Brussels Playbook Podcast

Episodes

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  Inside von der Leyen's Commission shake-up 27.10.2026 17m

  Ursula von der Leyen’s plan to slim down and reorganize the European Commission moves a step closer, with outside advisers calling for a stronger center, fewer bureaucratic silos and potentially far-reaching changes to some of Brussels’ most powerful departments. Then, after Aleksandar Vučić’s defeat in Serbia, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur ask whether a new government can revive the country’s stalled EU path — and whether Brussels has some lessons to learn. Plus, tobacco lobbying in the European Parliament has surged just as the EU rewrites its smoking and nicotine rules. Finally, are you on team pumpkin decoration or team pumpkin carving? Nick has strong feelings; let us know yours! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: "Von der Leyen’s big Commission shake-up moves a step closer." "How Big Tobacco lobbies EU lawmakers." "Belgium postpones terrace smoking ban." This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  It’s complicated: The status of EU-Canada relations 26.10.2026 17m

  Canada and the EU want a much closer relationship — but they still disagree over what that relationship actually is. Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur look ahead to this week’s EU-Canada summit in Montreal, where leaders are still negotiating the language, the label and the practical deliverables. Then, Ukraine’s growing financing needs are colliding with the fight over the EU’s next seven-year budget, as some countries resist taking part in another common loan. And finally, Brussels’ battle over meat-related names takes an unexpected turn — with bacon-flavoured crisps caught in the crossfire. If you have a question or comment, don’t hesitate! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Can Europe save the world's war crimes court from Trump? 23.10.2026 29m

  U.S. President Donald Trump has the world’s war crimes court in his crosshairs. By sanctioning the entire International Criminal Court, his administration is threatening its ability to function. Europe has rushed to the court’s defense — but can it actually protect it from American financial power? And how far is the European Union willing to go to confront Washington when it still relies so heavily on the U.S. for its own security? Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by European Parliament lawmaker Dirk Gotink and Atlantic Council sanctions expert Lize de Kruijf to discuss Europe’s options, its dependence on the U.S. dollar and American technology and whether the EU can stand up for international justice. If you have any questions or comments, send us a message on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Who speaks for Europe in the Ukraine peace talks? 22.10.2026 16m

  As the U.S. pushes to revive peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, a question is causing tensions in Brussels: Who actually speaks for the EU? Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton examine the growing influence of Ursula von der Leyen’s powerful chief of staff, Björn Seibert, and why Finnish President Alexander Stubb may be eyeing a bigger role. Then, have you ever received a suspicious message from Booking.com? The European Commission has launched an investigation into whether the travel platform is doing enough to protect customers from scams and fraudulent listings. Finally, Brussels rolls out the diplomatic red carpet for 19 new ambassadors. From Britain and Canada to Ukraine and India, we meet some of the fresh faces arriving on the EU diplomatic scene. If you have a question or comment, don’t hesitate! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: “EU probes Booking.com over scamming concerns” “Witkoff to Putin: ‘You are a humanitarian … I salute that’” “Russia ready for 3-way talks on Ukraine war, Kremlin says” This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Brussels goes looking for billions to fund Ukraine 21.10.2026 17m

  With Washington's support for Kyiv increasingly uncertain, Brussels is looking to its allies to help keep Ukraine afloat. The price tag: €70 billion. On today's show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Kathryn Carlson discuss how the EU hopes to persuade Canada, Britain and Japan to help foot the bill — and whether closer trade and defense ties could be part of the bargain. Then, Germany's far-right AfD leader Alice Weidel is in Strasbourg to present her vision for a radically different European Union. And who owns your face and voice in the age of AI? As deepfakes become increasingly convincing, MEPs are pushing for new protections. If you have a question or comment, don’t hesitate! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: “AfD’s Alice Weidel to unveil plan to downsize the EU.” “Socialists push for EU law on deepfakes.” “EU to press Canada and UK for more Ukraine funding.” This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Macron and Merz edge closer to a budget deal 20.10.2026 17m

  The Arctic is becoming a geopolitical battleground — and the EU wants a bigger role. The European Commission is unveiling a new strategy focused on security, as Russia builds up its military presence, China explores new shipping routes, and Donald Trump's Greenland ambitions raise tensions. Also on the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur discuss signs of progress in the EU's long-term budget negotiations: Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz appear to be finding common ground, while Kaja Kallas warns that proposed cuts could undermine Europe's global influence. And finally, could that designer handbag on Vinted be stolen? France investigates suspicious listings following a weekend of riots and looting. If you have a question or comment, don’t hesitate! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Trump's Russia rethink — and Europe's response 19.10.2026 17m

  Donald Trump’s latest moves on Russia and Ukraine have alarmed Kyiv and European capitals alike. But rather than scrambling to contain the fallout, EU leaders are keeping their cool. Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur explore Europe’s strategy for weathering Trump’s midterm storm — and what it means for Ukraine. Then, France reels from a weekend of violent protests, with more than 1,800 arrests and widespread destruction. As political leaders trade accusations, we look at how the unrest is shaping the battle ahead of the 2027 presidential election from Paris. Plus, hackers turn supermarket fridges into heaters, exposing some surprisingly basic cybersecurity vulnerabilities. If you have a question or comment, don’t hesitate! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  EU summit runs out of gas 16.10.2026 23m

  It's been a packed agenda at the European Council summit, with little sign of progress on key issues. EU leaders continued to argue over the bloc's long-term budget, with energy supply and security taking up much of the discussion ... including questions over strategic gas reserves and the future of the Emissions Trading System. The war in Ukraine looms large over the summit. Earlier this week, President Trump alarmed European leaders and horrified Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by announcing a deal to release Russian diesel onto the U.S. market, apparently in an attempt to lower fuel costs for American consumers. Host Sarah Wheaton unpacks developments late into the night with colleagues who have been reporting on the summit. She's joined by Chief EU Correspondent Zoya Sheftalovich, Chief Political Correspondent in Europe and the U.K. Tim Ross and Gregorio Sorgi, financial services reporter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  EU leaders face off over the budget 15.10.2026 17m

  EU leaders meet today for their first chance to beef about the budget face to face. On the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton dive deeper into why leaders look increasingly unlikely to reach an agreement on the EU’s next money pot by December. Plus, Zoya obtained a document revealing deepening relations between Russia and Slovakia. Will that be a cause for concern around the Council table? Next up, Zoya spoke with Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius on stage yesterday. His main message? Europe should boost its defense capabilities and stop relying so heavily on U.S. military support. And finally, ECB President Christine Lagarde plugged her upcoming memoir at a press conference ... is she allowed to do that?  If you have a question or comment, don’t hesitate! message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: “How to watch the EU leaders’ summit like a pro.” “Slovakia deepening ties with Russia, document shows.” “Lagarde’s book plug raises questions about ECB ethics standards.” “Weakened Macron and Merz sink hopes of a quick EU budget deal.” This episode was produced by Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Europe's development aid dilemma 14.10.2026 17m

  The Commission is grappling with two goals that may be counterproductive: cutting migration and slashing development aid. The EU executive’s argument is that a slash in development funding will likely result in people showing up at European borders in search of a better life. And that’s a problem for the bloc, since it’s looking to decrease migration numbers. On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart explain how the dilemma will be unpacked at the upcoming European Council this week. Next, a shooting near the European Parliament in Brussels has EU officials — and everyone else, for that matter — on edge. Finally, the U.K. under Andy Burnham is at a big inflection point when it comes to redefining its relationship to the EU. But the bloc doesn’t even seem to care. Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. This episode was produced by Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Ceuta fears shaping Spain’s election 13.10.2026 17m

  As the United States looks towards Russia for diesel, European leaders are doubling down on their support for Ukraine. On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart unpack all the ways the EU plans to put its money where its mouth is and help Kyiv. Expect it to be the talk of the town at this week’s meeting of leaders at the European Council summit. Next, exclusive polling coming out of Spain shows that 58% of Spaniards fear tensions with Morocco over Ceuta and Melilla could spiral into an armed conflict in the next 10 years. We discuss what this means for a country that’s heading into a snap election at the end of next month. Speaking of Spain, we’re launching Madrid Playbook today! For our Spanish-speaking listeners, subscribe why don’t you? Finally, Ursula von der Leyen may have been smiling in influencer videos filmed after her State of the Union speech, but behind closed doors, her comms teams was furious. Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: “Poll: Spaniards say Ceuta crisis could spark armed conflict with Morocco.” “Ukraine’s FM: Russia’s war budget makes the case for using frozen assets now.” “EU approves biggest Russia sanctions package since invasion began.” This episode was produced by Saga Ringmar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The EU budget battle just got nastier 12.10.2026 18m

  Germany has rejected Ireland's proposal for the EU's next seven-year budget, despite €159 billion in cuts. And it's not alone: Governments are divided over where the cuts should fall, while the European Parliament is threatening to block the deal. Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack the backlash and what it means for this week's EU leaders' summit. Plus, Zoya interviews Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner about Europe's efforts to curb irregular migration and plans to tighten restrictions on Russian visitors and former soldiers. And why the influencers expected at this week's EU summit won't be showing up after all. Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Is the EU ready for the next pandemic? 09.10.2026 33m

  Five years after the height of the Covid pandemic, how much better prepared is the EU for the next health crisis? Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by POLITICO health reporter Helen Collis and global health expert Michel Kazatchkine to discuss the mysterious death of a worker at a Russian anti-plague institute, and what it tells us about international health cooperation and transparency. They look at what became of Brussels’ post-Covid ambitions — from the EU’s HERA health-emergency authority to better coordination of research — and at Donald Trump’s push to bring down US drug prices by putting pressure on Europe to pay more. Plus: As Brussels tries to compete with the U.S. and China on biotech and new medicines, is it focusing on the innovation patients actually need? Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Can Europe finally get tough on China? 08.10.2026 16m

  Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is kicking off his visit to China today — and the stakes are high. On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton discuss the most important topic on the agenda: Europe’s trade deficit with China. France and Germany are finally on the same page and want Brussels to get tougher on unfair trade. So can we expect results from the meeting? Next, EU development ministers are meeting in Dublin to discuss the future of Europe’s development policy. But the timing is unfortunate, as governments prepare another round of cuts to the next long-term budget. Finally, a mysterious death at a Russian anti-plague lab has an unexpected connection to Zoya’s own family. Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: “EU toughens China stance ahead of Šefčovič’s Beijing visit” “EU-China trade talks zero in on cars.” “WHO seeks clarity on second pneumonia case in Russia amid plague fears.” This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Behind closed doors, Europe braces for a deadly attack 07.10.2026 19m

  Russia’s hybrid attacks across Europe — cyberattacks, sabotage, drone incursions — have been ramping up in recent months. But European governments are quietly preparing for something much worse. On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss how EU ambassadors have been meeting in recent weeks to discuss what to do if a potential Russian hybrid attack were to result in mass casualties. Next, Britain’s minister in charge of relations with Europe, Hamish Falconer, is making his first official visit to the European Parliament. Zoya was able to catch him on the phone to ask him more about EU-U.K. relations under PM Andy Burnham and a potential deal on farming, among other things, currently in the works. Finally, what may sound like the plot of a spy novel is in fact real news coming out of Berlin where Germany’s former spy chief has been arrested on suspicion of espionage. Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: “EU quietly braces for nightmare scenario of multiple-casualty hybrid attack.” “⁠Former German spy chief arrested for treason and espionage.” This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  How Spain's snap election could blow up Brussels 06.10.2026 16m

  Spain’s snap election is poised to upend not just domestic politics ... but EU politics, too. On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart break down all the far-reaching impact the tumult in Madrid could have for the bloc — from effects on the EU long-term budget to the potential puncturing of Ursula von der Leyen’s fragile majority in Parliament. Next, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar is reviewing a huge nuclear deal agreed between ex-leader Viktor Orban and Russian president Vladimir Putin. Our reporting has found that there could be some serious problems behind the scenes of the project. Finally, more than 3,000 temporary contract agents have taken an exam in the hopes of becoming permanent officials. But the early results are pretty dismal. If you like this show, why not check out our new sister podcast, Decoded by POLITICO? The podcast brings you daily updates on how rapid developments in AI are shifting global policy. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The race for the EU’s plum diplomatic jobs begins 05.10.2026 16m

  The race for some of the EU’s most coveted diplomatic jobs is under way. Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack why this year’s routine EEAS rotation is attracting unusually strong interest from senior Commission officials — and what it says about the mood in Brussels. Then, we head to France, where a wave of student protests is spilling into the presidential campaign, sharpening the contrast between Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Marine Le Pen and adding to what one government adviser called a “maxi merde” moment for French politics. Plus, Brussels’ revamped Schuman roundabout is becoming a new protest hotspot — close enough for the noise to reach the upper floors of the Berlaymont. Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Russia's not-quite-war on Europe 02.10.2026 34m

  Europe’s gray-zone war with Russia is getting harder to ignore. Sarah Wheaton speaks to security expert and author Elisabeth Braw about how Europe should respond as sabotage, arson, cyberattacks and attacks on critical infrastructure become more frequent and more dangerous, who pays when businesses are targeted, and what happens when one of them turns deadly. They also discuss Braw’s new book, The Undersea War: The International Battle for Supremacy at the Bottom of the World, and the increasingly contested cables, pipelines and infrastructure hidden beneath the seabed — another target in this growing gray-zone conflict. You can read Elisabeth’s most recent column for POLITICO about how European businesses are paying the cost for Russias hybrid war here. Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The €865 billion brainstorming session 01.10.2026 16m

  Ukraine’s prime minister is warning of a $20 billion defense funding gap as Russia intensifies its attacks and Kyiv struggles to protect its skies and keep the country running. Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton look at just how much pressure Ukraine is under — from its military finances to farmers struggling to get their grain out. They also unpack the Commission and EU governments’ two-day brainstorming session on how a huge chunk of the next EU budget should work — and who may end up controling it. Plus, the Commission’s attempt to build a sovereign alternative to Microsoft Teams is not exactly winning rave reviews. Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Is Bardella too toxic for Le Pen’s campaign? 30.09.2026 16m

  Ursula von der Leyen is heading on her annual tour of the Western Balkans to visit some of the countries in line to join the EU. But Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia, two accession hopefuls, are not on the itinerary. On the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss why EU membership talks are speeding ahead with certain Balkan countries, and stalling with others. Next, investigative outlet Mediapart has uncovered antisemitic remarks allegedly made by French far-right politician Jordan Bardella in a private chat back in 2013. But is this news enough to make a dent in Marine Le Pen’s presidential campaign? And finally, we take you inside Brussels’ surprisingly political sauna circuit. Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices