Today in the EU

Politicising the nature restoration law

This week on EURACTIV’s Beyond the Byline podcast looks into the hotly contested nature restoration law, recently passed by a narrow margin within the EU. Aligned with President Ursula von der Leyen's ambitious European Green Deal, this legislation aims to protect nature by implementing recovery measures on 20% of the EU's land and sea by 2030, with a long-term vision of covering all degraded ecosystems by 2050. However, the road to adoption was far from smooth, as lawmakers in Strasbourg had to...

Dutch government collapses over migration law: What's next?

In this week’s episode of EURACTIV’s Beyond the Byline podcast, we look at how a contentious migration law collapsed the Dutch government, marking the end of 13 years of leadership for the country's prime minister, Mark Rutte. The government's months-long negotiations to curb the influx of new migrants into the Netherlands were marred by political infighting, with limits on family reunification and the establishment of a two-tier asylum system proving particularly divisive. The events also speak...

What are the causes of police violence in France?

In this week's episode of EURACTIV's Beyond the Byline podcast, we delve into the pressing issue of police violence in France. The country has been engulfed in clashes following the fatal police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk. Racial profiling and police brutality are concerns in France and in some other European countries, according to the European Network Against Racism. The situation in France has further escalated with clashes between protesters and far-right supporters, while fundrai...

Crisis in Russia: What now?

This week on Beyond the Byline, EURACTIV looks at the recent events that unfolded in Russia, presenting a major domestic incident for President Vladimir Putin. The crisis ensued when Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner Group, a Russian state-funded paramilitary organisation, turned on the country's Ministry of Defence in what some are calling a coup attempt. While the exact details of the standoff are unclear, they indicate a significant escalation of tensions. How did we get here, and what...

EU's de-risking strategy in the face of China

This week on Beyond the Byline, EURACTIV digs into the new economic security strategy presented by the European Commission on Tuesday (20 June). The plan seeks to persuade all 27 EU member states to implement stricter regulations for the export and transfer of technologies that could potentially be used for military purposes by third countries, through stronger export controls and screening of outbound investments related to critical technologies. While the document does not explicitly mention C...

Why does Poland want to ban the migration pact?

Last week, EU member states finally reached a consensus on the New Pact on Asylum and Migration, which seeks to streamline the management of incoming asylum seekers and distribute responsibility for hosting newcomers more evenly across the bloc. This week on Beyond the Byline, we dig into the controversy around the bill. Whilst many 'frontline' migration countries, such as Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain and Malta, hailed it as a historic agreement, the vote passed with a majority, not unanimity. T...

Can a global treaty stop plastic pollution?

This week on the 100th episode of the Beyond the Byline podcast, we dive into the negotiations on a potentially groundbreaking global treaty to end plastic pollution. Eirik Lindebjerg, Global Plastics Policy Lead at World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Willemijn Peeters, CEO & Founder of Searious business, a company that aims to prevent plastic pollution, join us in conversation to discuss what has been done so far, what we can expect from the treaty, what a global, legally-binding plastics treaty ...

Why is Europe becoming more conservative?

On this week’s episode of the Beyond the Byline podcast, EURACTIV looks at the reasons behind the growing trust in conservative and right-wing parties by citizens across Europe and beyond. According to experts, there has been a notable shift in many countries towards conservative political parties, with voters increasingly placing their trust in traditional ideas and practices. We ask Harris Mylonas, professor of political science at George Washington University, which factors are driving the ri...

Sarkozy's appeal denied: What’s next?

On this week’s episode of the Beyond the Byline podcast, EURACTIV looks at the case of Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president who recently lost his appeal against a conviction for bribery and corruption. The court of Paris upheld the lower court's decision, resulting in a one-year prison sentence for Sarkozy. However, the former president maintains his innocence and his legal team is determined to continue their efforts to overturn the ruling, including planning to file an appeal with Fran...

Greek elections: What to expect?

Turkish elections: what lies ahead?

This week, can Turkey still experience a change of government or has it passed the Rubicon to the extent that democratic elections do not mean much and the regime is very strong and united around Erdogan?

Press freedom in decline: can we turn the tide?

On this week’s episode of the Beyond the Byline podcast, we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, and we take a closer look at why press freedom is in demise in several European countries. We asked Oliver Money-Kyrle , Head of Europe Advocacy and Programmes at the International Press Institute, and Laurens Hueting , Senior Advocacy Officer at the European Centre for Press & Media Freedom: what can be done to turn the tide on the worsening climate for press freedom....

What's changing for platform workers in the EU?

Have you ever ordered food on an app from the comfort of your home, or booked an Uber to take you home after a party? If the answer is yes then you’ve participated in the gig economy and you’ve used services offered by the platform workers. This week, we look at the platform work directive proposed by the European Commission. But what are platform workers? Are they independent or fully employed? Why is the European Commission looking to regulate this sector - and what does the platform work dire...

EU pressures Twitter to comply with DSA as media leave platform

On this week’s episode of the Beyond the Byline podcast, we are taking a closer look at Twitter's current troubles with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), why journalists and media companies are turning their back on the platform and what its future looks like in the European market. The once-pioneer of social media has become the black sheep since October, when Elon Musk took over and became the CEO of Twitter, or self-appointed 'Chief Twit'.

15 EU countries sue Orbán’s government in Hungary

On this week's episode of the Beyond the Byline podcast, we will be discussing the groundbreaking legal case in which 15 member states of the European Union are taking legal action against the government of Viktor Orbán. This historic move highlights not only the rift between Brussels and Budapest, but also emphasises that numerous other European capitals have joined forces in opposing the Hungarian government's policies. Hungary's controversial child protection law has been criticised by human ...

EU parliament approves anti-money laundering authority, what’s next?

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast, we are looking at the anti-money laundering and terrorism financing reform approved by the European Parliament on March 28th. Recent successive scandals such as Qatar gate and Danske Bank have led to calls for a more comprehensive and effective EU approach to monitoring money trails, the financing of terrorism and cracking down on illicit money laundering. How are these practices threatening the economy, the existing financial system and the fair marke...

How safe are European banks?

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast, we are looking at the trouble in the financial markets, following the collapse of the US-based Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Credit Suisse had to be taken over by UBS in an emergency operation. The turbulence triggered anxiety on both sides of the Atlantic, with comparisons being made to the financial crisis of 2008. So, we ask - what does this mean for the European banks? And what actions are being taken by the European Commission, the Parliament and the...

EU’s sustainable packaging law under scrutiny

In this special episode of the Beyond the Byline podcast, we take a look at the EU’s packaging regulation – the issues it seeks to address, and whether it has any chances of succeeding where its predecessors failed. The European Commission tabled its packaging and packaging regulation in November last year in a bid to cut waste, promote recycling, and reduce consumption of primary raw materials. As the draft regulation now reaches the European Parliament and EU member states for scrutiny, we loo...

Greece: Train crash exposes government’s failings

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast we are looking at the train collision in Tempe, Greece, in which 57 passengers lost their lives. We also look at the impact of the crash on the upcoming elections and reactions from citizens, who have been demanding the government takes responsibility for the neglect of the railway network. Protests and clashes with the police are taking over every city in Greece, but what led to this tragic accident?

Nuclear threat on the rise: Russia, US control 90% of nuclear weapons

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast focuses on the growing danger posed by the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Iran has attracted particular attention as a recent UN investigation revealed that the country has high percentages of Uranium that could be used in the manufacture of nuclear weapons. Additionally, in late February, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that his country would not hesitate to deploy nuclear weapons to gain an advantage in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Wi...

How did a year of war shape Ukraine?

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast, we are looking at the war in Ukraine, one year on from Russia's full-scale invasion. On February 24 2022, in the early hours of the morning, Russia launched missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv. What followed forged a new reality for both Ukrainians and the world. A year on, the country is still at war, with the question of military and financial support from Western countries and beyond more pressing than ever. This week, we...

EU countries split over strict fiscal rules reform

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast, we are discussing Ecofin after EU finance ministers met on February 14th in Brussels to exchange views on the EU’s debt and deficit rules. What did the Commission propose for the reform of the EU governance framework? Why is it essential to combine national plans and a common European framework, and why is there a division between the southern and the northern European countries? To break down what was discussed and what we can expect moving forward wi...

Migration: The appalling side of pushbacks from Italy to Greece

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast we are discussing migration and more specifically, pushbacks. The topic is back on the priority list for EU leaders meeting on the 9th and 10th of February with the aim of reaching a joint EU system to manage migration. In the shadows of these discussions are the pushbacks from Italy to Greece and numerous reports of human right violations. Italy and Greece have been condemned internationally for their actions, with the latest investigation showing that...

EU-Ukraine summit: Between show of support and dimmed accession hopes

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast we discuss top EU leaders travelling to Ukraine to hold talks with a candidate country, for the first time ever in an active war zone. Almost a year after Ukraine’s invasion by Russia, EU's top leaders are set to meet their Ukrainian counterparts to discuss the country’s progress on its path in the EU, the bloc's long-term war support and closer integration in a series of policy areas. What will be the message sent by the EU's top officials and what sig...

Sweden’s NATO bid: Is Erdogan blocking it to win the elections?

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast we are discussing the tension between Turkey and Sweden, specifically how Turkey is blocking Sweden's accession to NATO. We’re also looking at the reasons behind Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's objections to Sweden's bid for membership in the alliance, the electoral tricks and when Sweden might be able to overcome this deadlock. With us this week are professor and founding director of the Stockholm University Institute for Turkish Studies, Paul...

Greek wiretapping scandal: EU rule of law under threat

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast, we take a deep dive into the latest developments on the Greek spyware scandal, and the response - or lack of - from the European Commission and the European Council. With us this week are MEP and rapporteur of the inquiry committee for the abuse of spyware Sophie in 't Veld and our colleague Spiros Sideris, joining from Athens. Together, they explain the impact of this scandal, and what could be done to control the use of spyware for political reasons....

How could Croatia’s euro adoption impact the economy amid soaring inflation?

This week, in the very first episode of EURACTIV's Beyond the Byline podcast for 2023, we are discussing Croatia’s transition to the euro. How could the adoption of the euro affect Croatia's economy? How are Croats experiencing the impact of the transition? What is the government doing to limit inflation? And why is the euro adoption an important step for the country? These are the questions we will attempt to answer in this episode of Beyond the Byline.

From the war in Ukraine to Qatargate: How has 2022 shaped the EU?

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast, we are wrapping up 2022 with a discussion on how this year has shaped the European Union, with Alberto Alemanno, Professor of Law at HEC Paris, and Robert Madelin, Senior Strategist at FIPRA International. With a war, runaway inflation and the energy crisis, topped off with a corruption scandal in the heart of the European Union itself, we ask: What impact did the Russian invasion of Ukraine have on the EU? What is happening with inflation? What can we...

Orban vetoes Ukraine aid after EU blocks Hungary’s fund

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast, we are discussing Hungary’s veto on the EU’s financial aid to Ukraine. Relations between the EU and Hungary seem to be tenser than ever after the latter blocked an €18 billion financial aid package to Ukraine. The veto is an effort of the Hungarian government to unlock EU funds for itself. How did we get here, and how are member states reacting to Viktor Orban’s decision to block the fund?

Climate Social fund: crucial for the Fit for 55 jigsaw puzzle

This week on the Beyond the Byline podcast, we are discussing the social climate fund. Representatives of the European Parliament, the Council and Commission met on Wednesday, 30th of November, to discuss the social climate fund proposal, considered one of the most important pieces of the jigsaw puzzle of Fit for 55, as it mostly relates to climate justice. But what is the social climate fund, who can benefit from it and is this fund affected by the existing energy crisis? To understand better w...