Politico's Eu Confidential

Brussels is beefing up its intelligence machinery. Zoya Sheftalovich and Kathryn Carlson talk about the growing role of INTCEN — the EU’s little-known intelligence-analysis hub inside the European External Action Service — and the quiet power struggle brewing between Kaja Kallas’ diplomatic service and Ursula von der Leyen’s Commission over who gets to handle sensitive security information in Brussels. Then: the Greens in the European Parliament are facing an identity crisis, as one of their biggest national parties considers defecting to the Socialists and Democrats — and why Bas Eickhout’s dramatic departure matters far beyond one relationship scandal. And finally: European commissioners are discovering that driving electric vehicles to Strasbourg can involve awkward charging stops somewhere near Luxembourg. If you have thoughts, tips or strong opinions on how to survive the Brussels–Strasbourg trip in an EV without stopping for 20 minutes in the middle of nowhere, send us a message — or even better, a

Europe is still reeling from the recent drone incursions into Baltic airspace. In a show of solidarity, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius are in Lithuania today following last week’s drone scare. Today on the Brussels Playbook Podcast, we unpack the latest developments, including discussions about Baltic companies teaming up with Ukrainian firms to tap into their expertise in bomb-shelter construction. Also on the pod: Calls are growing for Europe to appoint its own negotiator in Ukraine-Russia peace talks, now that the U.S. has stepped back. Even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Europe to take a more active role. But not everyone is convinced — Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys and Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski have both raised concerns. Zoya and Nick break down the debate.  And finally, negotiations over the EU’s next long-term budget are heating up, with some countries balking at the proposed €1.8 trillion pric

There’s an ominous backdrop to this year’s GLOBSEC forum in Prague as the war in Ukraine strays into the skies over NATO’s Eastern flank. The last few weeks have seen an increasing number of drone incursions in the Baltics — Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia — across EU airspace. And there are questions over America’s commitment to European security ahead of an important NATO summit in Ankara in July, following changes in American troop deployments, and whether the tide is really changing in the war in Ukraine.  Recording at POLITICO's Speakeasy at the GLOBSEC Forum, Anne McElvoy sits down with two Europeans with skin in the game — Janne Kuusela, Permanent Secretary at Finland's Ministry of Defense and Ana Brnabić, Speaker of the National Assembly in Serbia and former Prime Minister. Both countries have a stake in the ongoing war in Ukraine and the changing face of the EU.  Questions or comments? Message our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With drone alerts, emergency shelters and fighter jets over the Baltics, Europe’s security fears suddenly feel much less theoretical at the GLOBSEC forum in Prague. On the ground in Czechia for the Brussels Playbook Podcast, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack the growing wave of drone incursions linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. They also discuss why Baltic leaders are sounding the alarm and how the crisis in Latvia became serious enough to bring down the government. Then: Germany is growing impatient with the EU’s enlargement drift. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing a new concept called “associate membership” that would pull countries like Ukraine and Moldova closer to EU institutions — even before full accession. And finally: Brussels’ next big institutional power struggle is already underway. António Costa looks increasingly safe as European Council president, while the European People's Party scrambles to keep its grip on the EU’s top jobs and protect Roberta Metsola’s position as European P

Brussels is discovering that cutting red tape may be harder without actual experts in the room. As the EU races ahead with its deregulation drive, concerns are growing over rushed lawmaking, weaker safeguards and the sidelining of technical specialists. Then, EU leaders are exploring ways to make Russia sanctions harder to block — including extending renewal deadlines from six months to a year — as Brussels moves quickly after Viktor Orbán’s departure. And finally: Giorgia Meloni’s party has found a new political battleground — peacocks. Yes, really. For this episode of the Brussels Playbook Podcast, Ian Wishart is joined by POLITICO senior finance reporter Kathryn Carlson. Send us your thoughts — and your views on whether peacocks should be considered a public menace — on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After years of Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán blocking Ukraine’s path to join the EU, Budapest and Kyiv are talking again. That has Brussels wondering if Hungary might finally be softening its position on Ukrainian accession. Today on the pod, Nick and Ian discuss why joining the bloc is so important to the war-torn nation and why — even if the mood is shifting in Budapest — it’s unlikely to change overnight. Also on the show, EU Commissioner Jozef Síkela is heading to Nuuk for a conference called Future Greenland. It’s all part of the EU’s attempt to court the Arctic island as Donald Trump continues to exert his influence. And finally: Bono, Angela Merkel and “The Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo will receive the European Parliament’s brand-new Order of Merit awards.  Who would you nominate for the awards? Send us a message on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The European Commission is preparing to take a much tougher line on China, we hear on this episode of the Brussels Playbook Podcast, with Zoya Sheftalovich joined by Nick Vinocur. Brussels is growing increasingly worried about cheap imports, industrial decline and dependence on Chinese critical raw materials. Then: Despite 20 EU sanctions packages against Russia, a major investigation reveals how Russian networks still manage to get hold of European technology through shell companies and third countries including Turkey. And finally, the European Parliament heads to Strasbourg — where MEPs are once again arguing over parliamentary immunity, prosecutorial overreach and whether lawmakers are becoming too protective of their own. Send us your thoughts — and your favorite European museum, since it’s International Museum Day — on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the very first edition of the Brussels Playbook Week Ender. Anne McElvoy travels to the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, an annual event that brings together defenders of democracy in the Danish capital. As U.S. President Donald Trump visits China and the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran remain unresolved, how is Europe grappling with crises on multiple fronts? Anne sits down with two influential powerbrokers from the other side of the Atlantic. Chrystia Freeland is an economic adviser to Ukraine President Zelenskyy and until last year was Canada's deputy prime minister: They discuss Ukraine's war effort and political stability in a week that saw Andriy Yermak, the former head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, charged with corruption and money-laundering offenses. Anne also talks to John Bolton, the former U.S. national security adviser during Trump's first term, about Europe's response to the war in Iran and Trump's visit to China. Questions or comments? Message our WhatsApp here or at +32 4

One of the Commission’s oldest and most powerful departments may be heading for a dramatic overhaul — or even extinction.  DG REGIO oversees the hundreds of billions of euros that go towards the social development of local regions and cities. But its potential restructuring by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is a clear sign that the EU's aims are shifting. Zoya and Ian explain the thinking behind this redesign and the wide-ranging impacts. Also, after just a year as German chancellor, Friedrich Merz’s popularity is plunging to new lows. His most recent comeback tour around the country — aimed at reviving support — has backfired. On the show, we try to understand why the conservative leader is struggling to connect with Germans. Finally: Purchasing a train ticket across Europe is a convoluted process that involves different railway operators from different countries. The European Commission wants to simplify that ... but it won’t be easy. Do you work at the European Commission? We’d love to hear

Ukraine wants Europe more involved in peace efforts with Russia — but who exactly would represent Europe in those talks? After Vladimir Putin floated former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a possible negotiator, Brussels reacted with disbelief. Host Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack the growing debate around Europe’s role in future peace negotiations, including Nick’s interview with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Zoya’s conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on why Ottawa is moving closer to Europe on Ukraine, defense and security. Then: Europe’s latest attempt to get ahead of the artificial intelligence boom before it spirals out of control. From a new child-focused AI safety institute unveiled in Copenhagen with Ursula von der Leyen and Hillary Clinton, to Belgium’s push for an AI “coalition of the willing.” And finally: Influencers could soon get access to EU summits, doorsteps and press conferences as part of a new European Council pilot project. Do you ha

When foreign ministers meet in Brussels today, Israel and Russia will likely dominate the agenda. Today on the pod, Zoya and Nick discuss why the bloc might finally be able to move forward on sanctioning several Israeli individuals involved with settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Plus, the EU is looking to move forward on a new round of sanctions towards Russia, hoping to pressure Moscow back to the negotiating table. Also on the show, the Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told Zoya in an exclusive interview that the EU needs to build its own military. He argues, with Russia on its doorstep and U.S. President Donald Trump turning away from the bloc, “this is the moment of the sovereignty and independence of Europe.” And finally, the film industry is freaking out about what a far-right win in next year’s presidential election could mean for francophone cinema. We’re curious: Do you have a favorite film from France or your own country? Send it along to us on our WhatsApp her

We’re talking identity this week on EU Confidential — in more ways than one. First, host Sarah Wheaton sits down with Theresa Kuhn, professor of European studies at the University of Amsterdam, who has led a major research project tracking how European identity has evolved across the continent over the past five decades. At a moment when Europe feels tense, vulnerable and under pressure, Kuhn’s research suggests people in many countries may actually feel more European than they used to. But what kind of European identity is growing? Who gets included in that idea of Europe — and who increasingly doesn’t? They also unpack how wars, migration, crises and the rise of the far right are reshaping the way Europeans see themselves. Then, a different kind of identity question: the future of this show itself. Back in February, we launched the Brussels Playbook Podcast — our daily 15-minute morning show running Monday through Thursday. And now, the Friday edition is officially joining the family under a new name: W

Péter Magyar promised a full reset between Hungary and Brussels after Viktor Orbán’s defeat — but the EU may be ready to unlock only part of Hungary’s frozen billions. Zoya Sheftalovich, dialing in from Madrid, and Sarah Wheaton unpack the first possible tensions emerging between Brussels and post-Orbán Hungary. Then: a right-wing MEP is planning a trip to Russia — and inviting fellow lawmakers along. We discuss the controversy surrounding the proposed Moscow visit and the broader sensitivities regarding Russian influence in Brussels. And finally, from Madrid, Zoya brings us what Spanish politicians and officials are saying about Pedro Sánchez, Donald Trump and Spain’s growing political gridlock at home. We’d also love to hear from you: What does European identity mean to you? What makes you feel European — or not? Send a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The European Commission is unveiling its new anti-poverty strategy today. The only problem is ... it doesn’t include any new cash. On the pod, Zoya and Ryan discuss how the EU executive is justifying the lack of new funding in this plan. They also look at how likely the bloc is to reach its target of eradicating poverty by 2050 (spoiler alert: not very likely). That’s not the only strategy on the agenda today. The Commission will also present its guidelines on addressing homelessness. To better understand the housing crisis, Zoya speaks with the President of the Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő, who is in Brussels for a plenary session. She explains why consulting with cities and local governments is key to tackling the issue. And finally: We’re talking about Mythos, Anthropic’s new AI model that has everyone bent out of shape. We explain why the EU is particularly on edge. Do you have thoughts on the EU’s need for AI regulation? Send a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more a

Political parties are misspending their cash, while the public is left in the dark about what’s going on. The European Parliament’s department of finance found political parties and foundations had misspent €1.5 million during the 2024 EU election campaign. Zoya and Ian discuss which parties are the biggest offenders. They also explain how the Parliament — with the help of complex bureaucratic processes — helps these parties avoid broader scrutiny. Also on the pod, EU finance ministers are meeting today to discuss getting financial support for Ukraine from countries outside the bloc. While we’re on the topic of geopolitics, Zoya and Ian have some breaking news about a major personnel change at the EU’s foreign policy arm, the European External Action Service. Finally, a Spanish MEP was outraged when an inauthentic Galician octopus dish was served at the Parliament’s canteen. We take a look at some other institutional food fights. Do you have insider info on any big job moves happening in Brussels — or els

Europe yet again finds itself on the receiving end of Donald Trump’s ire.  On Friday, the U.S. president threatened to raise tariffs on European cars to 25 percent, as frustration grows in Washington over the slow pace of an EU-U.S. trade deal. Trump had also called for withdrawing U.S. troops from Germany earlier in the week as a response to German leader Friedrich Merz’s sharp criticism of the Iran war. On the pod, Zoya and Nick discuss how Brussels and Berlin have scrambled to respond. Also on the show, some officials and lawmakers say that the next two years could be the perfect chance for Russian President Vladimir Putin to test the West’s commitment to NATO. But not everyone agrees with this take. Plus, almost 50 leaders have descended on Yerevan, Armenia for the European Political Community summit taking place today. Nick and Zoya explain why the presence of leaders like Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canada’s Mark Carney is particularly significant.   And finally, May 9 is Europe Day so we want

The European Central Bank will meet today and make a decision that depends heavily on events happening thousands of kilometers away.  That’s because the war in Iran has pushed up energy prices and inflation. ECB President Christine Lagarde and her fellow rate-setters will be in a tricky spot when deciding whether to raise borrowing costs. Zoya and Ian explain the dilemma. The conflict in the Middle East has also brought about a jet fuel shortage that has airlines warning about disruptions and governments telling people to fly less. On the show, we discuss how it’s not just a supply crisis that’s the problem, but also a shortage of information. And finally, politicians walk into classrooms … and immediately say the wrong thing. We run through some recent awkward political gaffes. If you have questions or comments — contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The power shift in Budapest hasn’t happened yet — but Brussels is already engaging with what comes next. Péter Magyar arrives in Brussels as Hungary’s incoming prime minister, skipping the usual waiting period and heading straight into talks with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. His aim: unlocking billions in EU funds frozen over rule-of-law concerns. Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton walk through the early reset between Budapest and Brussels — and the risks that come with moving this fast. In the European Parliament, MEPs debate how Russia is quietly edging back into global sports and cultural life. From the Olympics to the Venice Biennale, restrictions are softening — raising questions about what “neutral” participation really means during a war. Finally, a new snapshot of climate change’s effect on Europe. A major scientific assessment finds almost the entire continent saw above-average temperatures last year, alongside heatwaves, drought and wildfires. Scientists warn a new El Niño could pu

Today on the pod, we’re talking money, money, money. An important vote on the EU’s next long-term budget is happening in the European Parliament. Zoya and Nick discuss how lawmakers are pushing for a bigger cash pot ... which will likely cause a stir with some countries. We unpack the battle lines already starting to form. Also, the College of Commissioners is meeting in Strasbourg to discuss how drafting legislation could be made more efficient — although critics warn this could weaken important safeguards. Plus, last week the Commission unveiled an age verification app designed to stop kids from accessing adult content online. But the rollout has been … bumpy. Finally: It seems we really hit a nerve when we discussed whether shops in Brussels should be open on Sundays. Zoya and Nick sift through your heated messages. More questions or comments? Contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Europe is staring down a familiar and unwelcome set of circumstances: rising energy prices, slowing growth and growing political pressure. As the fallout from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran ripples through global markets, EU governments are scrambling to cushion the blow — with far fewer tools than they had when the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered the last energy crisis. Zoya Sheftalovich is joined by Nick Vinocur to unpack what this new economic shock could mean — not just for households, but for Europe’s political center. Also on the pod: German conservatives turn up the heat on Ursula von der Leyen — and Belgium looks to keep the lights on in its shops a little longer. Got a question or a comment? Contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices