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Chris Powers

@powers.eurosky.social
970 followers 1.2K following 1.3K posts

✍️ Brussels reporter for @kyivindependent.com 🇺🇦 🇪🇺 Otherwise to be found with books📚, coffees ☕️ , or swimming 🏊‍♂️ Signal: chrispowers.92 Email: c.powers@kyivindependent.com

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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 30/08/2026
🇮🇸 Ah sad news that Iceland doesn’t seem to want to push on with EU talks. But I was saying to peeps this week, 52:48 in any direction isn’t an endorsement of anything. If a candidate country has no consensus, then it is no candidate.
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 21/08/2026
Starting the day with a scooparoo here: kyivindependent.com/coalition-of...
kyivindependent.com
Exclusive: Coalition of the Willing to hold Independence Day meeting in Kyiv
The meeting will take place on Ukraine's Independence Day and be the third time the grouping has met in Kyiv since it was established by France and the U.K. in March 2025, with the aim of agreeing on ...
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 14/08/2026
Contender for the most evil-looking map ever
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 14/08/2026
De Wever is in good company, I too am left-handed Now how do we flip this emoji: ✍️?
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 14/08/2026
🗑️: 9,455 🧌: 22,239 Sadly the saga is over. Noteworthy is just how few people in Clacton voted at all. Turnout around 43%
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 12/08/2026
Chapeau to the reader who commented "the strategy of Belgium has yet to be explained."
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 05/08/2026
👨‍🚒 Driving home to Brussels from Germany and saw going in the other direction Bonn’s fire brigade, en route home after participating in an EU mission to fight wildfires in Spain. 🇪🇸 🇩🇪 🇧🇪 🇪🇺 Somehow cool to see that solidarity out and about in the real world 😎
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 24/07/2026
I’ve just had my say on our future banknotes. Have your say too! surveys.ecb.europa.eu/10b/neweuro/
surveys.ecb.europa.eu
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 17/07/2026
Musical chairs in the Ukrainian government: Europe minister and EU ambassador directly swap jobs. kyivindependent.com/deputy-prime...
kyivindependent.com
Deputy Prime Minister Kachka, EU ambassador Chentsov swap roles in Ukraine government reshuffle
President Volodymyr Zelensky has swapped the roles of the two men overseeing Ukraine's relations with the EU.
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 10/07/2026
BOOM. Another week another cluster kyivindependent.com/next-step-fo... Partytime for Ukraine and Moldova next Tuesday
kyivindependent.com
Next step for Ukraine's EU membership talks unlocks July 14
The next step unlocks a to-do list of reforms to align Ukraine and Moldova's foreign policies with EU norms.
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 05/07/2026
youtu.be/thBXNhZfqQc
youtu.be
Peter Pomerantsev: How Ukraine Is Experimenting with Communication Strategies • Ukraїner
YouTube video by Ukrainer in English
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The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 30/06/2026
⚡️New EU steel quotas set to eliminate over half of Ukraine's exports. The EU's new steel allocation, set to enter into force on July 1, was introduced in response to global steel overcapacity, which has been hurting EU producers.
kyivindependent.com
New EU steel quotas set to eliminate over half of Ukraine's exports
The EU's new steel allocation, set to enter into force on July 1, was introduced in response to global steel overcapacity, which has been hurting EU producers. The measure aims to restrict tariff-free...
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 29/06/2026
The Last Frontier: European Manufacturers Move Ahead on Ballistic Missile Defense open.substack.com/pub/missilem...
open.substack.com
The Last Frontier: European Manufacturers Move Ahead on Ballistic Missile Defense
After FirePoint, Estonian missile house Frankenburg Technologies seeks to enter the ballistic missile defense market
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 24/06/2026
Surprised to come across a guy needing two hands to watch a video on his phone while using zero hands to pee. The European Parliament contains all sorts.
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 23/06/2026
Today it's ten-years since the UK held the Brexit referendum. Thankfully I don't need to say much about it because @katiewestwood.bsky.social did so better than I ever could over at @brusselstimes.com us8.campaign-archive.com?e=349ef79e27...
us8.campaign-archive.com
Belgium in Brief: Confessions of a Brexit bore
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The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 23/06/2026
⚡️ In joint appeal, Ukrainian and Polish media sound alarm over crisis in relations. Six Polish and Ukrainian media outlets issued a rare joint appeal on June 23, warning that escalating tensions between the two countries risk playing into Russia's hands.
kyivindependent.com
In joint appeal, Ukrainian and Polish media sound alarm over crisis in relations
Six Polish and Ukrainian media outlets issued a rare joint appeal on June 23, warning that escalating tensions between the two countries risk playing into Russia's hands.
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 19/06/2026
Watch out Western Balkans, where the EU Council conclusions talk about Ukraine and Moldova needing to follow the "merit-based process", the conclusions for the Balkans describe the process as "reversible".. 🥶 www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pre...
consilium.europa.eu
European Council conclusions on the next multiannual financial framework, migration, illicit drugs, enlargement and reforms, the Republic of Moldova, Western Balkans and other items.
On 19 June, the European Council adopted conclusions on the next multiannual financial framework, migration, illicit drugs, enlargement and reforms, the Republic of Moldova, Western Balkans and other ...
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 19/06/2026
What this means for the opening of the 5 remaining clusters is anyone’s guess, but there have been a whole range of political objections and issues raised. Ukraine isn’t going to have it easy. kyivindependent.com/hungarys-mag...
kyivindependent.com
Hungarian PM Magyar pushes EU to water down stance on Ukraine accession
The conclusions of the meeting of EU leaders on June 18 have been watered down, at the insistence of Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar, to reduce the urgency of advancing Ukraine's EU accession pr...
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 17/06/2026
🤡 🫠 kyivindependent.com/trump-thanks...
kyivindependent.com
Trump thanks Putin for Iran 'neutrality,' immediately challenging G7 claims of tone shift
U.S. President Donald Trump, fixated on Iran in a one-hour press conference at the end of the G7 summit, thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for supposedly not helping Iran as much as he could ha...
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 17/06/2026
Horrible news to start the day :-(
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 16/06/2026
It's important when big declarations come out to keep an eye open not only for what is mentioned, but also for what is not mentioned that perhaps should have been. kyivindependent.com/g7-set-to-le... Ukraine has a budgetary black hole which I hear will remain unplugged. Let's see..
kyivindependent.com
G7 set to leave Ukraine with $52 billion budget black hole despite EU push
One G7 diplomat told the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen raised Ukraine's remaining budgetary gap, but they said G7 leaders did not t...
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 15/06/2026
I may be sitting in a bus next to Lake Geneva but that doesn’t mean I can’t still find out what’s going on in the European Parliament. Check out this one: kyivindependent.com/exclusive-eu...
kyivindependent.com
Exclusive: European Parliament to scrutinize its most pro-Russian member
A special committee of the European Parliament is set to investigate its pro-Russian Luxemburger, Fernand Kartheiser, for potential breaches of parliamentary rules linked to his ties to Russia, accord...
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 15/06/2026
EU Enlargement Commissioner @martakos.ec.europa.eu right now celebrating "Mega Monday" where Ukraine, Moldova, and Montenegro all make significant progress on their EU membership bids. She wants all six clusters open by summer. Holds out hope for a "Terrific Tuesday" in July!
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 15/06/2026
My latest from over at the G7 in Evian! The EU is now in the driving seat on Ukraine, but the expectation is others should play their role too. Eyes open to see if any new commitments come out of the next couple of days..
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 15/06/2026
Was happy to visit Berlin last week, even if for just a day. And I learned a lot, some of which you can find in this article! :-)
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The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 15/06/2026
⚡️Irish alumina exports to Russia escape latest EU sanctions, but political pressure is growing. The EU's next sanctions package won't include Ireland's alumina exports to Russia, but a new letter by members of the European Parliament shows the issue is not going to disappear over the summer.
kyivindependent.com
Irish alumina exports to Russia escape latest EU sanctions, but political pressure Is growing
The EU's forthcoming sanctions package won't include Ireland's alumina exports to Russia, but a new letter by members of the European Parliament (MEPs), combined with pressure from Estonia's foreign m...
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Minna Ålander 🌻 @alanderminna.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Today’s big day for Ukraine and Moldova’s EU path ! 🇺🇦🇲🇩🇪🇺 If you have no idea what ”opening cluster one” in their EU accession negotiations means but would like to understand what it’s all about, listen to our Mildly Alarmed episode from last week where @powers.eurosky.social explains it all:
youtu.be
Inside the dramatic politics of Ukraine's EU accession | Mildly Alarmed
YouTube video by Mildly Alarmed
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 15/06/2026
Russia has attacked Kyiv’s equivalent of Paris’ Notre Dame during the night, along with multiple residential buildings. There was some talk of G7 leaders walking on eggshells about Ukraine this time to avoid triggering Trump. Less chance of that now. kyivindependent.com/russian-atta...
kyivindependent.com
Kyiv's historic Pechersk Lavra burns as Russian rains ballistic missiles on capital
"We ask for prayers for the salvation of the shrine from destruction. Another Russian crime against humanity, against history, against Christianity," Metropolitan Epiphanies, head of the Orthodox Chur...
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 14/06/2026
A very rustic evening in the hills above the G7 at Evian. The water is good, the wine too 🥂 Not to mention, the local cheeses 🧀
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KI Insights @ki-insights.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
The week closes with the European Council summit on June 18–19. Zelensky addresses EU leaders directly, invited by Council President Antonio Costa. Accession progress is expected to be endorsed. #EuropeanCouncil 6/🧵
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KI Insights @ki-insights.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
June 15 marks a historic milestone: Ukraine formally opens negotiations on the first EU accession cluster, "Fundamentals", in Luxembourg. #Hungary lifted its veto. More clusters are expected to open in July, ahead of the original schedule. #EUEnlargement 5/🧵
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KI Insights @ki-insights.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
EU foreign ministers meet for the Foreign Affairs Council on June 15. Watch for the 21st sanctions package: Russian energy price freeze through end-2026, new crypto and financial services restrictions, and visa bans for Russian soldiers. #EUSanctions 4/🧵
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KI Insights @ki-insights.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
The G7 summit in France (June 15–17) is the diplomatic centerpiece of the week. Zelensky is expected to attend at Macron's invitation. The backdrop: recent Ukrainian battlefield gains and stalled Moscow talks held by ambassadors from the UK, Germany, and France. 3/🧵
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KI Insights @ki-insights.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Ukraine's EU accession takes a historic step forward this week as the "Fundamentals" cluster formally opens in Luxembourg. G7 leaders gather in France with Zelensky expected. What else to watch next week? 👇🧵 #KIweekahead #UkraineUpdate Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 14/06/2026
Wow some important tone shifts in latest episode of Real Time with Bill Maher. Realising now that Germany is spending, that Europe is doing way more now, and that Ukraine is “winning”. 💪 As the panel says, time for America to back a winner.
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The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 12/06/2026
"We will open the cluster on fundamentals; the backbone of the accession process," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on June 12. "It covers the core values and principles on which the EU is built, from the rule of law to strong democratic institutions."
kyivindependent.com
EU confirms launch of formal accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova, on June 15
"We will open the cluster on fundamentals; the backbone of the accession process," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on June 12. "It covers the core values and principles on whic...
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 12/06/2026
If you’re in Luxembourg on June 15 for Ukraine’s next accession step and for some reason decide you wanna listen to a Russian opera signer, you’re in luck! The Grand Duchy has you covered, and its Philharmonie has the worst, or best, possible timing. Read on: kyivindependent.com/as-ukraine-a...
kyivindependent.com
When Ukraine takes key step toward Europe, Russian star will be performing next door
As Ukraine and Moldova move closer to the European Union on June 15, Russian opera star Anna Netrebko will take the stage at the Philharmonie Luxembourg next door. The contrast reflects a broader shi...
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Minna Ålander 🌻 @alanderminna.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
A bit of a marathon episode this week, but it reflects the topic: Ukraine’s EU integration 🇪🇺🇺🇦 This should get you up to speed on the opening of cluster 1 next week, thanks to our guest @powers.eurosky.social who did a great job explaining the technicalities !
youtu.be
Inside the dramatic politics of Ukraine's EU accession | Mildly Alarmed
YouTube video by Mildly Alarmed
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 11/06/2026
YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/2185...
brusselstimes.com
Brussels to ban shared e-scooters from 2027
Beyond safety concerns, the government also pointed to the growing nuisance caused by improperly parked scooters.
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 09/06/2026
Belgium’s Flemish language newspaper of note, De Standaard, has picked up my reporting on the country’s steel addiction! www.standaard.be/economie/reg... Send it to all your Nederlandstaligen vrienden ! And here’s me: kyivindependent.com/belgium-bloc...
standaard.be
Regering wuift kritiek op “Belgische verslaving aan Russisch staal” weg: “Sancties moeten Rusland harder treffen dan onszelf”
Nu de protesten tegen datacenters in de VS groeien, maakt ook milieuactiviste Erin Brockovich er haar nieuwe missie van. Door ze in kaart te brengen wil ze meer transparantie creëren rond de impact ervan op de lokale gemeenschap.
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 09/06/2026
There’s a few reasons why I like Kaja Kallas. Here’s another one! kyivindependent.com/neutrality-w...
kyivindependent.com
Neutrality won't save you from Russia, Kallas tells Ireland
"No country in Europe is off Russia's target list since its invasion of Ukraine," Kallas said.
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 09/06/2026
Fish, fascists, fossil fuels, and financiers, and that's just the things beginning with 'F' that the EU is ready to smoke in its next sanctions package against Russia. Read more ! kyivindependent.com/eu-unveils-2...
kyivindependent.com
EU unveils 21st Russia sanctions package, proposes entry ban for Russian soldiers
The package will also include a freeze on the current pricing mechanism for Russia energy imports until the end of 2026, meaning Moscow won't be able to profit from rising prices resulting from the U....
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 08/06/2026
When you go to a conference in Berlin and all the Brussels-based speakers are on the same plane back as you 💪
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 08/06/2026
Big if true. If you wanna stay on top of EU Enlargement, get over here ☺️ kyivindependent.com/polish-conce...
kyivindependent.com
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 08/06/2026
Back in my favorite town, sadly only for the day. Berlin <3
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The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 05/06/2026
⚡️ Group of Euroskeptic, radical MEPs pushes European Parliament to strip Zelensky of honorary award. All signatories to the letter sit outside of the European Parliament's political mainstream, with euroskeptic and pro-Russian politicians strongly represented.
kyivindependent.com
Group of Euroskeptic, radical MEPs pushes European Parliament to strip Zelensky of honorary award
All signatories to the letter sit outside of the European Parliament's political mainstream, with euroskeptic and pro-Russian politicians strongly represented.
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Chris Powers @powers.eurosky.social · 05/06/2026
Last time I reported on the European Parliament and Fernand Kartheiser, Politico reported it a week later as though it was new. Let’s avoid that situation and all agree to just read the Kyiv Independent this time! kyivindependent.com/right-wing-m...
kyivindependent.com
Group of Euroskeptic, radical MEPs pushes European Parliament to strip Zelensky of honorary award
All signatories to the letter sit outside of the European Parliament's political mainstream, with euroskeptic and pro-Russian politicians strongly represented.
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The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 04/06/2026
We've reached the halfway mark. Thanks to the support of readers around the world, over 2,000 new members have joined the Kyiv Independent community — half of our goal: kyivindependent.com/membership/?...
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The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 03/06/2026
⚡️Update: Zelensky confirms Ukrainian strike on St. Petersburg Oil Terminal. President Volodymyr Zelensky and the General Staff confirmed that Ukrainian forces struck the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal in Russia's Leningrad Oblast in the early hours of June 3.
kyivindependent.com
Ukraine strikes St. Petersburg Oil Terminal as Putin's Economic Forum opens
Zelensky confirms that Ukraine targeted St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, sending black smoke over the city on the first day of Putin's economic forum.
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The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 02/06/2026
⚡️ Hungary's Magyar hopeful that 'technical' talks on Ukraine minority rights will wrap up this week. If an agreement on the rights of the Hungarian national community is reached, Peter Magyar said he is ready to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky as early as next week.
kyivindependent.com
Hungary's Magyar hopeful that 'technical talks' on minority rights in Ukraine will wrap up this week
If an agreement is reached at the "technical-level" talks, Peter Magyar said he is ready to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky as early as next week.
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