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Sebastian Starcevic

@sebastianstarc.bsky.social
1.5K followers 191 following 41 posts

reporter @POLITICO.eu • tips: sstarcevic@politico.eu • 🇦🇺🇭🇷

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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
EU-made weapons fuel war crimes in Sudan, the country's envoy to Brussels says. Arms sold by EU countries to the UAE have been traced to the conflict Cracking scoop from @sebstarcevic.bsky.social for @politico.eu www.politico.eu/article/suda...
politico.eu
EU-made weapons fuel war crimes in Sudan, envoy says
European countries must stop selling arms to the UAE, urges Sudanese ambassador, as probes trace flow of military gear from Abu Dhabi to rebel group.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
“Nobody believes that Putin is committed to peace … we need to put pressure on Russia to be interested in these talks.” The EU’s ambassador to Ukraine says it’s time the bloc and the US inflict crippling joint sanctions to drag the Kremlin to the negotiating table 👇 www.politico.eu/article/eu-a...
politico.eu
After Kyiv assault, EU ambassador wants US help to compel Moscow to end war
“Nobody believes that Putin is committed to peace,” Katarína Mathernová told POLITICO.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
Antonia Zimmermann @zimmerfrau.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Mega scoop by @camgijs.bsky.social 🔥🔥🔥
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
EXCLUSIVE: NATO chief Mark Rutte is axing dozens of job and two whole divisions in a major overhaul at the alliance’s Brussels HQ. “He is basically DOGEing NATO,” an official told POLITICO, referring to Elon Musk’s efforts to trim the U.S. government. Scoop here via @politico.eu👇 ow.ly/BUKB50WcfTo
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Mark Rutte DOGEs NATO with dozens of job cuts
Transatlantic military chief slashes roles and eliminates divisions as U.S. President Donald Trump’s reluctant commitment overshadows the alliance.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
SCOOP: Former Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson is tipped to become special envoy for Ukrainians in the EU. As Russia’s invasion grinds on, the EU executive wants Ukrainian refugees to go home or stay and integrate fully — which this new top job will oversee 👇 www.politico.eu/article/ylva...
politico.eu
EU taps Ylva Johansson to be special envoy for Ukrainians
Former home affairs commissioner lined up for new role overseeing Commission’s strategy for Ukrainian refugees.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
The EU just announced a barrage of new sanctions on Russia, including: 💵 Cutting off 22 Russian banks from SWIFT ⛽️ Banning the Nord Stream gas pipelines 🛢️ Lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $45 (with G7 approval) “This war must end,” Ursula von der Leyen said 👉 www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
A press conference with Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
They were once blacklisted for their ties to Putin. But now some of Russia’s biggest classical music stars are returning to European stages. Their encore is a soft power win for the Kremlin — and has triggered a fierce political reaction from the EU and Ukraine 👇 www.politico.eu/article/russ...
politico.eu
Russia’s blacklisted classical music stars make a comeback in Europe
Vladimir Putin’s opera darlings are back in the spotlight — and Ukraine and the EU are not pleased.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
Despite their mutual hatred for Putin, Ukraine and Russia’s exiled opposition have mostly avoided joining forces amid deep distrust. But a top Russian dissident told me and @elenagiordano.bsky.social in Brussels that talks have kicked off behind closed doors 👇 www.politico.eu/article/russ...
politico.eu
Russia’s opposition talking with Ukraine behind the scenes, top dissident says
Many in Ukraine have criticized the idea that Kyiv and the Russian opposition are natural allies.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
EXCL: Israel’s critics say it should be exiled from global sport over its war in Gaza, just as Russia was — and the EU’s top sports official signaled his agreement. “Through sport, we have to promote the values that we stand for, with any country,” he told POLITICO. www.politico.eu/article/eu-s...
politico.eu
EU sports chief hints Israel should get the boot from competitions over Gaza war
“Through sport, we have to promote the values that we stand for, with any country,” Glenn Micallef says.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
Veronika Melkozerova @nikamelkozerova.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Second day of talks: 1000 prisoners exchange agreed. No ceasefire. More threats from the Russians to fight forever. US delegation pushed out. My latest: www.politico.eu/article/ista...
politico.eu
Russia and Ukraine agree on 1,000-prisoner exchange — but no ceasefire
First direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in three years made little substantive progress toward peace.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
🏳️‍🌈🇪🇺 In today’s @politico.eu Brussels Playbook, we reported on how a petition to ban conversion practices Europe-wide went viral days before its deadline. Hours later, it’s reached one million signatures — meaning the European Commission must now formally consider it 👇 www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
Pieter Haeck @pieterhaeck.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Nice write-up in Brussels Playbook by @sebstarcevic.bsky.social how the bid wasn't doing great, but then Angèle and her large Instagram following got involved. www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...
politico.eu
So. Much. Voting.
Presented by Philips By SARAH WHEATON PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Tweet @NicholasVinocur @swheaton | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser HOWDY. Sarah Wheaton here, bringing you this Frida…
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 16/05/2025
EXCLUSIVE: Greenland’s foreign minister has suggested the European Union could develop its coveted mineral resources amid threats by US President Donald Trump to seize the island.
ow.ly
Greenland dangles rare earths partnership with EU as Trump looms
“We want to expand our cooperation on our critical minerals and energy,” Vivian Motzfeldt says.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Exclusive: Greenland’s foreign minister suggested partnering with the EU on minerals and energy. “We like them,” she said. She also slammed the Trump administration for spying on the island. “We’re supposed to be friends. We are allies. Allies don’t do such things.” www.politico.eu/article/gree...
politico.eu
Greenland dangles rare earths partnership with EU as Trump looms
“We want to expand our cooperation on our critical minerals and energy,” Vivian Motzfeldt says.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
🇪🇺 🚫 You won’t see the EU’s flag on stage at this weekend’s Eurovision grand final. It’s been banned along with other flags — earning a sharp rebuke from the EU. “If national flags belong on stage, the European flag does too,” the bloc’s culture chief told POLITICO. www.politico.eu/article/eu-e...
politico.eu
EU slams Eurovision for banning flag from stage
“Young Europeans should not need permission to wave their flag,” Glenn Micallef says.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
Camille Gijs @camgijs.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
NEW: The European Commission is preparing to reintroduce pre-war tariff quotas for some Ukrainian farm products sold into the EU market as of June 6, after the bloc’s wartime tariff waivers expire. That's according to documents seen by POLITICO. www.politico.eu/article/brus...
politico.eu
EU to roll back Ukraine trade perks to protect its farmers
Brussels looks to reintroduce pre-war tariffs on some agricultural imports from Ukraine, documents seen by POLITICO show.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
Ali Walker @aliwalker.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
🚨 New scoop: According to a leaked letter sent to Gianni Infantino, a top human rights organization said it has “grave concerns” about the Trump administration’s border policies affecting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
politico.eu
Top human rights group challenges FIFA over Trump and 2026 World Cup
Human Rights Watch says football’s governing body should be prepared to “reconsider” choice of U.S. as tournament co-host.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
🇷🇴 Romania’s diaspora voted en masse for a far-right, pro-Trump candidate at Sunday’s much-watched presidential election. To Romanians abroad, he is “a sort of savior,” a political scientist explained. “He films himself every-f**king-where,” a Romanian expat told me. www.politico.eu/article/roma...
politico.eu
How George Simion became a right-wing ‘messiah’ for Romanians abroad
TikTok and ultranationalism propels hard-right chief to cult status among Romania’s diaspora.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
Jacob Parry @jacob-parry.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Madrid 2036? London 2040? A TBD German games?🏅🇪🇺 @ec.europa.eu Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef tells @politico.eu that he wants the Olympics back in Europe ASAP www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
politico.eu
EU backs Olympic bid for 2036, while London wants the Games in 2040
Europe’s sports chief calls for the Olympics to return to the EU — but that aspiration could clash with a bid from London.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
🇪🇺🏅When will Europe host another Olympics? The EU’s sports chief told @politico.eu he wants the Olympic flame back in Europe as soon as possible 👇 www.politico.eu/article/eu-o...
politico.eu
EU backs Olympic bid for 2036, while London wants the Games in 2040
Europe’s sports chief calls for the Olympics to return to the EU — but that aspiration could clash with a bid from London.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 15/04/2025
A Russian billionaire with ties to President Vladimir Putin wields immense influence over one of the world’s most prestigious sports — despite EU and US sanctions against him.
ow.ly
How a billionaire Russian ‘sugar daddy’ took over an iconic Olympic sport
Sanctioned tycoon Alisher Usmanov parries Western efforts to oust him from shadow leadership role in world fencing.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
🤺🇷🇺 POLITICO Europe’s feature about how a sanctioned Russian billionaire took over the world of Olympic fencing — and the doomed Nordic-led rebellion to oust him — is now available to read online: www.politico.eu/article/russ...
politico.eu
How a billionaire Russian ‘sugar daddy’ took over an iconic Olympic sport
Sanctioned tycoon Alisher Usmanov parries Western efforts to oust him from shadow leadership role in world fencing.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Exclusive: Ukraine hit out at the new IOC president’s remarks opening the door to Russia returning to the Olympics by 2026. “We will call on the international community to reject any attempts to normalize the presence of Russian and Belarusian citizens in sports.” www.politico.eu/article/russ...
politico.eu
Plan for Russia to rejoin Olympics sparks disgust in Ukraine
Russian “athletes and officials are part of the state propaganda machine,” Kyiv warns new International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry.
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POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 27/03/2025
Greenland will form a new coalition government that comprises all but one party elected to its legislature, a show of political unity in the face of ongoing takeover threats from United States President Donald Trump.
politico.eu
Greenland forms new unity government on eve of JD Vance visit
Four of the five parties elected to Greenland’s parliament two weeks ago have agreed to band together in a broad coalition.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 24/03/2025
If you’re a foreign leader visiting the White House, chances are you’ll be thrust into a public Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump. Get it right, and you could score a major win for your country. Get it wrong, and you might face a global dressing-down.
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A samurai helmet, shamrock socks and one epic meltdown: Trump’s Oval Office meetings, ranked
How to survive a White House summit with the combative U.S. president.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
🇬🇱 Trump says “officials” in Greenland invited an American delegation, including Second Lady Usha Vance, to visit the island this Thursday. But a Greenlandic MP told POLITICO that’s “not true” — and said a protest is planned for Vance’s arrival 👇 www.politico.com/news/2025/03...
politico.com
Greenland to Trump: No, we didn't invite you
A delegation that includes second lady Usha Vance is slated to arrive on the island on Thursday.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Oscar-winning Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal was beaten by settlers in the West Bank and taken away by Israeli soldiers, his co-director said. The IDF told POLITICO they detained three Palestinians after a “violent confrontation” in which “several terrorists” threw rocks at Israelis 👇
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 24/03/2025
One of the makers of an Oscar-winning documentary about Palestinian communities in the West Bank was assaulted in the occupied territory, with his whereabouts unknown after he was detained by the Israeli military, his co-director said.
politico.eu
Oscar winner beaten and detained in Israeli-occupied West Bank
Hamdan Ballal was detained by Israeli soldiers and “has since disappeared,” a former colleague said.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 12/03/2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his troops to defeat Ukrainian forces occupying its Kursk border region as soon as possible, shortly before an American delegation heads to Moscow to negotiate a ceasefire.
politico.eu
Putin orders swift expulsion of Ukrainian forces before peace talks
The Russian leader promised to treat captured invaders as “terrorists.”
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POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 06/03/2025
Prompted by Trump’s decision to turn away from Europe, European leaders will meet in Brussels today to urgently discuss defense funding. Without the US on its side, it’s the future of the continent that's at stake. Follow every twist on our liveblog: ow.ly/IZVk50VbAnR
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
🤺 One man rules the world of Olympic fencing. 🇷🇺 His name is Alisher Usmanov, a sanctioned Russian billionaire who the EU claims is an ally of Vladimir Putin. 📰 In this week’s @politico.eu print edition, how fencing’s “sugar daddy” rose to power: edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader...
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Trump used his presidential address on Tuesday to speak directly to Greenlanders. His message: America will take Greenland “one way or the other.” @politico.eu has the first reaction to the speech from Denmark, with a Danish MEP denouncing Trump’s “bully” tactics. www.politico.eu/article/us-w...
politico.eu
US will take Greenland ‘one way or the other,’ Trump says
“We strongly support your right to determine your own future,” Trump tells Greenlanders — before vowing he’ll “try and get” the territory.
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POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 28/02/2025
The EU said yesterday it was ready to deploy its strongest trade weapon against the US after President Donald Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs and scorned the EU as having been created to “screw” America.
ow.ly
EU to Trump on tariffs: Go ahead, make our day.
Brussels threatens to use its trade bazooka after President Donald Trump says the European Union was created to “screw” America.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 25/02/2025
Ukraine and the United States have agreed on the terms of a minerals deal and could sign it this week, according to several media reports.
politico.eu
Ukraine and US agree to minerals deal, reports say
The agreement could be signed by Kyiv and Washington as early as Friday, according to one report.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
When Pope Francis passes away, a priest will call out his name to try to rouse him. When he does not reply, the Vatican will announce to the world that the pope is dead. And so begins a series of rituals dating back to Ancient Rome. What happens when a pope dies: www.politico.eu/article/pope...
politico.eu
Here’s what will happen when Pope Francis dies
Embalmed hearts, 3 different coffins and secretive power struggles: What happens when popes die.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
The JFK Presidential Library closed abruptly Tuesday afternoon, with visitors quickly ushered out. The reason: Trump issued an Executive Order firing probationary staff. “The library cannot function with that type of reduction,” a source told me. For @politico.com: www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
politico.com
Kennedy Library closes abruptly
"The sudden dismissal of federal employees at the JFK Library forced the museum to close today," a statement from the foundation read.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
New: A Republican rep introduced a bill to “purchase or otherwise acquire” Greenland and rename it… Red, White and Blueland. A Danish MEP slammed the stunt: “The only thing the U.S. achieves with this behavior is alienating one of its most loyal and reliable allies.” www.politico.eu/article/dona...
politico.eu
Danish MEP slams ‘absurd’ proposal to rename Greenland ‘Red, White and Blueland’
Member of Congress said the U.S. will “proudly welcome” Greenlanders to “join the freest nation to ever exist.”
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
Ali Walker @aliwalker.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
💥 Exclusive: FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's top lieutenant has struck back at criticism from the European Parliament over awarding the 2034 Men's World Cup to Saudi Arabia. Full details from FIFA's four-page letter here ⬇️
politico.eu
FIFA launches fervent defense of Saudi Arabia World Cup in letter to EU lawmakers
MEPs had criticized the world football governing body for awarding the 2034 tournament to the Gulf petromonarchy.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 29/01/2025
Greenland should consider rejoining the European Union for “protection” in the face of US President Donald Trump’s threats to acquire the Arctic island, Danish MEP Morten Løkkegaard said today.
politico.eu
Greenland should rejoin the EU for ‘protection,’ Danish MEP says
“Clearly the situation has changed dramatically since ’85,” when Greenland left the EU, senior lawmaker says.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
🚨 Scoop: A senior Danish MEP told me Greenland, which left the EU in 1985, should look to rejoin amid Trump’s threats to take over. “Clearly the situation has changed dramatically since ’85,” he said. “We have a completely different geopolitical situation right now.” www.politico.eu/article/gree...
politico.eu
Greenland should consider rejoining the EU for ‘protection,’ Danish MEP says
“Clearly the situation has changed dramatically since ’85,” when Greenland left the EU, senior lawmaker says.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 27/01/2025
A United States senator and a Danish lawmaker issued a joint statement hitting out at US President Donald Trump’s threats to acquire Greenland.
politico.eu
Republican senator jabs Trump on Greenland: It’s an ally, not an asset
Lisa Murkowski, a frequent thorn in the U.S. president’s side, says the Arctic island is “open for business, but not for sale.”
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POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 22/01/2025
Tech billionaire Elon Musk poured cold water today on a landmark half-a-trillion dollar artificial intelligence (AI) initiative trumpeted by US President Donald Trump.
politico.eu
Musk trolls Trump’s €500B AI mega plan
The tech billionaire and close ally of the U.S. president sniped at one of the White House’s first major proposals.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 20/01/2025
Pope Francis has blasted Donald Trump’s plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, calling the US president-elect’s proposal a “disgrace.”
politico.eu
‘Disgrace’: Pope Francis revives feud with Trump just before inauguration
“This is not the way to solve things,” the pontiff says about the U.S. president-elect’s planned immigration crackdown.
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Csongor Körömi @krmcsngr.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
And why, after four years of silence, he decided to react himself: “I want to prove that I am more than the caricature that has been made of me and that has made me famous, even around the world.” Read the full story with József Szájer on @politico.eu : politico.eu/article/lock... /4
politico.eu
Orbán’s lockdown orgy acolyte returns in bid to save face
Former MEP József Szájer, a close ally of the Hungarian PM, tells POLITICO he wants to show he’s more than just a meme.
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Reposted by Sebastian Starcevic
POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 18/01/2025
Deep in Greenland’s frozen wilderness, a radioactive secret sleeps beneath the ice — and it could be a headache for Donald Trump if the US president-elect follows through on his threat to take control of the vast Arctic island.
trib.al
Trump’s got a radioactive time bomb under Greenland’s ice
The U.S. would inherit an environmental time bomb of its own making if it lays claim to the massive Arctic island.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
Trump wants to take over Greenland. But if he follows through, the U.S. will inherit an environmental headache of its own making. A “city under the ice,” full of toxic waste, buried deep in the Arctic island’s frozen wilderness. This is the story of Camp Century. www.politico.eu/article/trum...
politico.eu
Trump’s got a radioactive time bomb under Greenland’s ice
The U.S. would inherit an environmental time bomb of its own making if it lays claim to the massive Arctic island.
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Amanda Mull @amandamull.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
This is such a satisfying @austincarr.bsky.social story about a niche disaster that has fascinated me for years: The Walgreens video cooler door fiasco. A true retail cautionary tale. www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
bloomberg.com
Walgreens Replaced Fridge Doors With Smart Screens. It’s Now a $200 Million Fiasco
A startup promised the pharmacy chain its high-tech coolers would track shoppers and spark an in-store ad revolution.
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POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 16/01/2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Europe that it has “no chance” against Russia without Ukraine.
politico.eu
Zelenskyy warns Europe: You guys are doomed without us
“Europe without the Ukrainian army will not cope with the Russian army,” the Ukrainian president warns.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
🚨 Scoop: A senior Greenlandic politician slammed Donald Trump Jr.’s “staged” visit to the island. “We know how they treat the Inuit in Alaska,” she told @politico.eu. “Make that great before trying to invade us.” Trump Jr.’s rep called the criticism “ridiculous” 👇 www.politico.eu/article/dona...
politico.eu
Donald Trump Jr.’s visit was ‘staged,’ says Greenland lawmaker
“We know how they treat the Inuit in Alaska. Make that great before trying to invade us,” Pipaluk Lynge tells POLITICO.
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Sebastian Starcevic @sebastianstarc.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
🎧 Catch me on Apple News’ daily podcast talking about Donald Trump’s proposal to buy (or invade?) Greenland 👇 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
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