On Saturday, Michel Barnier, France's newly appointed prime minister and former EU Brexit negotiator, unveiled his government, which is dominated by conservatives and centrists from French president Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party. Among the most contentious appointments is Bruno Retailleau as interior minister, a staunch conservative who has consistently opposed same-sex marriage and voted against enshrining abortion rights in the French constitution. Barnier faced the challenging task of a...
Sep 23, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Is EU policy on equality going to take a backseat in the upcoming mandate of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen? Back in 2019, von der Leyen named Malta's Helena Dalli the EU's Commissioner in charge of equality. But last week, when she announced her proposal for the new team of European Commissioners, von der Leyen ditched the equality portfolio, combining it instead with "preparedness and crisis management". Many NGOs defending women's rights reacted to what they saw as von der...
Sep 20, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 19
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's decision to assign the migration and home affairs portfolio to Austrian nominee Magnus Brunner was one of her most unexpected choices when deciding on the portfolios for her new College. Vienna's recent tougher stance on EU migration policy, as well as Brunner's own background, sprung to the fore. Austria was behind a long-standing veto against Bulgaria and Romania's entry into the Schengen Area, and Vienna also voted against and abstained fro...
Sep 19, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 18
The European Parliament in Strasbourg was again divided — this time, it was the MEPs' opinions that were split after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced her new batch of Commissioners. Radio Schuman gathered different reactions from the MEPs Peter Liese, Christel Schaldemose, Moritz Körner, and Sergey Lagodinsky on the entire affair, including the fitness of individual Commissioners for their new tasks, big jobs that went to Eastern European and Baltic countries and the ...
Sep 18, 2024•14 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Thierry Breton's surprisingly public last-minute resignation as France's European Commission nominee was the talk of the town on Monday. While Paris quickly replaced the outgoing Commissioner with former MEP and Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Séjourné, Breton's final salvo aimed at Commission President Ursula von der Leyen further made sure her new mandate was off to a rocky start. Will von der Leyen weather the storm, and is she really as opposed to critical voices among her Commissioners as...
Sep 17, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Back in July, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that she would appoint a Commissioner for housing and launch the union's first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan. The announcement was part of a favour made to the European Parliament's centre-left S&D group, which had asked the Commission to include the lack of affordable housing and the rising cost of living as one of its top priorities. But what does the job of housing Commissioner consist of? And how can the E...
Sep 16, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 15
The leader of the Slovene European People's Party (EPP) delegation in the Parliament, Romana Tomc, has told Euronews that the country's new Commissioner pick Marta Kos is "unacceptable". Slovenia's opposition, led by the conservative SDS party of former Prime Minister Janez Janša, has criticised liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob for yielding to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen by replacing male nominee Tomaž Vesel with Kos without proper consultation. As a result, SDS MP Fran...
Sep 13, 2024•14 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Heated discussions are set to start next week as MEPs vote in Strasbourg on the EU 2025 budget. The European Parliament and European Commission are likely to fight back against cuts — including to the Erasmus+ programme — agreed by the Council before the three institutions are set to wrangle the 2025 budget in November. The Council proposed reducing Erasmus+ by almost €295 million each year when setting its own position in June, making way for priorities including Russia's war in Ukraine, the mi...
Sep 12, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 13
What are the real reasons underlying European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen delaying announcing the portfolios for her executive? The official reason for the delay is that Slovenia has changed its nominee and the country’s parliament needs to ratify the new name. But the path to nominate commissioners is often turbulent, what else is afoot? Today Radio Schuman looks for answers with Euronews journalist Gerardo Fortuna. The German government's decision to reintroduce border controls a...
Sep 11, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 12
A key and controversial recommendation of former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi's competitiveness report was for Europe to have recourse to common debt instruments to keep the pace with competitors such as the US and China. But what happens when Draghi's recommendations come face to face with political reality in the EU? My colleague Vincenzo Genovese found out from Guntram Wolff, from the Brussels-based European economic think tank Bruegel. We make a brief overview of the two major court j...
Sep 10, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 11
After European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen presents her list of Commissioners to the European Parliament this week, the legal affairs parliamentary committee will assess whether any conflict of interest would make them unable to carry out their duties. In 2019, von der Leyen asked Hungary and Romania to present new candidates for the European Commission after the legal committee found out that the nominees could not carry out their task in full transparency. The unofficial list of ...
Sep 09, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Will the European Parliament approve the list of Commission nominees that von der Leyen will present next week? According to veteran German MEP Peter Liese, some nominees will struggle to secure their spot, with the Maltese and Hungarian choices most imperilled. Euronews has seen a list of 25 commissioners-designate doing the rounds of Ursula von der Leyen's own European People's Party which earmarks their potential portfolios. It may not reflect what the Commission President finally decides on ...
Sep 06, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Changing the rules on subsidising farmers is at the heart of a 100-page report on the future of agriculture set to feed a vision document due in the first 100 days of the Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s second mandate. A significant overhaul of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to make subsidies based on farmers’ income rather than farm size is among changes proposed in a report on the future of agriculture presented to Ursula von der Leyen. Today’s Radio Schuman looks at thi...
Sep 05, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 8
On Monday, Roxana Mînzatu was presented by the Romanian government as the next European Commissioner for the country, withdrawing the previous nomination of Victor Negrescu, to comply with Ursula von der Leyen's gender criteria. Minzatu, who is 44, is a former Secretary of State for European funds, and later for public procurement. She spoke to Euronews journalist Shona Murray hours after her nomination about her recent job interview with von der Leyen, the importance of implementing EU law in E...
Sep 04, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 7
From regret for the outcome tax state aid cases, to optimism for the future of European AI - outgoing Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager sat down with Radio Schuman. The EU’s outgoing digital and competition supremo regretted the outcome of landmark tax state aid cases and expressed optimism for the future of European AI in an exclusive sit down with Radio Schuman. “It would have been better” if the Commission had won the controversial tax state aid cases – successfully challenged by Ir...
Sep 03, 2024•19 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode of Radio Schuman, we discuss Ukraine's urgent plea to lift EU restrictions on long-range weapons for better defense against Russia, featuring insights from Ukraine expert Sasha Vakulina. We also touch on Putin's recent trip to Mongolia and explore a quirky new dating trend in Spain's supermarkets. Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Europ...
Sep 02, 2024•15 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In today's episode of Radio Schuman , we dive into the tangled web of Belgian politics as the country faces the challenge of naming a European Commissioner while still negotiating a new government. With Didier Reynders as the only official candidate just before the deadline, we explore Belgium's political landscape and the pressures from the European Union. We’ll hear from top journalist Wouter Vershelden, who shares the behind-the-scenes story. We also discuss the EU's divided response to Josep...
Aug 30, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 4
With just one day left to nominate the next EU commissioner, Italy, Belgium, and Bulgaria are still undecided. We explore why Italy is holding back and what this means for its relationship with Ursula von der Leyen. Plus, we cover Macron’s strategic visit to Serbia, Sanchez's trip to West Africa, and Sicily’s move to ban Mafia-themed souvenirs. Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron a...
Aug 29, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In today's episode of Radio Schuman, we explore the growing calls to ban Telegram within EU institutions following the arrest of its founder, Pavel Durov. Bart Groothuis, a Dutch MEP and former cybersecurity expert, highlights the app's security risks, particularly its Russian origins and encryption practices, which could potentially expose sensitive information to the Russian state. We also discuss Austria's push to toughen the EU's migration laws and examine which European countries have the h...
Aug 28, 2024•14 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this episode of Radio Schuman, we explore UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's plan to renegotiate the Brexit deal, focusing on trade and citizens' rights, without rejoining the EU's single market or customs union. We also delve into the EU's latest legal battle with Uber over data privacy violations and explore new climate-related vocabulary making waves across Europe. Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editi...
Aug 27, 2024•15 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In our final episode before the summer break, we dive into the EU's new migration and asylum pact and the challenges it faces. We speak with Federica Toscano from Save the Children Europe about the concerns over the pact's implementation and the rights of asylum seekers. We also explore the newly enforced AI Act and its impact on tech companies, and reveal the surprising truth behind Olympic gold medals. Join us on Radio Schuman for these stories and more, and we'll be back on August 27th! Europ...
Aug 02, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 49
In today's episode of Radio Schuman, host Maia de la Baume explores the concerning decline in female representation within EU institutions. Despite some high-profile women leaders like Ursula von der Leyen and Roberta Metsola, the new European Parliament has seen a steep drop in female members. We speak with Jeromine Andolfatto from the European Women’s Lobby about the implications of this trend and whether it reflects a broader backlash against women's rights in Europe. Plus, how airspace restr...
Aug 01, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In today's episode, we delve into Finland's controversial new law allowing migrant pushbacks, a move that has sparked debate over its legality under international and EU standards. We’ll also discuss the EU's digital policy shortcomings with MEP Axel Voss, focusing on the bloc's struggle with AI and digital development. Lastly, we explore the prevalence of asthma among athletes, particularly those in endurance sports, and the challenges they face. Tune in for an insightful discussion on these pr...
Jul 31, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In today’s episode we delve into the potential shifts in EU-Iran relations with the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. We discuss how Pezeshkian, a reformist heart surgeon, might navigate the complexities of his limited power and the influence of the IRGC, amidst escalating tensions in Gaza and Lebanon. Babak Kamiar provides expert analysis on what slight changes we might expect in diplomatic ties with the EU. Additionally, we explore Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's...
Jul 30, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 46
What would be the scope and responsibilities for a European Commission portfolio dedicated to the Mediterranean? Would such a commissioner oversee the EU's controversial migration deals with African countries? Radio Schuman sought answers with Hussein Baoumi, Foreign policy advocacy officer at Amnesty International in Brussels. We also pick up on intriguing analysis on the impact of the upcoming US elections on the ongoing war in Ukraine by former French Minister of Foreign Affairs and advisor t...
Jul 29, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Today is Friday, July 25th, and we've got a packed episode for you. First, we dive into the European Green Deal and its prospects under Ursula von der Leyen's presidency amid rising conservative opposition. We'll hear from Genevieve Pons, the Director General of the Europe Jacques Delors Institute, on the balance between industrial revival and sustainability. Next, we examine French influence in the EU following recent political upheavals in France. Pons shares her expert perspective on the shif...
Jul 26, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In this episode, we dive into three critical topics shaping the European Union today. First, we talk with German liberal MEP Moritz Korner about the EU's stance on Hungary's rule of law violations and the effectiveness of conditionality mechanisms tied to EU funds. We then explore why some liberals voted against Ursula von der Leyen for another term as European Commission President, focusing on her track record with the rule of law. Finally, we look at the growing trend of solar balconies in Ger...
Jul 25, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 43
In today’s episode of Radio Schuman, we dive into the European Parliament’s recent decision to exclude far-right parties from high-level committee positions and examine the implications for the de Hondt seat allocation system. We'll also explore the European Commission’s rebuttal to Microsoft’s blame for a major IT outage affecting flights and how the digital nomad trend is reviving rural European areas. Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production ass...
Jul 24, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 42
The EU is looking stateside to map possible scenarios for US foreign policy following upcoming November elections. What should Europeans expect from a second Donald Trump mandate? What might contrast with a first Kamala Harris presidency? On sensitive issues such as the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and relations with China, US strategy remains a critical factor for the 27 EU member states. Euronews reporter Maria Psara spoke to Sudha-David Wilp, the regional director of the Ger...
Jul 23, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 41
We explore Giorgia Meloni’s recent opposition to Ursula von der Leyen’s reappointment and its implications for Italy in the EU. We discuss today’s EU foreign ministers' meeting on the Middle East and Ukraine. We highlight a groundbreaking nasal spray for Alzheimer’s treatment. Finally, we note the start of the summer break for EU officials in Brussels. Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vi...
Jul 22, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 40
