Good morning,
The European Commission’s communications machine is working overtime to stay on message when confronted with US threats to take over Greenland, dismantle Nato, or further strain ties with Europe.
Yet the message itself, to my reading, sits uneasily in the middle and is neither clear nor convincing.
Yesterday, the commission’s deputy chief spokesperson, Arianna Podestà, delivered a masterclass on how to appear to say everything while, in fact, saying nothing at all.
Does the commission support the French plan to counter any US military takeover of Greenland, asked one journalist. "We are in constant contact with our member states," she responded.
Are EU relations with the United States on life support, asked another. "The US remains a strategic partner of our union," she said, citing work on Ukraine.
Podestà insisted that Greenland was vital to the European Union, noting they had opened an office there some two years ago as part of its EU's Arctic strategy.
Does this mean that Greenland benefits from the mutual assistance clause that is enshrined in the EU treaties, asked another journalist.
"We will need to check, and we will eventually revert. At this stage, we don't have a specific comment," said Podestà.
For those seeking genuine answers on what the commission really thinks or knows about such sensitive issues, its daily midday briefings are no longer the place to find them.
Go elsewhere. Sometimes commissioners will post on BlueSky, a much neglected social media platform that has struggled to gain traction and is widely ignored by the likes of Donald Trump and his MAGA acolytes.
Teresa Ribera, the vice-president of the European Commission, had only earlier in the same day sent out a more explicit statement on the platform.
"The White House doesn’t care about environment, health or suffer of people. Peace, justice, cooperation or prosperity are not among its priorities. Not even the great legacy of US to global governance," she said.
Do you agree with Ribera's statement, asked another journalist. "It's not for me to agree or disagree," responded Podestà. Neither clear nor convincing.
– Nikolaj Nielsen, home affairs editor
Advert
EUobserver relies on subscriptions to hold the EU to account – if you're not already, do consider becoming a supporting member here.
Top Story
EU switches focus to Middle East amid crises in Gaza, Syria and Iran
The European Union has shifted its focus to the Middle East, amid renewed turmoil in the region — from the conflict in Syria to worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and protests throughout Iran. Cash-for-migrant deals in Jordan and Egypt were both celebrated on Thursday (8 January) by EU leaders on visit to the respective capitals.
What else you need to know
EU switches focus to Middle East amid crises in Gaza, Syria and Iran
The European Union has shifted its focus to the Middle East, amid renewed turmoil in the region — from the conflict in Syria to worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and protests throughout Iran.Read on »
Russian threats to European soldiers bode ill for Ukraine peace talks
Russia has dampened hopes of a quick Ukraine ceasefire by rejecting a key US and European project on security guarantees. Read on »
EU 'optimistic' on India trade talks, as officials seek deal on steel and carbon levy
EU controls on steel, and the bloc’s carbon border levy, are still the main stumbling blocks officials in Brussels and India need to clear, ahead of a planned summit in late January. Read on »
Advert
Brussels rebukes Trump administration over quitting global climate organisations
The Trump administration ordered a US withdrawal from over 60 international organisations, including the UN climate summits, drawing sharp EU criticism over weakened global cooperation.Read on »
94 days to election: Hungarian government brands opposition's Magyar 'mentally ill'Newsletter
Journalist Veronika Munk reviews Hungary’s political developments on the road to the April election, from campaign infighting and Viktor Orbán’s press limits to new Budapest candidates, the Beneš decrees row with Slovakia, the government's U-turn on Venezuela, and the death of Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr.Read on »
After Trump's regime change, Venezuela must have free and fair electionsOpinion
The Venezuelan people themselves must decide their country's future through free and fair elections — democracy cannot be delivered on the tip of a bayonet, writes MEP Hilde Vautmans of Renew Europe.Read on »
In case you missed it
Regime change without a plan? Trump’s Venezuela precedentsOpinion
In ousting and arresting Nicolás Maduro, US president Donald Trump wants the political gains of fighting a war — without actually having to fight one. Whereas fascists and imperialists know that war requires real combat, Trump seems unwilling or unable to go that far, not least because he is weak at home, writes historian and author Timothy Snyder.Read on »
Grok's illegal online content — what does EU law say?Explainer
Chatbot Grok recently generated sexual content on Elon Musk's X that appears to be illegal, raising fresh questions about how EU law applies. With the Digital Services Act and the AI Act in force, here’s what the rules and potential penalties mean for platforms and AI services operating in the EU.Read on »
EU planning 20th Russia sanctions for fourth anniversary of war
The EU is aiming to impose a 20th round of Russia sanctions on the fourth anniversary of the full invasion of Ukraine, on 24 February — despite the US-led ceasefire talks. Read on »
US could recognise Somaliland in next diplomatic challenge to EUAnalysis
Speculation is growing that Donald Trump will join close ally Israel in recognising the breakaway republic of Somaliland — in a move that would deepen its existing rift with Brussels about the Horn of Africa. Read on »
Venezuela, Greenland, and the rise of Trump’s 'neo-royalist' world order Interview
To understand Donald Trump’s foreign policy in Venezuela and Greenland, it must be seen as part of an emerging 'neo-royalist' world order driven by the interest of hyper-elites, not national interest, argues political scientist Abraham Newman.Read on »
Crystal ball: What to watch in Europe in 2026 Explainer
In this long read, EUobserver explores what to watch in 2026 — from geo-economics and global power shifts to key elections across the bloc, defence needs, climate dreams, migration dilemmas, technological developments, and social tension.Read on »
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten