The Ring

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Terras vs. Demirel — Escalation in the Middle East - Not Europe's war? 28.03.2026 28min

As the war in the Middle East enters its fourth week, Europe finds itself at a crossroads — balancing calls for restraint with mounting pressure to take a clearer stance. While EU leaders continue to urge de-escalation and the protection of civilians, divisions remain over whether Brussels should step up its role on the global stage.In this edition of The Ring, recorded at the European Parliament in Brussels, two sharply contrasting voices go head to head. Riho Terras, former Estonian army chief and MEP for the EPP, faces Özlem Demirel, German MEP from The Left and a long-time anti-war advocate.Can diplomacy alone shape outcomes in a region marked by decades of conflict? Or does Europe need to back its words with military strength to be heard? As the humanitarian toll rises and geopolitical stakes intensify, the debate cuts to the core of the EU’s identity as a global actor.With opposing views — from calls to reject militarisation to arguments for strategic power — the discussion raises urgent questions about Europe’s responsibility, influence and limits in times of war.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.

Leggeri vs. Saramo — Energy crisis hits Europe - Who pays the price? 22.03.2026 27min

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the impact is being felt far beyond the region — especially on global energy markets. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have tightened supply routes, pushing prices higher and adding new uncertainty for European economies.Where does Europe stand as the pressure builds? MEPs Fabrice Leggeri, from Patriots for Europe, and Jussi Saramo, from The Left, go head to head to debate how the EU should respond — and what the crisis means for energy policy, economic stability and Europe’s strategic autonomy.With prices volatile and geopolitical tensions rising, deeper questions are coming into focus. Should nuclear power play a larger role in Europe’s future energy mix? And will the European Union act quickly enough to protect households and businesses from the surge in costs?Take a listen 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.

Metz vs. Bosse — Who should pay for healthcare innovation in Europe? 20.03.2026 28min

Europe is facing spiralling healthcare costs, driven by an ageing population and the growing burden of chronic diseases. At the same time, demand for cutting-edge treatments is rising — bringing a fundamental question into focus: who should pay for healthcare innovation, and to what extent should health be treated as a business?MEPs Tilly Metz, from the Greens, and Stine Bosse, from Renew Europe, go head to head to debate how the EU should respond — and what it means for access, affordability and innovation across Europe’s healthcare systems.Debates over taxation in the pharmaceutical sector are adding another layer, raising concerns about how much profit companies should make from publicly funded research and innovation.Beyond the immediate pressures, Europe also faces long-term structural challenges. Healthcare systems continue to spend significantly more on treatment than on prevention — prompting questions about sustainability and priorities.Take a listen to this week’s special episode of The Ring, brought to you from the Euronews Health Summit 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.

Attard vs. López-Istúriz — How should Europe respond to the Iran war? 13.03.2026 27min

As the war in Iran enters its second week, the ripple effects are reaching Europe — from rising energy prices to growing security concerns on the EU’s southeastern flank. Where does Europe stand as the conflict escalates? MEPs Daniel Attard, from the Socialists & Democrats group, and Antonio López-Istúriz, from the centre-right European People’s Party, go head to head to debate how the European Union should respond to the war in Iran — and what the crisis could mean for Europe’s economy, security and global role. Oil prices have surged above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time in four years, raising fears of economic turbulence for Europe’s export-driven economies. At the same time, the crisis is testing the relationship between Brussels and Washington. With Donald Trump back in the White House, will European governments align more closely with the United States, or attempt to chart a more independent path? Meanwhile, several EU countries have deployed warships to reinforce the defences of Cyprus, an EU member state located close to the conflict zone and already affected by regional tensions. Take a listen to this week’s episode of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament 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.

Jalloul vs. Lopatka - Is the EU being dragged into war in the Middle East? 06.03.2026 28min

A spiralling conflict has erupted in the Middle East, risking major regional spill-over and dragging in European Union countries.Was the EU right to refrain from criticising the initial attack on Iran? Are EU nations now inevitably being dragged into war? And what are the implications for Europe's economy, security, and stability?MEPs Hana Jalloul and Reinhold Lopatka go head to head to debate the escalating conflict in the Middle East, and its implications for the European Union.Jalloul, who hails from the socialist party of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, argues that Spain was right to question the legality of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. She also calls out the brutality of the Iranian regime and backs the Iranian people's struggle to re-claim their freedom.While Lopatka, from the centre-right EPP group, agrees that the legality of the strikes is questionable, he argues that the intervention is "justified" as the US aims to constrain Iran's nuclear capacities and support for its proxies, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis.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.

Auštrevičius vs. Veryga: Ukraine in the EU - A question of when or if? 27.02.2026 27min

Should Ukraine be given fast-track membership into the European Union?The majority of MEPs seem to think so. Although they may not see eye to eye on the how or the exact when, most MEPs think Ukrainian EU membership would send a strong message of support to Ukrainians and one of defiance to the Kremlin.To mark four years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, this week on The Ring, we are joined by two Lithuanian MEPs: Aurelijus Veryga from the ECR (European Conservatives and Reformists) group and Petras Auštrevičius from the liberal Renew Europe group.Although from opposing political families, one conservative and the other liberal, both agree that Ukraine belongs inside the European Union. We ask the big question: Is enlargement a test of solidarity, a measure of Europe’s strategic power, or both?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.

Um travão à extrema-direita — mas a que custo? Confronto eleitoral português 20.02.2026 28min

Dez dias após a segunda volta das presidenciais, o cenário político em Portugal continua em análise. António José Seguro venceu de forma clara André Ventura, travando a chegada da extrema-direita à Presidência da República — mas as questões de fundo permanecem.Foi esta uma reafirmação dos valores democráticos ou uma coligação tática para conter o populismo? E o que revela este resultado sobre um país sob pressão social, com uma crise na habitação, tensões económicas e crescente fragmentação política?Esta semana, no The Ring, gravado na Nova School of Business and Economics, discutimos o que estas eleições significam para a estabilidade interna de Portugal e para o equilíbrio político europeu.Mariana Corrêa recebe Carlos Coelho, antigo eurodeputado do Partido Popular Europeu, e André Franqueira Rodrigues, eurodeputado do Grupo dos Socialistas & Democratas, para um debate direto sobre se Portugal conseguiu conter a extrema-direita — ou apenas adiou um confronto mais profundo.Com a Europa atenta, fica a pergunta: este resultado reforça a posição de Portugal em Bruxelas ou expõe fraturas que vão além de uma vitória eleitoral clara?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.

Who decides who belongs in Europe? Safe countries, regularisation and returns 13.02.2026 27min

From parliamentary debates to cultural moments that spotlight identity and belonging, migration is not just about policy — it’s about who belongs, who decides, and what kind of Europe is taking shape. This week on The Ring, we look beyond technical language and legal definitions to ask a broader question: can Europe reconcile national migration choices with collective responsibility? The European Parliament is discussing the “safe third country” concept and the creation of an EU-wide list of safe countries of origin. At the same time, Spain has approved a large-scale regularisation plan granting legal status to thousands of migrants. MEPs Juan Fernando López Aguilar (Socialists and Democrats) and Tomas Tobé (European People’s Party) clash in a heated debate on one defining question: can the EU balance effective migration management with fundamental rights, or will political divisions once again shape Europe’s path forward?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.

Online grooming, cyber violence - Is a social media ban the solution? 06.02.2026 28min

How far should the EU go to protect children online? Should there be EU-wide age limits, stricter rules for social media platforms, and bans on addictive design features like infinite scrolling? Or does Brussels risk overreach — infringing on national competences and limiting children’s digital rights and freedoms?This week on The Ring, we turn to one of the most sensitive questions facing the EU’s digital agenda: as platforms and algorithms shape children’s education and social life, the debate goes far beyond screen time. It’s about what kind of digital Europe we are building for the next generation.To unpack different visions, we’re joined by Christel Schaldemose of the Socialists and Democrats and Axel Voss of the European People’s Party. Two different approaches, one central question: can Brussels set common standards that both protect and empower Europe’s children — or will political divisions prevent the EU from taking decisive action?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.