Brussels Playbook Podcast

This week, we unpack some of the transparency issues plaguing the EU's top institutions, and our special guest is Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe on Europe's economic outlook. Host Suzanne Lynch is joined by POLITICO's European Parliament reporter Eddy Wax in Strasbourg, to discuss the ongoing Qatargate scandal — including the arrest in the past few days of two more MEPs in connection with the police probe. POLITICO's Sarah Wheaton in Brussels also weighs in on the proposal to create an EU-wide independent ethics body to address transparency concerns. Meanwhile, MEPs are resisting efforts to clean up the chamber, as Sarah reports in this recent article. The podcast crew also debates the news that the European Commission is being sued for failing to release text messages between its president Ursula von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla when the Commission was negotiating with the drug company on coronavirus vaccine procurement. And Suzanne sits down with Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe to discuss Europe's economic outlook, how the bloc is coping with high inflation and the impact of the war in Ukraine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming to you during Thursday's meeting of EU leaders, we discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's (not so) surprise visit to Brussels, as well as other topics on the agenda: migration and Europe's response to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. On the sidelines of the European Council in Brussels, host Suzanne Lynch sits down with POLITICO's Clea Caulcutt, Barbara Moens and Jacopo Barigazzi to analyze the impact of Zelenskyy's visit to Brussels, which became the source of controversy after the news of his trip was leaked earlier in the week. The group also discusses the EU's attempts to make progress on its migration policy, as well as the bloc’s plan to make Europe more competitive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All eyes are on Ukraine as the EU's top officials visit Kyiv for a historic summit — the first to be held in an active war zone. And Moldovan President Maia Sandu is our special guest. Host Suzanne Lynch is joined by POLITICO's Veronika Melkozerova in Kyiv and Matthew Karnitschnig in Berlin to discuss what we can expect from the visit by EU leaders to the Ukrainian capital — including whether sending Ukraine fighter jets is now part of the discussion and if Ukraine's prospects for joining the EU have advanced. Also looking to join the EU eventually is Moldova. Suzanne sat down with President Maia Sandu as her country prepares to host the next meeting of the European Political Community in June. They discuss what we can expect from that meeting, as well as her country's EU prospects, the impact of the war in Ukraine and her own political journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our POLITICO team has the inside scoop on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's long-awaited decision to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and how it's landing internationally. Also, our special guest is Mairead McGuinness, the EU's financial services commissioner. POLITICO's Suzanne Lynch is joined by Chief Europe Correspondent Matthew Karnitschnig and Hans von der Burchard, our senior politics reporter covering the German chancellery. They break down Scholz's decision to send tanks to Ukraine (along with the U.S. and others) and debate the reaction to it domestically and among international partners. The German chancellor stuck to his position that he would not move until Washington also agreed to send the heavy military kit, but what was the cost of the delay? Then, the EU's Financial Services Commissioner Mairead McGuinness joins Suzanne to talk through the EU's approach to enforcing Russian sanctions and how the bloc is leading the charge when it comes to regulating cryptocurrencies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The EU Confidential crew takes you inside this week's World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland where the world's rich and powerful are gathered. POLITICO's Suzanne Lynch, Ryan Heath, Erin Banco and Alex Ward unpack the big speeches on Wednesday by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The team discusses the latest on international efforts to send tanks to Ukraine, and we hear from Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on this issue. Looking ahead to the reconstruction of Ukraine, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development President Odile Renaud-Basso shares her perspective on what we could expect. We also continue our reporting on the transatlantic tensions being hashed out on the sidelines of the WEF main stage — in particular, the green tech subsidy spat between the EU and U.S. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar weighs in on this issue. If you haven't done so already, listen to our bonus episode from earlier in the week, which dove into this topic in great detail. And Agnès Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International, shares her thoughts on whether countries with concerning human rights track records should be given a platform at the event. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Thursday morning and today we bring you bumper editions from Davos with our final episode of the week landing later this evening. In this episode, POLITICO Europe's Editor-in-Chief Jamil Anderlini sits down with Academy Award-winning film director Oliver Stone to discuss his new documentary, "Nuclear." Jamil and Oliver are joined by Joshua Goldstein, author of the book which inspired the film, "A Bright Future." The live conversation took place at the Blockchain Hub, at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Then, we hear from the European Commissioner for the Economy Paolo Gentiloni. He explains to POLITICO's Jakob Hanke Vela that the EU needs to loosen the bloc's state aid rules to compete with American subsidies and make sure poorer EU countries aren't left behind in the green transition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Wednesday, and we're back with another episode from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. POLITICO's Suzanne Lynch, Alex Ward and Jakob Hanke Vela reveal the on-the-ground EU-U.S. subsidy spat playing out here in Davos. We analyze European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's speech at the WEF, where she announced the EU's policy response to compete with Washington's subsidy spree. And Alex speaks to U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, who played an instrumental role in passing America's Inflation Reduction Act, which Europeans see as creating competition for their own industries. Then POLITICO's Ryan Heath sits down with Gary Cohn, former director of America's National Economic Council and now vice chairman of IBM, to discuss the protectionism tensions between Europe and the United States and hear his surprising economic outlook for the coming year. Finally, Ryan heads over to the Female Quotient's Equality Lounge® to speak with its founder, Shelley Zalis. She's been helping to bring VIPs into the conversation outside the main WEF stage — even while speaking to this podcast, bringing fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg and Alyse Nelson of the Vital Voices Global Partnership into her chat with Ryan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the World Economic Forum gets underway, we dive into the stories everyone is talking about on the Magic Mountain. POLITICO's Jakob Hanke Vela sits down with PwC Global Chairman Bob Moritz to discuss the findings from their global CEO survey — most CEOs are more pessimistic than they've been in over a decade about the economic growth outlook in the next year. Then host Suzanne Lynch discusses the future of the World Economic Forum with POLITICO's Ryan Heath. He has spoken to dozens of people about the elusive plans for what happens when WEF Chairman Klaus Schwab, nearly 85 years young, is no longer in charge. Finally, we turn our focus to cryptocurrencies. POLITICO's Erin Banco speaks to Anthony Scaramucci about the crypto industry's efforts to build back trust. And we hear from Dante Disparte, chief strategy officer and head of global policy for Circle, about how companies like his view regulation of the industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Davos, Switzerland, the POLITICO crew unpacks the big global issues facing businesses, governments and international organizations as top leaders gather for this year's World Economic Forum. Host Suzanne Lynch is joined by Ryan Heath, Erin Banco and Alex Ward to debate which issues are likely to dominate over the coming days — everything from recession concerns to climate and crypto. The veterans on our crew also reveal their top tips for surviving the dizzying week atop the magic mountain. Then Ryan speaks to Richard Edelman, CEO of global public relations firm Edelman, about the latest findings from his company's annual Trust Barometer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the EU Confidential crew travels to Stockholm to examine Sweden's domestic political challenges such as migration, crime and climate — and we dive into the country's priorities as it takes on the presidency of the Council of the EU. Host Suzanne Lynch meets POLITICO's Stockholm Correspondent Charlie Duxbury in the Swedish Parliament to discuss the country's latest election. It resulted in a conservative coalition government that relies, controversially, on support from the far-right Sweden Democrats to push through its policies. We dive into Sweden's challenges with migration, sitting down with Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard as well as a leading voice in the opposition on this issue, Annika Hirvonen of the Green Party. And we hear from Tobias Lohse, CEO of Refugees Welcome Sweden, about the practicalities of integrating migrants into society. Charlie then takes us to a neighborhood that is struggling to address violent crime, to discuss how this issue is shaping political debate domestically. You can read more of Charlie's coverage of gang violence in Sweden here. Finally, we unpack Sweden’s priorities as it begins its presidency of the Council of the EU — charged with steering EU policies over the next six months. And we hear from Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a bumper edition to start the new year as we look ahead to the big stories likely to dominate the EU's agenda in 2023. POLITICO's top policy reporters Barbara Moens, Mark Scott, Charlie Cooper and Karl Mathiesen join host Suzanne Lynch to break down the EU's biggest challenges this year when it comes to climate, technology, energy and trade. Then our Editor at Large Nick Vinocur explores the broader geopolitical outlook as Russia's war in Ukraine continues. At home, he predicts a heated political season leading up to the European Parliament elections in 2024. POLITICO's Chief Policy Correspondent Sarah Wheaton brings us up to speed on the latest developments in the Qatargate story, which continues to rock the European institutions. For more background, listen to this episode of EU Confidential from December. Finally, we introduce you to Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob. The energy executive-turned-politician sat down with POLITICO's Lili Bayer and Victor Jack after the last European Council in December to discuss a range of issues including energy, Qatargate and his own career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our final episode of 2022 is a bumper edition featuring the latest news and analysis of the Qatar corruption scandal centering around the European Parliament — and we look back on the incredible news year that was 2022. POLITICO's Suzanne Lynch is joined by Sarah Wheaton, Barbara Moens and Ali Walker to unpack the who, what, when, and where of the corruption scandal linked to Qatar. There have been arrests in Belgium and Italy over the past days — notably nabbing European Parliament Vice President Eva Kaili for alleged corruption and money laundering. The team gives their analysis of the saga and reveals the fallout of this scandal in Brussels and beyond. Follow our continuing coverage of Qatargate here. Then Suzanne speaks with European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly, who calls for tougher standards for EU ethics rules. You can also read the story here. Finally, we look back on the stories which defined 2022 with our Editor-in-Chief Jamil Anderlini and Senior France Correspondent Clea Caulcutt. Here are the stories mentioned in the episode. Leaked: The Altrnativ world of cybersurveillance The Turkish connection: How Erdoğan’s confidant helped Iran finance terror Poland and Hungary: How a love affair turned toxic Putin’s useful German idiots The end of Macronism European Parliament plots backroom deal to appoint top bureaucrat POLITICO 28 — Class of 2023 Programming note: We are off for the holidays but back in your feed on January 5! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode comes to you from the Albanian capital of Tirana where EU leaders met with Western Balkan hopefuls. And we dive into the fascinating world of spies operating in Brussels. Host Suzanne Lynch brings us up to speed on the EU's latest efforts to woo Western Balkan countries that want to become members of the bloc at a first-of-its-kind summit in the region. EU officials are increasingly concerned about the influence of Russia and China in the countries on the bloc's doorstep. Then, British journalist and author Misha Glenny, who now serves as rector of the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna, weighs in with his analysis of why joining the EU remains challenging for countries in the region. Also, POLITICO's Barbara Moens shares insights into her recent reporting on the EU's spy problem. Despite Belgium upping its counterintelligence game, Brussels remains a spies' playground as the home of the EU institutions and NATO. Read the full story here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we debate simmering industrial tensions in the EU over a new U.S. law. We also get an update on the situation in Ukraine, including from Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and discuss Europe's future ahead of a big event in Brussels this Friday to consider citizen's suggestions for how to improve the EU. Host Suzanne Lynch is joined by Senior Trade Correspondent Barbara Moens and Editor at Large Nick Vinocur to debate rising EU concerns about a new U.S. law, the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides generous “Made in the U.S.A.” subsidies and threatens European competitiveness. Then, POLITICO's Lili Bayer traveled to Ukraine with a group of seven foreign ministers from the Baltic and Nordic regions. We hear from several of the ministers, as well as Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba about what Kyiv needs at this point in the war and how Europe can help. Finally, Suzanne sits down with Commission Vice-President Dubravka Šuica who explains how her institution has responded to suggestions put forth by citizens via the Conference on the Future of Europe. We also hear from Gabriele Bischoff, a German member of the European Parliament from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats, about how she hopes the EU institutions will respond to citizen concerns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we debate how Europe is grappling with Twitter since Elon Musk took the helm. We hear from Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and discuss a new book about the EU's "Superstate" status. Sarah Wheaton, author of POLITICO's EU Influence newsletter, hosts this episode. She's joined by Technology and Competition Editor Aoife White and Editor at Large Nick Vinocur to chew over the Brussels bubble's reliance on Twitter — as questions swirl about the social media platform's future. They also discuss how EU officials are grappling with legal questions surrounding Musk's recent decisions on personnel and content. Then, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko sits down with POLITICO's Jamie Dettmer to discuss how his city is preparing for the cold winter months ahead. Also, Sarah speaks with Alasdair Roberts, professor of public policy and author of a new book, "Superstates: Empires of the Twenty-First Century." He unpacks the challenges of governance faced by what he refers to as "Superstates" such as the European Union, as well as the United States, India and China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The annual gathering of G20 leaders in Bali, Indonesia was overshadowed by a deadly incident in Poland. A missile struck a village close to the border with Ukraine, killing two people. The origin of the missile was initially unclear, but it prompted crisis meetings among leaders and fears of military escalation. In this week's show, we analyze reactions in Europe and around the world. POLITICO's Jan Cienski joins host Suzanne Lynch in the studio with the latest information on what happened and the reaction from the Polish government and NATO. And from Lviv in Ukraine, Opinion Editor Jamie Dettmer dials in to tell us about the response from Kyiv and the impact the latest Russian assault on the country's energy infrastructure has had. China Correspondent Stuart Lau joins us from Bali to talk through the carefully calibrated responses from G20 leaders. We also discuss the three-hour meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the annual diplomatic jamboree — only the second foreign trip by the Chinese leader since the COVID pandemic. We also talk to Zsuzsanna Szelényi, a former political colleague turned harsh critic of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. She charts Orbán's journey from democratic hope to what she describes as increasing authoritarianism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Suzanne Lynch in Brussels speaks with Karl Mathiesen, POLITICO's senior climate correspondent, at the COP27 climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. And we discuss whether we are entering a new Cold War with historian and author Professor Mary Sarotte. Karl explains the goals of the ongoing U.N. climate diplomacy jamboree and the impact geopolitics is having on achieving global climate targets. We also hear exclusively from Alok Sharma, the U.K.'s COP26 president, about his role in climate policy over the years and what he sees as the biggest threats to climate progress. Our special guest is Professor Mary Sarotte, whose latest book "Not One Inch: America, Russia, and the Making of Post-Cold War Stalemate," explores the geopolitical tensions between NATO, Russia and the United States. The historian speaks with POLITICO's Matthew Karnitschnig in Berlin where she's currently based as a fellow at the American Academy in Berlin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Americans head to the polls next week, we dive into transatlantic relations and the impact these elections could have on European policy and relations with Washington. POLITICO's Suzanne Lynch in Brussels and Ryan Heath in Washington break down the upcoming U.S. mid-term elections. They pick out the important races to watch and discuss how a shift in the balance of power in Congress could change the course of policies impacting Europe, particularly support for Ukraine. And senior trade correspondent Barbara Moens explains the current trade tensions between Brussels and Washington and how the two sides are trying to resolve these differences. Our special guest is Max Bergmann. He's currently the director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington and has previously held several positions within the U.S. State Department. In conversation with POLITICO's Sarah Wheaton, they discuss how Washington views Europe's defense capabilities and how the mid-term elections could impact transatlantic relations. Programming note: Suzanne and Ryan will be holding a Pro Briefing Call — which is exceptionally open for anyone to join — on the day after the vote. Join them on Wednesday, November 9 at 4 p.m. CET for a live exchange on what the mid-term results mean for U.S. allies and partners, in Europe and beyond. Register here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discusses how the war in Ukraine has shaped the military alliance. We also dig into the EU's proposed law to protect media freedom and debate the controversy surrounding Germany's relationship with China. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg sits down with POLITICO's Lili Bayer at NATO headquarters in Brussels to discuss how the war in Ukraine has shaped the alliance and European defense. Also in this episode, host Suzanne Lynch speaks to European Commissioner Věra Jourová about a new EU law aimed at guarding against media interference by governments and giving more protections to journalists. And they discuss ongoing tensions between Brussels and Warsaw over rule of law concerns in Poland. We also debate the EU's complicated relations with China, as POLITICO's Matt Karnitschnig explains the controversy surrounding an upcoming visit in early November by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode comes to you from the heart of the European Quarter in Brussels, where the 27 EU leaders are meeting once again for a European Council. Host Suzanne Lynch and our POLITICO team, Hans von der Burchard and Clea Caulcutt, unpack what's at stake during these discussions, including the latest efforts to quell rising energy costs and address supply challenges as a result of the war in Ukraine. We'll also dive into the latest on what Europe is doing to support Ukraine militarily, financially and with Russian sanctions. And finally, the leaders will also hold a strategic discussion on China, and POLITICO's Stuart Lau explains where relations stand between Brussels and Beijing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, POLITICO's Suzanne Lynch breaks down the reaction to Russia's recent escalation in Ukraine with an update from NATO headquarters. We also dive into growing concerns about irregular migration into the European Union and get an update on the global food crisis. Vladimir Putin's recent nuclear threats and bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine are forcing Western leaders to prepare for a grueling new phase of the war. POLITICO's Lili Bayer brings us NATO's reaction from a defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels. Then, Suzanne and POLITICO's Jacopo Barigazzi dive into the EU’s fresh refugee flow challenges. We hear from European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas about the concerning number of irregular migrants making their way to the EU through the Western Balkans. And EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson speaks to POLITICO's Matthew Karnitschnig about the security concerns regarding Russians coming into the bloc. And finally, we return to global food security and how the war in Ukraine is still impacting supply chains and driving up prices — adding to existing global struggles with climate change and energy problems. POLITICO's Eddy Wax sits down with Matthew Hollingworth, the World Food Programme's country director in Ukraine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's EU Confidential comes to you from Prague Castle, where leaders of the EU's 27 countries held a historic meeting with well over a dozen other nearby countries, including the United Kingdom, Turkey and Ukraine, among others. POLITICO's Suzanne Lynch and our team on the ground, Clea Caulcutt and Hans von der Burchard, bring you highlights from this inaugural meeting of the European Political Community. They debate the future aims of this multi-national grouping and what it means for Europe. We hear directly from European leaders from France, Finland, Ireland and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss the implications of Italy's election last weekend and what its probable next prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, could mean for Europe. Our special guest is Stavros Lambrinidis, the EU's ambassador to the United States. POLITICO's Suzanne Lynch and our team covering Italy's election on Sunday, Jacopo Barigazzi in Brussels and Hannah Roberts in Rome, break down all you need to know about Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party and presumed next prime minister. We also dig into how Brussels and other European capitals are reacting to the election of Italy's most right-wing government since World War II. Jacopo also shares the reaction in Brussels to the damage to the Nord Stream gas pipelines and what might be the EU's next move. And our special guest is Stavros Lambrinidis, the EU's ambassador to the United States. He speaks to POLITICO's Lili Bayer in Washington, about Russia's war in Ukraine, Europe's energy crisis, the U.S. mid-term elections and relations between Washington and Brussels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming to you from New York City, this bumper edition of EU Confidential brings you the highlights of the U.N. General Assembly and gets reaction from European leaders on Russia's recent threat of military escalation. POLITICO's Suzanne Lynch sits down with our team in New York covering the world's annual diplomatic jamboree. Nahal Toosi, our senior foreign affairs correspondent, breaks down U.S. President Joe Biden's speech and discusses the chances of a breakthrough on Iran this week. U.N. Playbook co-author Ryan Heath speaks to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez about the EU's energy crisis. And we hear from our team traveling with European leaders. Clea Caulcutt, POLITICO's senior France correspondent, speaks to President Emmanuel Macron about President Vladimir Putin's move to mobilize more Russian troops to bolster his forces in Ukraine. And Esther Webber, senior U.K. correspondent, gives us a flavor of Liz Truss' first big international foray as prime minister. Suzanne speaks exclusively to EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell about the bloc's support of Ukraine and whether we can expect a breakthrough with Iran. We also hear from Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský on the escalation of the war in Ukraine. And Suzanne also catches up with Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod on his country's bid to secure a seat on the U.N. Security Council in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming to you from Strasbourg, EU Confidential breaks down this week's big EU moment: the State of the Union address delivered by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. And we convene a panel of MEPs to debate which policies hit the mark, and where the speech fell short. POLITICO's Suzanne Lynch, chief Brussels correspondent and your new host, is joined by technology reporter Clothilde Goujard in Strasbourg and energy reporter Victor Jack in Brussels to bring you the highlights from the speech and analyze what big policies were announced and which ones didn't make the cut. Then, members of the European Parliament Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou (EPP), Katalin Cseh (Renew) and Niels Fuglsang (S&D) weigh in on von der Leyen's plan for the year ahead. For more State of the Union analysis, you can join our Pro Briefing call on Friday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. CET to learn from our POLITICO experts Esther King, Karl Mathiesen, America Hernandez, Pieter Haeck and Joshua Posaner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New host Suzanne Lynch digs into the EU's plans to address its energy crisis. And Canadian Ambassador to the EU Ailish Campbell explains how Europe is turning to her country for solutions to its energy woes and lifts the lid on sexism in European diplomacy. POLITICO's Chief Brussels Correspondent Suzanne Lynch makes her podcast debut as the new host of EU Confidential. She's joined by Brussels Playbook author Jakob Hanke Vela, who explains the EU's emergency plans being debated this week to address soaring energy and electricity costs. And Chief Europe Correspondent Matthew Karnitschnig explains what Europe and its leaders can expect to face over the long-term. Ailish Campbell, Canada's ambassador to the EU, sits down with Suzanne and Senior Trade Correspondent Barbara Moens to discuss how Canada could potentially help the EU with its energy troubles and lifts the lid on her viral tweet calling out sexism she's experienced in her daily diplomatic interactions in Brussels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bumper edition before the summer break, we explain the monkeypox outbreak in Europe and the EU's response. We also preview the biggest lobbying battle brewing in Brussels between Big Tech platforms and telecom operators. POLITICO's Samuel Stolton, who covers competition and tech policy, hosts this week's episode, which kicks off with a discussion about the spread of monkeypox in Europe. Health care reporter Helen Collis explains which countries are seeing a rise in infections, and the race to secure vaccines. Helen reveals that the European Commission is re-thinking how it buys vaccines and drugs for the bloc — thus far failing to come through with adequate monkeypox shots to fill demand. Then we preview one of the biggest Brussels lobbying battles you can expect to witness over the coming months. Our lobbying guru Sarah Wheaton and chief technology correspondent Mark Scott set the stage for this debate between Big Tech platforms and telecoms operators over whether platforms should have to pay the telecoms industry for the infrastructure they need to build in order to compensate for the masses of data their users consume across platforms like Google, Meta, Netflix and Amazon. Sam then hosts a lively debate between the top representatives of each side. On the telecoms side, is Alessandro Gropelli from the European Telecommunications Network Operators' Association (ETNO), which represents the likes of Deutsche Telekom, Orange and BT. Joining his side of the debate is Jan-Niklas Steinhauer, head of policy and regulatory affairs at the German Broadband Association (BREKO). On the Big Tech side, is Christian Borggreen from The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) representing the likes of Apple, Google, Meta and Amazon. And he's joined by Thomas Lohninger, executive director of the digital rights NGO epicenter.works. Programming note: We are off for a summer holiday, but we'll be back in your podcast feed on Thursday, September 8 with our new host, Suzanne Lynch, currently the co-author of POLITICO's Brussels Playbook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We debate what the EU and its leaders can do to counter Russian propaganda, particularly in Africa, about the global food crisis. And we tell the story of Umeå, Sweden, which has become a trailblazer in incorporating gender equality into urban design. Aitor Hernández-Morales, author of POLITICO's Living Cities newsletter, is joined by agriculture reporter Eddy Wax to explain the recent U.N.-brokered deal struck in Turkey between Ukraine and Russia to allow for exports of millions of tons of grain through the Black Sea. Clea Calcutt in Paris breaks down French President Emmanuel Macron's trip to Africa this week, and Brussels politics reporter Ilya Gridneff addresses Russian propaganda about the EU's role in the food crisis and why the bloc is struggling to combat it. Then POLITICO's Giovanna Coi takes us on her recent trip to Sweden to explain how the city of Umeå has become a test case for other European cities — tackling both climate change and urban equality by re-designing itself for women. The story is part of POLITICO's Living Cities series, which you can sign up for here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive into the politics of this week's hot topic — Europe's response to a devastating heat wave and how that impacts current energy troubles. We also look into a debate over crypto currencies and how they should be regulated across the EU. POLITICO's Bjarke Smith-Meyer hosts this week's episode, which kicks off with a heated discussion on this week's devastating heat wave across Europe. Karl Mathiesen, our senior climate correspondent, explains why natural disasters like this can be expected more often and shines a light on the disparity between Europe's efforts to cope with climate change compared to other parts of the world. Aitor Hernández-Morales, author of POLITICO's Living Cities newsletter, tells us which cities in Europe have been most effective at helping their residents deal with the heat — and why Southern Europeans feel left behind by Brussels' policies to address the issue. And Zia Weise, our reporter covering climate policy, explains how policymakers are trying to balance climate policies with the current issues Europe is facing when it comes to energy. Then we turn our focus to crypto currencies and the EU's attempt to regulate this uncharted territory of new-age finance. We hear from Faryar Shirzad, the chief policy officer of Coinbase, which is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchange platforms. Also joining the podcast is Ernest Urtasun, a Spanish member of the European Parliament from the Greens. He weighs in on the EU's newly-passed legislation regulating cryptocurrencies, the Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation (known in Brussels as MiCA). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our POLITICO mobility team takes over this episode — unpacking the issues facing the travel industry this summer and what European policymakers can do to address them. Joshua Posaner, POLITICO's senior policy reporter based in Berlin, talks to Chief Europe Correspondent Matt Karnitschnig about the EU's aim to phase out the combustion engine by 2035 and whether Germany's Finance Minister Christian Lindner can do anything to stop it. And Matt recommends this timely beach read for our listeners. The rest of POLITICO's mobility team, Hanne Cokelaere and Mari Eccles, join Josh to explain why Europe's summer travel season has been so chaotic — and whether there's any hope for a reprieve soon. We then speak with Wizz Air CEO József Váradi to better understand why so many flights are currently being canceled around Europe. And the team brings us a debate over staff shortages and strikes at airports with Olivier Jankovec, director general of the European Region of the Airports Council International, and Livia Spera, general secretary of European Transport Workers' Federation. Finally, we catch up with well-known European affairs blogger and consultant Jon Worth during his 40-day train journey around the EU to discuss the state of European rail travel and what policymakers can do to improve train journeys around the Continent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As drama unfolds across the English Channel, we look at where things stand with the EU's migration policy and examine EU-Australian relations. We also review a revealing new documentary on Emmanuel Macron's international diplomacy efforts and explain why interpreters in the European Parliament are upset with their post-COVID working conditions. Brussels Playbook co-author Suzanne Lynch hosts this episode, which begins with our French politics reporter Clea Caulcutt giving us the skinny on a new behind-the-scenes documentary on Macron’s diplomatic efforts to stop the war in Ukraine. Clea also explains the political calculus behind Macron's recent Cabinet reshuffle and what it means for Brussels. And POLITICO's Maïa de La Baume joins the discussion to explain the latest tangle between the EU and its all-important interpreters. Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, joins Suzanne on the podcast to discuss the EU's migration policy — what progress has been made since unveiling its plan in September 2020 and where the sticking points remain. She also highlights the challenges for EU countries from taking in over 3 million Ukrainians fleeing war in recent months. And we welcome a delegation of visitors from Australia to hear about the state of relations with the EU. Stuart Lau, our EU-China correspondent, sits down with Professor Rory Medcalf, head of the National Security College at the Australian National University and a thought leader on the Indo-Pacific, and Professor Duncan Lewis, an imminent military and security expert who has held senior roles in the Australian military and public service, including as former ambassador to the EU, Belgium and NATO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming to you from the NATO summit in Madrid, our POLITICO team analyzes a packed week in international diplomacy and what it means for Europe and its security. We also hear from the prime ministers of Sweden, Norway and Estonia. Sarah Wheaton hosts this week's episode, which kicks off with a discussion with our team at the NATO summit in Madrid — Lili Bayer, David M. Herszenhorn, Paul McLeary and Hans von der Burchard. They analyze what was behind the main decisions and point to some of the uncertainties that remain. They also discuss the missed opportunities at the G7 summit in Germany earlier in the week, and how German Chancellor Olaf Scholz performed as host of his first major international gathering. Our special guests in this episode include Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson on her country's path to joining NATO and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on changes to his region's security situation. We also talk to Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who shares her view on the summit's outcomes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming to you from the EU leaders' summit in the heart of Brussels, we discuss Ukraine's candidacy to join the club and the lack of progress for EU-hopefuls in the Western Balkans. We hear from Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Florence Gaub, foresight adviser to the Council of the European Union. This week's episode, hosted by POLITICO's David M. Herszenhorn, comes to you from the European Council where the EU's 27 heads of state and government decided to designate Ukraine and Moldova as candidates for EU membership. POLITICO's Lili Bayer, Giorgio Leali and Hans von der Burchard join David to unpack how the decision was made and where the discussion on EU accession goes from here. Giorgio also explains how French President Emmanuel Macron's gravitas around the Council table may have been diminished by his centrist alliance's disappointing showing in parliamentary elections last weekend. We also discuss how the French president's idea for a "European political community" is being received. Then, you'll hear from Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. He spoke to POLITICO's Louise Guillot in Tirana last week — sharing his downbeat view on why Albania's prospects for starting EU membership talks have stalled. After the break, we feature NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. He sat down with Lili Bayer on Wednesday for a POLITICO Live event, which you can watch here. And POLITICO's Matt Karnitschnig brings us a discussion with Florence Gaub, foresight adviser to the Council of the European Union. They discuss the war in Ukraine, how long it could last and what we can expect from NATO's historic meeting next week in Madrid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We explore more repercussions of the war in Ukraine, explain the latest dust-up between the U.K. and the EU and unpack the patois of political panel discussions. Our special guest is retired British diplomat and author John Ramsden, who talks poets, politics and economics. POLITICO's Andrew Gray is joined by Matthew Karnitschnig, who tells us about his recent trip to a remote strip of land along the border between Lithuania and Poland that's the focus of renewed attention due to Russia's war on Ukraine. POLITICO's Eddy Wax catches us up on the food crisis triggered by the war, while Suzanne Lynch explains the latest tussle between the U.K. and the EU over Northern Ireland. For some light relief on Andrew's last show as host, the podcast crew goes meta by holding a panel discussion on panel discussions — a big feature of Brussels and other political bubbles. Why are they so popular, what do people get out of them and what are the pitfalls? We play a game of "duo-panelo" to reveal the true meaning of classic panel phrases. Our special guest John Ramsden, a former British ambassador, tells us about his new book, "The Poets' Guide to Economics," which explores the impact of poets on economic debate down the centuries. The podcast will be back next Thursday as usual, kicking off a summer season of episodes featuring different members of the POLITICO newsroom in the host's chair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We break down the controversy over a plan to unlock billions of euros in EU funds for Poland and debate Angela Merkel's return to the public arena. Our special guest is Julianne Smith, the U.S. ambassador to NATO. POLITICO's Andrew Gray and Lili Bayer unpack Ursula von der Leyen's plan to give Poland a path to coronavirus recovery funds as the European Commission president faces criticism — some of it from senior members of her own team — that she's letting Warsaw off the hook on rule-of-law standards. And Matthew Karnitschnig joins the panel to debate Angela Merkel's decision to return to the stage — literally — after six months of silence since stepping down as German chancellor. In an extensive interview in front of an audience in a Berlin theater, Merkel addressed whether her own policies played a role in emboldening Russia to attack Ukraine. Lili interviews our special guest Julianne Smith, the U.S. ambassador to NATO. Smith discusses how the alliance may reinforce its eastern flank in light of the war in Ukraine, Turkey's objections to Sweden and Finland's membership bids, and how NATO will likely view both Russia and China in its forthcoming strategic blueprint. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We unpack EU leaders' deal to ban Russian oil imports — with some notable exceptions after Hungary played hardball. And author Tommaso Pavone tells the story of the lawyers who turned "ghostwriters" to make the EU a legal reality. POLITICO's Andrew Gray, Matthew Karnitschnig, Lili Bayer and David M. Herszenhorn assess this week's EU summit, where leaders struck a late-night agreement to ban Russian oil — but only after making more concessions to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The crew also discusses what's next for the EU in terms of sanctions after the bruising battle over this package. You'll hear what Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, French President Emmanuel Macron and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas told POLITICO about the summit — and about whether the EU’s sanctions are having an impact on Vladimir Putin. Our special guest is Tommaso Pavone, assistant professor of law and politics at the University of Arizona and visiting researcher at the ARENA Center for European Studies at the University of Oslo. His new book, "The Ghostwriters: Lawyers and the Politics Behind the Judicial Construction of Europe," tells the fascinating story of the "Euro-lawyers" across the Continent who sought out cases and pushed them up the European legal pyramid over decades to make the EU a legal reality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This special edition of EU Confidential from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland drills into the question of whether the EU is really ready for a forceful response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It’s the last of our special episodes from the prestigious ­— or, some would say, notorious — gathering of power players in this Alpine resort town. POLITICO’s Sarah Wheaton, Jamil Anderlini and Suzanne Lynch analyze German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s speech on the forum’s closing day. They also reflect on how the discussion in Davos will extend beyond this conference — and recap some less-than-classy moments at exclusive parties featuring acts like the Black Eyed Peas and The Chainsmokers. Paul Grod, president of the Ukrainian World Congress, speaks to Sarah about how the Ukrainian diaspora is keeping up the pressure on Europe. Then we catch up with Wellcome Trust Director Jeremy Farrar for a quick check-in on the coronavirus pandemic. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad joins us for a conversation about her advocacy for victims of sexual violence in war and what the EU can do to support such efforts. Finally, POLITICO's Ryan Health speaks to James Rogers, founder of Apeel, which makes edible coatings for foods, about food sustainability as we look ahead to a growing food crisis and the challenges of expanding his company's innovative solutions into Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This bumper edition of Davos Confidential includes a debate on the death of globalization, the prospects of more countries joining the European Union and an insider's take on the role of women at the World Economic Forum. POLITICO's Sarah Wheaton, Jamil Anderlini, Ryan Heath and Suzanne Lynch debate an issue they and others have been grappling with all week: is globalization dead? Historian and professor Adam Tooze also shares his thoughts on the subject. Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, speaks to Suzanne about the EU's role on the global stage, Russian sanctions and the prospects of Ukraine joining the bloc. Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița also wants her country of Moldova to join the EU and shares her thoughts on the issue. Meanwhile, Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin says he's open to changing the EU treaties to potentially pave the way for other countries to join without facing some of the existing hurdles. Journalist Anya Schiffrin, a professor at Colombia University in New York and a long-time attendee of the WEF, shares her views on the role of women in Davos and how that's changed over the years. And Swiss Federal Chancellor Walter Thurnherr has some eye-opening observations about this year's WEF. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We hear exclusively from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the chance of clinching a sixth package of EU sanctions, and from experts on Russia and the latest trends in the financial world. POLITICO's Sarah Wheaton is joined by Editor in Chief Jamil Anderlini, Playbook author Suzanne Lynch and Ryan Heath, editorial director of global growth. The team discusses the Tuesday's big speeches by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and von der Leyen, who spoke to Suzanne about after the chances of EU leaders agreeing on the latest package of proposed Russian sanctions during next week's summit in Brussels. With Russia's war in Ukraine top of mind, former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb shares his views on the wider impact of the conflict and the prospect of Finland joining NATO. Jamil also sat down with Bill Browder to discuss his new book, "Freezing Order: A True Story of Money Laundering, Murder, and Surviving Vladimir Putin's Wrath." There's also an interview with Karen Karniol-Tambour, co-chief investment officer for sustainability at Bridgewater Associates, about the challenges of tackling rising inflation and slowing economic growth. And billionaire David Rubenstein, Carlyle Group co-founder and co-chairman, tells Jamil that the big topic of the moment is whether the United States is heading into a recession and shares his views on cryptocurrencies. For more of our coverage of the World Economic Forum, check out our daily Davos Playbook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode comes to you from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland — featuring participants from business, government and the non-profit sectors. POLITICO's Sarah Wheaton is joined by Jamil Anderlini, Suzanne Lynch and Ryan Heath to explain what the WEF seeks to accomplish at a time of tremendous political and economic instability. They discuss Monday's much-anticipated speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and question why so few G20 leaders have shown up at this year's unusual spring-edition of the forum (the WEF is historically held in January when ski jackets and crampons are a must). Jamil brings us a conversation with Mykhailo Fedorov, vice prime minister of Ukraine and minister of digital transformation, about how technology is aiding his country's battle against Russia. And Julien Vaulpré, founding partner of PR firm Taddeo and ex-advisor to former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, shares his impressions of what the WEF is really all about. We then hear from Richard Edelman, CEO of global communications firm Edelman, about his company's new Trust Barometer, which measures trust levels in government, businesses and the media throughout the world. Our final guest is Oxfam International Executive Director Gabriela Bucher. She unpacks a brand new analysis on the growth of billionaires during the pandemic and the alarming trends in growing economic inequality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We unpack Sweden and Finland's historic bids to join NATO, provide a POLITICO half-time report on the European Commission's performance so far, and hear from Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly on relations with the EU and more. POLITICO's Andrew Gray is joined by Correspondent Charlie Duxbury in Stockholm, Senior NATO Reporter Lili Bayer and Chief Europe Correspondent Matthew Karnitschnig, who calls in from Warsaw. The team breaks down the strategic thinking behind Finland and Sweden's big shifts on NATO, the implications for the alliance, possible reactions from Russia and Turkey's tough talk on the membership applications. Lili brings us insight from Finland's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Pekka Haavisto. We also take you inside a POLITICO newsroom-wide effort to assess how the European Commission has performed at the mid-point in its five-year term. Who's been a star player? Who's been relegated to the bench? Senior Policy Reporter Joshua Posaner has some of the answers and you can read the full report here. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly is our special guest. On a visit to Brussels this week, she spoke with POLITICO's David M. Herszenhorn about Canada's efforts to help alleviate global food and energy problems caused by Russia's war in Ukraine and relations with the European Union. Joly also sheds light on the challenges she and others face in balancing political responsibility and personal life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We debate some big ideas for the future of Europe and examine the state of Franco-German ties after recently-reelected French President Emmanuel Macron's trip to Berlin. We also hear from Ukrainian officials and the EU's ambassador in Kyiv. [2:54] POLITICO's Andrew Gray tries to sum up the results of the Conference on the Future of Europe, a year-long series of debates and discussions that culminated in a grand ceremony in Strasbourg earlier this week. Andrew is joined by POLITICO's Maïa de La Baume, who shares her impressions from attending one of the gatherings of EU citizens that fed into the conference. [8:09] French President Emmanuel Macron used the ceremony to propose the creation of a "European political community," which could include countries outside the EU like Ukraine and the U.K. POLITICO's Hans von der Burchard tell us how this and other ideas are going down in Berlin, after Macron's visit earlier this week with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Chief Europe Correspondent Matthew Karnitschnig weighs in on the proposals for Europe's future and the politics around Ukraine's EU membership bid. [19:43] Then POLITICO's Lili Bayer brings us voices from officials in Ukraine after her recent trip to Kyiv, including EU Ambassador to Ukraine Matti Maasikas, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Integration of Ukraine to the EU. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We unpack the EU plan to ban Russian oil and wonder why Germany is so hung up on Ukraine's refusal to let German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visit Kyiv. Our special guest is Cambridge Professor Helen Thompson, who explores the relationship between energy and politics. [2:10] POLITICO's Politics Editor Andrew Gray is joined by Senior Trade Correspondent Barbara Moens to discuss the European Commission's proposal for a sixth round of sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine. Barbara breaks down the faultlines within the EU over the headline measure, a ban on Russian oil imports, and looks ahead to what might be coming next on the sanctions front. [10:57] Chief Europe Correspondent Matthew Karnitschnig weighs in on the sanctions from Vienna. He also attempts to explain why German Chancellor Olaf Scholz can't seem to get over the snubbing of Steinmeier, who was declared unwelcome in Kyiv three weeks ago. And Matt gives us insight into his latest piece, "12 Germans who got played by Putin." [17:12] Our special guest is Helen Thompson, professor of political economy at the University of Cambridge and author of a new book, "Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century." In conversation with Matt, she discusses the historical reasons for Europe's dependence on Russian oil and gas — and explains why energy will continue to drive political turbulence for years to come, even if the EU can wean itself off supplies from Moscow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We take the long view on the success of Emmanuel Macron and the rise of Marine Le Pen, unpack an EU move that could cut funds to Hungary for failing to uphold the rule of law and dive into the impact of climate change on Spanish politics. [1:43] POLITICO's Nicholas Vinocur, a longtime follower of French politics, joins Andrew Gray to give his take on Macron's victory in France's presidential election and the gains made by far-right leader Le Pen — and what both may mean for Europe. (Nick mentions this story from our reporters on EU hopes and fears around Macron. And you can read more French election coverage here.) [9:12] POLITICO's Matthew Karnitschnig and Lili Bayer join the panel to reflect on the defeat of another populist right-wing European leader: Slovenia's Trump-loving Prime Minster Janez Janša. They also discuss the European Commission's unprecedented move to trigger a process that could cut EU funds to Hungary over rule-of-law breaches. [17:50] Our Senior Climate Correspondent Karl Mathiesen takes us on a journey to Andalusia. In conversation with our Executive Producer Cristina Gonzalez, Karl explains how the far-right Vox party is using climate change to woo local farmers, changing the dynamics of Spanish politics in the process. Read Karl's full story, and explore POLITICO's new "Climate, Changed" series here. This episode featured music by Peter Walker with Jack Rose, live dublab "sprout session," and Sunsearcher, "Flamenco Rhythm." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special edition, we analyze the result of the French presidential election and its implications for France and for Europe. The show features highlights from an election-night discussion with members of our French election crew, broadcast live on Twitter and hosted by POLITICO's Andrew Gray. Politics Reporter Clea Calcutt gives us the big picture, Elisa Braün reports from Emmanuel Macron's victory rally in front of the Eiffel Tower and Giorgio Leali brings us reaction from the Le Pen camp. Chief Europe Correspondent Matt Karnitschnig joins us from Berlin to look at the repercussions for the EU and for transatlantic relations. You can find all our French election coverage here, and if you prefer your French politics en français, you can get our daily Playbook Paris here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We review the big clash between French presidential contenders Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen. And we unpack Germany's struggle over whether to send heavy weapons to Ukraine with military expert and think tanker Gustav Gressel. POLITICO's Andrew Gray is joined by Clea Caulcutt in Paris to analyze Wednesday night's live TV debate between Macron, the centrist incumbent, and far-right challenger Le Pen ahead of the final round of the French presidential election this Sunday. POLITICO's Matthew Karnitschnig also joins the conversation to give the broader European perspective on the race. Matt then brings us this week's feature interview with Gustav Gressel, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin. They discuss Germany's continued reluctance to supply Ukraine with heavy weaponry and its impact on Berlin's standing within the EU and among other Western allies. Programming note: We'll host a live conversation on the French election on Sunday at 10 p.m. CET on Twitter. Andrew, Matt and Clea will be joined by other members of our French team to analyze the results, hear reaction from the campaign HQs and examine what the outcome means for France and for Europe. And we'll also bring you a special election edition of EU Confidential, which will land early Monday morning in your podcast feed. So please do subscribe or follow, wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We analyze the latest from the French presidential campaign and hear Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger's first-hand account of his visit to Ukraine. We also delve into the problems Europe faces in weaning itself off Russian energy. POLITICO’s Andrew Gray, Matthew Karnitschnig and Maïa de La Baume unpack the strategies of Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen as the gloves come off in round two of the French election. We also discuss Ukraine's rebuff of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier amid more German angst over arms deliveries. And we ask what Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer thought he could achieve by visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Our reporter Lili Bayer talks to Slovakian PM Heger about his visit to Ukraine with top EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He describes his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a harrowing visit to the town of Bucha, the scene of atrocities against Ukrainian civilians widely condemned as Russian war crimes. We also hear from Henning Gloystein, energy director at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group. He sets out the obstacles facing the EU as it tries to move away from Russian oil and gas — and warns of the risks of energy rationing in the winter if the bloc doesn’t play its cards right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special edition, we unpack the results of the first round of the French presidential election, which saw Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen qualify for a run-off vote on April 24. The show features highlights from an election-night discussion with members of POLITICO's French election crew, broadcast live on Twitter. French Politics Reporter Clea Calcutt explains how the result represents a transformation of the French political landscape and also analyzes the role that Russia's war in Ukraine played in the campaign. POLITICO's Elisa Braün, Maïa de La Baume, Giorgio Leali and Louise Guillot report directly from the election-night events of Macron, Le Pen, far-right upstart Éric Zemmour and left-winger Jean-Luc Mélenchon. And we look ahead to the all-important second round: What could make the difference between victory and defeat for Macron and Le Pen? And how will voters who backed other candidates in the first round influence the result? You can find all our French election coverage here and sign up for our free French Election Playbook here. And if you prefer your French politics en français, you can get our daily Playbook Paris here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We preview this Sunday's presidential vote in France, discuss the latest Western responses to Russia's war in Ukraine and reflect on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's reelection. Our special guest is Transparency International Ukraine's Kateryna Ryzhenko. POLITICO's Elisa Braun in Paris joins Andrew Gray to set up the first round of the French presidential election. She explains the mood in the Macron camp, as the president tries to clinch reelection in the face of headwinds including a lackluster campaign, a strong showing by far-right leader Marine Le Pen and uproar over his government's use of consulting firms to develop policies. POLITICO's Matthew Karnitschnig in Berlin looks at whether the West is moving closer to energy sanctions on Moscow after condemning Russian forces for war crimes over the killings of Ukrainian civilians in the town of Bucha. And POLITICO's Lili Bayer unpacks how Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his right-wing populist Fidesz party managed to clinch such a decisive victory in last Sunday's election. Lili also explains the EU's subsequent move to trigger a procedure that could cut funds to Hungary over concerns about the rule of law in the country. Kateryna Ryzhenko, deputy secretary-general of the Ukraine branch of anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International, tells us what she's asking EU policymakers to do to help her country — now and after the war. Programming note: Andrew Gray will host a live taping of EU Confidential on Twitter on Sunday at 10 p.m. CET with our team in France to break down the results of the first round of the French presidential election. We will also bring you a special edition of the podcast early Monday morning, so be sure to follow or subscribe to EU Confidential on your podcast app so you never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We recap Joe Biden's visit to Brussels for a series of summits focused on the war in Ukraine and get you up to speed on Hungary's election this weekend. World Food Programme boss David Beasley joins us to talk about the global food crisis. POLITICO's Andrew Gray, Matthew Karnitschnig and Lili Bayer take stock of last week's meetings of G7, NATO and European Union leaders, all attended by the U.S. president. The team debates whether it's realistic for Europe to achieve military autonomy any time soon and asks how much substance there was behind the symbolism at the summits. Reporting from Budapest, Lili explains the stakes in Sunday's parliamentary election in Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is running for another term. We hear from leading opposition candidate Péter Márki-Zay, Orbán's chief of staff Gergely Gulyás, and MEPs Klára Dobrev and Anna Donáth about the impact the war in Ukraine is having on the campaign. Opposition candidates also explain why they're not competing on a level playing field when it comes to challenging Orbán's ruling Fidesz party. Then we hear from the executive director of the World Food Programme, David Beasley. He spoke to POLITICO's Eddy Wax about the growing world food crisis — which is being exacerbated by the war in Ukraine — and lays out the consequences that the European Union could face if its leaders don't cough up more cash to deal with rising food costs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices