Seb Starcevic
@sebstarcevic.bsky.social
reporter @POLITICO.eu • tips: sstarcevic@politico.eu • 🇦🇺🇭🇷
“Nobody believes that Putin is committed to peace … we need to put pressure on Russia to be interested in these talks.”
The EU’s ambassador to Ukraine says it’s time the bloc and the US inflict crippling joint sanctions to drag the Kremlin to the negotiating table 👇 www.politico.eu/article/eu-a...
The EU’s ambassador to Ukraine says it’s time the bloc and the US inflict crippling joint sanctions to drag the Kremlin to the negotiating table 👇 www.politico.eu/article/eu-a...
After Kyiv assault, EU ambassador wants US help to compel Moscow to end war
“Nobody believes that Putin is committed to peace,” Katarína Mathernová told POLITICO.
www.politico.eu
August 28, 2025 at 11:29 PM
“Nobody believes that Putin is committed to peace … we need to put pressure on Russia to be interested in these talks.”
The EU’s ambassador to Ukraine says it’s time the bloc and the US inflict crippling joint sanctions to drag the Kremlin to the negotiating table 👇 www.politico.eu/article/eu-a...
The EU’s ambassador to Ukraine says it’s time the bloc and the US inflict crippling joint sanctions to drag the Kremlin to the negotiating table 👇 www.politico.eu/article/eu-a...
Reposted by Seb Starcevic
Mega scoop by @camgijs.bsky.social 🔥🔥🔥
The European Union is looking at targeting €72 billion in US goods in a second round of trade countermeasures, including aircraft, cars and car parts, according to a list seen by POLITICO today.
EU to hit US aircraft, cars and food in latest retaliatory strike
The European Commission proposes countermeasures after President Donald Trump threatens to hit Europe with a 30 percent tariff.
www.politico.eu
July 15, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Mega scoop by @camgijs.bsky.social 🔥🔥🔥
EXCLUSIVE: NATO chief Mark Rutte is axing dozens of job and two whole divisions in a major overhaul at the alliance’s Brussels HQ.
“He is basically DOGEing NATO,” an official told POLITICO, referring to Elon Musk’s efforts to trim the U.S. government.
Scoop here via @politico.eu👇 ow.ly/BUKB50WcfTo
“He is basically DOGEing NATO,” an official told POLITICO, referring to Elon Musk’s efforts to trim the U.S. government.
Scoop here via @politico.eu👇 ow.ly/BUKB50WcfTo
Mark Rutte DOGEs NATO with dozens of job cuts
Transatlantic military chief slashes roles and eliminates divisions as U.S. President Donald Trump’s reluctant commitment overshadows the alliance.
ow.ly
June 19, 2025 at 1:21 PM
EXCLUSIVE: NATO chief Mark Rutte is axing dozens of job and two whole divisions in a major overhaul at the alliance’s Brussels HQ.
“He is basically DOGEing NATO,” an official told POLITICO, referring to Elon Musk’s efforts to trim the U.S. government.
Scoop here via @politico.eu👇 ow.ly/BUKB50WcfTo
“He is basically DOGEing NATO,” an official told POLITICO, referring to Elon Musk’s efforts to trim the U.S. government.
Scoop here via @politico.eu👇 ow.ly/BUKB50WcfTo
SCOOP: Former Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson is tipped to become special envoy for Ukrainians in the EU.
As Russia’s invasion grinds on, the EU executive wants Ukrainian refugees to go home or stay and integrate fully — which this new top job will oversee 👇 www.politico.eu/article/ylva...
As Russia’s invasion grinds on, the EU executive wants Ukrainian refugees to go home or stay and integrate fully — which this new top job will oversee 👇 www.politico.eu/article/ylva...
EU taps Ylva Johansson to be special envoy for Ukrainians
Former home affairs commissioner lined up for new role overseeing Commission’s strategy for Ukrainian refugees.
www.politico.eu
June 12, 2025 at 6:12 PM
SCOOP: Former Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson is tipped to become special envoy for Ukrainians in the EU.
As Russia’s invasion grinds on, the EU executive wants Ukrainian refugees to go home or stay and integrate fully — which this new top job will oversee 👇 www.politico.eu/article/ylva...
As Russia’s invasion grinds on, the EU executive wants Ukrainian refugees to go home or stay and integrate fully — which this new top job will oversee 👇 www.politico.eu/article/ylva...
The EU just announced a barrage of new sanctions on Russia, including:
💵 Cutting off 22 Russian banks from SWIFT
⛽️ Banning the Nord Stream gas pipelines
🛢️ Lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $45 (with G7 approval)
“This war must end,” Ursula von der Leyen said 👉 www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
💵 Cutting off 22 Russian banks from SWIFT
⛽️ Banning the Nord Stream gas pipelines
🛢️ Lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $45 (with G7 approval)
“This war must end,” Ursula von der Leyen said 👉 www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
June 10, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The EU just announced a barrage of new sanctions on Russia, including:
💵 Cutting off 22 Russian banks from SWIFT
⛽️ Banning the Nord Stream gas pipelines
🛢️ Lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $45 (with G7 approval)
“This war must end,” Ursula von der Leyen said 👉 www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
💵 Cutting off 22 Russian banks from SWIFT
⛽️ Banning the Nord Stream gas pipelines
🛢️ Lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $45 (with G7 approval)
“This war must end,” Ursula von der Leyen said 👉 www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
They were once blacklisted for their ties to Putin.
But now some of Russia’s biggest classical music stars are returning to European stages.
Their encore is a soft power win for the Kremlin — and has triggered a fierce political reaction from the EU and Ukraine 👇 www.politico.eu/article/russ...
But now some of Russia’s biggest classical music stars are returning to European stages.
Their encore is a soft power win for the Kremlin — and has triggered a fierce political reaction from the EU and Ukraine 👇 www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Russia’s blacklisted classical music stars make a comeback in Europe
Vladimir Putin’s opera darlings are back in the spotlight — and Ukraine and the EU are not pleased.
www.politico.eu
June 6, 2025 at 7:53 AM
They were once blacklisted for their ties to Putin.
But now some of Russia’s biggest classical music stars are returning to European stages.
Their encore is a soft power win for the Kremlin — and has triggered a fierce political reaction from the EU and Ukraine 👇 www.politico.eu/article/russ...
But now some of Russia’s biggest classical music stars are returning to European stages.
Their encore is a soft power win for the Kremlin — and has triggered a fierce political reaction from the EU and Ukraine 👇 www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Despite their mutual hatred for Putin, Ukraine and Russia’s exiled opposition have mostly avoided joining forces amid deep distrust.
But a top Russian dissident told me and @elenagiordano.bsky.social in Brussels that talks have kicked off behind closed doors 👇 www.politico.eu/article/russ...
But a top Russian dissident told me and @elenagiordano.bsky.social in Brussels that talks have kicked off behind closed doors 👇 www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Russia’s opposition talking with Ukraine behind the scenes, top dissident says
Many in Ukraine have criticized the idea that Kyiv and the Russian opposition are natural allies.
www.politico.eu
June 6, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Despite their mutual hatred for Putin, Ukraine and Russia’s exiled opposition have mostly avoided joining forces amid deep distrust.
But a top Russian dissident told me and @elenagiordano.bsky.social in Brussels that talks have kicked off behind closed doors 👇 www.politico.eu/article/russ...
But a top Russian dissident told me and @elenagiordano.bsky.social in Brussels that talks have kicked off behind closed doors 👇 www.politico.eu/article/russ...
EXCL: Israel’s critics say it should be exiled from global sport over its war in Gaza, just as Russia was — and the EU’s top sports official signaled his agreement.
“Through sport, we have to promote the values that we stand for, with any country,” he told POLITICO. www.politico.eu/article/eu-s...
“Through sport, we have to promote the values that we stand for, with any country,” he told POLITICO. www.politico.eu/article/eu-s...
EU sports chief hints Israel should get the boot from competitions over Gaza war
“Through sport, we have to promote the values that we stand for, with any country,” Glenn Micallef says.
www.politico.eu
May 26, 2025 at 11:40 AM
EXCL: Israel’s critics say it should be exiled from global sport over its war in Gaza, just as Russia was — and the EU’s top sports official signaled his agreement.
“Through sport, we have to promote the values that we stand for, with any country,” he told POLITICO. www.politico.eu/article/eu-s...
“Through sport, we have to promote the values that we stand for, with any country,” he told POLITICO. www.politico.eu/article/eu-s...
Reposted by Seb Starcevic
Second day of talks: 1000 prisoners exchange agreed. No ceasefire. More threats from the Russians to fight forever. US delegation pushed out. My latest:
www.politico.eu/article/ista...
www.politico.eu/article/ista...
Russia and Ukraine agree on 1,000-prisoner exchange — but no ceasefire
First direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in three years made little substantive progress toward peace.
www.politico.eu
May 16, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Second day of talks: 1000 prisoners exchange agreed. No ceasefire. More threats from the Russians to fight forever. US delegation pushed out. My latest:
www.politico.eu/article/ista...
www.politico.eu/article/ista...
🏳️🌈🇪🇺 In today’s @politico.eu Brussels Playbook, we reported on how a petition to ban conversion practices Europe-wide went viral days before its deadline.
Hours later, it’s reached one million signatures — meaning the European Commission must now formally consider it 👇 www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
Hours later, it’s reached one million signatures — meaning the European Commission must now formally consider it 👇 www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
May 16, 2025 at 3:05 PM
🏳️🌈🇪🇺 In today’s @politico.eu Brussels Playbook, we reported on how a petition to ban conversion practices Europe-wide went viral days before its deadline.
Hours later, it’s reached one million signatures — meaning the European Commission must now formally consider it 👇 www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
Hours later, it’s reached one million signatures — meaning the European Commission must now formally consider it 👇 www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
Reposted by Seb Starcevic
Nice write-up in Brussels Playbook by @sebstarcevic.bsky.social how the bid wasn't doing great, but then Angèle and her large Instagram following got involved.
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
So. Much. Voting.
Presented by Philips By SARAH WHEATON PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Tweet @NicholasVinocur @swheaton | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser HOWDY. Sarah Wheaton here, bringing you this Frida…
www.politico.eu
May 16, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Nice write-up in Brussels Playbook by @sebstarcevic.bsky.social how the bid wasn't doing great, but then Angèle and her large Instagram following got involved.
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
Reposted by Seb Starcevic
EXCLUSIVE: Greenland’s foreign minister has suggested the European Union could develop its coveted mineral resources amid threats by US President Donald Trump to seize the island.
Greenland dangles rare earths partnership with EU as Trump looms
“We want to expand our cooperation on our critical minerals and energy,” Vivian Motzfeldt says.
ow.ly
May 16, 2025 at 7:06 AM
EXCLUSIVE: Greenland’s foreign minister has suggested the European Union could develop its coveted mineral resources amid threats by US President Donald Trump to seize the island.
Exclusive: Greenland’s foreign minister suggested partnering with the EU on minerals and energy. “We like them,” she said.
She also slammed the Trump administration for spying on the island.
“We’re supposed to be friends. We are allies. Allies don’t do such things.” www.politico.eu/article/gree...
She also slammed the Trump administration for spying on the island.
“We’re supposed to be friends. We are allies. Allies don’t do such things.” www.politico.eu/article/gree...
Greenland dangles rare earths partnership with EU as Trump looms
“We want to expand our cooperation on our critical minerals and energy,” Vivian Motzfeldt says.
www.politico.eu
May 16, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Exclusive: Greenland’s foreign minister suggested partnering with the EU on minerals and energy. “We like them,” she said.
She also slammed the Trump administration for spying on the island.
“We’re supposed to be friends. We are allies. Allies don’t do such things.” www.politico.eu/article/gree...
She also slammed the Trump administration for spying on the island.
“We’re supposed to be friends. We are allies. Allies don’t do such things.” www.politico.eu/article/gree...
🇪🇺 🚫 You won’t see the EU’s flag on stage at this weekend’s Eurovision grand final.
It’s been banned along with other flags — earning a sharp rebuke from the EU.
“If national flags belong on stage, the European flag does too,” the bloc’s culture chief told POLITICO. www.politico.eu/article/eu-e...
It’s been banned along with other flags — earning a sharp rebuke from the EU.
“If national flags belong on stage, the European flag does too,” the bloc’s culture chief told POLITICO. www.politico.eu/article/eu-e...
EU slams Eurovision for banning flag from stage
“Young Europeans should not need permission to wave their flag,” Glenn Micallef says.
www.politico.eu
May 15, 2025 at 9:08 AM
🇪🇺 🚫 You won’t see the EU’s flag on stage at this weekend’s Eurovision grand final.
It’s been banned along with other flags — earning a sharp rebuke from the EU.
“If national flags belong on stage, the European flag does too,” the bloc’s culture chief told POLITICO. www.politico.eu/article/eu-e...
It’s been banned along with other flags — earning a sharp rebuke from the EU.
“If national flags belong on stage, the European flag does too,” the bloc’s culture chief told POLITICO. www.politico.eu/article/eu-e...
Reposted by Seb Starcevic
NEW: The European Commission is preparing to reintroduce pre-war tariff quotas for some Ukrainian farm products sold into the EU market as of June 6, after the bloc’s wartime tariff waivers expire.
That's according to documents seen by POLITICO.
www.politico.eu/article/brus...
That's according to documents seen by POLITICO.
www.politico.eu/article/brus...
EU to roll back Ukraine trade perks to protect its farmers
Brussels looks to reintroduce pre-war tariffs on some agricultural imports from Ukraine, documents seen by POLITICO show.
www.politico.eu
May 14, 2025 at 8:25 AM
NEW: The European Commission is preparing to reintroduce pre-war tariff quotas for some Ukrainian farm products sold into the EU market as of June 6, after the bloc’s wartime tariff waivers expire.
That's according to documents seen by POLITICO.
www.politico.eu/article/brus...
That's according to documents seen by POLITICO.
www.politico.eu/article/brus...
Reposted by Seb Starcevic
🚨 New scoop: According to a leaked letter sent to Gianni Infantino, a top human rights organization said it has “grave concerns” about the Trump administration’s border policies affecting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Top human rights group challenges FIFA over Trump and 2026 World Cup
Human Rights Watch says football’s governing body should be prepared to “reconsider” choice of U.S. as tournament co-host.
www.politico.eu
May 13, 2025 at 6:34 PM
🚨 New scoop: According to a leaked letter sent to Gianni Infantino, a top human rights organization said it has “grave concerns” about the Trump administration’s border policies affecting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
🇷🇴 Romania’s diaspora voted en masse for a far-right, pro-Trump candidate at Sunday’s much-watched presidential election.
To Romanians abroad, he is “a sort of savior,” a political scientist explained.
“He films himself every-f**king-where,” a Romanian expat told me. www.politico.eu/article/roma...
To Romanians abroad, he is “a sort of savior,” a political scientist explained.
“He films himself every-f**king-where,” a Romanian expat told me. www.politico.eu/article/roma...
How George Simion became a right-wing ‘messiah’ for Romanians abroad
TikTok and ultranationalism propels hard-right chief to cult status among Romania’s diaspora.
www.politico.eu
May 5, 2025 at 8:57 PM
🇷🇴 Romania’s diaspora voted en masse for a far-right, pro-Trump candidate at Sunday’s much-watched presidential election.
To Romanians abroad, he is “a sort of savior,” a political scientist explained.
“He films himself every-f**king-where,” a Romanian expat told me. www.politico.eu/article/roma...
To Romanians abroad, he is “a sort of savior,” a political scientist explained.
“He films himself every-f**king-where,” a Romanian expat told me. www.politico.eu/article/roma...
Reposted by Seb Starcevic
Madrid 2036? London 2040? A TBD German games?🏅🇪🇺 @ec.europa.eu Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef tells @politico.eu that he wants the Olympics back in Europe ASAP
www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
EU backs Olympic bid for 2036, while London wants the Games in 2040
Europe’s sports chief calls for the Olympics to return to the EU — but that aspiration could clash with a bid from London.
www.politico.eu
April 29, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Madrid 2036? London 2040? A TBD German games?🏅🇪🇺 @ec.europa.eu Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef tells @politico.eu that he wants the Olympics back in Europe ASAP
www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
🇪🇺🏅When will Europe host another Olympics?
The EU’s sports chief told @politico.eu he wants the Olympic flame back in Europe as soon as possible 👇 www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
The EU’s sports chief told @politico.eu he wants the Olympic flame back in Europe as soon as possible 👇 www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
EU backs Olympic bid for 2036, while London wants the Games in 2040
Europe’s sports chief calls for the Olympics to return to the EU — but that aspiration could clash with a bid from London.
www.politico.eu
April 28, 2025 at 5:53 PM
🇪🇺🏅When will Europe host another Olympics?
The EU’s sports chief told @politico.eu he wants the Olympic flame back in Europe as soon as possible 👇 www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
The EU’s sports chief told @politico.eu he wants the Olympic flame back in Europe as soon as possible 👇 www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
Reposted by Seb Starcevic
A Russian billionaire with ties to President Vladimir Putin wields immense influence over one of the world’s most prestigious sports — despite EU and US sanctions against him.
How a billionaire Russian ‘sugar daddy’ took over an iconic Olympic sport
Sanctioned tycoon Alisher Usmanov parries Western efforts to oust him from shadow leadership role in world fencing.
ow.ly
April 15, 2025 at 7:26 AM
A Russian billionaire with ties to President Vladimir Putin wields immense influence over one of the world’s most prestigious sports — despite EU and US sanctions against him.
🤺🇷🇺 POLITICO Europe’s feature about how a sanctioned Russian billionaire took over the world of Olympic fencing — and the doomed Nordic-led rebellion to oust him — is now available to read online: www.politico.eu/article/russ...
April 15, 2025 at 9:49 AM
🤺🇷🇺 POLITICO Europe’s feature about how a sanctioned Russian billionaire took over the world of Olympic fencing — and the doomed Nordic-led rebellion to oust him — is now available to read online: www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Exclusive: Ukraine hit out at the new IOC president’s remarks opening the door to Russia returning to the Olympics by 2026.
“We will call on the international community to reject any attempts to normalize the presence of Russian and Belarusian citizens in sports.” www.politico.eu/article/russ...
“We will call on the international community to reject any attempts to normalize the presence of Russian and Belarusian citizens in sports.” www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Plan for Russia to rejoin Olympics sparks disgust in Ukraine
Russian “athletes and officials are part of the state propaganda machine,” Kyiv warns new International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry.
www.politico.eu
April 2, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Exclusive: Ukraine hit out at the new IOC president’s remarks opening the door to Russia returning to the Olympics by 2026.
“We will call on the international community to reject any attempts to normalize the presence of Russian and Belarusian citizens in sports.” www.politico.eu/article/russ...
“We will call on the international community to reject any attempts to normalize the presence of Russian and Belarusian citizens in sports.” www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Reposted by Seb Starcevic
Greenland will form a new coalition government that comprises all but one party elected to its legislature, a show of political unity in the face of ongoing takeover threats from United States President Donald Trump.
Greenland forms new unity government on eve of JD Vance visit
Four of the five parties elected to Greenland’s parliament two weeks ago have agreed to band together in a broad coalition.
www.politico.eu
March 27, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Greenland will form a new coalition government that comprises all but one party elected to its legislature, a show of political unity in the face of ongoing takeover threats from United States President Donald Trump.
Reposted by Seb Starcevic
If you’re a foreign leader visiting the White House, chances are you’ll be thrust into a public Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump. Get it right, and you could score a major win for your country. Get it wrong, and you might face a global dressing-down.
A samurai helmet, shamrock socks and one epic meltdown: Trump’s Oval Office meetings, ranked
How to survive a White House summit with the combative U.S. president.
ow.ly
March 24, 2025 at 8:22 AM
If you’re a foreign leader visiting the White House, chances are you’ll be thrust into a public Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump. Get it right, and you could score a major win for your country. Get it wrong, and you might face a global dressing-down.
🇬🇱 Trump says “officials” in Greenland invited an American delegation, including Second Lady Usha Vance, to visit the island this Thursday.
But a Greenlandic MP told POLITICO that’s “not true” — and said a protest is planned for Vance’s arrival 👇 www.politico.com/news/2025/03...
But a Greenlandic MP told POLITICO that’s “not true” — and said a protest is planned for Vance’s arrival 👇 www.politico.com/news/2025/03...
Greenland to Trump: No, we didn't invite you
A delegation that includes second lady Usha Vance is slated to arrive on the island on Thursday.
www.politico.com
March 24, 2025 at 11:22 PM
🇬🇱 Trump says “officials” in Greenland invited an American delegation, including Second Lady Usha Vance, to visit the island this Thursday.
But a Greenlandic MP told POLITICO that’s “not true” — and said a protest is planned for Vance’s arrival 👇 www.politico.com/news/2025/03...
But a Greenlandic MP told POLITICO that’s “not true” — and said a protest is planned for Vance’s arrival 👇 www.politico.com/news/2025/03...