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
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
NATO’s boss says Trump was right
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
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
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?
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
Can NATO allies avoid a clash with Trump in Ankara?
Despite all the backslapping and glad-handing, transatlantic tensions are never far from the surface at the annual gathering of NATO leaders. It’s unlikely to be any different when they gather in Ankara next week.
Sharp differences over burden-sharing and defense spending, and U.S. complaints about its allies’ lack of involvement in re-opening the Strait of Hormuz, are likely to come to the for
Has Ukraine found Russia’s weak spot?
Ukraine has a rare advantage over Russia … but only if its allies move fast enough to sustain it.
After months of attacks on refineries, fuel depots and supply routes, Kyiv has finally hit Russia where it hurts. Hour-long queues, empty pumps and rationing are affecting large parts of the country. The question now is whether it’s enough to actually threaten President Vladimir Putin.
Also on the s
Nobody touch the farm budget — our 100th episode, live from Brussels
We’re celebrating 100 episodes this summer! To mark this milestone, today’s show was recorded in front of a live audience with the full lineup of our rotating podcasts hosts.
Kicking us off, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart talk about the Irish presidency that starts today. They discuss how Dublin might tackle one of Europe’s most politically dangerous budget fights: the money allocated for farm
Europe’s awkward embrace of Turkey
Three very senior EU heavyweights are on the ground in Turkey today — just days before the NATO summit in Ankara.
When EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner meet Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, security, migration, and connectivity between Europe and Central Asia will be top priorities.
Next, the EU institutions’
Europe’s foreign policy turf war
The EU’s diplomatic service is losing power, people and influence to Ursula von der Leyen’s Commission. Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur look at how the EEAS is fighting for its future — and whether the bloc’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, can turn it around.
Plus, Europe tries to reset trade ties with China without backing away from tougher defenses, and Greece puts a bounty on poisonous pufferfi
Can Europe help repair the invisible scars of war?
After four and a half years of war, Ukraine’s physical destruction is easy to see. But the psychological damage caused by occupation, displacement and loss is much harder to measure — although just as urgent to repair.
David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee and a former British foreign secretary, joins Sarah Wheaton after returning from southern Ukraine. He explai
Rebuilding Ukraine under the shadow of a presidential row
Ukraine’s allies are gathering in Gdańsk to talk about rebuilding the country — even as Russia continues to destroy homes, power stations and critical infrastructure.
Zoya Sheftalovich reports from the Ukraine Recovery Conference, where governments, banks and businesses are trying to turn political promises into real investment. She and Sarah Wheaton look at the money on the table, Poland’s hopes
Can Europe’s big five get their act together in Berlin?
Europe’s biggest military powers are meeting today.
The group of countries is called the E5 (not to be confused with the E3) and consists of France, Germany, the U.K., Italy and Poland. They’ll be preparing for the NATO summit next month and discussing support for Ukraine. Hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss what smaller meeting formats like this mean for the EU as a whole.
Also on t
The Visegrád Four is back from the dead
The leaders of Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary are gathering for the first proper Visegrád Group summit in more than two years.
Meetings of these four countries have essentially been frozen since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine — in large part because of former PM Viktor Orbán. With the Hungarian leader’s ouster, the format is back, but can the group actually work together?
Pl
Why tensions are high between Poland and Ukraine
When Ireland takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, they will have a lot of hot-button issues to deal with.
Host Zoya Sheftalovich sat down last week with Irish Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne at a POLITICO event to dig deeper into what he believes Dublin’s top priorities will be. We’ll hear from him on the show.
Plus, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Z
Who should negotiate with Putin?
Brussels Playbook Week Ender host Sarah Wheaton is on the ground at the European Council summit, where divisions over European Council President António Costa's outreach to the Kremlin divided leaders and dominated an evening that was supposed to be devoted to confronting the trade deficit with China. Chief EU Correspondent Zoya Sheftalovich, trade reporter Carlo Martuscelli, Berlin correspondent
Europe’s budget war starts now
EU leaders arrive in Brussels for a summit dominated by two major debates: How far Europe should go in confronting China and how the bloc should shape its next long-term budget. Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton break down the tougher mood toward Beijing, the divisions among capitals and the battle over what Europe should spend its money on.
Then, they meet the four new heads of government taki
Von der Leyen won't run for a third term. Or will she?
Ursula von der Leyen is only a year and a half into her second term, but Brussels is already whispering about a third. Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart examine what is fueling the speculation — from her sweeping overhaul of the European Commission to concerns that more power is being concentrated at the top.
Then, they explain why the U.S.-Iran peace deal has brought down oil and gas prices, but
The end of Brussels’ most important dinner party
The fight over the EU’s next seven-year budget is heating up.
European affairs ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today to discuss the cash pot. Last week, the Cypriot presidency came up with concrete figures … but the backlash was almost immediate. Zoya and Ian discuss the main sticking points.
Next, one of the most useful diplomatic gatherings in Brussels for years has been the exclusive dinn
Bardella warns Brussels he won’t moderate
French presidential hopeful Jordan Bardella wants Brussels to know that if he reaches the Élysée, he won’t follow Italian PM Giorgia Meloni’s path from insurgent outsider to pragmatic EU power broker. POLITICO’s Marion Solletty joins Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur to discuss her wide-ranging interview with the far-right leader — including his plans to confront the EU, his pitch to French voter
Are voters hopelessly divided or universally angry?
Across Europe, political instability, fragmentation and polarization are increasingly becoming the norm. But how are governments tackling these tensions?
On this episode of the Brussels Playbook Week Ender, host Sarah Wheaton and her guests hone in on three countries: France, Greece and Denmark. Dialing in from Paris and Athens are our colleagues Clea Caulcutt and Nektaria Stamouli, and Jakob Mor
The US embassy's divisive birthday bash
The U.S. embassy’s mega 250th birthday bash in Brussels is one of the most sought-after events for the city’s top brass ... but it’s also drawing ire.
Today on the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss why MEPs and environmental activists are growing increasingly frustrated with this American July 4th celebration. The event is set to be attended by 5,000 people and will shut down the pu
When K-pop diplomacy hits Brussels
South Korea’s president is in Brussels for the first EU-South Korea summit in three years — a visit that starts with K-pop diplomacy but quickly moves to chips, trade, defense and China.
Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart look at why Seoul has become such an important partner for Europe and why South Korea’s role in Europe’s rearmament push is also politically awkward.
The due also discuss Commis
Can Ireland defend its trade with Russia?
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, heads to Dublin today with awkward questions for Ireland.
The country is facing increased scrutiny over the fact that a Russian-owned refinery on Irish soil continues exporting alumina to Russia — a raw material that can feed Moscow’s industrial and military supply chains. The timing is especially awkward since Dublin is preparing to take over the EU’s rotating
Albania's 'flamingo revolution' comes to Brussels
The EU is struggling to land a new deal on consumer protections for airline passengers.
After a week of intense negotiations that ultimately failed, transport ministers are meeting today to discuss the current state of play. The main sticking points: rules on compensation for delayed flights and the ease of filing these compensation claims.
Also on the show, the far-right National Rally is lead
Can Europe quit American Big Tech?
The European Commission has finally unveiled its long-awaited tech sovereignty package — a push to make Europe less dependent on foreign technology after years of relying on U.S. cloud services, chips, AI infrastructure and digital tools.
Sarah Wheaton is joined by former MEP Marietje Schaake, author of The Tech Coup and POLITICO’s Laurens Cerulus to ask what happens when the systems running Euro
Is Italy's Giorgia Meloni in trouble?
With a slowing economy, soaring energy costs and mounting pressure on defense spending, PM Giorgia Meloni faces an uphill battle in next year’s Italian election.
Amid all this, Zoya and Ian discuss how a recent European Commission decision to exempt certain green investments from its public-spending rules is a small win for the Italian leader. They dig deeper into the thought process behind this
The jobs squeeze facing Europe
Today the Commission will publish its European Semester Spring Package, a checkup on EU countries’ economies. But the news isn’t too good.
The report warns that over a million jobs across Europe could be lost in the coming years as a result of high energy costs, competition from abroad and the green transition. On the pod, Zoya and Ian discuss these major labor market challenges.
Also happening
Who keeps the Russian shadow fleet afloat?
As the EU prepares to target Russia’s shadow fleet in the 21st sanctions package, we’re looking at the system that keeps these ships in business.
Every one of these Russian vessels carrying sanctioned goods requires port access, crews, financial services and more to stay operational. On today’s episode, Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton pinpoint insurance in particular. They explain how, even t
Europe’s toughest migration plan yet
The EU is edging closer to one of its most controversial migration policies yet: sending failed asylum seekers to return hubs outside the bloc.
Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur discuss the latest negotiations over tougher deportation rules, why countries are already exploring potential deals from Albania to Central Asia, and why critics warn the plans could create offshore detention centers.
T
China: the 'abusive' partner the EU just can’t quit?
Is the EU finally ready to get serious about China?
That’s the question increasingly dominating conversations in Brussels as fears grow that Europe is being squeezed by Beijing’s industrial machine.
Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by Sander Tordoir from the Centre for European Reform, Grzegorz Stec from MERICS and POLITICO’s Jordyn Dahl to discuss the European Commission's attempts to forge a comm
The ban threat facing Europe's far right
Europe’s far right is yet again under the microscope as a European Parliament watchdog moves to ban the Alternative for Germany’s EU party.
On the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton discuss how the far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations party — home to Germany’s AfD — risks losing EU funding and even its status as a political party. In a 300-page letter, the Authority for European Political
Kallas, von der Leyen and the rivalry over EU intelligence
Brussels is beefing up its intelligence machinery.
Zoya Sheftalovich and Kathryn Carlson talk about the growing role of INTCEN — the EU’s little-known intelligence-analysis hub inside the European External Action Service — and the quiet power struggle brewing between Kaja Kallas’ diplomatic service and Ursula von der Leyen’s Commission over who gets to handle sensitive security information in Bru
Should Europe talk to Putin?
Europe is still reeling from the recent drone incursions into Baltic airspace.
In a show of solidarity, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius are in Lithuania today following last week’s drone scare. Today on the Brussels Playbook Podcast, we unpack the latest developments, including discussions about Baltic companies teaming up with Ukrainian firms t
From the Baltic to the Balkans: Putin is testing European leaders
There’s an ominous backdrop to this year’s GLOBSEC forum in Prague as the war in Ukraine strays into the skies over NATO’s Eastern flank. The last few weeks have seen an increasing number of drone incursions in the Baltics — Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia — across EU airspace.
And there are questions over America’s commitment to European security ahead of an important NATO summit in Ankara in July
Why are drones suddenly terrifying Europe?
With drone alerts, emergency shelters and fighter jets over the Baltics, Europe’s security fears suddenly feel much less theoretical at the GLOBSEC forum in Prague.
On the ground in Czechia for the Brussels Playbook Podcast, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack the growing wave of drone incursions linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. They also discuss why Baltic leaders are sounding the alarm
Brussels wanted less red tape. It hasn't proved as easy as that.
Brussels is discovering that cutting red tape may be harder without actual experts in the room. As the EU races ahead with its deregulation drive, concerns are growing over rushed lawmaking, weaker safeguards and the sidelining of technical specialists.
Then, EU leaders are exploring ways to make Russia sanctions harder to block — including extending renewal deadlines from six months to a year —
Budapest and Kyiv break the ice
After years of Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán blocking Ukraine’s path to join the EU, Budapest and Kyiv are talking again. That has Brussels wondering if Hungary might finally be softening its position on Ukrainian accession.
Today on the pod, Nick and Ian discuss why joining the bloc is so important to the war-torn nation and why — even if the mood is shifting in Budapest — it’s u
Why Brussels is getting tougher on China
The European Commission is preparing to take a much tougher line on China, we hear on this episode of the Brussels Playbook Podcast, with Zoya Sheftalovich joined by Nick Vinocur. Brussels is growing increasingly worried about cheap imports, industrial decline and dependence on Chinese critical raw materials.
Then: Despite 20 EU sanctions packages against Russia, a major investigation reveals how
Two transatlantic power brokers on why Europe should step up on Iran and double down on Ukraine
Welcome to the very first edition of the Brussels Playbook Week Ender. Anne McElvoy travels to the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, an annual event that brings together defenders of democracy in the Danish capital. As U.S. President Donald Trump visits China and the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran remain unresolved, how is Europe grappling with crises on multiple fronts?
Anne sits down with two influen
The Commission’s next big overhaul?
One of the Commission’s oldest and most powerful departments may be heading for a dramatic overhaul — or even extinction.
DG REGIO oversees the hundreds of billions of euros that go towards the social development of local regions and cities. But its potential restructuring by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is a clear sign that the EU's aims are shifting. Zoya and Ian explain the think
Could influencers crash future EU summits?
Ukraine wants Europe more involved in peace efforts with Russia — but who exactly would represent Europe in those talks? After Vladimir Putin floated former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a possible negotiator, Brussels reacted with disbelief.
Host Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack the growing debate around Europe’s role in future peace negotiations, including Nick’s interview with
French cinema is spooked by the far right
When foreign ministers meet in Brussels today, Israel and Russia will likely dominate the agenda.
Today on the pod, Zoya and Nick discuss why the bloc might finally be able to move forward on sanctioning several Israeli individuals involved with settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Plus, the EU is looking to move forward on a new round of sanctions towards Russia, hoping to pre
Who’s “European” — and who’s not?
We’re talking identity this week on EU Confidential — in more ways than one.
First, host Sarah Wheaton sits down with Theresa Kuhn, professor of European studies at the University of Amsterdam, who has led a major research project tracking how European identity has evolved across the continent over the past five decades.
At a moment when Europe feels tense, vulnerable and under pressure, Kuhn’s
Field trip to Russia, anyone?
Péter Magyar promised a full reset between Hungary and Brussels after Viktor Orbán’s defeat — but the EU may be ready to unlock only part of Hungary’s frozen billions. Zoya Sheftalovich, dialing in from Madrid, and Sarah Wheaton unpack the first possible tensions emerging between Brussels and post-Orbán Hungary.
Then: a right-wing MEP is planning a trip to Russia — and inviting fellow lawmakers a
Why the EU is freaked out about a new AI model
The European Commission is unveiling its new anti-poverty strategy today. The only problem is ... it doesn’t include any new cash.
On the pod, Zoya and Ryan discuss how the EU executive is justifying the lack of new funding in this plan. They also look at how likely the bloc is to reach its target of eradicating poverty by 2050 (spoiler alert: not very likely).
That’s not the only strategy on th
The Parliament’s misspent €1.5 million
Political parties are misspending their cash, while the public is left in the dark about what’s going on.
The European Parliament’s department of finance found political parties and foundations had misspent €1.5 million during the 2024 EU election campaign. Zoya and Ian discuss which parties are the biggest offenders. They also explain how the Parliament — with the help of complex bureaucratic pr
Putin’s ‘window of opportunity’ to test NATO
Europe yet again finds itself on the receiving end of Donald Trump’s ire.
On Friday, the U.S. president threatened to raise tariffs on European cars to 25 percent, as frustration grows in Washington over the slow pace of an EU-U.S. trade deal. Trump had also called for withdrawing U.S. troops from Germany earlier in the week as a response to German leader Friedrich Merz’s sharp criticism of the
Why the ECB is in a tricky spot
The European Central Bank will meet today and make a decision that depends heavily on events happening thousands of kilometers away.
That’s because the war in Iran has pushed up energy prices and inflation. ECB President Christine Lagarde and her fellow rate-setters will be in a tricky spot when deciding whether to raise borrowing costs. Zoya and Ian explain the dilemma.
The conflict in the Mid
The Hungary reset: Magyar in Brussels chasing EU funds
The power shift in Budapest hasn’t happened yet — but Brussels is already engaging with what comes next.
Péter Magyar arrives in Brussels as Hungary’s incoming prime minister, skipping the usual waiting period and heading straight into talks with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. His aim: unlocking billions in EU funds frozen over rule-of-law concerns. Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton
The €1.8 trillion standoff
Today on the pod, we’re talking money, money, money.
An important vote on the EU’s next long-term budget is happening in the European Parliament. Zoya and Nick discuss how lawmakers are pushing for a bigger cash pot ... which will likely cause a stir with some countries. We unpack the battle lines already starting to form.
Also, the College of Commissioners is meeting in Strasbourg to discuss ho
Berlin turns up the heat
Europe is staring down a familiar and unwelcome set of circumstances: rising energy prices, slowing growth and growing political pressure.
As the fallout from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran ripples through global markets, EU governments are scrambling to cushion the blow — with far fewer tools than they had when the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered the last energy crisis.
Zoya Sh
Don't aggravate Trump on Iran: Veteran US ambassador to NATO's friendly advice to European leaders
The fragile ceasefire in the Persian Gulf and the uncertainty over peace talks between the U.S. and Iran have cast a long shadow over European capitals hoping for an end to hostilities in the Middle East. Will they have any say over what happens next?
The wars in Iran and Ukraine have exposed the chasm between U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration in Washington and opinion on this side of
Too many crises for one summit?
On today's show, Ian is in the sunny Mediterranean nation of Cyprus for the biggest gathering of EU leaders on the island for many, many years.
Sarah joins from Brussels and Nick dials in from Greece, where he’s attending the Delphi Economic Forum.
Expect the agenda of the leaders' summit today and tomorrow to be heavy on geopolitics. High on the list of topics to discuss are the Iran crisis, h
The clock is ticking on the EU’s next budget
Brussels faces a narrowing window to strike a deal on its next long-term budget.
EU leaders gather in Cyprus this week for a potential clash over the bloc’s €1.8 trillion plan — already dividing north and south, farmers and reformers, capitals and Brussels. Council President Antonio Costa wants momentum. But with proposed new EU taxes, debt repayments and looming elections on the table, compromi
No Orbán, no excuses
EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today to discuss a hefty list of geopolitical crises. But compared with past gatherings, something feels ... different.
That might be because, without the presence of an obstructionist Hungary, the meeting could finally result in movement on several key topics. Ian and Sarah discuss whether we can expect decisive action to be taken on issues like the
SPONSORED EPISODE: Energy, security and the new European risk landscape
Europe, in efforts to disentangle itself from Russian gas, has become increasingly aware of the vulnerability of its web of pipelines, subsea cables and offshore installations to hybrid attacks.
A million kilometers of undersea cables transport 95 percent of the world’s internet traffic, and more than 200,000 kilometers of active oil and gas pipelines run across Europe. That physical infrastruct
The Board of Peace, EU edition
This week's agenda is brimming with high-level summits and meetings on foreign affairs. The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, kicks it all off by focusing minds on Gaza.
Today Kallas hosts back-to-back events to promote a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian territories. Ian and Nick discuss how the EU is using the occasion to position itself as an authority on the future of Gaza and p
What Orbán’s ouster means for MAGA, Le Pen and Brussels
Election night in Hungary was an emotional and teary one ... but now, the work begins.
The winners — Peter Magyar’s Tisza party — have the daunting task of reversing years of democratic backsliding that went on under Viktor Orbán’s watch. Meanwhile, Fidesz — and far-right parties across Europe — have some intense soul searching to do to figure out what went wrong in Orbán’s campaign.
Our panel o
Can an ex-fighter-jet pilot run Bulgaria?
Viktor Orbán may be out — but his man in Brussels is not.
Today on the pod, Ian and Sarah discuss how the Hungarian Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi is expected to stay on in the Berlaymont after his Fidesz party's landslide election loss back home. They explain why neither the Commission nor the new Hungarian government are in a rush to get rid of the Orbán ally.
Next, they talk about the frontrunn
The rise of the centrist dads
European ambassadors are gathering to prep for a leaders’ summit taking place in Cyprus next week. And yet again, the agenda will likely be dominated by geopolitical crises.
Ian Wishart and guest co-host Ryan Heath explain how topics like the budget, enlargement and competitiveness are falling by the wayside as the bulk of the meeting will instead focus on the fallout of the Iran war. They also
Inside Magyar’s grand bargain with the EU
The EU may be saying goodbye to Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, but the system that empowered him and the problems he’s left behind are still very much in place.
Today on the podcast, Ian Wishart and Nick Vinocur discuss what a new leader in Budapest means for issues like Russia sanctions and the €90 billion loan for Ukraine that Hungary has been blocking.
Also on the pod, Commission President Ursula v
After 16 years, Viktor Orbán loses
It’s the end of an era: Hungary’s Viktor Orbán is on the way out after suffering a crushing defeat in Hungary’s general election.
Péter Magyar, who will take his place as prime minister, is on course to win a supermajority in parliament.
In this election special, host Ian Wishart speaks with reporter Max Griera who’s been at the victorious Tisza watch party in Budapest and Jamie Dettmer, our fo
Inside the campaign to unseat Orbán
Hungarians may be the ones voting this Sunday — but all EU citizens have something at stake in the outcome of the election.
After years of obstructionism under PM Viktor Orbán, a new leader in Budapest could mark a turning point for the EU. But is Hungary's relationship with Brussels dominating the campaign domestically to the same extent it is internationally?
On today’s episode, host Sarah W
Hungary’s election enters crucial final days
It’s three days until the Hungarian election, and opposition leader Péter Magyar appears poised to end PM Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule.
If that happens, some in the Brussels bubble hope Magyar will take steps to improve Hungary’s strained relationship with the EU. But on today’s episode, host Zoya Sheftalovich and EU Policy Editor Sarah Wheaton explain why that won’t be easy — with the chore of un
Europe watches as Trump’s threats escalate
Donald Trump’s threats to wipe out Iran’s “whole civilization” shocked the world.
On the podcast today, host Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart, POLITICO’s senior EU politics editor, discuss the European reaction as the conflict in the Middle East spirals. Plus, NATO chief Mark Rutte is in Washington to meet the U.S. president, but what does he hope to achieve with so little consensus within the a
Why EU foreign policy keeps getting stuck
EU foreign policy runs on unanimity — and it’s starting to break down.
Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart unpack growing frustration with how the EU makes foreign policy, as divisions over Ukraine funding, Russia sanctions and the war in Iran expose the pitfalls of the veto. With calls — led by Germany and Sweden — mounting to scrap unanimity in foreign and security policy, the question is becomin
Can Britain and the EU get a Brexit reset deal over the line?
Despite the war in Iran and its economic consequences preoccupying London and Brussels, much work is going on behind the scenes to strike a closer relationship between the U.K. and the European Union.
Nearly a decade after Britain voted to leave the bloc, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has tasked his ministers with negotiating a post-Brexit reset that brings areas of the British economy in alignment
How secure are the Commission’s group chats?
Bulgaria is heading towards another tight parliamentary election this month — and it wants the EU to help counter malign foreign interference.
Haunted by memories of coordinated social media campaigns targeting other countries in the region, the government is concerned that Russian misinformation could sway public opinion ahead of the vote. Host Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart, senior EU politi
Preparing for a Covid-style crisis
An energy shock that once felt distant is starting to look very real as the war in Iran spirals ... and the EU is considering a Covid-style crisis response.
From emergency meetings to talk of jointly purchasing energy — host Zoya Sheftalovich and Senior EU Politics Editor Ian Wishart explain how some of the strategies being floated are straight out of the pandemic-era playbook.
Also on the pod,
