EU Decoded
EU Decoded is a politics podcast from the EPP Group, the centre-right political group in the European Parliament. It offers insight and discussion from the heart of the European Union, covering the people, policies and debates shaping EU politics. Listeners are invited to subscribe, rate and review the show on their preferred podcast platform. The podcast also encourages audience questions and topic suggestions through social media. More information about the EPP Group is available at eppgroup.eu.
Afleveringen
State of the European Union: Bring the ambition
The European Parliament is back in Strasbourg, and the new political season is already making headlines. From Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the European Union speech to the visit of Canadian Prime Minister, migration and Russia’s hybrid threats, we decode the key debates shaping Europe’s return from the summer break. Tune in!
From ideas to unicorns: How Europe can unlock its start-up potential
Europe has the talent, ideas and ambition to create the next generation of successful companies, but can it provide the right conditions for them to grow? In this episode of EU Decoded, we take you inside the EPP Group’s Start-up and Scale-up Summit, where entrepreneurs, investors and MEPs discuss Europe’s biggest challenges: market fragmentation, regulation, access to capital, talent retention an
No time to lose: Closing Europe's blind spot on child online safety
Protecting children online cannot wait. In this episode, we look at the European Parliament's latest step towards strengthening the fight against child sexual abuse online. While important progress has been made, there is still an urgent need to close the current legal gap and ensure children remain protected. We'll also unpack what happened last week in the European Parliament, why these decision
Protecting Europeans: Child safety, passenger rights and Europe’s future
The European Parliament has wrapped up its final plenary session before the summer recess, and in this episode of EU Decoded, we break down the key decisions and debates. This week, Parliament managed to move one step further toward the adoption of the crucial measure to tackle child sexual abuse online. However, the alliance of far right and the Greens will still result in further delays due to t
The Kremlin’s Secret Lists: How Russia Targets Europe
What happens when journalists, politicians, and activists become targets of a foreign authoritarian regime? In this episode of “EU Decoded,” we explore Russia’s use of ‘blacklists’ and intimidation against European voices that support democracy, freedom and Ukraine. The discussion goes beyond individual cases and examines the broader challenge of foreign interference, hybrid threats and the need f
The New Frontlines: Drone Threats, Trade Deals and Algorithms
The European Parliament has wrapped up another plenary week in Strasbourg, marked by major debates on trade, security, migration and the digital future. In this episode of “EU Decoded”, we look at the EU-US Turnberry Deal, Europe's economic relationship with China, Russian provocations along the EU's borders, and new migration rules designed to improve the returns of those with no legal right to s
Europe needs 10 million more homes. What's the plan?
Housing costs are rising, supply is falling behind, and millions of Europeans are struggling to find an affordable home. In this episode of “EU Decoded”, we discuss the EU’s first housing crisis report, the need for 10 million new homes, and the reforms, investments, and innovations that could make housing more accessible for young people, families, and workers across Europe. Our guests include ME
Europe Acts: Trade, the Single Market, and the AI threat
The European Parliament has wrapped up another plenary week in Strasbourg. In this episode of “EU Decoded,” we cover the new EU-US Framework Agreement, the push for a stronger and less bureaucratic Single Market, and Europe’s growing cybersecurity and AI challenges. We also look at the first-ever European Order of Merit, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to European
Are your cheap Temu orders safe? Here’s what you need to know
Europe is facing a surge of unsafe and non-compliant products entering its market - many of them sold through major online platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress. With billions of parcels arriving each year, concerns are growing over consumer safety and unfair competition. In this episode of “EU Decoded,” Members of the European Parliament Dirk Gotink and Andreas Schwab share insights from a r
Europe's Children, Europe's Budget, Europe's War
In this episode of “EU Decoded,” we break down the key outcomes of the European Parliament’s latest plenary session in Strasbourg. Topics include new efforts to combat cyberbullying and protect children online, proposals to increase the EU’s long-term budget, and energy security challenges linked to the Middle East. We also discuss calls for a common EU definition of rape based on consent and step
Hybrid war and hostage diplomacy: What’s next for Belarus?
In the latest episode of “EU Decoded”, we unpack the political developments in Belarus. At the turn of 2025-2026, the United States partly lifted and eased some of its sanctions on Belarusian exports, a key source of revenue for the regime. Shortly after, President Aliaksandr Lukashenka released 123* political prisoners, including prominent opposition figures Viktar Babaryka, Maria Kalesnikava and
Iran, ‘Coco’s Law’, and securing the EU online and offline
In this episode of “EU Decoded”, we bring you this past week’s plenary session in a nutshell. From strengthening Europe’s defence to tackling cyberbullying and improving the housing situation, the main goal is to make Europe safer and more prosperous. We also discuss child protection, focusing on the steps to take to make the online space safer for everyone. Tune in!
Gender equality: Why are we still talking about it?
To mark International Women’s Day 2026, in our new episode of “EU Decoded” we ask: Gender equality - why are we still talking about it? We look at the concrete steps Europe has taken in recent years, from pay transparency rules to help close the gender pay gap to stronger parental and carers’ rights, binding targets for women on corporate boards, and the first-ever EU Directive to Combat Violence
Protecting Europe: From Battlefields to Phone Screens
In this episode of “EU Decoded”, we bring you a wrap up of the latest Plenary session and explore how the European Parliament is addressing the defining challenges of our time. From strengthening Europe’s defence to reforming migration procedures and supporting Ukraine with a €90 billion package, the focus is on security, unity, and resilience. We also discuss Europe’s economic competitiveness, wi
On the edge of a new world: The Greenland ultimatum, dictators down, and Grok’s shame
January 2026 is off to an eventful start in geopolitics. In this episode of 'EU Decoded', we break down the key debates and outcomes of the first European Parliament plenary session of the year. The EPP Group stands firmly with the people of Greenland and condemns the brutal repression of protests in Iran, expressing our solidarity with the Iranian people. At the EPP Group’s initiative, the Europ
Greenland and the New Arctic Power Game
Greenland is the world’s largest island and part of the Kingdom of Denmark, with significant autonomy. Located between the Arctic and North Atlantic, it is strategically important for: -Military bases and missile defence systems. -Surveillance of Arctic shipping routes. -Access to rare minerals, including rare earths, uranium, and other critical resources. U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed s
A turning point for Europe’s security and industry
In this final episode of 2025, “EU Decoded” wraps up the European Parliament’s last Strasbourg plenary session of the year. We decode some of our key EPP Group successes this week, such as reversing the disastrous ban on internal combustion engines and balancing climate goals with industrial competitiveness and jobs. Plus, after negotiations led by the EPP Group, the Omnibus I simplification packa
A Silent Tragedy: The Persecution of Christian Minorities in Africa and the Middle East
Christian communities across Africa and the Middle East are facing unprecedented levels of violence - kidnappings, church burnings, intimidation, and even mass killings. And yet, much of the world remains silent. In this episode, MEP François-Xavier Bellamy sheds light on this overlooked crisis. We discuss why Christians have become one of the most targeted groups globally, how extremist
Voices of Courage: The Sakharov Prize and the Fight for Truth in Belarus and Georgia
Two countries, two different people, but their stories are so similar. Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli represent two fronts of the same struggle - the defence of truth, dignity, and free expression against Kremlin-sponsored tyranny. Journalists from Belarus and Georgia were jointly awarded the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, following a nomination by the EPP
Sudan: The war the world forgot
The conflict in Sudan is one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time – yet it remains largely overlooked. Cities have collapsed, famine is spreading, millions are displaced, and warnings of genocide are growing. Some figures: around 30.4 million people need humanitarian assistance. Over 11 million people are displaced – 8.5 million internally and 3.9 million in neighbouring countries.
Focus points: peace for Ukraine, the EU’s defence, China, and the protection of children and Christian minorities
In this week’s EU Decoded, we dive into the most pressing topics from the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg. We break down the newly adopted European Defence Industry Programme, designed to boost Europe’s defence industry capabilities. We also discuss how to stop illegal and dangerous Chinese products from flooding the EU market and how to ensure Europe’s children grow up in a di
Bridging the Atlantic: The Future of EU-US Relations
Over the past few years, the geopolitical landscape has been reshaped. The recently published EPP Group Position Paper on EU-US relations calls for a renewed Euro-Atlantic strategy - one that adapts to these changes while maintaining Europe’s values and autonomy. In this episode of “EU Decoded,” we discuss the future of EU-US Transatlantic relations and the actions ne
The Drone Age: Russia's War on Europe
Across Europe, airports are grounding flights, energy networks are tightening security, and defence agencies are on high alert - all because of drones. From Poland to Denmark, incursions are exposing the EU’s vulnerabilities to low-cost attacks. In this episode of “EU Decoded,” we explore how Europe is responding to the rise of aerial threats and whether the new “European Drone Shield Initiative”
Guarding peace, growing trust: What is the EU's next move?
Welcome back to “EU Decoded,” the podcast by the EPP Group in the European Parliament. Tune in as we discuss topics ranging from how Europe can lead with principle and strength on the global stage to why the EPP Group led the successful rejection of a new Forest Monitoring Law, protecting foresters and the environment from excessive EU bureaucracy.
Putin’s rehearsal, Europe’s reality
In this episode of “EU Decoded”, we take you inside the latest plenary session of the European Parliament, where Europe’s security, competitiveness, and digital future took centre stage. From defending EU airspace against Russian hybrid threats to strengthening the Schengen area with new visa suspension rules, the EPP Group is calling for action and unity. We also look at efforts to deepen the Sin
The autumn of truth
Europe is entering an autumn of truth. In this week’s EU Decoded, we take you inside the State of the European Union address by Ursula von der Leyen, explore the EU’s response to Russian aggression, and examine urgent questions on jobs, trade, and competitiveness. We also look at Moldova’s and Ukraine’s paths toward EU membership, efforts to support Europe’s industries and farmers, and new measure
AI and loopholes: Confronting child sexual abuse in Europe
Child sexual abuse is rising, and technology is making it worse. In this episode of EU Decoded, we explore how the European Parliament is responding: from criminalising AI-generated abuse material to abolishing statutes of limitation, strengthening victim support systems, and pushing platforms to do more. Featuring MEPs Jeroen Lenaers and Francois Bellamy, Julie Fuchs from ECPAT International, and
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst: NATO Summit in the shadow of war
As the NATO Summit in The Hague approaches, the “EU Decoded” podcast explores how Europe and its allies are responding to growing global threats. With Russia’s war against Ukraine, rising tensions in the Middle East, and shifting dynamics within NATO, MEPs and defence experts from the EPP Group share their insights on the future of collective security, burden-sharing, and transatlantic cooperation
New EU law to combat child abuse
In this episode of “EU Decoded,” we unpack another plenary week in the European Parliament - from bold new legislation to fight child sexual abuse, to major debates on defence, democracy, and the future of the EU budget. We hear from Jeroen Lenaers on what the new law on combating child abuse means for victims, and how the EU is responding to alarming trends like AI-generated abuse cont
Europe's new promise: Building a common defence
For decades, Europe relied on Transatlantic partnerships to guarantee its security. But the world has changed. With growing global instability and shifting alliances, we must take security into our own hands. In this episode, we delve into how the EPP Group in the European Parliament is spearheading efforts to create a true European Defence Union. You'll hear from leading voices in the Europe
Facing the Storm: Preparing Europe for the Next Crisis
The global order is shifting, and the EU is facing many challenges. We need to protect citizens by better anticipating, preventing and responding to risks like cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation and climate change impacts. To address these issues, the European Union is rolling out new measures under the Preparedness Union Strategy. But what does it actually mean? Can we cope in
EU–US Trade at Risk: Tariffs and Tensions Across the Atlantic
US President Trump has announced plans to impose higher tariffs on imports from the EU. While tariffs are often intended to protect domestic industries, they serve no one - harming consumers on both sides and weakening our shared economic strength. President Trump claims the US is being “ripped off” by Europe, despite a broadly balanced EU–US trade relationship. If no agreement is reached wit
Europe’s next steps: Tech ambitions, trade tensions and crisis readiness
In this episode of EU Decoded, we take you to Strasbourg for the latest highlights from the European Parliament’s plenary session. Marking 80 years since the end of WWII in Europe, MEPs reflect on the painful lessons of history and reaffirm their commitment to peace, particularly amid Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine. From just and sustainable peace, trade disputes with the U.S., and innovat
The legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, the first Pope from South America, passed away on Easter Monday. In this episode of "EU Decoded", we talk about the legacy he leaves behind, and we remember his visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg in 2014. With our guests Željana Zovko MEP, Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto and Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, we tried to find answers to questions - what kind of Pope do Europe an
Simplify rules, reduce costs – Why Europe’s SMEs can’t wait
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Europe’s economy, making up 99.8% of all companies and providing millions of jobs across the EU. Yet, too often, they are drowning in red tape instead of focusing on growth and innovation. In this debut episode of the SME Europe podcast, MEPs Jörgen Warborn, Marion Walsmann, Niels Flemming Hansen, Eva Maydell, and Aura Salla delve
The battle for European democracy: How to counter hybrid attacks?
For years, authoritarian actors have attempted to manipulate elections, spread disinformation, and divide our societies. To fight back, the European Parliament has set up a Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, focused on tackling cyberattacks, deepfakes, and online manipulation. In this episode MEPs Mika Aaltola, Lena Düpont, and Tomáš Zdechovský discuss how to strengthen
Europe’s big debates: Security, industry, and the economy at a crossroads
In this episode of EU Decoded, we break down the latest EU policy debates. The Internal Security Strategy is a step forward, but the EPP Group pushes for a European Security Pact to fight cross-border crime. We also cover key industry updates, including flexible CO2 rules for carmakers and support for the European steel industry. Meanwhile, the ‘Stop the Clock’ proposal aims to cut bureaucracy and
Reinforcing EU sanctions against Russia
Russia’s unlawful war on Ukraine threatens both Ukrainian sovereignty and EU stability. A strong response is crucial to defending democracy and security. The EU must tighten sanctions enforcement to counter evasion, with its 16th package remaining key to weakening Russia’s war efforts. Sanctions can be as impactful as military action, and Russia’s economy is struggling, with Putin draining the civ
Reviving EU competitiveness: What needs to change?
Europe is at a crossroads. Either it takes decisive action to regain its competitive edge or risks falling further behind other major economies. But what needs to change to revive the EU’s competitiveness? In this episode, we break down the key ingredients for growth – innovation, productivity, and cutting red tape – to ensure Europe remains a global economic powerhouse. MEPs Christ
Europe’s Wake-Up Call: Defence, Security, and the Future of the EU
With war at Europe’s doorstep and a dynamic situation in international affairs, the EU must take control of its own destiny. This week on “EU Decoded,” we examine Europe’s defence ambitions, calls for stricter migration enforcement, and the future of key industries like automotive and agriculture. Can Europe protect itself, its economy, and its values in an increasingly unstable world? Join u
EU defence in a changing world: autonomy, security and NATO’s role
From the challenges of transatlantic relations and defence spending to the innovations needed in Europe’s defence sector, we explore what it takes to build a stronger, more autonomous EU defence. Our esteemed guests, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, spokesperson and Coordinator for Security and Defence in the EPP Group and former Spanish Ambassador to NATO, and Alice Teodorescu Måwe, an EPP Group MEP,
Trade, Competitiveness, and Security: What’s Next for Europe?
Another plenary session is behind us, and we bring you an overview of the week in the latest episode of our “EU Decoded” podcast. Some of the key topics discussed include international trade and tariffs, security, EU competitiveness, the Commission’s Work Programme for 2025 and three years of war in Ukraine. Tune in to hear more from the EPP Group on the current developments on
Driving Europe’s future: What path lies ahead of European carmakers?
The automotive industry has long been a cornerstone of Europe’s economy, providing over 13.8 million jobs and contributing significantly to the EU’s GDP. However, the sector now faces unprecedented difficulties - from regulatory pressures and high energy costs to competition from subsidized international players. In this episode we spoke to MEP Jens Gieseke who helped us unpack this complex issue.
Securing the EU's Future: Digital Regulation, Global Diplomacy and Competitiveness
In our first episode of 2025, we discuss the main topics from the latest plenary session: 🔵 The implications of the DSA for social media platforms 🔵 The future of EU-US relations 🔵 The Polish Presidency of the European Council 🔵 The Russian shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea 🔵 The critical situation in Venezuela 🔵 The urgent need to address Europe’s demographi
Illegal migration in Europe: What's the situation on the ground?
Illegal migration is one of Europe’s most pressing challenges, increasingly weaponised to undermine security and stability. In this episode of EU Decoded, the EPP Group delves into the hybrid warfare tactics at the Polish-Belarus border, the role of human traffickers, and the destabilisation attempts across external EU borders. Tune in to understand how Europe can secure its borders, protect vulne
Plenary wrap-up: The new Commission and 2025 EU budget
The new episode of "EU Decoded" brings you an overview of the plenary week as the Parliament focused on approving the new European Commission. Now that the vote is in, it's time to get to work. With the new Commission and the 2025 budget in place, we're reflecting on the EPP Group's priorities for the years ahead. Tune in - don't miss it!
EU automotive industry at the crossroads: Job losses loom amid growing pressure
Europe's automotive industry is facing a growing crisis that could lead to the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs in the sector. The EPP Group wants to ensure that driving remains affordable for everyone, not just for those who can afford expensive electric cars. To achieve this, Europe must be driven by economic realism and remain technologically neutral. If we do not, driving will
October II Plenary Wrap-up
The latest episode of our podcast is out. This time, we’ve decoded all the key issues discussed at this week’s plenary session: 🔵 Migration 🔵 Financial help for Ukraine 🔵 Iran’s state-sponsored terrorism in Europe 🔵 Rule of law in Malta 🔵 Steel industry crisis 🔵 Sakharov Prize winners 🔵 China’s military provocations around TaiwanDon't miss it!
October I Plenary Wrap-up
Join us for a wrap-up of this week’s plenary session. We bring you discussions on: 🔵 Viktor Orbán’s controversial visit to the European Parliament 🔵 The situation in the Middle East 🔵 Problems in the EU’s car industry 🔵 The housing crisis 🔵 The impact of internal border controls on the stability of Schengen
September Plenary Wrap-up
🔵 Floods in Central Europe 🔵 Migration 🔵 EU competitiveness 🔵 Military support for Ukraine 🔵 Venezuela’s political turmoil These were the topics of the past week in Plenary, and we covered them all in our latest episode. Don't miss it!
July Plenary Wrap-up
Building Europe’s defence and support for Ukraine, stepping up border protection, a common European Health Union, help for farmers and stronger regional development are just some of the priorities EPP Group leaders set for the new five-year EU term during the July plenary of the European Parliament. Despite a tough election campaign, the Group came out on top in the June European elections, which
MEPchat: Digital and green transition - what's next?
Europe has taken the lead in regulating AI, setting a precedent for the world. What should be done next? Tune in for this episode with MEPs Eva Maydell and Lidia Pereira on AI, innovation and clean technologies. Tune in!
MEPchat: Will the EU Migration Deal be a game-changer?
Our newest episode delves into the EU migration deal - its challenges, promises and implications. MEPs Lena Dupont and Jeroen Lenaers shared their insights during this conversation. Tune in!
MEPchat: Energy and security - what can we learn from the crisis and war
What does the future hold for Europe in the next five years? Former MEP Maria da Graça Carvalho and MEP Rasa Juknevičienė discuss the critical areas of energy, digital innovation and security. Tune in!
MEPchat: EU defence spending - more and smarter
Geopolitical tensions are rising, from China's assertiveness to Putin's agenda. Tune in to this episode for a conversation between David McAllister and Tomas Tobe as they discuss navigating the path toward security.
MEPchat: Critical raw materials - why, where, and how to get them?
If you don't know much about Critical Raw Materials, answer this: Do you drive a car? 🚗 Or use a cell phone? 📱 If so, then you should know more about the topic. Tune in to the conversation between Hildegard Bentele and Tom Berendsen.
MEPchat: Cutting red tape and boosting international trade
If you want to know more about: 🔵 The EU’s business environment 🔵 The EU’s international trade ... then you cannot miss this new podcast episode with Martine Kemp and Jorgen Warborn. Tune in!
MEPchat: Why do we need a European health union?
It’s time to talk about health. Join @peterliese and @TomislavSokol for an in-depth conversation on: European Health Union Medicine shortages Cancer and cardiovascular diseases Don't miss it!
MEPchat: Press freedom, mental health and combating hate speech
Get ready for a great conversation between Maria Walsh and Magdalena Adamowicz in this episode of our MEPchat series! They discussed pressing issues - from mental health awareness to media freedom; they tackled it all. Don't miss out!*This episode was originally recorded in February as a part of a video series. Watch the whole series on our YouTube channel.
MEPchat: EU budget, cohesion and Schengen expansion
In the first episode of our MEPchat series, Siegfried Muresan and Andrey Novakov discussed the following topics: 🔵 Recovery and Resilience Facility 🔵 Cohesion Policy 🔵 a bigger EU budget 🔵 Schengen expansion This episode was originally recorded in February as a part of a video series. Watch the whole series on our YouTube channel.
Support Belarus’ political prisoners, pressure the Lukashenko regime!
EPP Group Parliamentarians joined Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in calling for more opposition support and more pressure on the Lukashenko regime. In this podcast, we look at how the European Parliament event highlighted the plight of over 1,500 political prisoners in Belarus. These include Nobel Peace Laureate Ales Bialiatski and Tsikhanouskaya's hus
End violence against women: Mobilising all EU countries in the fight
Figures on violence against women are shocking. Every day, two women are killed at the hands of a partner or family member in the EU, and sexual harassment affects one in two women. In this episode of our "A Europe that Protects You" series, we delve deeper into the decisive steps the EU is taking to combat this pervasive issue. We believe that criminalising gender-based violence everywh
Business and Trade: Navigating the EU's Growth Engines
With the EU accounting for 14% of global trade in goods and around 38 million jobs in Europe depending on European exports, the importance of international trade cannot be overstated. In this episode of the EPP Group podcast series ‘A Europe that Protects You,’ we look at global trade's impact on the EU regarding innovation, competitiveness and job opportunities. In this episode, however, we not o
Market Harmony: Building a Social Economy in the EU
Over 70% of businesses in the EU lack staff with adequate digital skills, which hinders investment. How can we fix the imbalance between unemployment, job vacancies and the skills needed to fill them? The first step towards bridging this gap is to offer further training programs for our workforce. Upskilling and lifelong learning are key parts of this transformation. In this episod
Empowering the EU: Championing a European Health Union
Healthcare is a key concern across the EU27. In fact, two out of three Europeans would like to see a common European Health Union, according to a Eurostat survey. This would ensure quality care for all Europeans. In this episode of our "A Europe that Protects You" series, we delve into the major achievements of this legislative term and the EPP Group's unwavering
Organised crime and its €139 billion damage to the EU
How to combat organised crime in the EU? Organised crime is a major threat to the internal security of the European Union and Europeans. In 2019, criminal activities like drug trafficking, human smuggling and cybercrime cost the EU a staggering €139 billion. The EPP Group proposes a targeted strategy to 'follow the money' – freezing and con
Beyond the grid: Securing the future of EU energy
Higher energy prices squeeze both consumers and businesses. This is due to a green transition toward renewable energy, and a drive toward an EU Energy Union with more dependable supplies from home and abroad. In this episode of the EPP Group podcast series ‘’A Europe that protects its people,’’ we talk to some key players in the European Parliament. They are helping shape Europe’s energy future ai
Winds of Change: The New Era in Migration and Asylum
More than 300.000 people crossed European borders illegally in 2022. Member States' reception capacities are at their limits, and serious action is needed. In our latest episode, we discussed the European migration crisis and the benefits of the newly adopted Pact on Migration and Asylum. We also discussed the grim reality of migrant smuggling. With MEPs Tomas Tobé, Lena Düpont,
COP28: Can the world match the EU's ambition on climate?
We are only a few days away from the beginning of the COP28 in Dubai where the EU arrives leading the fight against climate change with over 30 laws that aim pushing us closer to achieving the Paris Agreement goals.But as it was said many times before, Europe can't do it all on its own. We need others to step up, mainly USA, India and China.Tune in to our latest episode with MEPs Lidia Pereira and
What do the younger generations want from the EU?
Almost 800 young people from all corners of Europe gathered in Brussels for EPP Group Youth Week. They attended topical workshops with experts and debated with MEPs and European Commissioners. They eventually suggested their own campaign on a topic they found crucial at the EU level. We spent some time with them and asked them what they see as the most significant issues in the EU. We
The EU Migration and Asylum Pact: What is it really about?
Irregular entries into the European Union rose about 20% in the first eight months of this year to over 230.000. Within that number the crossings across the central Mediterranean nearly doubled. The UN International Organization for migration lists 2800 dead or missing, mostly in the central Mediterranean so far this year.The situation is, obviously, very serious and we need a solution.In our late
Changes to EU Treaties: Why are they needed and what will they bring?
How can we make the EU function better? How can we make sure it will be able to take action more decisively on the challenges we face today? Is adapting the Treaties the answer? In which way?In our latest episode we talked to MEP Sven Simon of European Parliament's Committee on Constitutional Affairs on these topics.Don't miss it!And if you have a topic you would like to hear discussed in this pod
What's next for EU's long-term budget?
The European Union needs 10 billion euros more in emergency spending for Europe's recovery from the pandemic, strategic autonomy, the Ukraine war, migration and natural disasters, say EPP Group MEPs in this episode. The funding is to expand on the European Commission's nearly 66 billion-euro proposed top-up of the EU's budget through 2027. Recent fires, floods, a migration crisis have compounded t
Sport, politics and propaganda: Olympics 2024 amidst the Russian war
With close links to Putin’s war machine, Russian and Belarusian athletes should be barred from the Paris Olympics next year, say former star athletes and EPP Group MEPs. In this podcast episode, we talk to them at a roundtable event in the European Parliament. They say that while Russia’s military is killing thousands of Ukrainians – including hundreds of athletes - it is unacceptable f
EDIRPA: Navigating the future of European defence reinforcement
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is speeding up what the EU has been trying to do for a long time: building a common defence. In this episode, MEPs Sara Skyttedal and Michael Gahler discuss how the EU is buying and building more weapons together to arm Ukraine, with a programme they negotiated in the European Parliament called EDIRPA – European Defence Industry through Common Procurement Act.&nb
Securing critical raw materials: The backbone of EU’s technology and industry
Lithium, graphite, cobalt, and nickel are just a few from the long list of Critical Raw Materials essential to today's technology and industry.They are needed for batteries, robotics, solar and wind power.According to current assessments, by 2040, we will need six times more of these minerals than today.But Europe doesn't have many of them; we depend on getting them elsewhere.So where do we get th
Intercultural and religious dialogue: 25 years of dedication
25 years of intercultural and interreligious dialogue in the EPP Group. That's what this episode is all about, marking a quarter century of bringing Europe's faiths together. As we'll hear from religious leaders and MEPs, it's helped in the healing after the Balkan wars, after terror attacks, and in shaping the Future of Europe. We talked to our MEPs as well as leaders of different religious commu
Haunting reminder: Marking Soviet deportations and Putin’s ethnic cleansing today
In a moving tribute to the victims of Soviet deportations, EPP Group MEPs join with victims and their relatives as well as a Ukrainian diplomat in the European Parliament to mark the Kremlin’s atrocities then and now. In this podcast, we hear the stories of how Stalin deported tens of thousands of East Europans to Siberia during and after World War II. And the shocking parallel with Putin’s ethnic
Combating organised crime: How to break down criminal networks in the EU?
Recently, the Europol and Eurojust, in cooperation with several national authorities, cracked an international drug trafficking ring, allegedly led by the Italian Ndrangheta. 31 suspects were arrested, 3,8 million were seized.But this is only a drop in the bucket. The statistics show that only about 2% of proceeds from organised crime are frozen, and only 1% is confiscated.How can we do better?The
EU Year of Skills: Is Europe’s workforce future-proofed?
The nature of labour market is changing significantly, many new skills will be needed, but we also see a gap in the market regarding some existing skills and professions. It's only logical to ask - is Europe's workforce future-proof? What are the skills that will be needed, and who should gain those skills? We discussed this topic in our latest episode with MEPs Dennis Radtke and Lidia P
