Startpagina Podcasts Brussels Playbook Podcast
Brussels Playbook Podcast

Brussels Playbook Podcast

POLITICO 568 Afleveringen jul. 20, 2026

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.

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Zoya and the crew answer your questions
Zoya and the crew answer your questions jul. 20, 2026 844 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?
Week Ender: Did Europe dodge a summer travel crisis? jul. 17, 2026 1364 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.
Parliament takes a break. The plotting begins. jul. 16, 2026 1044 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
The border that vanished overnight jul. 15, 2026 944 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
A 'Super Tuesday' for a bigger EU jul. 14, 2026 1027 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
Why Europe still can’t agree on Israel jul. 13, 2026 924 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
Week Ender: Why Europe can’t avoid Erdogan jul. 10, 2026 2536 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
Brussels gives cows a promotion jul. 9, 2026 932 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
NATO’s boss says Trump was right
NATO’s boss says Trump was right jul. 8, 2026 1032 The European Union is in disagreement over whether the Commission should allow Serbia to progress in its membership process. The issue will come to a head at a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels today. While the Commission argues that dangling accession in front of prospective members is a useful geopolitical tool that can prevent countries from turning towards rival powers, some countries in
The verdict that could shake up French politics
The verdict that could shake up French politics jul. 7, 2026 952 Europe is on the edge of its seat as it awaits a crucial verdict in the case of France’s National Rally leader, Marine Le Pen, today. If the Paris appeals court upholds her five-year ban on holding public office, Le Pen’s dream of running in 2027 will be dashed, and the campaign of her 30-year-old protégé, Jordan Bardella, will officially kick off. Also on the show, NATO allies are meeting in An
The man behind the EU's Kremlin outreach
The man behind the EU's Kremlin outreach jul. 6, 2026 983 On today’s episode, we take a closer look at the busy life of António Costa’s right-hand man, Pedro Lourtie. The European Council President’s head of cabinet was recently thrust into the limelight for opening backchannels with Moscow on his boss’s behalf. Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur dig deeper into who this man is and how he does his job. Also on the show: European Parliament President R
Bonus episode: Ernstfall — What if Russia attacks NATO?
Bonus episode: Ernstfall — What if Russia attacks NATO? jul. 5, 2026 1856 Today, we’re bringing you a special bonus episode from our colleagues at WELT. Originally released in German, Ernstfall is now available in English. What if Russia attacked NATO? How would Germany respond? And where are our weaknesses?We wanted answers. In a wargame, we simulate an attack on NATO’s eastern flank. Politicians, former military officials, and experts take on the roles of the Ger

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