Brussels Playbook Podcast

Europe breathed a sigh of relief after finally agreeing on a new Russia sanctions list. But attention is turning to the compromise that got it over the line: dropping two Russian billionaires.

On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton discuss reactions from around the EU to the deal, plus revelations about why France might have wanted billionaire Alisher Usmanov removed from the list in the first place.

Next, the U.K. is planning to release prisoners in an attempt to relieve some of the pressure on its overcrowded jails — but the plan has EU countries nervous. Zoya and Sarah explain why.

Finally, to celebrate the European Week of Sport, we scour the continent to find its most active countries. Which activity is popular in your country? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

If you’re interested in watching our stellar lineup at Playbook Paris Live, you can check it out online here.
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Today’s episode was recorded in front of an audience at our Brussels Playbook Live event.

On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart spotlight Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Ursula von der Leyen’s new senior adviser for the Clean Transition. They discuss what her appointment says about the Commission president’s approach to energy — and her relationship with Commissioner Teresa Ribera.

Next, Norway is concerned that it is lobbying the EU too late to have a real effect on policy. And that’s a problem because, while Oslo isn’t an EU member, it still ends up adopting a large number of EU laws.

And finally, Zoya and Ian deliver the big news we’ve been teasing all week: our new Brussels Playbook Capitals newsletter. It’s the afternoon edition of the Playbook newsletter, drawing on our coverage from across the continent. To understand more, Zoya speaks to two of the newsletter’s authors, Marion Sollety in Paris and James Angelos in Berlin. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.
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The U.N. General Assembly is in full swing over in New York, and the agenda is packed.

But perhaps the most pressing item will take place on the sidelines of the gathering, as Denmark, the U.S. and Greenland prepare to sign a security deal. What does the agreement mean for the EU’s big Arctic strategy? And will it be enough to ease months of tension between Donald Trump and the Danish territory? Hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss.

Then, we’re heading back to Germany where the fallout from Sunday’s state elections is only getting worse for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Questions are once again being raised about how long he can hang on.

And finally, we have some bad news for Belgium-dwellers who love online shopping.

Today we’re recording a special episode in front of an audience at our Brussels Playbook Live event. You can register to watch the entire event online here.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.
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Two state elections pile more pressure on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz — raising fresh questions about his leadership and what a weaker Germany could mean for the rest of Europe.

Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur also look at the growing fear over Russian hybrid attacks, as EU foreign ministers meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss how Europe should respond if one of those attacks turns deadly.

And back in Brussels, some EU officials are being pushed beyond the Schuman bubble as the fight over savings in the next seven-year budget gets very real.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.
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The old global order is breaking down. Ursula von der Leyen thinks Europe may have to start building something new around it.

In her State of the European Union speech, she floated closer ties with Canada — even “associate membership” — and a new European Security Council, as Europe looks for new ways to work with like-minded powers in an increasingly chaotic world. But both ideas immediately raised questions about whether von der Leyen was getting ahead of her own allies.

Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by POLITICO Executive Editor Carrie Budoff Brown, senior EU climate reporter Zia Weise and AI and technology reporter Pieter Haeck to unpack what von der Leyen’s speech tells us about Europe’s search for a role in this new global “unorder.”

They also look at her climate message — heavy on adaptation to heat, drought and fires, but lighter on new answers to Europe’s energy problems — and at her attempt to square AI regulation with the need to keep Europe in the global tech race.

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.
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