European in Brussels

Struggling for #EU! #Brussels #European affairs #Taxation #Digitalisation #RuleofLaw #AI #OECD family man #EuropeanCommission

[Prof. Dr. Cristina Vanberghen @VanberghenEU]

A story from #Berlin #Germany! My 17-year-old son, a seasoned explorer at heart, led the way on our Berlin adventure. We walked for what seemed like an eternity (though the truth is a more impressive 22 kilometers!), each step unveiling a new chapter of the city's story. My initial amusement at his plan slowly morphed into complaints as the distance unfolded.🙄🤨 But the destination, when it finally arrived, was well worth the journey.🤩

We stepped into a vast, open space pulsating with life. It was #TempelhoferFeld, a public park! 🏞️ My son said: "Imagine, this wasn't always a park. It used to be an airport, and before that, a military parade ground, a stage for displays of power. But on weekends and holidays, the scene transformed. As the troops departed, families arrived with picnic baskets..."

Well, this was a powerful reminder that even concrete can bloom with life and community. This very space, once a symbol of power and division, now stood as a testament to the power of unity and citizen action.

Years of dedicated activism by #Berliners had saved the park from development and privatization, proving that passionate voices can indeed shape the future.

The story of Tempelhofer Feld, though specific to its location and history, does indeed carry a powerful universal message. It reminds us that the pursuit of peace and unity is a continuous effort despite our differences.

And even more, the story of Tempelhofer Feld is the story of the transformation of a former military site into a vibrant public space. It is a power metaphor. It encourages us to overcome past divisions and choose hope for a more peaceful and unified future. It is about you and me contributing to this collective effort, urging us to embrace our own responsibility in creating a better world.

Let the spirit of spring, a season of renewal, inspire us to work towards a world where shared spaces like Tempelhofer Feld stand as symbols of unity, not division. The time for war is never; the time for peace is always. #Europe #MiddleEast #Ukraine

[Elon Musk @elonmusk]

Cybertruck on Hoth

[Un baron fou @EuropaMagnifica]

La Russie approuve un projet d'accord de coopération militaire avec la République démocratique du Congo. En octobre 2022, le président congolais Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo avait exclu de faire appel à des "mercenaires" russes du groupe Wagner. https://t.co/xyQyqlsvmm

[NEXTA @nexta_tv]

⚡️ The Latvian president explained to Elon Musk why NATO exists

"Dear Elon Musk, the reason NATO was founded, exists, and will last is Russia and other enemies of the free world," Edgars Rinkēvičs wrote on social media.

[Prof. Dr. Cristina Vanberghen @VanberghenEU]

Honored to be part of today's high-energy discussion at the conference hosted by the EU Delegation to ASEAN @uni_eropa, on the #MiddleEast dynamics all the way from #Indonesia (virtually) and share the stage with distinguished figures like Prof. Dr. Hikmahanto Juwana, Rector at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani, @OfficialUnjani, Dr. Broto Wardoyo from the University of Indonesia, @itokwardoyo, EU Ambassador Sujiro Seam @sujiseam, and many other ASEAN high-level academics from the region. Wow, such diversity!

Here are some of my personal views I advocated during this conference: the ongoing crisis in #Gaza underscores the urgency for a solution. While the EU strives for unity, the situation on the ground continues to escalate. This highlights a crucial question: how can we effectively manage conflicts and pave the way for lasting peace?

The Middle East has long been a challenging chapter in the EU's foreign policy book. Disagreements persist on critical issues like sanctions, humanitarian and arms embargoes. Yet, last month, 26 member states stood firm in their call for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.

This instance exemplifies a vital concept: prioritizing de-escalation. By containing the conflict, we prevent a domino effect that could engulf the entire region. We must support the Lebanese government's neutrality to prevent further escalation.

Humanitarian aid is essential, but it's not enough. We need a broader European and international consensus on conflict resolution and hostage situations.

#Belgium, holding the EU presidency, is taking a strong stance. They advocate for sanctions against extremist settlers and an import ban on products from occupied territories. This reflects a commitment to diplomacy and adherence to international law.
#Finland, #Italy, and the #Netherlands are also stepping up, pushing for a ceasefire and advocating for the release of hostages. These efforts are crucial for building trust and laying the groundwork for peace.

The EU's Special Representative Mr Koopmas @EUSR_Koopmans highlights a growing EU unity on Gaza. This unity is crucial for a more robust strategy. We must leverage our economic power. Aid packages contingent on progress towards peace and upholding human rights can incentivize positive change.

However, a gap exists between our pronouncements and the reality on the ground. Improved communication and strong monitoring mechanisms are essential. Holding violators accountable, regardless of their standing, is paramount. This strengthens the EU's credibility as a champion of human rights and the rule of law.

The EU aspires to be a global role model for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Upholding these principles at home strengthens our impact abroad. Only through internal adherence to the rule of law can we truly advocate for a better future on the international stage.

The EU, with its unique strengths and challenges, has a vital role to play in the Middle East. By fostering a more unified and proactive approach, prioritizing de-escalation, and promoting dialogue, we can contribute significantly to a more peaceful and prosperous region. Let us work together, the #EU and #ASEAN, to turn this vision into reality.

[Prof. Dr. Cristina Vanberghen @VanberghenEU]

#Haveaniceday! Standing here on the historic #PonteVecchio in #Florence, it's clear how far humanity has come. From this ancient bridge to the "new bridge" of cyberspace... The good news? You can help shape the future of online platforms!

Are you interested in a fairer and more open digital world? Join the online workshops on the Digital Markets Act (#DMA) - link below - and see how Europe is working for online citizens. These sessions will help you understand the impact of new regulations on online platforms and how you can participate in shaping the digital landscape.

Attend the Microsoft DMA Compliance Workshop (Online) The DMA, a groundbreaking EU regulation, aims to level the playing field for businesses and consumers online. This workshop focuses on #Microsoft's compliance strategy, providing insights into how the tech giant plans to implement the DMA's requirements.

Your Voice Matters
By participating, you can contribute to ensuring that the DMA effectively promotes competition, transparency, and user choice on online platforms.

Europe is leading the way in sustainable development, with initiatives that benefit the entire planet.

Join us in building a fairer digital world!

Europe's Digital Markets Act empowers online users. #AI #DMA #EU @EU_Commission @RoboticsEU
@DigitalEU
https://t.co/qoTrxxIFKt

[Prof. Dr. Cristina Vanberghen @VanberghenEU]

Social media #algorithms is frustratingly opaque. When I post about Ukraine or the war, I see a significant drop in followers. This lack of clarity can be disheartening, especially when platforms claim to be unbiased. @x @lindayaX !!! Please be aware, we are not naive...there will be an EU AI Act - which will require your platform to promote algorithmic fairness. This is just one step in a larger conversation about algorithmic accountability and transparency.

[Un baron fou @EuropaMagnifica]

En deux ans, la France a livré 30.000 obus de 155 mm à l’Ukraine.

Et ça veut envoyer des troupes en Ukraine, on comprend le rire de Lavrov. https://t.co/2bhi2NrQId

[Elon Musk @elonmusk]

Heck of a coincidence 😂

[Mark Hamill @MarkHamill]

Still too soon... 😭

#RoastedRelatives

[Prof. Dr. Cristina Vanberghen @VanberghenEU]

Teaching under a dictatorship is stifling & repressive. #Navalny's fight for democracy in #Russia is a powerful example of courage. The role of teachers in shaping Russia's future generations is undeniable & their well-being should be advocated for! Time to think outside the box!

[Prof. Dr. Cristina Vanberghen @VanberghenEU]

Today marks a significant turning point. We must prevent Putin from crushing this hopeful moment. The recent events in Russia reveal a previously unseen side of its society – one willing to honor Alexei #Navalny. This opens a door to reassess the current approach and explore paths towards peace. While the situation remains intricate, acknowledging the growing dissent within Russia against the war could be the first step towards constructive dialogue and a reevaluation of troop deployment in Ukraine.

When Russians plead for their soldiers' return, it should resonate deeply with us. We need to capitalize on the momentum sparked by yesterday's actions in Moscow, a city often seen as more conservative. This could, indeed, be a pivotal day. @teamnavalny
#EU #USA #NATO #Western #G7 #G20

[Команда Навального | ФБК @teamnavalny]

Спасибо тебе, дорогой Алексей.

Мы обещаем закончить то, что ты начал. Обещаем построить прекрасную и счастливую Россию будущего. Обещаем быть достойными твоего имени. Обещаем всегда тебя помнить.

Обещаем отомстить твоим убийцам.

Спасибо всем, кто пришел сегодня проститься с Алексеем в Москве и по всему миру. Он улыбнулся б�� нам.

Будет тяжело, но мы обязательно справимся. Всё было не зря.

[EUROPEUM 🇨🇿🇪🇺 @EUROPEUMPrague]

The Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy (@EUROPEUMBxl) would like to invite you to an expert discussion on the topic "Upholding the Rule of Law in the European Union: Focus on the Visegrad Four"

The event will take place on Wednesday, 6th March 2024📅, from 13:30 to 15:00 at 📌 The Library Europe, Avenue de Broqueville 40, 1200 W-S-L, Brussels.

If you wish to attend the discussion, please register via this link: https://t.co/DHnJK7IrWh

Speakers:
🔵Representative of DG JUST, European Commission (TBD)
🔵@Havelka_Vit, Senior Research Fellow, EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy
🔵@er1cmau, Policy Analyst, EPC

[Prof. Dr. Cristina Vanberghen @VanberghenEU]

This moment goes beyond mere commemoration. It's a call to action, an opportunity to carry forward #Navalny's legacy. Navalny's legacy isn't just his own; it's a torch passed on to those who share his vision of a more just and transparent #Russia. It's a call to action for those who believe in democracy, human rights, and the fight against corruption.

[Prof. Dr. Cristina Vanberghen @VanberghenEU]

Let's not waste this window of opportunity! #Navalny's tragic death must be a catalyst for enduring international action: fundamental reforms in #Russia and an immediate end to the war. Maintaining this pressure won't be easy, but it's absolutely essential. Our leaders need to sustain the momentum and stand resolutely with the courageous Russian people. A global conference, a powerful symbol of unity, would amplify their voices and end the war! #UN #EU #USA #G7 #G20 #Russia #Ukraina

[Nataliya Vasilyeva @Nat_Vasilyeva]

Lots of middle-aged and elderly women who are supposed to be Putin's core electorate.

[NEXTA @nexta_tv]

⚡️ In Moscow, people are chanting "Bring the soldiers home!"

[Visegrád 24 @visegrad24]

People chanting at Navalny’s funeral:

“Bring our soldiers back home”

Via @nexta_tv