Brussels Playbook Podcast

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Could influencers crash future EU summits? May 12, 2026

Show notes

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 have a name in mind? Send us your recommendations on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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French cinema is spooked by the far right May 11, 2026

Show notes

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 here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Who’s “European” — and who’s not? May 08, 2026

Show notes

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: Week Ender.

There’ll be new cover art and a new sound … but the core idea remains the same: a deeper dive into the biggest stories shaping Europe each week.

To celebrate this new era, we brought in EU Confidential’s original host, Ryan Heath, to discuss how the political landscape (and audio equipment) has changed since he first helmed the show.

Questions or comments? Send a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Field trip to Russia, anyone? May 07, 2026

Show notes

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.

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Why the EU is freaked out about a new AI model May 06, 2026

Show notes

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.

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The Parliament’s misspent €1.5 million May 05, 2026

Show notes

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 elsewhere? We’d love to hear them! Send a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Putin’s ‘window of opportunity’ to test NATO May 04, 2026

Show notes

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 to hear from you ... literally! What sound do you think best encapsulates the continent? Send it to us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Why the ECB is in a tricky spot Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

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.

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The Hungary reset: Magyar in Brussels chasing EU funds Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

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 push extremes even further — and sooner than expected.

If you have questions or comments — contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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The €1.8 trillion standoff Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

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.

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