iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

My take on why illiberal, nativist thought is here to stay - regardless of whether its political proponents are friends or foes.

053

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Are news outlets really still doing this?!? @euractiv.com look forward to seeing similar tedious analysis of Costa's, Merz's or Weber's outfits.

1407

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Outside the EEAS. 10 years since the Brussels attacks this weekend.

081

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

European Commissioner for the Budget @piotrserafin.bsky.social gives the keynote speech on Europe as a global power at our @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social conference in Brussels.

020

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

The past few days have underlined why it's problematic to go along with Trump's rationale - it assumes a basis of reason which is not there. My comments to the Washington Post www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...

1195

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Fijn dat de SG zich ook even meldt.

000

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

The new US National Security Strategy makes for scary reading. I wrote about how the US wants to support forces in Europe to tear itself apart back in November 2024, and last May. This NSS confirms that's exactly the US objective for Europe. www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...

711664

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Results for Dutch elections are trickling in. As expected, some surprises. My thoughts: Is this the end of populism in The Netherlands? No. Freedom Party (PVV) has lost seats, but the far right vote has splintered. Big wins for JA21, a PVV-light party: 30% of PVV voters in 2023 now voted for JA21

43618

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

The PVV remains the largest party in the polls, and JA21 may surge from 1 seat to 10-14. It looks like coalition formation will particularly complex due to the splintering of the vote across lots of small parties and it remains to be seen how RoL fares in the final coalition agreement. 4/

100

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

This year, it found *only 3 parties* meet all the minimum rule of law standards in their manifestos: Greens/Labour, Volt & Animal Party. Worst offenders are the BBB (Farmers Party), PVV (Freedom Party), FvD (Forum for Democracy) and JA21 (a PVV spin off) - all populist/far right parties. 2/

123

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

Sorry hoor, maar even een klaagmomentje over Nederlandse treinen. Precies op de dag dat duizenden mensen wereldwijd naar Den Haag komen voor de NAVO-top, is er een defecte trein tussen Leiden en Den Haag. Lijkt de Britse spoordiensten wel.

000

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

According to Dutch public broadcaster NOS this language change is what made Spain agree to the 5%: from 'we agree to' to 'allies agree to'. Can someone explain why this is more palatable, does it create more distance between allies & the decision and is therefore more justifiable? nos.nl/l/2572092

143

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

US Amb to NATO Whitaker makes the case clearly for why the new 1.5% target on infrastructure, cyber etc matters 'if we can't get a tank to the frontline because of a crumbling bridge, there's no defence'. As long as the 3.5% on 'core' defence is not fudged, this will be much needed investment.

120

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

@claudmajor.bsky.social introducing @gmfus.bsky.social new strand of work on transatlantic security - there could not be a better time or better person than Claudia to lead this work answering the question 'how to defend Europe?' and 'how to secure a functioning security order?' 👏🏼

221

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

@henryjfoy.ft.com interviewing @kajakallas.bsky.social - HR/VP on US withdrawal from Europe 'if Europe is stronger our relationship with the US is stronger'. Equally, countries lining up to work with EU because 'we are the reliable partner'. Says opportunity for EU to build its geopolitical power.

111

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

President of @gmfus.bsky.social, Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer, opens the 20th edition of the Brussels Forum: 'This is Europe's moment. It's Europe's moment to step up'.

151

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

I've been reflecting on NATO Secretary General Rutte's speech at @chathamhouse.org House yesterday. Some thoughts:

172

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

NATO Secretary General outlines his plan to 'build a better NATO' @chathamhouse.org today. Watch live www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/o...

021

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

Very good @chathamhouse.org event on the international order (or lack thereof) with @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social @anandmenon.bsky.social @chietigj.bsky.social and Julian Ventura. Accompanying report here www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/comp...

062

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

As transatlantic relations continue to be in flux (putting it mildly), yesterday was a great moment to speak with @baibabraze.bsky.social @sophiabesch.bsky.social Hasit Thankey (NATO defence planning) & @deborahaynes.bsky.social about European defence as part of our Security & Defence conference.

0105

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

The bit on EU-US relations from Monday's EU leaders meeting outcome is striking: Costa reminding the *US* of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of European states. We know why, but the need for the reminder remains shocking. Trump won't care, of course.

130

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Three interesting tidbits: 1. Wanting to learn from the Ukrainian defence industry and scaling quickly. 2. Needing return on public investment with 'increased know-how and good jobs here in Europe' - ie less US purchases? 3. What I'm reading as a dig at the Hungarian presidency 'we can rely on you'

000

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

What a dream to be interviewed by Katya Adler and speak alongside @georginaewright.bsky.social on the Today Programme this morning! We discussed today's informal EU leaders meeting in Brussels and Starmer's attendance, and expectations on EU defence.

121

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

It's easy to forget about Japan's support for Ukraine. When I speak to Japanese stakeholders, I am always struck by how close they feel to Russia's war on Ukraine. They understand the global nature of this war and the systemic threat perhaps better than most other countries. on.ft.com/4hjuFnw

1144

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

Something's up with Greece. It has the highest levels of dissatisfaction with the way democracy works in their country: a whopping 71% of respondents say they are unsatisfied & only 29% feel their voice counts in Greece. It is also the country with most dissatisfaction with democracy in the EU.

100

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

Public opinion in Hungary looks different when it comes to Ukrainian accession to the EU (55% against) or providing military aid to Ukraine (59% against). Also, Greece? What's going on there?

100

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

52% of respondents in Hungary support economic sanctions on Russia. Sure, it's a small majority and significantly lower than EU27 average of 71%, but it's still a majority and out of line with Hungary's government policy on this.

100

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

Looking at the most recent Eurobarometer from autumn 2024. Some interesting bits about Hungary and views on Russia and Ukraine: Majority (64%) of respondents in Hungary agree that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a threat to EU security, and 62% agree the invasion is a threat to Hungarian security.

122

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

My first worktrip of the year and it's a good (and icy!) one - lovely to be back in Stockholm. Look forward to discussing the geopolitical flash points of 2025 with @tomstandage.bsky.social, Alasdair Ross and @jpaasikivi.bsky.social tomorrow during @economist.com's Världen 2025 conference.

240

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

Not to sound like a 2nd rate Instagram influencer, but filmed something very exciting today! More to come in July 2025 (patience is a virtue right?!) 👀

020

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

Great preview of our forthcoming 'Energy security priorities for the new European Commission' @chathamhouse.bsky.social paper with @chrisaylett.bsky.social in @politico.eu's Pro Energy and Climate newsletter this morning. Thanks @gabrielgavin.bsky.social! Report coming next year - watch this space.

021

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

It was an absolute pleasure to have hosted Ambassador Jukka Saloveera, Permanent State Secretary at Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland at @chathamhouse.bsky.social again, for a very good discussion on European security. Thank you to Ambassador Siukosaari and the Embassy of Finland in the UK.

040

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 10/10/2024

Wonderful to have been back at Wilton Park this week for a conference on the future of deterrence and resilience - some great and multidisciplinary discussions on addressing systemic challenges.

000

Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 10/09/2024

An honour to have hosted US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at @chathamhouse.bsky.social today for an under the Rule discussion with our Director Bronwen Maddox about support for Ukraine.

012