The Ring

Épisodes

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  Europe’s biggest debates – Migration, Mercosur, and housing on The Ring 07.08.2026 27min

  From migration and trade to the rising cost of housing, Europe continues to face complex political challenges with far-reaching consequences.As the migration debate returned to the EU Parliament, who decides who belongs in Europe? Will the EU-Mercosur agreement boost Europe's economy or put farmers and environmental standards at risk? How can Europe help tackle the housing crisis and make homes more affordable?These questions sparked some of this season’s debates between EU lawmakers, including Ciaran Mullooly (Renew Europe), Juan Fernando López Aguilar (Socialists & Democrats), and Maria Ohisalo (Greens), as well as centre-right MEPs Tomas Tobé, Jörgen Warborn, and Dirk Gotink from the European People’s Party.As Members of the European Parliament take a break from Brussels, we look back at some of the debates that made headlines. Listen to this special summer edition of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Europe’s biggest debates on The Ring - EU’s security… at what cost? 31.07.2026 27min

  From energy security to migration and foreign policy, the current geopolitical context raises difficult questions about Europe's role in a changing world.Who will pay for Europe’s defence spending? How should Europe respond to growing tensions and instability in the Middle East?  These questions sparked some of this season’s debates on The Ring between EU lawmakers, including left MEPs Marc Botenga, Martin Schirdewan, and Özlem Demirel, Socialist MEP Hana Jalloul, as well as EPP MEPs Riho Terras, Lukas Mandl, and Reinhold Lopatka.As Members of the European Parliament take a break from Brussels, we look back at some of the debates that made headlines. Listen to this special summer edition of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Richmond vs Conway-Walsh – Can Ireland shape Europe's future? 24.07.2026 27min

  Can a country of fewer than six million people steer the European Union through some of its biggest challenges? What will Ireland's priorities be during its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU? And can Dublin leave a lasting mark on the bloc's agenda? These questions sparked this week's debate between Irish lawmakers Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) and Rose Conway-Walsh (Sinn Féin). Both politicians clash over the opportunities and challenges facing the country at a pivotal moment for Europe. From negotiations on the EU's long-term budget to defence, technological sovereignty, and economic competitiveness, the Irish presidency will have to navigate a packed political agenda. Listen to this edition of The Ring, brought to you from Europe House in Dublin.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Tridico vs Ferber – Who pays to fund Europe’s future? 17.07.2026 27min

  What is causing Europe's economic slowdown? Should the EU expand common debt? And what happens if the EU fails to reach an agreement? These questions spark this week’s debate between EU lawmakers Pasquale Tridico (The Left) and Markus Ferber (European People’s Party). Both MEPs clash over whether common debt is the answer to Europe's stagnant economy and weakened competitiveness after a Spanish proposal for Brussels to borrow as much as €850 billion each year to fund growth has revived a longstanding debate in the EU. While Tridico argues that expanding common debt is “a matter of a well-built economy”, Ferber warns that “the markets will not trust us with more borrowing”. In this context, both MEPs weigh in on the fierce global competition facing Europe and the damaging impact on the bloc’s industries and economy.  What would be the economic cost for Europe if EU countries fail to find common ground?  Listen to this edition of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament studios in Brussels.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Close vs Vanden Borre – Is Belgium becoming a narco-state? 11.07.2026 27min

  Belgium has become a key battleground in Europe's fight against organised crime. With the Port of Antwerp serving as one of the continent's main entry points for cocaine from Latin America, drug trafficking is fuelling violence, corruption and growing concerns about public security. As authorities step up their response, one question remains: is Belgium doing enough to tackle the drug trade? This question sparks this debate between Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, from Socialist Party, and Brussels MP Mathias Vanden Borre from the opposition party N-VA. Close and Vanden Borre debate whether Belgium's current approach is working, clash over the balance between law enforcement and public health, and discuss how to curb the influence of organised crime while making the country's cities safer. Listen to this special edition of The Ring, brought to you from our studios in Brussels.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Mulloly vs Toveri – Can Europe still afford to protect its farmers? 10.07.2026 27min

  For two years, farmers have taken to the streets across Europe, protesting against rising production costs, environmental regulations and growing competition from abroad. While Brussels has responded with concessions and financial support, the debate over the future of European agriculture is far from over.Can the EU keep providing a political shield to farmers as it shifts its focus to defence and global trade? This question is at the heart of this edition of The Ring, with Irish Renew MEP Ciaran Mullooly and Finnish EPP MEP Pekka Toveri. As the EU prepares its next long-term budget, Mullooly and Toveri debate whether the Common Agricultural Policy should remain a political priority, clash over the future of CAP funding, and discuss how rising geopolitical tensions, trade agreements and climate pressures are reshaping Europe's farming sector.Listen to this edition of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament studios in Strasbourg.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Scuderi vs Wechsler - Is Europe prepared for a hotter future? 03.07.2026 27min

  A record-breaking heatwave is baking Europe - have politicians failed to protect citizens? Is air-conditioning the answer? As temperatures continue to rise, a critical question emerges: is Europe prepared for a hotter future? This question is the centre of this edition of The Ring, featuring Italian Green Benedetta Scuderi and German EPP Andrea Wechsler. Scuderi and Wechsler discuss the political consequences of a (failed?) climate policy and clash repeatedly over the EU's Green Deal and the lessons learnt from the current heatwave.  Listen to this edition of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament studios in Brussels.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Andrews vs Smit - Will the UK ever rejoin the EU? 26.06.2026 27min

  What has Brexit taught Europe about sovereignty, migration, and disinformation? Has it strengthened the case for deeper European integration? And will the United Kingdom ever rejoin the EU? Ten years after the UK voted to exit the European Union, the debate over Brexit's legacy is far from over. MEPs Barry Andrews (Renew Europe) and Sander Smit (European Conservatives & Reformists) go head-to-head on whether Brexit has strengthened or weakened Europe—and whether Britain could or should one day return to the bloc. Listen to this edition of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament studios in Brussels.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Gálvez vs Warborn - Can Europe compete with the US and China economically? 19.06.2026 27min

  Can the EU reinvent its economy for a new era of global competition? Is deeper integration the answer, or does Europe need fewer rules and more risk-taking?From Artificial Intelligence to rare minerals, from Trump's tariffs to China's cheap exports - in this edition MEPs Jörgen Walborn (EPP) and Lina Gálvez (S&D) debate about the global economic challenges that lie ahead and that impact all of us in Europe.The European Union likes to see itself as an economic superpower — a market of 450 million consumers, home to some of the world's biggest companies and the largest trading bloc on the planet. But can the bloc remain a global economic heavyweight while balancing climate goals, social protections and strategic autonomy?Listen to this edition of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament studios in Strasbourg.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Andresen vs Mandl - FIFA World Cup: Has Trump already ruined the vibes? 12.06.2026 27min

  The World Cup is on, the single biggest sport event of the year, followed by millions of people around the world. But so far, the vibes of the tournament are strangely subdued. Has the world’s most popular sport finally reached the upper echelons of global politics? Is football no longer “just a sport”? Is it first and foremost a private event that brings joy and entertainment to people's lives? MEPs Lukas Mandl (EPP) and Rasmus Andresen (Greens) debate about the future of the World Cup in the latest edition of The Ring. Listen to this edition of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament studios in Brussels.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Juknevičienė vs Kyllönen- Russian drones over Europe — Deterrence or restraint? 05.06.2026 27min

  Should the EU and NATO strengthen their air defence posture and adopt a tougher deterrence strategy? Or is there a risk that further military escalation could make Europe less secure? As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth summer, Europe faces a growing security dilemma. Russian drones continue to violate EU and NATO airspace, raising concerns about the continent's readiness to respond to an increasingly assertive Moscow.Two members of the European Parliament, Rasa Juknevičienė from Lithuania of the European People's Party and Merja Kyllönen from Finland of The Left, joined The Ring to discuss how Europe should respond.Listen to this edition of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament studios in BrusselsThe Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Borghi vs Scotto — La svolta di Meloni: L'Italia cambia rotta su Stati Uniti e Israele? 29.05.2026 27min

  I rapporti del governo italiano con Stati Uniti e Israele sembrano molto più tesi, in particolare dopo la richiesta di sanzioni europee contro il ministro della Sicurezza Nazionale israeliano Itamar Ben-Gvir. Si tratta di azioni di facciata o di un cambiamento radicale in politica estera? In questa edizione speciale di "The Ring", dai fori imperiali di Roma, partecipano al dibattito Claudio Borghi, senatore della Lega, e Arturo Scotto, deputato del Partito democratico. "Se uno si comporta come un cameriere, poi il padrone ti tratta da cameriere. È successo questo a Giorgia Meloni. A un certo punto, quando ha dovuto prendere un pochino le distanze perché aveva perso il referendum dopo quell'abbraccio mortale con Donald Trump, lui gli ha ricordato chi comanda", ha detto Scotto durante il dibattito, fermo sostenitore anche della necessità di rompere gli accordi commerciali con Israele. "Le sanzioni economiche tendono a essere un boomerang", gli ha risposto Borghi. "Il problema è che noi siamo in surplus commerciale con Israele quindi in realtà saremmo noi i sanzionati", ha detto l'esponente leghista.Ascoltate questa edizione speciale di The Ring, in diretta dal cuore di Roma. The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Botenga vs Mandl — More money for the military - to do what? 22.05.2026 27min

  Is higher defense spending in Europe a strategic investment or a random act to please Donald Trump?Europe finds itself at a moment of profound uncertainty, caught between wars on its borders, growing geopolitical rivalry, economic anxiety and questions about the future of the transatlantic alliance. What should Europe's answer be? Two members of the European Parliament, Lukas Mandl from the European People’s Party from Austria and Marc Botenga, from The Left group from Belgium, got into a heated debate over this. Does the newfound sense of European vulnerability that has triggered a historic shift in European defense policy justify spending billions of euros on new weapons? An unconditional no from Botenga and an evenly clear yes from Mandl. Listen to this edition of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament studios in Strasbourg. The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Boeselager vs Brandstätter — Will Canada join the EU someday? 18.05.2026 27min

  The European Political Community’s first meeting in the South Caucasus last week reflects the stretching contours of Europe, geographically, politically and strategically. Is Europe truly becoming an independent global power? Should the EU respond to external pressure with deeper integration? Will Canada join the EU someday?In this edition of our weekly debate show The Ring, Damian Boeselager (Volt/Greens) and Helmut Brandstätter (Renew) discuss whether Europe can lead in a changing world order.  Listen to this edition of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament studios in Brussels.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Arnaoutoglou vs de la Parte — How to avoid a trade war with China? 08.05.2026 27min

  Is a trade war with China looming? Can the EU still strike a balance between protection and cooperation? How will the EU deal with a country it needs but that doesn’t share its set of values?  In this edition, MEPs Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D) and Nicolás de la Parte (EPP) discuss what could be one of the most consequential topics on the EU's political agenda. Trade tensions between China and the European Union are escalating after Beijing called on EU member states to revise the bloc’s proposed “Made in Europe” legislation. The draft proposal of the European Commission seeks to tighten the rules for foreign companies that want to participate in EU public procurement contracts. The initiative was met with criticism by China’s commerce ministry, affirming Beijing would respond with countermeasures. What's next for EU-China relations? Listen to this special edition of The Ring, brought to you from our studios in Brussels.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Allen vs Fassoulas — PSG vs Bayern: A semifinal for the ages? 30.04.2026 27min

  In this special football edition of The Ring, we deconstruct a Champions League game that will go down in history as one of the best ever. Nine goals - can top quality football really be any better? Our experts also weigh in on what else is moving Europe's most popular sport.To talk about what happened on that memorable Tuesday and what else is moving European football these days, host Stefan Grobe was joined by two other big football fans and consummate Brussels insiders: Connor Allen who manages government and external relations at a big company and Petros Fassoulas, secretary general of the European Movement International.We commented on Sports Commissioner Glenn Mecallef’s reaction to the match, debated some darker sides of football, especially the problem of racism among supporters, and discussed whether football is a unifying factor for Europe and the world.Listen to this special edition of The Ring, brought to you from our studios in Brussels.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Gotink vs Ohisalo — No keys, no future? The housing crisis in Europe 27.04.2026 27min

  Should governments impose strict rent controls to limit price increases? Should foreign investors face limits or bans on buying residential property? Can the EU play a stronger role, or should housing remain primarily a national responsibility?  From soaring rents in major cities to shortages of affordable homes across the bloc, pressure is mounting on national governments and EU institutions alike. Maria Ohisalo (Greens) from Finland and Dirk Gotink (European People’s Party) from the Netherlands step into The Ring and clash on how to tackle the housing emergency in Europe. Listen now to this episode of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament in Brussels.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Müller vs Schirdewan — Wie kommt Deutschland aus der Krise? 24.04.2026 27min

  Ist Deutschland wieder einmal der kranke Mann Europas? Angesichts der wachsenden Herausforderungen könnte man das meinen.Was sind die Ursachen der Wohnungsnot? Bewältigt Deutschland den Reformstau? Was bedeutet das für die EU?Im „Ring“ stehen sich zwei deutsche Politiker gegenüber, die unterschiedliche politische Lager vertreten und in verschiedenen Parlamenten tätig sind: Sepp Müller, stellvertretender Vorsitzender der CDU/CSU-Bundestagsfraktion, und Martin Schirdewan, Co-Vorsitzender der Fraktion Die Linke im Europäischen Parlament.Hören Sie sich jetzt diese Sonderfolge von „The Ring in Berlin“ an.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Freund vs Smit — Magyar beats Orbán - What’s next for the EU? 23.04.2026 27min

  What does Orbán’s defeat mean for the future of the EU? Beyond potential improvements in relations with Hungary, the EU still faces a broader question: Does it need radical reform to avoid being sidelined on the global stage? German MEP Daniel Freund (Greens) and Dutch MEP Sander Smit (European Conservatives & Reformists)step into The Ring to defend their views on future reforms of the EU. Péter Magyar’s landslide victory in Hungary’s parliamentary elections on Sunday has sparked renewed optimism in Brussels. After years of Viktor Orbán’s controversial rule, including numerous vetoes, the change in government has raised hopes that previously stalled EU support for Ukraine may finally be unblocked. Listen now to this episode of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament in Brussels.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Düpont vs López Aguilar — “Out of sight?” MEPs clash over migrant return hubs 10.04.2026 27min

  Can the EU balance stricter migration policies with growing human rights concerns? The European Parliament has adopted a reform enabling member states to set up “migration return hubs” in third countries for rejected asylum seekers. The measure allows deportations to external facilities negotiated with partner states. What does the European Parliament’s rightward shift on migration mean for the future of asylum? MEPs Lena Düpont, from the centre-right European People’s Party, and Juan Fernando López Aguilar, from the Socialists & Democrats, clash on The Ring.  While Düpont considers the return hub policy long overdue, López Aguilar accuses the centre-right of aligning with far-right groups to push through tougher migration measures, disregarding human rights concerns. Listen now to this week’s episode of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament in Brussels.The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.