Brussels Playbook Podcast

When Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her State of the European Union speech last year, the backdrop was chaotic.

Russian drones had just crossed into Polish airspace, Donald Trump was casting doubt on America’s commitment to NATO, and the Commission president herself was facing votes of no confidence. Her answer to this disarray? Europe, she said, was in a fight — and this was its “independence moment.”

A year later, can we say that Europe met that moment? And is it winning the fight or losing it?

To take stock of what the EU has achieved — and where it has fallen short — host Sarah Wheaton is joined by Senior EU policy editor Joanna Roberts, deputy tech editor Laurens Cerulus and Nick Vinocur, our chief foreign affairs correspondent.

Plus, we want to hear from you! We have a survey out and would love to know what you like about the podcast and what we could do differently. The survey will take max five minutes — you can access it here.

Otherwise, you can contact us as always via 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

The U.S. is on a public campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court. Now, it wants help from its NATO allies.

During a closed-door meeting back in July, U.S. envoy to NATO Matthew Whitaker asked allied countries for help in disassembling the international court that addresses genocide and crimes against humanity. On the show, Sarah Wheaton and Kathryn Carlson discuss the European reaction and the motivations behind this American push.

Next, Europe’s housing crisis is deepening. Sarah Wheaton spoke with the Commissioner tasked with tackling the problem, Dan Jørgensen.

And criminal gangs in Europe are using AI to figure out where they can build their illegal tobacco factories to not get caught.

Finally: We want to hear from you! We have a survey out and would love to know what you like about the podcast and what we could do differently. The survey will take max five minutes — you can access it here.

Otherwise, you can contact us as always via WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Plus: We’re going live again on Sept. 22. We’ll be recording the podcast in front of an audience as part of POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook Live event. You can register to attend here.

This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Relations between the EU and Israel have been deeply strained over the war in Gaza. But the bloc is struggling to withstand the allure of Israel’s tech and missile defense prowess.

On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss how EU capitals are looking again to Israel for cooperation on things like air defense, space and artificial intelligence. Our hosts explain why this is an awkward look for the bloc.

Then, two years after Mario Draghi’s competitiveness report, we break down how much of his plan Europe has actually delivered.

And finally: France’s brutal summer is hitting wine harvest ... is there another drink you’ll opt for instead? Let us know via WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Plus: We’re going live again on Sept. 22. We’ll be recording the podcast in front of an audience as part of POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook Live event. You can register to attend here.

This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, wanted a group of heavyweight former leaders to come up with fresh ideas to address Europe’s defense gaps. Instead, the initiative was killed before it even launched. Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart look at why some capitals pushed back — and what the episode says about Kallas’ authority and the battle over who drives European defense policy.

Then, European Council President Antonio Costa continues his tour of European capitals as negotiations over the EU’s next long-term budget get more concrete.

And finally: could Ukraine and Poland make a joint bid to host the football World Cup?

Plus: We’re going live again on September 22. We’ll be recording the podcast in front of an audience as part of POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook Live event. You can register to attend here.

Question? Comment? Get in touch on 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

After a sweeping victory in the regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund's Alternative for Germany (AfD) could be in a position to govern the state — putting a far-right party in power in part of Germany for the first time since World War II.

As Europe wakes up to the AfD win, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur talk to Head of Playbook Germany Hans von der Burchard about what it means for the rest of the country.

Then, Zoya and Nick discuss what it means for Europe and beyond.

What do you think this result means for your country? Get in touch on WhatsApp here, or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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