Understanding the War in Ukraine (14) - Denmark and EU enlargement with Fabrizio Tassinari

[@zuborest]

Thanks for this encouraging conclusion, Alexander Stubb. As a Ukrainian I clearly remember my self at 16 years old when I was standing in Kyiv square during the Orange Revolution having the euphoria that just in a few year my country will join the EU. Many years have passed, I matured and travelled the world visiting over 120 countries. Currently I'm, reporting from Ukraine and still believe in the teenage dream. Le'ts hope for Europe's unification eventually with all truly European nations.

[@gnmh1604]

Dear Orest, I am sure that after everything that has happened, all EU countries are eager to include Ukraine in the EU. In Portugal, as in most countries, the population and local infrastructures are doing everything to support our brother in this war. Together,we're going to rebuild all the parts of the country that were attacked.

[@HedgehogZone]

The corrupt ukraine is not worth to be even a candidate!

[@imnotanalien7839]

As an American, I am very interested in what is happening in Europe and in the EU. These interviews are fascinating….. because so little is reported (understandably) here on the politics…. under the hood politics of Europe and the EU. Europe and the EU….that would be another descriptive title for this lecture series. I look forward to listening in to such wonderful conversations with ‘people in the field’ of government and politics and decision making. Thank you for including…. the far reaches of your outside world! The outside world is listening and interested in your in depth discussions. 🌻

[@uweinhamburg]

Hi there, i am German and a convinced EU supporter. Lately i have started to call myself simply a EUropean and the European Union just EUrope. I have no problem if someone from Serbia or England insists that he is European too - they do live in the continent of Europe. I guess when you called yourself an American, you meant US American and you didn't want to point out that you're from Venezuela or Chile... The EU has a bigger share of the area, population and GDP of the European continent than the USA holds from the Americas - my standard argument, when someone doesn't like the EUrope idea 😉

[@daniellarson3068]

Imnotanalien - You are sure right about the news thing. Only big stories from Canada and Mexico seem to break into the news in the US. These are good conversations and I hope this Swede - Finn fellow continues them.

[@RobBCactive]

It's good that you're interested 😁 Having lived and worked in several European countries and having travelled to other continents I strongly feel the nationalists are on the wrong side of history. They seem to be about corruption and division.

[@louisecorchevolle9241]

Danemark is a "rogue state" participating to phone taping in favor of USA and Merkel and Macrons 's cell phone Danemark.Danemark did not want to fully integrate European Arms but integrated fully US coalition illegal of the USA invasion on Irak 2003 as puddle of Uncle Sam (this "excursion" made 1/2 deaths), according to Swedish radio " Sveriges Radio, some Danes made war crimes on Iraq Half Swedish French I think there is "something rotten in Kingdom of Danemark. Dnemaks integrations referendum, in my opinion is a non event

[@JamesC785]

@@RobBCactive Good point

[@cynthiaarnold1371]

Thank you for these discussions. I have watched all of them and look forward to each new one. I am leaning much from them.

[@josephstarr1014]

a few years ago i would have been very opposed to the EU, then along came the brexit shitshow & the russian warmongering & aggeression, events have forced a change of heart. the EU is far from perfect but the european democracies now need to stand together in these strange times.

[@patrickmoriarty7273]

Very informative ~ always well done ~ thanks for this series

[@louisecorchevolle9241]

Danemark is a "rogue state" participating to phone taping in favor of USA and Merkel and Macrons 's cell phone Danemark.Danemark did not want to fully integrate European Arms but integrated fully US coalition illegal of the USA invasion on Irak 2003 as puddle of Uncle Sam (this "excursion" made 1/2 deaths), according to Swedish radio " Sveriges Radio, some Danes made war crimes on Iraq Half Swedish French I think there is "something rotten in Kingdom of Danemark. Dnemaks integrations referendum, in my opinion is a non event

[@sharoncloete4060]

Good afternoon from South Africa 🇿🇦 Thanks for the very informative sessions. Much appreciated. Sharon

[@michaelg5587]

Great discussion as usual. If it was make-a-wish-day id ask for 3 more topics to be covered; 1) Hungary&Serbia 2) Does the EU have a plan to deal with social media&populism 3) How does the EU plan to convince its citizens that geostrategy is a matter of survival (and worth to pay more for your gas)

[@b.b.b.6416]

Very interesting from a Danish perspective! Remember that the opt-outs were created by a few left-wing parties to move a few thousand votes to secure a yes in a 2nd maastricht referendum (the Edinburgh agreement) - they were never the will of a majority of Danes. That said the Danes remains fiercely opposed to the gigantic bureaucracy of the EU. Therefore additional EU referendums could get a No - unless EU changes! In a Nordic/Baltic perspective the Danes are thrilled about the accession of Sweden and Finland in Nato due to our many cultural and societal similarities, good economies and democratic non-corrupt governments. In an EU perspective Turkey will never become a member - they simply don’t belong to Europe neither in a geographical perspective or any other perspective! And yes we regret admitting countries like Hungary who isn’t entirely democratic and doesn’t seem to commit to the EU principles….

[@louisecorchevolle9241]

Danemark is a "rogue state" participating to phone taping in favor of USA and Merkel and Macrons 's cell phone Danemark.Danemark did not want to fully integrate European Arms but integrated fully US coalition illegal of the USA invasion on Irak 2003 as puddle of Uncle Sam (this "excursion" made 1/2 deaths), according to Swedish radio " Sveriges Radio, some Danes made war crimes on Iraq Half Swedish French I think there is "something rotten in Kingdom of Danemark. Dnemaks integrations referendum, in my opinion is a non event

[@nickames3808]

Everybody needs to WATCH all the videos about the Danish Soldiers in particular, in Afghanistan. And the other Nordics. They were FIERCE! Also, people forget, or don't know, that at one time Swedish Mercenaries were highly sought after. Valhalla!

[@JamesC785]

considering the presnt situation it's hard to forget that Sweden was an empire & that St Petersburg used to be Swedish.

[@Hitjuich]

Dane here I just want to clarify that we do not have a op-out of Schengen. We have three op-outs: the Euro, politics regarding Law and order and op-out of European citizenship (which is void). Otherwise a good interview.

[@anni8456]

This channel has become an Alexander Stubb show and I’m not mad about it

[@iam.damian]

Hello from Denmark :)

[@phoeniximperator]

the 24 of February will be our 9/11 in many ways

[@Lowkicksfordayz]

Stop talking , stop discussing , it isn’t changing anything . Stop talking and start doing .

[@Kartoffelsuppe_m_Wursteinlage]

What is the danish decisions worth this time? At the moment it seems to be advantorous to seek the solidary help of the EU. Coming year they vote opt-out and save the cost.

[@louisecorchevolle9241]

Danemark is a "rogue state" participating to phone taping in favor of USA and Merkel and Macrons 's cell phone Danemark.Danemark did not want to fully integrate European Arms but integrated fully US coalition illegal of the USA invasion on Irak 2003 as puddle of Uncle Sam (this "excursion" made 1/2 deaths), according to Swedish radio " Sveriges Radio, some Danes made war crimes on Iraq Half Swedish French I think there is "something rotten in Kingdom of Danemark. Dnemaks integrations referendum, in my opinion is a non event

[@chrisallen3741]

Very interesting conversation….and im not casting stones…but i want to ask…it kinda sounds like there is a need to join natio now but maybe later go back? It seems like it could be in the works ? Idk

[@vernonsheldon-witter1225]

Ukraine has been a European Nation, since the days of the Kievan Rus. It is time to bring them in.

[@dirtmcgirt6531]

If those candidate countries have to ask the question "what do we get out of that?" they are shurely not ready or in general not compatibility with the eu. The standards and values the eu is asking those countries to uphold are nothing they should have to endure to get some reward at the end because that is not sustainable and they will absolut stop follwing eu regulations as soon as they are a full member and its not anymore convenient to them. The biggest threat to the european idea are members like Polan and Hungary how see the eu as a atm that has to support their developing economies but otherwise should be ignored or even blackmailed.

[@cynthiaarnold1371]

Poland is such a baffling case to me. For so long they suffered under USSR control. And now they want to move towards authoritarianism again?

[@crosstraffic187]

Agreed. And this idea of fast tracking countries into the EU could create more problems than benefits for the EU.

[@madamesaundere]

@@cynthiaarnold1371 Its a temporary blip on the political chart and has more to do with voting demographics than anything else. The older population were indoctrinated by the Soviets, and as such hate the russian model, but don't truly understand democracy either. Trust me, I live here, its weird!

[@molinarabina4635]

Hello from philipines

[@sumiland6445]

Question: what happens if ... IF Russia declares war on Europe before Finland and Sweden join NATO?

[@caenterprisellc6922]

I can't. 🤭You are so funny. 😂😂

[@TheoEvian]

I think due to the war we are starting to see a funny split in the EU where the post-communist countries would totally support Ukraine becoming a member of the EU (except Hungary of course, which might have its own quite scary geo-political plans considering revision of the status quo from 1919) as it basically embodies the core ideas of EU for them while the old EU countries are much colder in that regard. As you were talking about the "absorbing" of new EU countries it seems that the old members think that there must be a kind of "assimilation" of Czechs and Poles into the way the Germans and French think about EU. But that is impossible because they simply are not Germans nor French. Even the pro-EU people in V4 for example (and let me tell you that there are many crazy right-wing eurosceptics in that part of the world) have different ideas and priorities for EU than Germans - for example they are staunchly pro-nuclear and support that policy in the EU parliament. So I don't think the idea of "assimilating" or "absorbing" the younger members is very smart - and it is basically what the anti-EU forces in that part of the world are claiming the EU is doing all along. Are they correct?

[@hammersholt]

Denmark doesn't have an opt-out from Schengen

[@nickames3808]

ARMADILLO is the name of the doc about Danish Troops. And there's other vids

[@steffenb.jrgensen2014]

Many sensible and wise comments on the background and potential of the Danish yes to EU defence co-operation. But just to be sure - the Danish scepticism towards handing over sovereignty to EU is as strong as ever and is unlikely to change in any foreseeable future. IOW the yes was due to Putin and not EU.

[@andrewcole4843]

There is some sort of parallel universe going on here. Core EU failed in its mobilisation to support Ukraine, it was rebel of Poland and Lithuania, along with UK-US-Canada that made the quint to help from 2014 and I for one was very disappointed but not surprised that the Danish politicians hid behind Germany and France when they had been happy to throw East Europe under the Russian bus. The Danish social democrat politicians were downright abusive about the UK role in stepping into the breach, blissfully unaware that they had been a 6 point game win for Putin and should feels some responsibility for the EU allowing Franco-German arms sales to Russia. That said the irony of it is that when it all went wrong, the valid fear of Swedes and Finns that they would be picked off, then provided the catalyst for Denmark to belatedly wake up to the fact that they are pivotal to Scandinavian defence. Whether the referendum vote is the right one depends on learning lessons that the Franco-German led appeasement does not work (no sign in this clip) otherwise there will be the same bullying that Lithuania and Poland had. I suspect that if it were not for the Poles/Brits leveraging and embarrassing the US then EU youth into action it would be too late for the EU to play these games of history reinvention, but still no matter the route, I applaud if Scandinavia does get its act together in combined defence.

[@joelmccoy9969]

An opt-out makes so much sense for Dänmark. Why hobble your country and politicians with a policy that the public might not support when things get tough?

[@Khasidon]

As a Dane I voted to remove the opt out. It didn't make sense at all. Most of the countries in the EU are NATO members but in relation to the EU we weren't allies.

[@sandytucker9706]

What is your position on global institutional reform (NATO, UN, EU). I have been watching Russia’s invasion in the war inflicted on Ukraine and I find that the UN has not fulfilled its responsibilities under article 1. In summary of the article it states that it is the UN responsibility to intervene in the early stages of a conflict to maintain and bring about world peace. Zelensky said as much in his address to the UN. Compared to former Yugoslavia’s conflict in the 1990’s the UN actively sent peace keepers + NATO troops to prevent a genocide. The current Ukraine events demonstrates similar issues of intent from Russia. There seems to be discrepancies in response and action, which indicates a need to reform the institutions and/or guidelines. Why isn’t NATO in the Black Sea escorting Ukrainian grain ships? Why do applicants to NATO have to wait for unanimous consent? A rule of majority is a democratic principle yet NATO hasn’t applied that approach. In my opinion everything is on the table to be reevaluated and adjusted within the international structures written in treaties/agreements etc. What do you think?

[@robertneely5148]

t's time to unleash the full military force of NATO against the Russian forces in Ukraine. A version of the "shock and awe" campaign against Iraq would be appropriate

[@TheFirebird123456]

I just noticed. In this entire series of now 13 episodes. Not a single one of them has solely focused on Ukraine. Is that bc u think the country is not relevant anymore? Or is it that u havent gotten around to it. I understand that the school is about transnational org and governance but arent the foremost questions should be what do the ukrainians want and ultimately what is the future.

[@jansix4287]

Nope. Ukraine is simply close to Russia and therefore geographically easy to attack. But the stated enemies of Russia are NATO expansion, EU influence, US hegemony as well as NGOs and so-called _"foreign agents"_ in Russia itself. Ukraine is the battleground, but the enemy is the West. Russia fights against the liberal world order. Of course one can’t kill a world order in just one country, but you also can’t defend a world order in just one country. It’s the unity of the West, which upholds our idea of international norms and principles. That’s why symbolic acts of unity in Scandinavia are even more important than the line of the front in Donbass. We’re not fighting over the control of this or that village, but the taboo of forcible border displacements in general.

[@stormelemental13]

Because the focus is not on Ukraine itself, but on the effects of the war in a broader political and EU specific sense.

[@krasya13]

Which factors define eu-capacity? Why eu reached capacity?

[@vaultsjan]

One is elections, democratic govt, independence of powers (Ukraine has/had big troubles with independence of court system)

[@mikaseppanen1632]

Democratic countrys...Hungary moving to ( Russia model ) are member of EU..Thats why, EU Dont need more of this..When all other Countrys say yes..Hungary says NO..Maybe they better of in RUSSIAN Federation.?

[@mikaseppanen1632]

RT News do some tricks in those Countrys..And we Have Freedom of speach in EU..

[@vaultsjan]

@@mikaseppanen1632 Hungary is milking EU, without the subsidies he cant survive for long. Impression I got (from locals) is that voting for Orban is classic city vs rural, older vs younger population thing (havent verified/read polls on this tho).

[@mikaseppanen1632]

@@vaultsjan I know Hungary Military is Nato..WHAT a FUCK you DOING.. You Got Garantees for energy..Still..You Paray for Europe..Putin 2.0..Get FCK OUT

[@punkaru]

EU is, and always has been, primerely an ECONOMIC union. "EU enlargement" is a nesesasary policy, that the EU cannot allow itself to simply stop, as it will create economic competition on one hand, and limit the marketing advantages that large EU companies get from it. This is especially true for the richer member states, the same ones which still look down upon new East European members. Btw, exactly which member states did you mean Mr. Tassinari, when you said "EU got "burnt" by accepting? Might be a good idea for you to visit the EU archive in Salviati, and check the accession negotiation documents for "those" countries, and then judge which side got "burnt"! Also, remember that this same EU made peaceful coexistence in Europe possible after 1945, thus, it must continue to "absorb" the other countries in Europe (and not only), as to insure that no Russian missles will land on its cities, from their territory one day. Thanks God that the State Department still has a say over the EU, otherwise it would have long been gone and forgotten, and only existent in the history books.

[@cmdv42]

💯🙌

[@emom358]

These lectures are fascinating, but I wonder about the rest of the world. African nations are looking to Russia and China to help them. Haven't seen much about Central or South America. There is a little more about Asia.

[@valdaniels4078]

What are the possible ramifications of this war for Ukraine, if Ukraine wins?

[@doomedwit1010]

How does "win" get defined. 1. Putin secures what Russia holds. It less of a loss than everyone expected. We basically have a new trilaleral pseudo cold war. My guess is Russia looks south. My guess is Ukraine never recovers and becomes a no man's land. China grows strong as Russia has no choice but to bow to Chinese wishes. The West scrambles for energy. And implodes or goes full drilling. 2. Ukraine establishes pre Feb 24 borders. I think this means the fall of Putin. Who fills the vacuum? I think we see either a massive investment in rebuilding Ukraine and they align west? But agree not to join Nato or base NATO troops, or the U.S. falls apart and Ukraine is on its own. Its government probably starts to look more like India. Never pro Russian, but maybe not pro West really. It basically is a no man's land unless they pull off an amazing effort. 3. Complete collapse of Russia and retaking Crimea... I have no idea. It depends who ceases power. Russia becomes a cauldron with nukes?

[@gotshot8355]

With western balkans is not really enlargement!!!! Western balkans are in the middle of Europe 🤣🤣 how you can leave a black hole in the middle of Europe!!! Enlargement is with Moldova Ukraine and Georgia!!!

[@noahway13]

I don't think NATO membership is a big deal. It is too large and bloated and requires 100% votes to allow new members. That is crazy. And if the US and Europe will defend Ukraine, it will most assuredly protect the Nordic countries.

[@stephenbuck1280]

The EU Defence policy is a vanity project with no practical use. You will never achieve consensus on any of these issues. The EU would never have agreed to take part in the Falklands war or any other intervention in the past 40 years. NATO provides the common defence standards, tactics, ethos and strategy. Denmark joining the EU Common Defence policy would not make any difference to their defence or the situation in Ukraine. It is NATO and mainly the US who provide security in Europe. The EU response to the Ukraine war has been very weak, ineffectual and slow. If it had been left to the EU, Ukraine would have been defeated by now and Putin would be eyeing up the Baltic states. I am thankful that the UK and US were able to lead in helping Ukraine and have dragged the EU with them. France and Germany have failed to give any leadership and are trying to pressure Ukraine to surrender to give Putin victory. This crisis has exposed the weakness of the EU.

[@joefreeman9733]

Stephen Buck. You are essentially correct in your analysis. France and Germany form a large part of the EU GDP and population.without their active and enthusiastic participation in NATO and their appropriate military contributions NATO is not what it should be. Turkey is a major problem for NATO also . It is politically and economically unstable perpetually quarreling with Greece and now blocking Finland and Swed e ns joining NATO. The idea that the EU could form its own self defense force and effectively defend Europe against a revanchist and expansionist Russua is ludicrous. Germany would be the natural leader of such a theoretical force but French ego would never accept that. If the French were in charge the main question would be how soon it could surrender. And the Germans have been so completely emasculated that they would be doing business with Russia as it reacquired half of their country.

[@olexandrpalko7461]

IInteresting, Are you even thinking about inviting some Ukrainian experts to talk about Ukraine?

[@vaultsjan]

Serbia in EU would be a Trojan horse, society is looking towards Russia, not "west".

[@joeroganpodfantasy42]

Alexander Stubb you don't understand Balkans. You have been waving that carrot stick of EU for a long time now 30 years maybe. And even the homework provided have been completed , so the Balkans held their part of the deal now it's you who have to hold the other part. For this EU dream Albania was turned into a one party system cause that's literally the only direction the country want's so there is no opposition. I don't know what big trouble he is talking about but that's mainly a negotiation tactic they have no power really to do anything.

[@fischersfritz468]

3 words: corruption, corruption, corruption

[@jehanc]

I love your video. Can you tell me how Finish can speak English so well.

[@danopus2070]

Luke 9:60KJV

[@thusspokezarathustra]

If the EU Commission thinks a bit further than its nose, then serious consideration should be given to setting long-term goals for Russia to join as the final cherry on top. But! and a big But, there must be clear achievable goals set. With targeted benefits and rewards for reaching those goals. In order for Russia to be considered, it should agree to implementing democratic principals: free and fair elections; free and unbounded medial, including critical media; agree that ALL of the old Soviet era regime step down and let the new open-minded younger generation take responsibility for Russia future; install a clear and transparent disarmament schedule in tandem with the US and possibly China; that direct business links between the state and oligarchs be disassembled and either the gas, oil and coal assets be bundled into a state owned entity for the benefit of ALL citizens; then by consensus begin aligning Russian state policy and best practises with that of the EU. Focus on a 10 year window in which these goals are achieved in well orchestrated steps. Some of the reward would be a reconstruction package to rebuild and reconstitute the state apparatus so that it service the whole population of Russia equally. The idea is founded on the principal, that Russia will developed best if aligned with the free world and integrated within Europe, than the opposite; having Russia continue going about its style of Cold War kickback politics and remain politically a dangerous 'loose cannon'. Unfortunately, Putin and his 'assistants' must bow out and take a pleasant retirement - at least they will retire in a Russia, within Europe, with a far better future than they were leading Russia towards.

[@louisecorchevolle9241]

Danemark is a "rogue state" participating to phone taping in favor of USA and Merkel and Macrons 's cell phone Danemark.Danemark did not want to fully integrate European Arms but integrated fully US coalition illegal of the USA invasion on Irak 2003 as puddle of Uncle Sam (this "excursion" made 1/2 deaths), according to Swedish radio " Sveriges Radio, some Danes made war crimes on Iraq Half Swedish French I think there is "something rotten in Kingdom of Danemark. Dnemaks integrations referendum, in my opinion is a non event

[@talideon]

Russia isn't looking to join the EU. Russia wants no part of the EU. The EU is antithetical to Russia's outlook on the world, which is that of a nation that sees itself as a great power that is just temporarily embarrassed. The EU is a union of countries that realise that they are small and thus stronger cooperating together. The shift required in Russia to leave its notions of glory behind would be massive. If all the former constituents of the USSR in Europe were to join the EU, Russia _by choice_ would be the last.

[@daveconnolly5264]

How disappointing to hear this from so called Euro experts. Europe going headlong into a 5 year recession due to ever rising fossil fuel prices. Check out US physicist Mark Mills for a proper recent analysis

[@Khasidon]

No one is claiming that Europe is heading to a 5 year recession.

[@vasantipunchoo3699]

Why is nato so reluctant to accept the accession of ukraine as one of its members? Why is the e.u equally reluctant. All that puts ukraine in a pathetic and tragic situation of being unsupported on both sides .,Russia, and nato .

[@Carewolf]

NATO doesn not accept countries with active conflicts, and Ukraine has since 2014 had a conflict with with Russia. And the EU require a harmonization of laws, and a certain lower level of corruption that Ukraine is nowhere near fullfilling, and problems with recent new members that weren't quite ready, have made the rest more reluctant to let in more countries before they are more European.

[@HedgehogZone]

It is broke, and will mostlikly be an eternal costfactor, it is very corrupt, it is so pathetic it still loses after getting weapons from 40+ countrys, ukrainians are just not good enough to be even an eu candidate!

[@davydacounsellor]

The Russian army is creating barbaric action, ok I've seen young russian servicemen live, castrated and their throats cut, the Ukrainian Georgian Legion, jumping about with glee as the young men gurgle in their own blood slowly dying, I've seen Ukrainian army servicemen shooting Russian POWs in the legs some of them by the looks of them will bleed to death, hundreds of mariopol citizens telling stories of neighbors men, women and children being shot by Ukrainian sniper's. Hundreds of stories of ordinary people tell their experience. So barbaric yes on both sides, keep it straight!!!!

[@louisecorchevolle9241]

Danemark is a "rogue state" participating to phone taping in favor of USA and Merkel and Macrons 's cell phone Danemark.Danemark did not want to fully integrate European Arms but integrated fully US coalition illegal of the USA invasion on Irak 2003 as puddle of Uncle Sam (this "excursion" made 1/2 deaths), according to Swedish radio " Sveriges Radio, some Danes made war crimes on Iraq Half Swedish French I think there is "something rotten in Kingdom of Danemark. Dnemaks integrations referendum, in my opinion is a non event

[@1stPrinciples455]

Hypocrisy of the World : 1. Invasions , in general, are Legally Allowed. Yes, War rules exist precisely for this purpose. Else there is no need for War rules if wars are not allowed. War rules serves to cover the backsides of those who Allow Invasions. 2. War is lucrative business for big powers. 3. Invasions can be made illegal via International Law. World Sanctions can be imposed as penalty and World defense response can also serve as deterrent. But this has not been done. Instead, Invasions are Legally Allowed, in general. Britannica even says once victorious, Invaders Legally Own the Invaded land. We can see that the World is Designed by the Powerful for the Powerful. There is Only 1 Interest that's real. It's called Self Interest. No politician is not in it Not for Self interest. Self Interest is for everyone. This means don't be fooled by politicians.

[@madamesaundere]

You're also a human, and as such also are motivated by self-interest. Don't make it into a giant hypocrisy just because its human nature writ large.

[@MichaelLowry67]

These fools are deluded Yankee puppets.