Brussels Playbook Podcast
POLITICO’s daily audio briefing on what’s moving Brussels — and why it matters. The Brussels Playbook Podcast is the audio extension of the Brussels Playbook newsletter. Hosted by POLITICO's chief EU correspondent, Zoya Sheftalovich, the podcast runs Monday through Thursday, offering a clear, reporting-driven guide to EU politics in under 15 minutes. Each episode takes listeners inside the decisions, power shifts and debates shaping the day in Brussels — and explains how they connect to national capitals across Europe. On Fridays, the same feed features a longer episode that goes deeper into the week’s biggest themes.
Afleveringen
How to find a job in the age of AI
Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping Europe’s job market. The Commission is hoping to do something about that.
Today on the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton discuss the unveiling of Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu's Education and Skills Package. In it, the EU executive sets out plans to boost vocational education and training for jobs that require physical presence and manual e
Europe wakes up to a blue tsunami in the US midterms
Overnight, the Democratic party has won the U.S. Senate and made decisive gains in the House. But this might not necessarily be good news for Europe.
On this special episode, Zoya Sheftalovich is joined by Sarah Wheaton in Brussels and our Global Politics Bureau Chief Jack Blanchard, who is ringing in from Washington. Jack will give us a picture of election night and the "generational changing of
Poland's court fight boils over
Poland's long-simmering rule-of-law issue reached boiling point this weekend. So, what now?
On today's show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Kathryn Carlson unpack Prime Minister Donald Tusk's efforts to undo judicial appointments made under the previous right-wing Law and Justice government. Tusk's administration argues that removing these PiS-era appointees is essential to bringing Poland back into line
Canada, coffins and confessionals
The jet lag has barely worn off, but Brussels is already grappling with what its new relationship with Canada could actually look like.
After the 48-hour whirlwind EU-Canada summit in Montreal, Prime Minister Mark Carney has given the EU six months to hash out what “associate membership” actually means. On the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack the deals struck at the summit and what
Special episode: An exclusive interview with Canadian PM Mark Carney
In this special edition, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sits down with POLITICO's chief EU correspondent Zoya and Ottawa bureau chief Nick Taylor-Vaisey for an exclusive interview.
With Canada and the European Union exploring a much closer partnership, Carney discusses his vision for Canada's place in a changing world, the future of transatlantic relations and what it would take to build a l
Inside America's midterm election battle
America is heading to the polls for the midterm elections — and Europe is watching closely. With the outcome set to have consequences far beyond Washington, from trade to defense, we're bringing you a special episode of The Conversation, hosted by POLITICO's Dasha Burns.
Dasha sits down with two political strategists working behind the scenes in some of America's most consequential races: Republi
The great EU-Canada lovefest
European leaders are descending on Montreal in a bid to forge closer ties with Canada.
On today's show, host Zoya Sheftalovich catches up with Sarah Wheaton, who's on the ground at the EU-Canada summit. They unpack what the talks could actually deliver — from defense and critical raw materials to space and AI — and the Trump-shaped shadow hanging over it all.
Next, Commission President Ursula vo
The Putin call dividing EU leaders
Europe's united front on Ukraine is showing cracks.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre have opened a direct line to Vladimir Putin, drawing criticism from some fellow European leaders — even as Ukraine backs their efforts. Nicholas Vinocur and Paul Dallison examine the fallout and the growing scramble over who gets to speak for Europe in peace talks.
Inside von der Leyen's Commission shake-up
Ursula von der Leyen’s plan to slim down and reorganize the European Commission moves a step closer, with outside advisers calling for a stronger center, fewer bureaucratic silos and potentially far-reaching changes to some of Brussels’ most powerful departments. Then, after Aleksandar Vučić’s defeat in Serbia, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur ask whether a new government can revive the country’
It’s complicated: The status of EU-Canada relations
Canada and the EU want a much closer relationship — but they still disagree over what that relationship actually is.
Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur look ahead to this week’s EU-Canada summit in Montreal, where leaders are still negotiating the language, the label and the practical deliverables.
Then, Ukraine’s growing financing needs are colliding with the fight over the EU’s next seven-yea
Can Europe save the world's war crimes court from Trump?
U.S. President Donald Trump has the world’s war crimes court in his crosshairs.
By sanctioning the entire International Criminal Court, his administration is threatening its ability to function. Europe has rushed to the court’s defense — but can it actually protect it from American financial power? And how far is the European Union willing to go to confront Washington when it still relies so heav
Who speaks for Europe in the Ukraine peace talks?
As the U.S. pushes to revive peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, a question is causing tensions in Brussels: Who actually speaks for the EU?
Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton examine the growing influence of Ursula von der Leyen’s powerful chief of staff, Björn Seibert, and why Finnish President Alexander Stubb may be eyeing a bigger role.
Then, have you ever received a suspicious message
Brussels goes looking for billions to fund Ukraine
With Washington's support for Kyiv increasingly uncertain, Brussels is looking to its allies to help keep Ukraine afloat. The price tag: €70 billion.
On today's show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Kathryn Carlson discuss how the EU hopes to persuade Canada, Britain and Japan to help foot the bill — and whether closer trade and defense ties could be part of the bargain.
Then, Germany's far-right AfD lea
Macron and Merz edge closer to a budget deal
The Arctic is becoming a geopolitical battleground — and the EU wants a bigger role.
The European Commission is unveiling a new strategy focused on security, as Russia builds up its military presence, China explores new shipping routes, and Donald Trump's Greenland ambitions raise tensions.
Also on the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur discuss signs of progress in the EU's long-term
Trump's Russia rethink — and Europe's response
Donald Trump’s latest moves on Russia and Ukraine have alarmed Kyiv and European capitals alike. But rather than scrambling to contain the fallout, EU leaders are keeping their cool. Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur explore Europe’s strategy for weathering Trump’s midterm storm — and what it means for Ukraine.
Then, France reels from a weekend of violent protests, with more than 1,800 arrests a
EU summit runs out of gas
It's been a packed agenda at the European Council summit, with little sign of progress on key issues. EU leaders continued to argue over the bloc's long-term budget, with energy supply and security taking up much of the discussion ... including questions over strategic gas reserves and the future of the Emissions Trading System.
The war in Ukraine looms large over the summit. Earlier this week, P
EU leaders face off over the budget
EU leaders meet today for their first chance to beef about the budget face to face.
On the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton dive deeper into why leaders look increasingly unlikely to reach an agreement on the EU’s next money pot by December. Plus, Zoya obtained a document revealing deepening relations between Russia and Slovakia. Will that be a cause for concern around the Council table?
Europe's development aid dilemma
The Commission is grappling with two goals that may be counterproductive: cutting migration and slashing development aid.
The EU executive’s argument is that a slash in development funding will likely result in people showing up at European borders in search of a better life. And that’s a problem for the bloc, since it’s looking to decrease migration numbers. On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich
The Ceuta fears shaping Spain’s election
As the United States looks towards Russia for diesel, European leaders are doubling down on their support for Ukraine.
On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart unpack all the ways the EU plans to put its money where its mouth is and help Kyiv. Expect it to be the talk of the town at this week’s meeting of leaders at the European Council summit.
Next, exclusive polling coming out of S
The EU budget battle just got nastier
Germany has rejected Ireland's proposal for the EU's next seven-year budget, despite €159 billion in cuts. And it's not alone: Governments are divided over where the cuts should fall, while the European Parliament is threatening to block the deal. Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack the backlash and what it means for this week's EU leaders' summit. Plus, Zoya interviews Migration Commissione
Is the EU ready for the next pandemic?
Five years after the height of the Covid pandemic, how much better prepared is the EU for the next health crisis?
Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by POLITICO health reporter Helen Collis and global health expert Michel Kazatchkine to discuss the mysterious death of a worker at a Russian anti-plague institute, and what it tells us about international health cooperation and transparency. They look at
Can Europe finally get tough on China?
Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is kicking off his visit to China today — and the stakes are high.
On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton discuss the most important topic on the agenda: Europe’s trade deficit with China. France and Germany are finally on the same page and want Brussels to get tougher on unfair trade. So can we expect results from the meeting?
Next, EU development
Behind closed doors, Europe braces for a deadly attack
Russia’s hybrid attacks across Europe — cyberattacks, sabotage, drone incursions — have been ramping up in recent months. But European governments are quietly preparing for something much worse.
On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss how EU ambassadors have been meeting in recent weeks to discuss what to do if a potential Russian hybrid attack were to result in mass casualties
How Spain's snap election could blow up Brussels
Spain’s snap election is poised to upend not just domestic politics ... but EU politics, too.
On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart break down all the far-reaching impact the tumult in Madrid could have for the bloc — from effects on the EU long-term budget to the potential puncturing of Ursula von der Leyen’s fragile majority in Parliament.
Next, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Mag
The race for the EU’s plum diplomatic jobs begins
The race for some of the EU’s most coveted diplomatic jobs is under way.
Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack why this year’s routine EEAS rotation is attracting unusually strong interest from senior Commission officials — and what it says about the mood in Brussels.
Then, we head to France, where a wave of student protests is spilling into the presidential campaign, sharpening the contras
Russia's not-quite-war on Europe
Europe’s gray-zone war with Russia is getting harder to ignore.
Sarah Wheaton speaks to security expert and author Elisabeth Braw about how Europe should respond as sabotage, arson, cyberattacks and attacks on critical infrastructure become more frequent and more dangerous, who pays when businesses are targeted, and what happens when one of them turns deadly.
They also discuss Braw’s new book,
The €865 billion brainstorming session
Ukraine’s prime minister is warning of a $20 billion defense funding gap as Russia intensifies its attacks and Kyiv struggles to protect its skies and keep the country running. Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton look at just how much pressure Ukraine is under — from its military finances to farmers struggling to get their grain out. They also unpack the Commission and EU governments’ two-day brai
Is Bardella too toxic for Le Pen’s campaign?
Ursula von der Leyen is heading on her annual tour of the Western Balkans to visit some of the countries in line to join the EU. But Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia, two accession hopefuls, are not on the itinerary.
On the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss why EU membership talks are speeding ahead with certain Balkan countries, and stalling with others.
Next, investigative outlet
Trump, diesel and Europe's new energy squeeze
Another surge in energy prices risks making life even more expensive for Europeans — especially once winter rolls around.
So when EU energy ministers meet in Dublin today, affordability will be at the top of their agenda. On the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss just how bad the price spike is and how the cost of gas could play out at ballot boxes across Europe.
Next, what does it
SPONSORED EPISODE: What is polyester worth?
As ultra-fast fashion has gotten cheaper, textiles have become disposable to many Europeans. The average EU consumer purchased 95 articles of textiles last year — an increase of 12 percent since 2019. Europe now discards about 9 million tons of polyester textiles annually. That’s the weight of roughly 900 Eiffel Towers.
Those unwanted clothes could be put to better use. Technology has advan
A new era for European defense?
Europe’s defense ministers are meeting today to discuss whether the EU needs its own version of NATO’s article 4. This so-called Emergency Security Protocol would allow capitals to bring together all EU countries in the event of a security crisis. But the idea is controversial.
On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur discuss whether there is appetite among capitals to set up the pro
The Pope is fretting about frontier AI — what’s the EU’s answer?
European lawmakers this week called for the EU’s artificial intelligence regulations to hold American tech companies liable for the risks their most advanced models pose to humanity. But how much sway does Europe have in an arms race dominated by the U.S. and China?
Host Anne McElvoy has been in Berlin attending WELT’s AI Summit, which brings together the AI and tech business leaders from across
Russia's untouchable tycoons
Europe breathed a sigh of relief after finally agreeing on a new Russia sanctions list. But attention is turning to the compromise that got it over the line: dropping two Russian billionaires.
On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton discuss reactions from around the EU to the deal, plus revelations about why France might have wanted billionaire Alisher Usmanov removed from the list
A power struggle in Brussels — and our big reveal
Today’s episode was recorded in front of an audience at our Brussels Playbook Live event.
On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart spotlight Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Ursula von der Leyen’s new senior adviser for the Clean Transition. They discuss what her appointment says about the Commission president’s approach to energy — and her relationship with Commissioner Teresa Ribera.
Nex
Is this how the Greenland crisis ends?
The U.N. General Assembly is in full swing over in New York, and the agenda is packed.
But perhaps the most pressing item will take place on the sidelines of the gathering, as Denmark, the U.S. and Greenland prepare to sign a security deal. What does the agreement mean for the EU’s big Arctic strategy? And will it be enough to ease months of tension between Donald Trump and the Danish territory?
Merz’s election nightmare continues
Two state elections pile more pressure on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz — raising fresh questions about his leadership and what a weaker Germany could mean for the rest of Europe.
Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur also look at the growing fear over Russian hybrid attacks, as EU foreign ministers meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss how Europe sh
Week Ender: Can Europe patch up the world in disorder?
The old global order is breaking down. Ursula von der Leyen thinks Europe may have to start building something new around it.
In her State of the European Union speech, she floated closer ties with Canada — even “associate membership” — and a new European Security Council, as Europe looks for new ways to work with like-minded powers in an increasingly chaotic world. But both ideas immediately rai
Von der Leyen makes it awkward with Canada
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney takes the stage in Strasbourg after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen surprised EU capitals by floating “associate membership” for Canada — a status that doesn’t actually exist, and that Ottawa itself seems reluctant to define.
Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton ask whether von der Leyen got ahead of both member countries and the Canadians, and what Ca
Special episode: State of the EU 2026 — promises vs reality
In this special episode from Strasbourg, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart give their first take on the State of the European Union speech delivered by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They look at the push for a more independent Europe — from competitiveness to AI, climate, defense and Ukraine — as well as the ideas that could shape what comes next, including a European Security Council
AI fears grow as von der Leyen takes the stage
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is giving her State of the European Union address this morning ... her biggest set-piece speech of the year.
Host Zoya Sheftalovich is at the European Parliament in Strasbourg with her ears to the ground, trying to figure out which hot-button issues we can expect to hear about.
Two of the biggest topics we’re almost sure she is going to talk about
Can less paperwork get EU workers moving?
Why is it easier for a jar of peanut butter to cross EU borders than it is for a European worker?
According to the Commission, varying social security systems and professional qualifications make it hard for Europeans to work outside their home country in the bloc. The EU executive’s Fair Labour Mobility Package — unveiled today — aims to fix that. On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vino
The EU’s plan for ‘weaponized’ migration
When Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gives her big State of the European Union speech on Wednesday, the topic of migration is likely to feature heavily.
On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur discuss the EU executive’s proposed new tool to counter “weaponized” migration — like we saw in Ceuta this summer. Plus, what do the results of the Swedish general election mean for th
Is Europe winning the ‘fight’? Von der Leyen’s SOTEU, one year on
When Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her State of the European Union speech last year, the backdrop was chaotic.
Russian drones had just crossed into Polish airspace, Donald Trump was casting doubt on America’s commitment to NATO, and the Commission president herself was facing votes of no confidence. Her answer to this disarray? Europe, she said, was in a fight — and this was
Behind Trump's push to break the International Criminal Court
The U.S. is on a public campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court. Now, it wants help from its NATO allies.
During a closed-door meeting back in July, U.S. envoy to NATO Matthew Whitaker asked allied countries for help in disassembling the international court that addresses genocide and crimes against humanity. On the show, Sarah Wheaton and Kathryn Carlson
The EU’s Israel dilemma
Relations between the EU and Israel have been deeply strained over the war in Gaza. But the bloc is struggling to withstand the allure of Israel’s tech and missile defense prowess.
On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss how EU capitals are looking again to Israel for cooperation on things like air defense, space and artificial intelligence. Our hosts explain why
Kaja Kallas takes another hit
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, wanted a group of heavyweight former leaders to come up with fresh ideas to address Europe’s defense gaps. Instead, the initiative was killed before it even launched. Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart look at why some capitals pushed back — and what the episode says about Kallas’ authority and the battle over who drives European defense policy.
Then, European C
Germany's far-right bombshell
After a sweeping victory in the regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund's Alternative for Germany (AfD) could be in a position to govern the state — putting a far-right party in power in part of Germany for the first time since World War II.
As Europe wakes up to the AfD win, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur talk to Head of Playbook Germany Hans von der Burchard about what it
What do Spain's migrant crisis and Germany's knife-edge election mean for Europe?
The Spanish exclave of Ceuta on the North African coast is struggling to deal with a surge of unauthorized migrants. Over 70,000 arrived in a mass crossing from Morocco at the end of July, and although the numbers have fallen since then, police and the authorities are struggling with outbreaks of violence and criminality. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has faced protests in cities across the
Dublin tests Europe's budget red lines
At the informal General Affairs Council in Dublin today, the EU’s next 7-year budget is set to dominate the agenda.
The talks are still in deadlock over the size of the money pot ... but the red lines of various capitals are starting to take shape. On today’s episode, host Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart explain why — counterintuitively — that’s actually a step forward for the negotiations.
Ne
The plan to shut out Europe's far right
The political center in the European Parliament is looking increasingly fragile. Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart look at a proposal from two senior German MEPs for the center-right EPP and the Social Democrats to strike a much more formal deal — as relations between the two groups deteriorate and the far right gains influence.
Then: Europe says it needs giant data centers if it wants to compete
Europe gears up for its China counterpunch
Brussels is getting increasingly worried about its economic relationship with Beijing ... but the bloc doesn’t want to bring out the big guns just yet.
While the EU already has the infamous 'trade bazooka' at its disposal, the Commission is considering a new tool to address Chinese overcapacity and dangerous dependencies. Our colleague Camille Gijs has spoken with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefč
What Iceland's 'no' means for the EU
Iceland has voted no to restarting membership talks with the EU in a referendum held over the weekend.
While the yes camp had hoped rising global geopolitical tensions might sway voters, the fear of losing control over Icelandic fishing quotas proved decisive. So what does this result mean for the EU’s enlargement ambitions? Nick and Zoya discuss.
Next, defense and foreign m
Could Orbán lead Hungary again?
For 16 years, Viktor Orbán exerted an iron grip on Hungarian politics and society. Now it’s being dismantled. Has Hungary finally turned a page on the Orbán era, or could he make one final return?
It’s only a few days before Péter Magyar’s government, which succeeded Orbán, learns whether his anti-corruption reforms have done enough to persuade the European Commission to release €10.4
Can Canada teach Europe how to stand up to Trump?
Canada is taking a much harder line against Donald Trump — and Brussels is watching closely. As the U.S.-Canada trade war escalates, Zoya Sheftalovich and Kathryn Carlson look at Mark Carney’s gamble, his call for the world’s “middle powers” to band together, and whether Europe is ready to follow his lead or would rather keep Washington onside.
Then, France’s 2027 presidential race gets its first
France and Germany collide over Europe’s industrial future
France and Germany are clashing over how far the EU should go to protect European industry — with Paris pushing stronger “Made in Europe” rules and Berlin warning against provoking new trade fights.
Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart look at what that battle says about Europe’s struggle to go green, stay competitive and keep its markets open at the same time.
Then, Brussels is rattled by another
Costa tours the capitals — while Merz rallies the penny-pinchers
António Costa is kicking off a tour of EU capitals to find out what leaders want from the bloc’s next seven-year budget — and what they might accept in return for a deal. His first stop is Bratislava, with Slovakia among the countries pushing to protect cohesion and agricultural funding. Later this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will gather like-minded northern countries in Berlin to argue
What Ukraine needs to survive another winter
We’re back! And so are Ukraine’s key backers. On the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union, leaders meet in Kyiv this Monday to discuss new pledges of support for the country.
On the podcast, Zoya Sheftalovich and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Nick Vinocur discuss what support Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is looking to secure from the Coalition of t
Week Ender archives: Is China the ‘abusive’ partner the EU just can’t quit?
The Brussels Playbook Week Ender podcast is still away on holiday — but don’t worry, we will be back next week.
In the meantime, here’s an episode from earlier this year about Europe’s attempts to protect its industry from Chinese products flooding the continent.
In this conversation, which was first released in May, host Sarah Wheaton is joined by Sander Tordoir from the
Week Ender archives: Can Europe quit American Big Tech?
This week and next, the Brussels Playbook Week Ender podcast is away for the summer holiday.
So, we thought we’d re-up this popular installment on Europe’s quest to become independent from U.S. tech.
In this episode first released in June, Sarah Wheaton is joined by "The Tech Coup" author and former Member of the European Parliament Marietje Schaake and POLITICO’s Laurens C
Week Ender: Verhofstadt on "Trumpism", plus summer must-reads
It’s August in Brussels, which means it’s vacation time.
Whether you’re heading off to the beach or holding down the fort in town, this episode is brimming with book recommendations from our newsroom and from you, our listeners. Whatever your genre preference, from true crime thrillers to deep political dives, we've got your summer holiday covered.
But this installment is not just a book chat
Why are Commission staffers so miserable?
Working at the European Commission is one of the most coveted civil service jobs in Brussels. Yet, officials employed there describe high pressure, bureaucracy and burnout.
Our colleague Seb Starcevic has interviewed dozen officials from different commissioners’ cabinets and directorates-general, varying in age, nationality and seniority. On the podcast, Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton parse
Europe's Palantir problem
Europe wants to kick its U.S. tech habit, but it’s struggling to detangle itself from American data analytics firm Palantir.
The problem is, the company's tools are already deeply embedded in critical sectors across the bloc like policing, national defense and health systems. A report released today also shows that the tech firm has found ways to pay minimal taxes in Eur
Can Europe contain the Ceuta fallout?
Home affairs ministers are meeting this morning as the fallout of the Ceuta crisis continues to roil Europe.
Last week’s sudden influx of migrants into the Spanish exclave — most of whom have since returned — sparked heated exchanges between European leaders. On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart preview whether today’s emergency meeting can cool tensions, and what measures th
Ceuta triggers two days of EU emergency talks
The crisis in the Spanish territory of Ceuta is adding fuel to Europe’s bitter debate over migration.
Following the arrival of more than 50,000 migrants in Ceuta in northern Africa last week, EU leaders ganged up on Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez over his migration policies. Although 48,300 migrants had returned to Morocco by late Friday, the backlash is ongoing. On Tuesday the EU is set
Week Ender — Searing Contradiction: Wildfires and climate politics
Wildfires may sound remote — something that happens deep in a forest or on an empty mountainside. But in Europe, there’s often very little distance between nature and major population centers. That’s why the fires near Bordeaux and Madrid have been so frightening: they’re not burning somewhere far away, but threatening homes, businesses and entire urban regions.
European countries are responding
The race to save von der Leyen’s big speech
Brussels may have entered summer mode, but one of the first big political moments everyone will be watching when they return to work is Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address in September. And officials still at their desks are scrambling to make sure the she has something to say.
Hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton discuss some of the policy areas von d
The spectacular split in Poland’s right
Poland’s once-dominant Law and Justice party has split, with former PM Mateusz Morawiecki breaking with longtime leader Jarosław Kaczyński and preparing to build a rival force on the right. Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart examine whether the rupture offers current PM Donald Tusk a lifeline ahead of the 2027 election — and what it means in Brussels, where Morawiecki leads the European Conservativ
Can Europe fight fires this big?
Wildfires raging across France and Spain have forced more than 300,000 people from their homes and stretched national firefighting services to their limits. Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart look at how the EU is helping through its Civil Protection Mechanism and rescEU emergency reserve — and why Brussels says that even dozens more firefighting planes would not be enough without much greater inve
Trump reopens the tariff fight
Icelanders begin voting on whether to restart accession talks with the European Union, reopening a debate shaped by security fears, economic uncertainty and the question of who controls the country’s fishing waters.
Zoya Sheftalovich and Kathryn Carlson also examine Donald Trump’s threat of new tariffs after the EU fined Google €890 million, and what that could mean for the fragile Turnberry trad
Will Europe warm to Britain's new Prime Minister?
He’s the seventh British prime minister to walk through the famous black door of Number 10 Downing Street since the Brexit vote 10 years ago. Can Andy Burnham refresh relations with Europe and rescue a reset with Brussels that feels like it has been kicked into the long grass?
Host Anne McElvoy talks to two guests who know the knotty relationship
Brussels is coming for Google — and the bill could be huge
Google could be hit with the largest fine yet under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Zoya Sheftalovich and Kathryn Carlson explain why Brussels believes the tech giant is unfairly pushing its own services in Google Search and limiting what app developers can tell customers — and why the case is becoming another source of tension with Washington.
Then, the EU’s startups commissioner, Ekaterina Zahari
The EU’s Russia sanctions crunch
Today is a make-or-break moment for the EU’s 21st sanctions package targeting Russia.
After EU countries failed to agree on the ins and outs of the deal last week, ambassadors are meeting again today in Brussels to finally clinch the deal. But can they hash out the remaining thorny issues?
Next: European Parliament is trying to reengage with China after a seven-year diplomatic freeze. But d
Zoya and the crew answer your questions
July 21 is a national holiday in Belgium, so we decided to do things a bit differently on this long weekend.
We recently celebrated our 100th episode with a live recording in front of an audience. Those in the room were lucky enough also to see an exclusive Q&A with Zoya and all the hosts. We’re now bringing that segment to our wider audience.
In this episode we answer your questions on everyth
Week Ender: Did Europe dodge a summer travel crisis?
Europeans are traveling in huge numbers this summer — but the conflict in the Middle East, volatile fuel prices linked to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, and a troubled new border system are making journeys more complicated.
Sarah Wheaton is joined by POLITICO reporters Ben Munster, Tommaso Lecca and Jordyn Dahl to unpack how Europe avoided the jet fuel crisis that many had feared; whether fl
Parliament takes a break. The plotting begins.
The European Parliament’s 719 lawmakers are about to head off on their six-week summer break. But that doesn’t mean an end to the political headaches.
That’s because as soon as they return on Aug. 31, lawmakers will dive straight back into backroom negotiations ahead of Parliament’s big midterm reshuffle. Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss the scheming already happeni
The border that vanished overnight
European allies are moving to help strengthen Ukraine as Kyiv ups the pressure in its war against Russia.
As a part of that push, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and a group of EU leaders are making a surprise trip to Kyiv to push through a string of new defense initiatives. Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss these packages set to be announced today.
Next: A
A 'Super Tuesday' for a bigger EU
Enlargement is high on the list of priorities for the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU ... and Dublin is not wasting any time.
On the sidelines of the EU’s General Affairs Council happening today, there will be four separate accession conferences: for Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro — to formally mark progress in their membership bids. Ireland’s Europe Minister Thomas Byrne said
Why Europe still can’t agree on Israel
EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels as a growing group of countries push the European Commission to propose restrictions on trade with illegal Israeli settlements. Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur explain why although the economic impact would be small, the legal and political stakes are far larger — and why critics accuse Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of dragging her feet.
Then,
Week Ender: Why Europe can’t avoid Erdogan
This week, NATO leaders gathered in Ankara — giving President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan a powerful stage at a moment when Turkey’s strategic value to Europe is rising.
Sarah Wheaton speaks to Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution, about Erdoğan’s moment at this week’s NATO summit, Turkey’s complicated relationship with Europe and the United States, and whether the EU ca
Brussels gives cows a promotion
Far-right National Rally’s Marine Le Pen has announced she’ll run in the 2027 French presidential election, following Tuesday's shock court ruling which cleared the way for her to do so. But what does that mean for Europe?
On Tuesday, a Paris appeals court upheld Le Pen’s guilty verdict but reduced the amount of time she’s banned from holding public office. That means she can run — but under hous
