternatives (or free and open-source ones, such as Firefox and LibreOffice) not to switch.
european-alternatives.eu
www.politico.eu/article/get-...
european-alternatives.eu
www.politico.eu/article/get-...
70 years too late already but, yes, a federal Europe is our only viable future.
actionnetwork.org/petitions/un...
actionnetwork.org/petitions/un...
United States of Europe Now! National leaders: unlock our potential!
Across the globe, fascists, imperialists and tech overlords are on the rise. Xi wants to lead an autocratic world order, Putin wants to dominate Europe, and Trump only wants what's best for Trump. Me...
actionnetwork.org
November 21, 2025 at 11:50 AM
70 years too late already but, yes, a federal Europe is our only viable future.
actionnetwork.org/petitions/un...
actionnetwork.org/petitions/un...
Not "our militaries", but "our military", @andriuskubilius.ec.europa.eu .
You can't have war-ready logistics with 27 separate armies. We need one single European army.
You can't have war-ready logistics with 27 separate armies. We need one single European army.
November 19, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Not "our militaries", but "our military", @andriuskubilius.ec.europa.eu .
You can't have war-ready logistics with 27 separate armies. We need one single European army.
You can't have war-ready logistics with 27 separate armies. We need one single European army.
Reposted by Louis Drounau
..@europarl.europa.eu. And that's a wrap!
As always, our foundation works for free but we need funding to update our platform, so do support us if you can!
28/28
www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
As always, our foundation works for free but we need funding to update our platform, so do support us if you can!
28/28
www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
European Party Funding Observatory
European political parties represent us. But what do we know about them? How are they financed? Our observatory provides long-needed transparency on the funding and spending of European parties, inclu...
www.betterplace.org
November 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM
..@europarl.europa.eu. And that's a wrap!
As always, our foundation works for free but we need funding to update our platform, so do support us if you can!
28/28
www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
As always, our foundation works for free but we need funding to update our platform, so do support us if you can!
28/28
www.betterplace.org/en/projects/...
Did both parties receive a loan to cover the entirety of their expenses for three months or more? No donations, no contributions, financial or in-kind?
#europeanparties
#europeanparties
..they did not receive public funding either. Even shouldered by third-parties, any party-related expense would need to be recorded as an in-kind donation.
The mere setting up of their respective websites should have incurred costs. A mission for @swheatonjourno.bsky.social?
13/28
The mere setting up of their respective websites should have incurred costs. A mission for @swheatonjourno.bsky.social?
13/28
November 18, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Did both parties receive a loan to cover the entirety of their expenses for three months or more? No donations, no contributions, financial or in-kind?
#europeanparties
#europeanparties
Here it is: the once-a-year analysis of #europeanparties' donations and contributions -- all pretty with charts and graphs. Don't miss it! 🇪🇺
On 14 November 2025, 🎄Christmas came early: the Authority for European political parties and European political foundations (@appf-eu.eudemocracy.eu) published information on donations and contributions received by #europeanparties in 2024!
Let's dive in! 👇👇
1/28
www.appf.europa.eu/appf/en/dona...
Let's dive in! 👇👇
1/28
www.appf.europa.eu/appf/en/dona...
Donations and Contributions | Authority for European Political Parties and<br>European Political Foundations
Donations and Contributions/European political parties/European political foundations/per financial year/different categories
www.appf.europa.eu
November 18, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Here it is: the once-a-year analysis of #europeanparties' donations and contributions -- all pretty with charts and graphs. Don't miss it! 🇪🇺