I think this news won't dominate the headlines, but I think it is a clear sign the circle of authoritarians have lost the plot. Europe turned out to have too many cards. This seems intended to hit Germany and destroy its industrial base (after the billions of dollars in coerced investments in the USA). But part of me thinks this is also an assignment given by the Russian handler in last week's 90 minutes phone call.
Note that Trump managed to alienate Stubb, Merz and Meloni by now. I left out Macron, as the rift with Macron came earlier. In my view, it is quite over now. I don't expect Merz trying to flatter the American president, nor do I expect Europe to accept further extortion.
