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europe is on the skids......

Only a few years ago, most of Western Europe seemed like a fortress of stability in international politics. With robust economies, solid social systems, and the grand edifice of “European integration,” it gave an impression of permanence, impervious even to major geopolitical upheavals. Now, however, it has become an inexhaustible source of peculiar headlines and confusion.

 

Half of the West is doomed: Here’s why
The EU and UK side of the continent is falling behind rapidly, but its elites appear to be in denial
By Timofey Bordachev

 

We see endless talk of sending “European peacekeepers” to Ukraine, drawn-out dramas over forming a government in France, or pre-election storms in a teacup in Germany. There are attempts to meddle in the Middle East, and above all, a deluge of irresponsible, often meaningless statements from Western European politicians. For outsiders, these developments provoke a mix of bemusement and concern.

In Russia, the Western side of our shared continent’s apparent decline is met with suspicion but also a certain sadness. For centuries, Western Europe has been both an existential threat and a source of inspiration for Russia. Peter the Great famously reformed the country to borrow the best from European thoughts and culture. In the 20th century, the Soviet Union, despite great sacrifices, secured victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. And for many Russians, Western Europe has long been an “Eden,”offering respite from what were often harsh realities back home.

But a Western Europe that is economically unstable, politically chaotic, and intellectually stagnant is no longer the same as what once inspired reforms or envy. It’s no longer a place Russia can look to as a neighbor worth emulating or even fearing.

How the rest of the world sees ‘Europe’

For most of the world, Western Europe’s problems provoke only curiosity. Major powers like China and India are happy to trade with its various countries and benefit from its technology and investment. But if Western Europe were to disappear from the global stage tomorrow, it wouldn’t disrupt their plans for the future. These nations are vast civilizations in their own right, historically shaped far more by internal dynamics than by European influence.

Meanwhile, African and Arab nations still view Western Europe through the lens of colonialism. For them, its decline is of material interest but little emotional consequence. Türkiye sees European countries as prey, aging and weakened rivals. Even the United States, a supposed ally, approaches the continent’s crises with a businesslike detachment, focused solely on how to maximize its own interests at Europe’s expense.

Why is this happening to Europe?

It’s tempting to blame Western Europe’s odd behavior on the degeneration of its elites. After decades under US patronage, its leaders have lost the ability to think critically or strategically. The end of the Cold War allowed them to govern without serious competition, leading to complacency and mediocrity. Many of the brightest minds went into business, leaving politics to those less capable. As a result, Western European foreign policy departments now resemble provincial bureaucracies, out of touch with global realities.

The expansion of the EU in the early 2000s, which brought in several small former Eastern European nations, only exacerbated this problem. Their provincial outlook often dominates discussions, reducing complex issues to simplistic, parochial concerns. Today, Western Europe’s politicians are adept at convincing the world – and perhaps even themselves – of their own incompetence.

But the root of the problem runs deeper. Western Europe faces a growing contradiction: its political insignificance clashes with its still-considerable material wealth and intellectual legacy. For centuries, its countries have accumulated vast resources and developed unparalleled intellectual traditions. Yet its strategic irrelevance renders these assets useless. Even France’s nuclear arsenal, once a symbol of power, now garners little respect on the world stage.

Germany, the EU’s economic powerhouse, exemplifies this impotence. Despite its wealth, it has failed to translate economic strength into political influence, even over its own affairs. The destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline in 2022, allegedly at the hands of its American allies, symbolizes the bloc’s inability to defend its interests or hold its partners accountable.

The United Kingdom, often touted as Western Europe’s most active foreign policy player, plays this role largely under American patronage. Brexit, for all its drama, did little to change this dynamic.

A century of decline

More than 100 years after the First World War dismantled Europe’s empires, the continent finds itself with resources it can no longer wield. The EU’s most recent foreign policy “victory” — the difficult absorption of impoverished Moldova — highlights its limitations. Meanwhile, Georgia, with its defiant government, remains beyond Brussels’ grasp. Even in the Balkans, the EU’s influence is limited to countries subdued by NATO and completely encircled by the US-led geopolitical order.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of modern Western Europe is its lack of reflection. Even the continent’s intellectual elite seems to live behind a wall of denial, detached from reality. This attitude extends to domestic politics, where the rise of non-mainstream parties is dismissed as voters “choosing the wrong way.” In foreign policy, its leaders continue to act as though their opinions still shape global politics, despite clear evidence to the contrary.

The EU states march on, oblivious to their diminishing power and the shifting global environment. In theory, such persistence might seem admirable. But world politics is not a Glass Bead Game, as Hermann Hesse would have put it, and clinging to outdated behaviors will only hasten Western Europe’s decline. At some point, even its vast material and intellectual wealth will no longer be enough to sustain it.

What comes next?

For Russia, Western Europe’s intellectual and moral stagnation presents both challenges and questions. Historically, the EU was a neighbor that inspired reforms and shaped foreign policy strategies. But how does one engage with a declining power that refuses to acknowledge its own fall? And if the bloc is no longer a meaningful counterpart, who will become Russia’s new “unifying other”?

These are questions Russia must answer as it navigates a world where Western Europe’s influence continues to wane. Whatever the answer, it’s clear that its era of dominance is over. Its decline is undeniable – even if Western Europeans themselves refuse to see it.

 

https://www.rt.com/news/609809-half-of-west-is-doomed/

 

YOURDEMOCRACY.NET RECORDS HISTORY AS IT SHOULD BE — NOT AS THE WESTERN MEDIA WRONGLY REPORTS IT.

 

         Gus Leonisky

         POLITICAL CARTOONIST SINCE 1951.

 

HYPOCRISY ISN’T ONE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS SINS.

HENCE ITS POPULARITY IN THE ABRAHAMIC TRADITIONS…

 

 

PLEASE DO NOT BLAME RUSSIA IF WW3 STARTS. BLAME YOURSELF.

 

not sanctioned...

Germany dramatically increased its uranium imports from Russia in 2024, bringing in 60.8 tons, a 70% jump from the previous year, according to a new report from Der Spiegel published on Friday.

The findings are based on data from Lower Saxony’s Ministry for Environment, Energy and Climate Protection.

The uranium is being processed at the Advanced Nuclear Fuels facility in Lingen, which operates under French ownership through Framatome, a division of energy giant EDF. The plant is gearing up to manufacture specialized nuclear fuel cells for the Soviet-designed WWER reactors still running in Eastern Europe. These power plants have historically depended on Russian-made fuel cells.

The German government noted that imports of uranium from Russia are not subject to any of the EU-wide sanctions imposed on Moscow.

“There is currently no European Union import or export embargo against Russia for nuclear fuel for peaceful use,” the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection said.

The EU has long debated sanctioning Russia’s nuclear sector as part of its efforts to sever energy ties with Moscow. Such restrictions, however, have never materialized, as they have been strongly opposed by several EU nations – namely Hungary and Slovakia – that are reliant on nuclear energy cooperation with Russia. 

Last month, the bloc’s new energy commissioner, Dan Jorgensen, admitted the EU had failed to overcome its dependency on Russian energy and urged a new plan to curtail the supply of oil, gas, and nuclear fuel from the country.

“It’s obvious to everybody that something new needs to happen because… now it’s beginning to go in the wrong direction,” Jorgensen said, promising to present “a tangible roadmap that will include efficient tools and means for us to solve the remaining part of the problem.”

 

https://www.rt.com/news/610405-germany-russian-uranium-imports/

 

READ FROM TOP.

 

YOURDEMOCRACY.NET RECORDS HISTORY AS IT SHOULD BE — NOT AS THE WESTERN MEDIA WRONGLY REPORTS IT.

 

         Gus Leonisky

         POLITICAL CARTOONIST SINCE 1951.

 

HYPOCRISY ISN’T ONE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS SINS.

HENCE ITS POPULARITY IN THE ABRAHAMIC TRADITIONS…

 

 

PLEASE DO NOT BLAME RUSSIA IF WW3 STARTS. BLAME YOURSELF.

 

EU destroying itself....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DdAfpus8ak

Energy Shock! Qatar Halts LNG Shipments to EU—What Happens Next? ｜EU Energy Crisis

 

In December 2024, the European Union found itself at the center of an escalating energy crisis after Qatar abruptly suspended its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to the bloc. This shocking move underscores the fragility of the EU's energy strategy, highlighting the growing tensions between Western regulatory frameworks and non-Western energy suppliers. The suspension came in response to the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which requires corporations to monitor their supply chains for human rights violations and environmental damage. Qatar's Energy Minister warned that the penalties for non-compliance, which could amount to 5% of global revenue, would make gas exports to the EU financially unsustainable.

Meanwhile, the expiration of a vital natural gas transit agreement on January 1, 2025, has resulted in the cessation of Russian gas flows through Ukraine, further exacerbating Europe's energy crisis. As several central European nations scramble to secure more expensive alternatives, gas prices have surged to their highest levels in over a year. The EU’s reliance on Russian energy has long been a point of concern, and this disruption has raised questions about the efficacy of the EU's energy diversification strategies. To add to the complexity, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has increased trade pressures, threatening tariffs unless Europe substantially increases its purchases of American LNG.

This crisis highlights the growing influence of Western powers in global energy markets. As Western policies push energy suppliers like Qatar away, Russia has successfully redirected its energy exports to other regions, particularly China and India. These shifts in global energy dynamics expose the limitations of EU influence and reflect a broader trend of Western dominance in shaping global energy supply chains. Furthermore, the EU's goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 is increasingly at odds with the geopolitical and economic realities of energy procurement, particularly as non-Western nations seek to protect their interests in a multipolar world.

In this video, we explore the multifaceted challenges facing the EU’s energy strategy, from regulatory clashes with key suppliers to the shifting geopolitical landscape. Join us as we unpack the implications of these developments for Europe's energy future and the broader global energy market.

 

MEANWHILE:

Germany should respond to the rising energy prices caused by Ukraine's refusal to transit Russian gas to EU countries by repairing and reactivating the Nord Stream pipelines, leftist German MP Sevim Dagdelen has proposed.

Ukraine refused to extend its transit contract with Russia’s Gazprom beyond the end of 2024, cutting off the flow of natural gas fomr Russia to Romania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Italy and Moldova.

Ukraine’s decision caused EU gas prices to spike to €50 per megawatt hour, a figure unseen since October 2023.

"Ukraine drives the energy price up further by stopping the transit of Russian gas in Europe,” Dagdelen wrote on X on Thursday, complaining that “the German government and the EU are happily watching the destruction of European industry due to high energy prices.”

Energy costs soared in Germany after the government renounced Russian oil and gas imports in 2022. Whereas the country once relied on Russia for around 55% of its natural gas supply, it has struggled to make up the shortfall, and its leading manufacturers – including Volkswagen, Bosch, and BASF – have all announced layoffs and plant closures.

Prior to the start of the Ukraine conflict, Germany received gas from Russia via the Nord Stream 1 pipelines, while Nord Stream 2 was due to come online in 2022. Berlin revoked the certification for Nord Stream 2 several days before Russia’s military operation in Ukraine began, and both sets of lines were destroyed in an act of sabotage in September of that year.

While German investigators have reportedly settled on the theory that the pipelines were destroyed by Ukrainian saboteurs, American journalist Seymour Hersh maintains that they were blown up by the CIA and US Navy. The head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Sergey Naryshkin, has blamed “professional saboteurs from the Anglo-American special services,” referring to the US and UK.

In her post, Dagdelen called for the pipelines to “finally be put into operation,” and for the German government to “stop giving money to Kiev!”

Dagdelen is a member of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), a leftist political faction that supports rapprochement with Russia and shares the right-wing Alternative for Germany’s (AfD) anti-immigration stance. The party’s leader, Sahra Wagenknecht, recently blamed the Ukraine conflict on the failure of the US to acknowledge Russia’s “red lines.”

READ MORE: German energy official asks citizens to save gas

Back in September, Wagenknecht declared that “if Ukraine is responsible for the terrorist act against the German energy supply, the arms deliveries must end immediately and the question of compensation must be put on the table.”

Dagdelen is not the first German MP to demand that Nord Stream be reopened. In September, AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla called the undersea pipes “a lifeline of German industry,” and declared that “Nord Stream must be repaired, opened, and secured.”

https://www.rt.com/news/610404-german-mp-nordstream/

 

THERE IS STILL ONE PIPE OUT OF THE FOUR THAT COULD BE OPERATIONAL IMMEDIATELY...

 

SEE ALSO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCKLXaOTuwk

 

SEE ALSO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3iViXu-tRc

China Cancels 150,000 Electric Car Orders from the EU: China's SANCTIONS Leave the EU in PANIC

 

SEE ALSO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQNEhQmCGIM

 

THE WEST KNOWS IT.

 

READ FROM TOP.

 

YOURDEMOCRACY.NET RECORDS HISTORY AS IT SHOULD BE — NOT AS THE WESTERN MEDIA WRONGLY REPORTS IT.

 

         Gus Leonisky

         POLITICAL CARTOONIST SINCE 1951.

 

HYPOCRISY ISN’T ONE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS SINS.

HENCE ITS POPULARITY IN THE ABRAHAMIC TRADITIONS…

 

 

PLEASE DO NOT BLAME RUSSIA IF WW3 STARTS. BLAME THE WEST.

 

under pressure....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Inj64hvn1Cw

EU in Shock: Russia DOMINATES WHEAT Supply

 

Russia’s wheat exports have reached record levels, totaling 45 million tons in the 2022-2023 season, significantly outpacing the European Union’s 35 million tons. This surge is driven by favorable weather and strategic market expansion into regions like Latin America and Africa, where Russian wheat is now more competitively priced than EU products.
In contrast, EU farmers are struggling due to adverse weather conditions and increased competition. Countries like France have seen their market share decline, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East. Farmers are calling for more support from the EU, but bureaucratic delays hinder effective responses.
The geopolitical landscape complicates matters further. Sanctions against Russia have inadvertently affected EU farmers, making it difficult for them to compete with Russian wheat. As Russia continues to dominate the market, the EU must reassess its agricultural policies to maintain competitiveness and support its farmers amidst these challenges.

 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pAb5oSSm24

EU's SHOCKING Decision That Will Impact Future Generations

 

EU's SHOCKING Decision That Will Impact Future Generations

European Union stated that there won’t be any gas supply issues in 2025, as they have secured gas transiting through pipelines from Germany and Italy, taken from gas storage reserves. Zelensky stated in an interview on the 2nd of January that he plans or organising elections in Ukraine after the hot phase of the war ends. He also talked about the Kursk operation.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuMEeCifj7o

Ursula von der Leyen CRUSHED by European Deputies: The TRUTH That Will SHOCK You!

 

In the aftermath of the European Council meeting on December 15, 2023, tensions within the European Union (EU) have reached a critical point. The meeting, initially convened to address pressing issues such as the escalating energy crisis and ongoing migration challenges, saw high-profile EU deputies publicly challenging the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. These confrontations exposed growing discontent with von der Leyen's handling of key EU policies, with leaders like Eva Joly, Manon Aubry, and Hildegard Bentele vocalizing concerns about her leadership and the direction of the EU.

Eva Joly, a prominent conservative figure, accused von der Leyen of making significant mistakes that have damaged the European economy, particularly the agricultural sector. Joly criticized the European Commission’s handling of the migration pact, warning that it poses risks to the safety of European citizens. She called for more transparency and accountability in the EU’s governance, suggesting that von der Leyen’s continued leadership could destabilize the union.

Manon Aubry, a leading figure within the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, echoed Joly's criticisms, particularly targeting von der Leyen’s economic and social policies. Aubry argued that the EU's focus on competitiveness and economic growth has neglected the needs of ordinary citizens, highlighting the increasing poverty and unemployment rates across Europe. She called for a shift in priorities, advocating for policies that genuinely address the pressing issues faced by vulnerable European populations.

Hildegard Bentele, from the European United Left–Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) group, expanded on these concerns, addressing the transition from Russian energy to costly green alternatives. She argued that von der Leyen’s ideological approach to energy policy has contributed to the destabilization of European industries, causing a loss of competitiveness and driving businesses out of the EU. Bentele also criticized von der Leyen’s migration policies, warning that they threaten social stability and security.

These criticisms reflect a broader dissatisfaction with von der Leyen’s leadership, pointing to economic stagnation, social unrest, and a decline in public trust in EU institutions. Rising energy costs, high inflation, and economic uncertainty are further exacerbating these challenges, with surveys indicating a growing disillusionment with the EU's political elite. The deputies’ calls for greater transparency, accountability, and policies that prioritize citizens’ welfare resonate with a significant portion of the population, especially as the EU navigates complex issues like geopolitical tensions, energy security, and migration.

As the EU prepares for upcoming elections, the future of von der Leyen’s leadership remains uncertain. Will the European Union embrace a new direction, or will it continue with its current trajectory? This video delves into the growing discontent within the EU, exploring how these internal debates could shape the future of Europe’s political landscape.

 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn_yQJo8TPU

Trump’s Aggressive Move to Destroy the U S Europe Bond!

 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBJnObgUrSU

China Saves Spain From Economic Collapse: This Shocking Shift Has Europe In Turmoil!

 

A Rift Within Europe
Spain’s refusal to back the EU’s push for tariffs is deepening divisions within the bloc. As China’s €400 billion trade surplus with Europe continues to grow, Spain is advocating for dialogue over confrontation—a move that challenges the EU’s strategy to counter China’s expanding influence. But at what cost? Could this position create lasting fractures in Europe’s united front?

Impacts on Trade and Industries
We explore how Spain’s decision could affect European exporters and industries, with particular focus on Spain’s agricultural sector, which relies heavily on trade. Could this shift open new opportunities for Spain while putting other EU industries at risk? Or will it embolden China’s position in global markets, further tilting the balance of power?

Geopolitical Stakes and Economic Insights
This decision goes beyond economics. Spain’s pivot is a signal of shifting geopolitical alliances, with the potential to redefine Europe’s relationship with China. We analyze the upcoming EU vote on tariffs, Spain’s critical role in shaping future trade policies, and the potential long-term economic implications for the EU if Spain’s approach gains traction.

What This Means for Europe’s Global Standing
Packed with the latest data, expert analysis, and insights from key stakeholders, this video examines how Spain’s dramatic turn could influence the EU’s global strategy. Will this move lead to a new precedent in European trade policy, or is it a risky gamble that could backfire?

Stay tuned as we break down why this moment is pivotal for Europe’s economy and its position in the global market. Subscribe now to stay informed on this unfolding story and its implications for the future of European trade and diplomacy.

 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM4OznWDf_Q

Russia warns the US and EU about freezing their assets worth $288 billion. The latest sanctions from the EU and US against Russia have triggered a retaliatory wave of countermeasures from the Kremlin. Russia’s response, announced on December 28, 2024, includes targeting $280 billion worth of Western assets within its borders. This escalation follows the EU’s 15th sanctions package, introduced on December 16, aiming to further isolate Russia

The West, however, holds a strategic advantage, having frozen $300 billion in Russian central bank reserves and $58 billion in assets from oligarchs, including yachts, luxury estates, and private jets. High-profile seizures include Alisher Usmanov’s $750 million yacht and Roman Abramovich’s $7 billion in investments.

In contrast, Russia’s $288 billion in targeted Western assets are decentralized, spanning various industries, making coordinated seizures more challenging. To enforce its sanctions, Russia has implemented severe measures, such as forcing Western businesses to sell assets at a 50% discount, imposing a 35% "departure tax," and restricting profit repatriation. Companies like Carlsberg, Danone, and PepsiCo face steep financial losses and operational hurdles.

Recent developments include Russia's takeover of Danone's operations and ExxonMobil’s exit without reclaiming assets. Other major firms like Siemens and Unilever are selling assets at significant losses, while PepsiCo and Coca-Cola remain operational but unable to repatriate profits.

The EU’s response includes protective measures for its businesses, such as nullifying Russian court orders and extending deadlines for market exits to 2025. These efforts aim to shield European companies while maintaining economic stability.

Geopolitically, these sanctions and countermeasures deepen tensions, risking broader economic impacts. Russia, emphasizing self-sufficiency, signals it won’t yield to Western pressure, while its isolation could lead to long-term stagnation. Meanwhile, Western companies must reassess strategies for volatile markets.

The economic standoff highlights significant risks for global investors, eroding trust in cross-border business. The escalating measures threaten to spiral into a full-scale economic war, with unpredictable consequences for the global economy.

As nations grapple with these challenges, the conflict underscores the complexities of navigating economic and geopolitical power in an increasingly interconnected world. Whether diplomacy or further escalation prevails remains uncertain, with potential global repercussions.

 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPkc5h-aI-k

In recent years, the world has faced several interconnected crises: high inflation, an energy shortage, food scarcity, and the ongoing climate crisis. These issues are deeply linked, and addressing them requires a comprehensive approach. Focusing on just one won't solve the others. Without effective solutions, there's a real fear of a global recession, which would have significant effects on climate action and the global economy.

At the heart of these challenges is Europe's ambitious plan to lead the electric vehicle market. This plan aimed to achieve energy independence, reduce emissions, and secure a strong position in the changing global economy. Companies like Northvolt were central to this movement, promising to produce EV batteries locally that could compete with global manufacturers.

However, significant challenges have emerged. Rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and intense global competition have pushed Europe's EV ambitions to the edge. Northvolt's story highlights these struggles. Founded in 2016 with support from major players like Volkswagen and Goldman Sachs, Northvolt was seen as a beacon of hope for Europe's electric future. It aimed to revolutionize the battery supply chain. Yet, in November 2024, Northvolt filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States, marking a serious setback for Europe's vision of global leadership in electric vehicles.

 

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THE WEST KNOWS IT.

 

READ FROM TOP.

 

YOURDEMOCRACY.NET RECORDS HISTORY AS IT SHOULD BE — NOT AS THE WESTERN MEDIA WRONGLY REPORTS IT.

 

         Gus Leonisky

         POLITICAL CARTOONIST SINCE 1951.

 

HYPOCRISY ISN’T ONE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS SINS.

HENCE ITS POPULARITY IN THE ABRAHAMIC TRADITIONS…

 

 

PLEASE DO NOT BLAME RUSSIA IF WW3 STARTS. BLAME EUROPE.