I don’t think Europeans fully appreciate what is happening to the European Union right now. The EU is under an extraordinary, multi-front assault, both from outside and from within. And I struggle to think of another period in its history when so many powerful actors had an interest in weakening it simultaneously. Russia has spent years waging hybrid warfare against Europe. Weaponised migration, sabotage, cyberattacks, coordinated disinformation campaigns, bot networks and political interference. The objective is clear: undermine trust in democratic institutions, deepen social divisions and weaken European unity. China has different motivations, primarily economic and geopolitical. A fragmented Europe is easier to pressure, easier to negotiate with individually and less capable of defending its economic interests. And then there is the United States. Perhaps the most disturbing development of all. Under Trump and MAGA, a country that helped rebuild the old continent and then spent decades supporting European integration now has an administration openly hostile to much of what the EU represents. Its own National Security Strategy even calls for cultivating resistance to Europe’s current political direction. Think about that for a moment. Meanwhile, within Europe, parts of the far right and far left amplify these divisions, whether through ideological alignment, political opportunism or outright sympathy for authoritarian regimes. This doesn’t mean Russia, China and MAGA are all following some jointly coordinated master plan. They don’t have to. Their interests increasingly overlap, and Europe’s internal divisions make their work considerably easier. What makes this particularly alarming is what is actually at stake. For all its flaws, the EU remains one of the world’s most consequential projects built around liberal democracy, the rule of law, individual freedoms and cooperation between nations. At a time when authoritarianism is gaining ground and even longstanding democracies are showing disturbing tendencies, that matters enormously. Europe is far from perfect. Its bureaucracy, indecision and inability to act decisively are real problems. But the answer cannot be to retreat into 27 competing nation-states, each too small to meaningfully influence a world increasingly dominated by continental powers. Quite the opposite. Europe needs deeper integration, stronger common institutions, genuine strategic autonomy and the political courage to defend its interests and values. Because fragmentation is precisely what so many external actors want. And perhaps that’s the central irony of our time: people are being deliberately manipulated into believing that the reverse is true — that national identity and sovereignty can only be protected by weakening European cooperation. In reality, a divided Europe is less sovereign, less secure and far easier for outside powers to pressure. Therefore the very thing that will make Europe stronger is the thing its adversaries are working hardest to prevent. A united Europe is a geopolitical power. A divided Europe is a collection of countries waiting to be played against one another.

Trump doubles down on his move toward Russia and away from Europe:

🛡️ #EUDefence innovation is gaining unprecedented momentum, with a record 612 project proposals submitted under the #EDF 2026 calls for a €1bn envelope. 🤝 Through collaboration - with 🇺🇦 UA on board - we turn innovation into concrete capabilities. 🔗 link.europa.eu/MTfwvr

Defence industry is no longer confined to the rear. In multidomain operations, the ability to develop, adapt, connect and sustain military capabilities can directly shape what happens on the battlefield. New analysis on Ejércitos: ejercitos.org/en/defence-ind…

👋 ¡Buenos días desde nuestro #RetiroElcano2026 en #Bruselas! En un año tan especial como el del 40 aniversario de la adhesión de España a la Unión Europea, dedicamos nuestro encuentro anual a reflexionar sobre el futuro de la UE.

Europe overcame the launcher crisis. But now we face the next, maybe even bigger challenge. In the next ten years, an expected 50,000 satellites will be launched into space worldwide. For defence. For the economy. For mega constellations. ⬇️1/6

Bienvenue à Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, cher voisin @MarkJCarney ! Moment historique. Première visite officielle d’un Premier ministre canadien sur cette terre française d’Amérique du Nord. Dans un monde en crise, notre amitié est une force. Nous affirmons ensemble notre souveraineté, notre liberté de décider et notre volonté de bâtir un avenir de paix et de prospérité.

Hace hoy siete años desde que empezó la aventura de «El infinito en un junco». A mi tribu lectora, gracias infinitas por convertir lo impensable en imparable. 📷 Laura C. Vela

There are many areas where Spain, Canada & EU can collaborate even more. From trade & investment to security & IA, we should strengthen our bilateral links. Spain is already working to do so. I have visited Canada 3 times over the past 2 years to help drive this effort.

Elle sait très bien que la Commission détient depuis 1957 un pouvoir de proposition et qu’il appartient ensuite aux États au sein de Conseil et au Parlement Européen de trancher. La malhonnêteté des dirigeants politiques sur le fonctionnement de l’UE me stupéfie toujours.

As US Ambassador to NATO on 9/11, the first to call me to suggest we invoke Article 5 was Canadian Ambassador David Wright. Our allies came to our rescue that terrible day. I’ll call David this morning 25 years later to thank him and our great neighbor Canada once again!

Drones recreated the Twin Towers above New York Harbor on Wednesday to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The display used 2,977 lights, one for each person killed in the attacks 25 years ago, organizers said.

Happy to see Columbus at the White House, a symbol of the contribution of Italians and Italian Americans to the history and fabric of the United States.

🎙️David Luengo from @IndraCompany takes the floor on behalf of the sponsors 🗣️He thanks @IratxeGarper, President of @TheProgressives for her "European vocation" and being "responsible" 🎙️"Without trust organizations don't exist" 💻Watch it live👇 youtube.com/live/lImndSS5sq4