Today in the EU

Top10. The climate ambitions of the next EU commission

In this episode, we look back at a critical development in Europe’s green agenda: Teresa Ribera’s appointment by President von der Leyen to steer Europe’s green transition while ensuring its competitiveness. Host Giada Santana and Environment hub editor Donagh Cagney delve into the commissioner nominees and discuss the future of EU energy and environment policy. [Note: This episode was originally published on Sep 19th.]

Top10. Von der Leyen launches new EU commission with surprising picks

In this episode, we revisit a pivotal moment in EU politics: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s unveiling of her proposed team of European Commissioners. Host Evi Kiorri speaks with politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta to unpack the implications of these changes for EU governance. [Note: This episode was originally published on Sep 18th.]

Top10. EU-US trade: what EU economy ministers fear about second Trump term

In this episode, we revisit an important discussion from November 21st, when EU economy ministers convened to tackle the future of EU-US trade relations. With the prospect of a protectionist, pro-tariff Trump administration looming, the talks were anything but straightforward. Key industries like Germany’s automotive sector are already under significant pressure, and the risk of a broader trade war remains a serious concern. How is Europe preparing to adapt to a potentially shifting US trade age...

Top10. Why the EU is divided over the Mercosur trade deal

As we reflect on the key milestones of the past year, we revisit the conclusion of a historic trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) on December 6th. After 25 years of negotiations, the deal will create one of the world’s largest free trade zones. In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood reporter Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro delve into the details of the EU-Mercosur deal and explore the controversies surrounding it. [Note: This epi...

Top10. The vote that might end EU anti-deforestation law

As the year winds down, we revisit a critical moment in the EU’s environmental efforts: the European Parliament’s decision on the landmark anti-deforestation law, the EUDR, back on November 14th. In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood reporter Sofia Sánchez Manzanaro examine the supporters and detractors of the EUDR and discuss the potential outcomes of the vote. [Note: This episode was originally published earlier this year.]

Top10. The future of the EU budget behind the leak

Top10. Niinistö report: How the EU must gear up for future crises

As the year comes to a close, we revisit a pivotal conversation on how the EU can brace itself for the challenges ahead. A landmark report by outgoing Finnish president Sauli Niinistö offers a sobering reality check, spanning recommendations from climate change management to intelligence sharing. In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Nicholas Wallace explore the report’s key proposals, including EU-NATO competition, Niinistö’s intelligence unit concept, and lessons from Finla...

Top10. German coalition collapse: what European leaders fear

As we reflect on the events that shaped Europe this year, we’re revisiting one of the most dramatic moments in German politics: the collapse of Germany’s coalition government. This political upheaval has left European leaders concerned about its impact on European cooperation, especially as the continent braces for Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House. But how do European leaders view Germany’s instability, and what are the broader implications for Europe? To explore these question...

Top10. Draghi,The EU to consider report's proposals or face 'slow agony'

As we look toward 2025, we revisit a crucial moment from earlier this year: September 9th, when Mario Draghi presented his highly anticipated report on European competitiveness to President Ursula von der Leyen. The report highlighted the urgent need to boost productivity to achieve the EU’s ambitious political and economic goals. In this episode, host Evi Kiorri and economy reporter Thomas Moller-Nielsen break down the key takeaways from Draghi’s report and discuss its potential implications fo...

Looking back at Europe's defining moments of 2024

This year brought seismic changes across Europe: political crises, shifting environmental priorities, and debates about the continent’s industrial strategy.From the Green Deal’s transformation to the US election, we explore how decisions made this year will shape the continent for decades. How did Germany’s government collapse ripple across the EU? What does a more competitiveness-focused agenda mean for climate policy? And what’s next for Europe in a world dominated by US-China tensions? In thi...

How German parties plan to win voters in upcoming snap elections

Germany’s political groups officially kicked off their campaign trail after Chancellor Scholz lost a no-confidence vote on Tuesday (17 December). With a snap election now set for February, the race is well underway. From their manifestos, both the SPD (S&D) and CDU/CSU (EPP) appear to be carefully calibrating their messaging on key voter concerns – such as aid to Ukraine, economic policy, and migration. Their goal? To win over voters without shutting the door on future coalition deals. But w...

Why Macron’s bid to stay relevant is falling short

François Bayrou's appointment as France's new prime minister is the latest in a series of questionable political moves Emmanuel Macron has made since June, which have increasingly put the president in a vulnerable position. Outmanoeuvred by his long-time ally Bayrou, who used his political leverage to secure the job, Macron now faces a public growing all the more sceptical of his leadership. The new French prime minister, however, appears ready to move past party lines to guarantee the governmen...

Lessons from the EU's watchdog: Emily O’Reilly on ethics and accountability

The European Parliament will elect the new EU Ombudsman on Tuesday (17 December) to replace Emily O'Reilly, with her successor set to inherit her impressive legacy. In a sit-down interview with Giada Santana, O’Reilly reflected on her time in office, the current political climate, and her landmark inquiry into Frontex.

Digital governance in the era of hybrid warfare, with Estonia’s digital minister

Estonia, a leader in digital governance, is known for remote internet voting, online public services, and digital IDs, earning recognition as the world’s second most digitalized government, according to the United Nations. But its technological advancements have made it a target for cyber interference from Moscow as geopolitical tensions move online. “The propaganda budget for Russia is bigger than the whole Estonian state budget,” said Estonia’s Digital Minister Liisa Pakosta to Euractiv. “It’s...

Why Georgia’s pivot toward Russia may backfire

Georgia’s parliament is set to elect the country’s next president on Saturday (14 December), a vote that could backfire for the ruling Dream Party as it has opted to back pro-Russian candidate Mikheil Kavelashvili. During its four terms in power, Georgian Dream has gradually worked towards eroding democratic institutions - a move that has alienated much of civil society, including top national banks and diplomats, many of whom have publicly distanced themselves from the government. In this episo...

The controversial EU-level talks on borders, smuggling and asylum procedures

Talk of EU migration policy have dominated Brussels this week, with at least 15 EU countries deciding to freeze asylum requests for Syrian citizens and EU leaders set to vote on key matters at the EU Home Affairs Council. EU's migration policy will be high on the political agenda when EU interior ministers meet in Brussels on Thursday (12 December). Key decisions include a vote on extending Schengen membership to Romania and Bulgaria, revising anti-smuggling measures, and promoting the implement...

The competing regional powers in the way of Syria’s new government

As a transitional government takes shape in Syria, hopes run high for the country to regain its democratic status after a decade-long dictatorship. However, the aftermath leaves a fragmented political scenario that might easily spiral into chaos. From Moscow to Ankara and Teheran, regional powers are competing for relevance through the support of the different armed groups involved in the fall of Bashar al Assad’s regime. And if Europe strives for stability in the country, it has a role to play ...

What Europe risks losing amid the US-China trade war

The European Union could face unexpected fallout from the latest round of sanctions imposed by Beijing on U.S. markets, as China banned the shipment of three rare minerals critical for building next-generation weapons and military equipment. How does the US-China trade war impact the European Union, and how can Europe protect its defense industry at at such a crucial time? In this episode, host Giada Santana and defense reporter Aurelie Pugnet discuss the latest escalation in the tit-for-tat bet...

Why the EU is divided over the Mercosur trade deal

The EU and four Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) finalised a historic trade agreement on Friday (6 December) after 25 years of talks. First proposed in 1999, the deal will establish one of the world's largest free trade zones – but not everyone seems to be happy about it. The deal has drawn sharp criticism in the Union over environmental and political concerns. So, what does the South American trade pact entail, and why has it created such deep divisions within the E...

Europe holds its breath as Romania heads to the polls one last time

Brussels is on tenterhooks as Romania heads to the polls on Sunday (8 December) to choose between pro-Moscow TikTok star Călin Georgescu and pro-European hopeful Elena Lasconi in the final round of the presidential elections. In a country where one in three citizens trust the government, the semi-presidential system could grant far-right candidate Georgescu significant power to challenge parliamentary majorities and potentially shift the country's stance on Moscow. In this episode, host Giada Sa...

The ceasefire in Lebanon and Europe's waning role in the Middle East

The number of violations of the US-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon has surpassed 100 since the ceasefire agreement took effect last Wednesday, casting doubts on hopes for peace between Hezbollah and Israel. Besides condemning the breaches, the EU's absence from the negotiating table during these tense moments raises questions about its relevance in the Middle East. In this episode, host Giada Santana talks to Middle East experts Bilal Saab and Julien Barnes-Dacey about the terms of the shaky cease...

Explaining Europe's campaign to roll back the protection of wolves

Wolf protection is back on the table for EU lawmakers as they must now reopen talks on the EU's Habitats Directive, a cornerstone of EU biodiversity policy. The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention decided to back a European Commission proposal weakening the protection of wolves on Tuesday (3 December), meaning MEPs must now reconsider one of the EU's flagship biodiversity policies. But why is the European Commission waging a crusade against wolves? And how does it align with the union's en...

Why Michel Barnier’s young government might fall

The current French government might be the shortest-lived in the history of the fifth Republic as opposition parties announced the possibility of a vote of no-confidence on Monday (2 December). Ongoing tense negotiations over financial cuts and taxes have kept the government at risk of falling for the past two months. Why are budget talks threatening a political crisis in France? In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Thèo Bourgery-Gonse chat about the controversies around the...

The real cost of Europe's new competitiveness agenda

When voters cast their ballots in recent European elections, the economy topped their long list of concerns. Shortly after, Commission President von der Leyen assumed office with a clear mission: make Europe more competitive to keep pace with the US and China. But the push for global competitiveness seems to sideline labour and social policies, which have long been seen as hallmarks of Europe’s economic model. So, how does the Commission plan to make the Union wealthier? And who is at risk of be...

Operation Interflex – BTS from Ukrainian soldiers’ training abroad

In the past two weeks, Russian forces have achieved the fastest breakthrough in eastern Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion. As the Ukrainian army is in dire need of new recruits and equipment, hundreds of soldiers are under special training as part of Operation Interflex, aimed at providing them with vital skills to manage death-threatening situations.What is the operation like? How can this training impact Ukrainian troops’ success on the frontlines? In this episode, host Giada Santana...

Parliament’s winners and losers: A conversation with Greens and right-wing ECR

On Wednesday (27 November), the new college of commissioners was approved with 370 votes to 282 against – marking the lowest majority in history. The mandate is filled with uncertainties, except one: the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) enjoys free rein in Parliament negotiations, with master strategist Manfred Weber cosying up and forging alliances outside the centrist majority. How do non-coalition groups view this new, secretive, and unpredictable European Parliament? In this episod...

Strasbourg special: EU Parliament’s most burning vote of the year

After weeks of political manoeuvring and backroom deals , MEPs are set to vote today (27 November) on Von der Leyen's next College of Commissioners. While the EP’s greenlight seems certain after EPP, Renew, and S&D struck a platform agreement last week, the incoming College might be sworn in with the narrowest support in recent history. So, where do the different political groups stand? And what effect will the vote have on Parliament's future powerplays? In this episode, host Giada Santana ...

Draghi report, competitiveness and EU corporate reporting requirements facing backlash

European businesses are increasingly concerned about the EU's growing regulatory and reporting requirements, which they say hamper competitiveness and productivity. The combination of high energy prices (well above those in the US) and stringent sustainability and compliance requirements is putting pressure on several industries, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular. While the European Union aims to reduce reporting obligations by 25%, the challenge is to balance simplific...

ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas commander – what now?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Both Israel and Hamas have dismissed the allegations, giving predictably polarised responses. The Israeli government condemned the ICC’s decision as “antisemitic,” while Hamas called the warrants fo...

What we expect from the last day of COP29

As the global climate summit is expected to wrap up today (22 November) in Baku, Azerbaijan, country ministers have already started tough negotiations around the implementation of the final treaty. All eyes are on the final sum allocated to the new climate finance goal (NCQG), which will determine how many resources developed countries will provide to the global south to limit greenhouse gas emissions. But the discrepancy in ambition and timeline between the two parties has so far locked talks i...