The hottest European Politics Substack posts right now

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I support this current thing

Wrong Side of History • 446 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. The UK and other Western countries have played a decisive and highly visible role in supporting Ukraine, and that political leadership helped shape Ukrainian strategy and resolve.
  2. Political allegiances are shifting across Europe and Britain, with new right-wing parties gaining ground, older parties being outflanked, and centrists sometimes more worried about the far-left than the far-right.
  3. Cultural and intellectual debates are unsettled: some academic fields are criticized for avoiding sensitive social realities, while conservative media and lifestyle projects are successfully repackaging culture to attract new audiences.

Niall Ferguson: How Trump Won Davos

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3408 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Donald Trump completely dominated Davos, drawing most of the attention and overshadowing other participants.
  2. The forum’s theme of dialogue clashed with his one-way, monologue-style approach, making interactions feel one-sided.
  3. Many in Europe portrayed the event as a win after persuading him to de-escalate his demand that the U.S. acquire Greenland.

Germany’s Neglect of National Interests

Glenn’s Substack • 939 implied HN points • 10 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Germany's current approach to foreign policy often neglects its own national interests, which could lead to negative consequences for the country.
  2. There is a historical pattern of Germany sacrificing its interests for external powers, similar to its past under France and now the US.
  3. A rise in nationalism may occur as a reaction to this neglect, with people seeking to reclaim control over their national identity and sovereignty.

DWN Interview with Harald Kujat: Ukraine Support Without Peace Strategy

Glenn’s Substack • 659 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Neither Ukraine nor Russia can truly win the war. Both sides are unlikely to achieve their political goals, and ongoing support from the West may not change the military balance.
  2. Ukraine's recent offensive into Russian territory may turn out to be a risky move rather than a game-changer. The action could lead to greater military challenges as Ukraine stretches its resources thin.
  3. A peaceful resolution to the conflict seems increasingly distant. Both sides have strong preconditions for negotiations, and external factors like upcoming U.S. elections could impact the situation further.

German Dysfunction

Diane Francis • 1079 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Germany, despite being the richest and largest economy in Europe, has been slow to take charge in defending against Russian aggression.
  2. Recent military budget cuts indicate a lack of commitment to support Ukraine effectively, raising concerns about Germany's leadership role in Europe.
  3. Historical factors like post-war guilt and strong business ties to Russia influence Germany's cautious stance towards military involvement.
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‘If France dies, Europe dies’

Wrong Side of History • 759 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. France is deeply fractured: sharp divides between wealthy urban elites and impoverished provinces, plus tensions with North African communities, have fueled rising crime, riots, and a sense that society is fraying.
  2. Political life is growing darker and more polarized, with talk of civil war becoming mainstream, a stronger far right, and a weakening belief in universal republican values.
  3. France’s troubles matter for all of Europe because its political and cultural decline could reshape the continent, even as classic French life — food, local traditions, and identity — stubbornly endures amid the turmoil.

Trump Can’t Win Greenland Without Losing Europe

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 607 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌐 International European Politics
  1. The European right is winning by promising sovereignty and dignity, and aggressive U.S. moves over Greenland would undercut those political messages.
  2. Using tariffs to pressure countries into selling Greenland is a petulant, coercive tactic that risks alienating conservative allies in Europe.
  3. Even if Greenland is strategically important, trying to seize it through extortion will likely damage U.S.–European relations and turn any gain into a costly loss.

Lufthansa strike forces Hillary Clinton to take the purgatorial Deutsche Bahn to the Munich Security Conference just like everybody else

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 227 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. The federal government is effectively paralysed and unable to pass needed reforms, with the CDU leadership lacking the will to break the deadlock.
  2. The party system has shifted: the left has fragmented and radicalised while the CDU has hollowed out, driving voters toward the AfD and making traditional coalition tactics increasingly crippling, especially in an election year.
  3. Everyday public services and infrastructure feel degraded — a Lufthansa strike forcing high-profile figures onto unreliable, dirty trains is a small but telling example of broader decline in competence and public experience.

The Real War on Christmas

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 811 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Threats of Islamist terrorism have forced major security upgrades at Christmas markets across Europe, with concrete barriers, armed police, and more cameras.
  2. The danger has led to canceled events and a chill on public celebrations, making holidays feel restricted and anxious for many people.
  3. Europe now faces a choice: accept a more guarded holiday season or change policies and fix the social and security mistakes that help fuel the problem.

South Sudanese refugee throws himself and 18 year-old Iranian girl in front of a Hamburg underground train in the latest act of diversity to enrich the Federal Republic of Germany

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 297 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. A 25-year-old man who had been resettled from a Kenyan refugee camp allegedly pulled an 18-year-old Iranian woman onto a Hamburg subway track and both were killed.
  2. He was reportedly known to police for prior aggression, had been arrested and released shortly before the incident, and was identified as a UN resettlement refugee brought to Germany in 2024.
  3. Reactions were split: some media focused on platform safety or his legal residence, while right-wing voices blamed asylum policy, and there is a view that resettlement programs and official reluctance to link crime with migrants are responsible.

Chris Hedges Live Documentary Q&A TODAY: Forging a New Movement for Palestine in Italy

The Chris Hedges Report • 81 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. There's a live Q&A today at 3:00pm ET about the new film 'Resistance 101: Forging a New Movement for Palestine in Italy'.
  2. Questions will be taken from the Substack comments and the live YouTube/X stream, so keep them direct and brief because long paragraphs won't be read.
  3. The post is public on Substack and invites subscriptions and sharing to support the work.

Top Links 969 Angry French steel workers. The case for European counter-policy. Broligarchie. Audrey Hepburn & Anne Frank.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. French steelworkers launched a spontaneous strike in early December that left at least one plant operating at only about 30% of capacity.
  2. There is a case being made for stronger European counter-policy to respond to industrial, economic, and social stresses across the region.
  3. The roundup mixes political and cultural links, from concepts like "Broligarchie" to pieces on figures such as Audrey Hepburn and Anne Frank.

Hitler's Avatar

Diane Francis • 2078 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Czech President Petr Pavel believes that Europe is in danger of war again, much like it was before World War II. He wants to support Ukraine to prevent further conflict.
  2. Pavel has organized the delivery of a lot of ammunition to Ukraine quickly because he thinks if Ukraine loses, Europe will also be at risk.
  3. European leaders are starting to take the threat from Russia seriously and are discussing actions they might need to take to prepare for possible conflict. Pavel advises readiness, not fear, regarding the situation.

Georgia On My Mind

Doomberg • 6668 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. The end of unipolarity makes Europe vulnerable and could lead to significant changes in global power dynamics.
  2. Georgia's political turmoil shows the influence of outside forces like the EU and Russia in the region.
  3. A shift towards a multipolar world means countries need to focus more on their own national interests rather than trying to solve every global issue.

Will Belgium become Europe's next hard-right government?

Gulf Stream Blues • 19 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Belgium is experiencing a rise in far-right politics, similar to trends in Italy and the Netherlands. This means more far-right parties could gain power in Europe.
  2. The New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) has been the largest party in Belgium for years, advocating for more regional control and less federal influence. They want a system where regions manage their own taxes.
  3. Belgium's complicated political system is affecting its unity, with ongoing debates about taxation and regional independence. Many believe the country functions more like separate states instead of a united nation.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘He Died Standing Up’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5634 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🌐 International European Politics
  1. Ten years ago, a terrible attack happened at Charlie Hebdo, killing many people, including the editor. It was one of the worst attacks on free press in recent history.
  2. The world seemed to unite in support for the victims, but not everyone was truly in favor of defending free speech. Many participated in demonstrations but didn't stand up for the values that were attacked.
  3. The notion of freedom of speech is worth defending, even if it comes at a cost. True support for the press means standing firmly by the principles, not just holding pencils in solidarity.

What is "Anti-European" and what are the Costs of our Manichean Mindset?

Glenn’s Substack • 419 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Open discussion about complex issues, like the war in Ukraine, is important. Without it, we can't find real solutions.
  2. Different countries have various views on what 'Europe' means, affecting how they see issues like democracy and values.
  3. The media often simplifies conflicts into good vs. evil, which can stop meaningful debate and compromise from happening.

Macron's Manifesto

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Macron believes Europe needs to support Ukraine strongly, even considering sending troops. He's pushing for unity among European nations to confront the threat from Russia.
  2. France aims to become Europe's military leader, filling the gap left by Germany's cautious approach. Macron emphasizes that Europe needs to strengthen its own defense capabilities.
  3. There's a growing realization among European leaders that they need to increase military spending. Countries like Poland are already looking to invest more in their defense amid the ongoing conflict.

The New US National Security Strategy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 296 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics European Politics
  1. The US is openly aiming to influence Europe, supporting populist political movements while diminishing the power of the EU and NATO. They want to break Europe down into individual nations that are easier to manipulate.
  2. The US wants European countries to rely on American weapons and economic decisions, which could give the US a stronger hold over European nations. This could make Europe less united and more dependent.
  3. Under Trump's strategy, Russia is no longer seen as a threat by the US. Instead, there seems to be a push for Europe to re-engage with Russia, indicating a shift in how the US views international relationships.

Germany: A Political not an Industry Problem?

CDR Salamander • 1120 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Germany is facing a security challenge due to political issues more than industry problems.
  2. Europe struggles to defend against threats with minimal naval power from major Continental European nations.
  3. The lack of military strength in Europe, particularly in Germany, poses significant challenges due to demographic shifts, political disruptions, and economic factors.

Winter is Coming

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Ukrainian President Zelensky warned that Russian forces are planning to attempt a coup in Ukraine by the end of 2023. He has already survived multiple assassination attempts.
  2. Zelensky stressed the importance of Ukraine's fight for freedom, stating that a Russian victory would threaten NATO countries like the Baltics and Poland.
  3. He urged global powers like China and the U.S. to pressure Russia to stop its aggression, highlighting the need for unity among Ukrainians and their allies.

Both Sides, Now.

Trying to Understand the World • 4 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. A militant form of “anti‑fascism” now targets people instead of promoting broad, humanist goals, treating opponents as un‑persons and sometimes using violence.
  2. That shift grew from decades of negative, performative politics and theory that turn abstractions into enemies, narrow what can be discussed, and help justify harassment or worse.
  3. The political effect is fragmentation and shrinking debate that weakens mainstream left movements, normalizes conflict, and risks empowering the Right while leaving society and security forces ill‑prepared.

We have had five years of nonstop political panic in Germany – over Covid, Russia and now Alternative für Deutschland. What will we panic over next?

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 112 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics European Politics
  1. Germany has experienced constant political panic since 2020, starting with Covid and continuing through various crises. It feels like there's always a new issue replacing the last one.
  2. Before 2020, the German government focused on stability and routine, but now panic seems to have become a normal part of politics. It's unclear why this shift happened.
  3. These panics have specific patterns that are important to understand, as knowing how they worked in the past can help predict future political anxieties.

Poland's Alarm

Diane Francis • 919 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Poland is increasing its military to protect against Russian threats, wanting to lead Europe in security efforts. This shows Poland's strong belief in standing up to aggressors.
  2. European leaders need to pay attention to warnings about rising threats from Russia and China. If they ignore these problems, it could lead to bigger issues for the whole continent.
  3. There is a need for unity among European countries to ensure their security. Smaller nations are stepping up while larger ones like Germany and France may not be doing enough.

The Not-So-Marvelous Mrs. Merkel

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 830 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Angela Merkel was once seen as a strong leader for Western democracy, especially during challenging times in 2016.
  2. Despite her efforts to do what she thought was right, Merkel's time in power is now viewed as having many mistakes.
  3. Her memoir reflects on her life and leadership, but she seems to avoid acknowledging her role in the issues that arose during her chancellorship.

Europe's absent-minded revolution

Wrong Side of History • 759 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Europe is experiencing a political shift to the right, with right-wing populist parties gaining support and power in multiple countries. This reflects a broader public concern about immigration and economic challenges.
  2. The initial intent behind mass immigration to Europe was to fill labor gaps, but many assumptions about immigrants and their integration proved to be wrong. As a result, tensions have risen over the cultural and economic impacts of immigration.
  3. The debate over immigration in Europe is more about culture and community than economics. Many people value cultural sameness and fear the changes that immigration brings to their society.

Top Links 650 Why Europe and India are still buying Russian energy. Friedman and Schwartz disaggregated. Cuba in Africa and the decline of the all-nighter.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Europe and India continue to purchase Russian energy because it remains cheap and reliable. This reliance is significant even amidst global tensions.
  2. The discussion includes analysis from Friedman and Schwartz, providing insights into different perspectives regarding energy purchases.
  3. There are broader topics addressed, like Cuba's role in Africa and cultural shifts such as the decline of late-night activities, suggesting a variety of social dynamics at play.

Weekend Update #139: The NATO "Daddy" Summit And The Martyrdom Of Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics European Politics
  1. Ukraine urgently needs better air defense systems to protect against ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. Without this support, more lives could be lost as they defend their territory.
  2. The recent NATO summit showed a troubling shift in support for Ukraine, with European leaders appearing more focused on pleasing Donald Trump than on strengthening commitments to Ukraine's security.
  3. While Russia's summer offensive faces challenges, it continues to pose a threat, and Ukraine's success depends on effective defense measures rather than complacency from its allies.

Europe: Some Good News And Some Bad

Phillips’s Newsletter • 158 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Europe is starting to think about being more independent from the USA for defense. They're making steps like setting up a military headquarters to help Ukraine on their own terms.
  2. Even with some positive signs, Europe is moving slowly and has not done enough for Ukraine, especially as attacks from Russia increase. They could have been more proactive in supporting Ukraine sooner.
  3. The situation in Ukraine shows that mistakes have been made and now the people there are paying the price. European countries need to learn from these failures and act quickly.

Germany's World War III

Diane Francis • 659 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Germany is hesitating to send military help to Ukraine, especially with tanks. Many believe this delay is tied to Germany's historical guilt from World War II.
  2. Germany's political decisions have made the situation worse, as they prioritize their own concerns over supporting Ukraine and the alliance against Russia.
  3. The need for Ukraine to regain its territory, especially Crimea, is urgent, and some leaders argue that supporting Ukraine more decisively can help democracy and stability in the region.

The Great Greenland War

Big Serge Thought • 7 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. A US attempt to seize Greenland could shatter NATO and trigger cascading crises across Europe and beyond, showing how a single aggressive move can produce huge, unpredictable geopolitical shifts.
  2. Coercive American tactics can achieve territorial and political goals without large-scale fighting, but they would deeply damage alliances, spur economic fallout, and leave long-term instability in their wake.
  3. Europe might respond by building an independent defense bloc led by France with conscription and a shared nuclear deterrent, realigning security structures and raising the risk of conflict between competing blocs.

The Conscription Comeback and the Social Contract

Phillips’s Newsletter • 138 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Conscription is becoming a popular topic in Europe again. People are discussing its effectiveness in increasing military numbers.
  2. Some countries have a history of mandatory military service, especially for men, while women can join voluntarily.
  3. There is skepticism about whether bringing back conscription would actually solve current military challenges in Europe.

An Analysis of AI Political Preferences from a European Perspective

Rozado’s Visual Analytics • 383 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics European Politics
  1. Most AI models show a clear left-leaning bias in their policy recommendations for Europe and the UK. They often suggest ideas like social housing and rent control.
  2. AI models have a tendency to view left-leaning political leaders and parties more positively compared to their right-leaning counterparts. This means they are more favorable towards leftist ideologies.
  3. When discussing extreme political views, AI models generally express negative sentiments towards far-right ideas, while being more neutral toward far-left ones.

Why is Europe Staying in an Abusive Relationship?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 174 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics European Politics
  1. Europe feels trapped in a bad relationship with Trump, similar to how people stay in abusive situations due to fear and intimidation.
  2. Many European leaders don't recognize the unhealthy dynamics at play, which causes them to excuse Trump's actions instead of addressing their own weaknesses.
  3. To truly protect themselves, Europe needs to acknowledge the reality of this relationship and start acting more independently and confidently.

What Europe Should Have Done To Prepare For With Trump

Phillips’s Newsletter • 146 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics European Politics
  1. Europe needs to prepare for possible changes in U.S. support, especially if a populist leader who is not pro-NATO comes to power. This could affect their security and NATO's strength.
  2. The divide between U.S. political views on support for Ukraine and European perspectives is growing. European countries, especially those near Russia, see the war as a direct threat.
  3. If the U.S. reduces support for Ukraine, Europe must step up its military production and planning. Countries need to work together to ensure they can defend themselves effectively.

Germany's Folly

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 27 Jan 22
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Germany is shutting down its nuclear plants, which is risky. This decision has made them rely more on energy from Russia.
  2. The move away from nuclear energy could harm Germany and Europe in the long run. It's raising concerns about energy security.
  3. This situation highlights the challenges of energy policy and its consequences on a country's independence and safety.

What Europe is Missing.

Phillips’s Newsletter • 115 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. European countries are starting to talk about their own military actions, especially regarding Ukraine. This shows a shift in how they view their defense responsibilities.
  2. There's a question about whether Europe can really defend itself without support from the USA. Many believe that it's not just about ability, but also mindset.
  3. The main issue isn't capability; it's whether European nations can picture themselves being independent in defense matters. It's more about perception than actual strength.

My Talk at the European Parliament

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. The speaker discussed the challenges Europe is facing in the future. They believe the situation looks quite worrying.
  2. The talk was held at the European Parliament, suggesting its importance in addressing European issues.
  3. A transcript and video of the presentation are available for those interested in more details.

How Can Ukraine's Security Be Guaranteed?

Comment is Freed • 86 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Security guarantees are important for protecting vulnerable nations like Ukraine from aggression. They help reassure those nations that allies will come to their aid if needed.
  2. Ukraine's past experiences, like the Budapest Memorandum, make them skeptical about security promises. When international support was needed, Ukraine found itself largely abandoned.
  3. To truly deter future aggression, Ukraine needs strong commitments from NATO or a substantial multinational force. This could help prevent another attack and show that the international community stands with Ukraine.

Would Europe Be Better Off Without NATO?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 103 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics European Politics
  1. Some people think NATO is very important for Europe, but others believe Europe should think about defending itself without relying on NATO.
  2. There are worries that NATO might not protect European interests and could even make things worse for Europe in a changing world.
  3. Many believe Europe should not ignore global threats and that it needs to rethink its security and defense strategies for the future.