Brussels Playbook Podcast

European leaders are descending on Montreal in a bid to forge closer ties with Canada. On today's show, host Zoya Sheftalovich catches up with Sarah Wheaton, who's on the ground at the EU-Canada summit. They unpack what the talks could actually deliver — from defense and critical raw materials to space and AI — and the Trump-shaped shadow hanging over it all. Next, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen may be here in Montreal, but back in Brussels, questions remain about her role in the EU's Covid vaccine deal with Pfizer. Finally: Eurovision has revealed its 2027 lineup — but the row over Israel's participation is far from over. Questions, comments? Please write in! Find us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: Our EU-Canada summit live blog. ⁠EU and Canada eye golden window to Trump-proof their ties. Eurovision confirms candidates for 2027 — but 2 EU countries are still on the fence. EU Public Prosecutor’s Office will be ‘killed softly for doing its job,’ says outgoing chief. This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Europe's united front on Ukraine is showing cracks. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre have opened a direct line to Vladimir Putin, drawing criticism from some fellow European leaders — even as Ukraine backs their efforts. Nicholas Vinocur and Paul Dallison examine the fallout and the growing scramble over who gets to speak for Europe in peace talks. Also on the pod: Brussels unveils a sweeping overhaul of Frontex, giving the EU border agency a much bigger role in deportations, new powers to monitor social media and plans for a major expansion. And after a summer of devastating heatwaves and wildfires, the European Commission wants governments to prepare for a world that's three degrees hotter than preindustrial levels. Finally, you can see the ghostly turnip that freaked Nick out here. And if you have someone spooky in mind for Paul's story on the figures haunting the EU bubble, please write in! Find us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: Leaders of Finland and Norway hold direct talks with Putin. EU prepares for a grim future with new climate-proofing law. Frontex gets power to track migration talk on social media. Frontex set for new powers to deport beyond EU borders in latest overhaul. This summer’s heat was Europe’s deadliest on record, scientists say. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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