@sophia-russack.bsky.social
Political scientist | think tanker | Research Fellow at CEPS | EU institutions & EU democracy
@sophia-russack.bsky.socialNot only did four (probably) CDU MPs vote for the AfD's candidate for Landtag president (a further sign that the Brandmauer is crumbling). Also, the smooth cooperation between AfD and BSW points to Ulrich Siegmund's likely election as minister-president in December. www.faz.net/-3bude4?shar...
@sophia-russack.bsky.socialThe Commission will announce a new enlargement strategy today and will propose that candidate countries send a Commissioner to Brussels before joining the EU. Enlargement should come with a debate on the size of the College, which is already very (over?)large. #enlargement
@bettikohlrausch.bsky.socialReposted by @sophia-russack.bsky.socialWenn man die Brandmauer nur als performativen Akt und nicht als intellektuelle Haltung versteht, kann sie übrigens auch nicht funktionieren.
@sophia-russack.bsky.socialAs @eddywax.bsky.social reports, the #Commission wants more #QMV when and for enlarging. I've been arguing that this is crucial. There's no shortage of ideas on how to do this (incl. making QMV more acceptable via e.g. safety nets). But, as always, what's missing is political will of Member States
@nvondarza.bsky.socialReposted by @sophia-russack.bsky.socialFun fact: These 13 EU countries calling for a 'deep cleaning' of EU laws have well enough votes for a blocking minority to block new EU laws, and are just a few countries away from a pro-active majority (with France being the big one not signing):
@nvondarza.bsky.socialReposted by @sophia-russack.bsky.socialFor all the granular analysis, the recent election results really feel like a symbol of the end of the old German party system. FDP practically gone, CDU fail to get into a regional parliament for the first time, SPD except in MV an also-ran.
@sophia-russack.bsky.socialMy take on #SOTEU 🎙️🇪🇺 Von der Leyen finally names the far-right threat, but no remedies. Also no QMV reform. Mention of a vague "Congress of Europe" and Canada as an associate member. Long on symbolism, short on detail. Full piece + 14 more takes 👇 www.foederalist.eu/2026/09/sote...
@swp-europe.bsky.socialReposted by @sophia-russack.bsky.socialNeu in der aktuellen Ausgabe der integration @iep-berlin.de - @nvondarza.bsky.social & @sophia-russack.bsky.social zeigen, dass das EP zunehmend wie eine Minderheitsregierung funktioniert: die EVP als Königsmacherin, mal mit der Mitte, mal mit Rechtsaußen. 4 Mehrheitsmuster seit 2024 im Überblick.
@sophia-russack.bsky.social🇨🇦 On the "associate member" debate: Carney floated it, von der Leyen endorsed it. As we proposed in 2023: single-market focus, opt-out from deeper political integration (JHA, EU citizenship), still bound to EU values, reduced budget contribution www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpol... #SOTEU
@sophia-russack.bsky.social🇪🇺🎙️ It's #SOTEU day! Von der Leyen gives her 6th State of the Union today, the 2nd of her current term - a ritual with no basis in the EU Treaties, born from a 2010 EP-Commission pact. Meant to boost accountability, it's also become a presidential power show. Next: the 2027 Work Programme in October
@nvondarza.bsky.socialReposted by @sophia-russack.bsky.socialFirst nation-wide poll (as far as I remember) that puts the AfD at 30 % across Germany. This is well beyond of what used to be seen as their maximum ceiling of voter potential:
@sophia-russack.bsky.socialHappy rentrée, dear Brussels bubble - and let's see how political trends and dynamics in EU governance will unfold this autumn. Btw, soon the new leadership of the EP (President, Vice-Presidents, Committee Chairs...) will be elected 👀
