Brussels Playbook Podcast

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Can less paperwork get EU workers moving? Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Why is it easier for a jar of peanut butter to cross EU borders than it is for a European worker?

According to the Commission, varying social security systems and professional qualifications make it hard for Europeans to work outside their home country in the bloc. The EU executive’s Fair Labour Mobility Package — unveiled today — aims to fix that. On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur dissect the initiative.

Next, NATO allies are debating a tougher response as Russian sabotage and hybrid attacks creep closer to home.

And eight years after former Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker promised to stop Europe changing the clocks twice a year — why are we still doing it?

Our audience survey is still live, and we’d love to hear what you think about the pod.

Do you have something you want Ursula von der Leyen to mention in her State of the European Union speech? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar.

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The EU’s plan for ‘weaponized’ migration Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

When Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gives her big State of the European Union speech on Wednesday, the topic of migration is likely to feature heavily.

On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur discuss the EU executive’s proposed new tool to counter “weaponized” migration — like we saw in Ceuta this summer. Plus, what do the results of the Swedish general election mean for the country’s migration policy?

Next, a group of European leaders and senior EU officials are in Finland today, part of Brussels’ broader push to deepen its engagement in the Arctic as the region assumes greater geopolitical importance. Expect the Arctic to stay high on the EU agenda throughout the autumn.

Finally: Zoya has been on a tap water crusade in Brussels ... and now, the results are in!

Our audience survey is still live and we’d love to hear what you think about the pod. The survey takes five minutes max and closes Sept. 18 — you can access it here. Otherwise you can contact us as always via WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

P.S. We’re going live again on Sept. 22. We’ll be recording the podcast in front of an audience as part of POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook Live event. You can register to attend here.

This episode was produced by Saga Ringmar.

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Is Europe winning the ‘fight’? Von der Leyen’s SOTEU, one year on Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

When Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her State of the European Union speech last year, the backdrop was chaotic.

Russian drones had just crossed into Polish airspace, Donald Trump was casting doubt on America’s commitment to NATO, and the Commission president herself was facing votes of no confidence. Her answer to this disarray? Europe, she said, was in a fight — and this was its “independence moment.”

A year later, can we say that Europe met that moment? And is it winning the fight or losing it?

To take stock of what the EU has achieved — and where it has fallen short — host Sarah Wheaton is joined by Senior EU policy editor Joanna Roberts, deputy tech editor Laurens Cerulus and Nick Vinocur, our chief foreign affairs correspondent.

Plus, we want to hear from you! We have a survey out and would love to know what you like about the podcast and what we could do differently. The survey will take max five minutes — you can access it here.

Otherwise, you can contact us as always via 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

Behind Trump's push to break the International Criminal Court Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

The U.S. is on a public campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court. Now, it wants help from its NATO allies.

During a closed-door meeting back in July, U.S. envoy to NATO Matthew Whitaker asked allied countries for help in disassembling the international court that addresses genocide and crimes against humanity. On the show, Sarah Wheaton and Kathryn Carlson discuss the European reaction and the motivations behind this American push.

Next, Europe’s housing crisis is deepening. Sarah Wheaton spoke with the Commissioner tasked with tackling the problem, Dan Jørgensen.

And criminal gangs in Europe are using AI to figure out where they can build their illegal tobacco factories to not get caught.

Finally: We want to hear from you! We have a survey out and would love to know what you like about the podcast and what we could do differently. The survey will take max five minutes — you can access it here.

Otherwise, you can contact us as always via WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Plus: We’re going live again on Sept. 22. We’ll be recording the podcast in front of an audience as part of POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook Live event. You can register to attend here.

This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The EU’s Israel dilemma Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

Relations between the EU and Israel have been deeply strained over the war in Gaza. But the bloc is struggling to withstand the allure of Israel’s tech and missile defense prowess.

On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss how EU capitals are looking again to Israel for cooperation on things like air defense, space and artificial intelligence. Our hosts explain why this is an awkward look for the bloc.

Then, two years after Mario Draghi’s competitiveness report, we break down how much of his plan Europe has actually delivered.

And finally: France’s brutal summer is hitting wine harvest ... is there another drink you’ll opt for instead? Let us know via WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Plus: We’re going live again on Sept. 22. We’ll be recording the podcast in front of an audience as part of POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook Live event. You can register to attend here.

This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kaja Kallas takes another hit Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, wanted a group of heavyweight former leaders to come up with fresh ideas to address Europe’s defense gaps. Instead, the initiative was killed before it even launched. Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart look at why some capitals pushed back — and what the episode says about Kallas’ authority and the battle over who drives European defense policy.

Then, European Council President Antonio Costa continues his tour of European capitals as negotiations over the EU’s next long-term budget get more concrete.

And finally: could Ukraine and Poland make a joint bid to host the football World Cup?

Plus: We’re going live again on September 22. We’ll be recording the podcast in front of an audience as part of POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook Live event. You can register to attend here.

Question? Comment? Get in touch on 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

Germany's far-right bombshell Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

After a sweeping victory in the regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund's Alternative for Germany (AfD) could be in a position to govern the state — putting a far-right party in power in part of Germany for the first time since World War II.

As Europe wakes up to the AfD win, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur talk to Head of Playbook Germany Hans von der Burchard about what it means for the rest of the country.

Then, Zoya and Nick discuss what it means for Europe and beyond.

What do you think this result means for your country? Get in touch on WhatsApp here, or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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What do Spain's migrant crisis and Germany's knife-edge election mean for Europe? Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

The Spanish exclave of Ceuta on the North African coast is struggling to deal with a surge of unauthorized migrants. Over 70,000 arrived in a mass crossing from Morocco at the end of July, and although the numbers have fallen since then, police and the authorities are struggling with outbreaks of violence and criminality. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has faced protests in cities across the country, and the crisis poses a challenge for the European Union’s borders. Host Anne McElvoy talks to Tim Röhn, Senior Editor of the Axel Springer Global Reporters Network, who has reported extensively from Ceuta for POLITICO.

Also on the podcast, could the far-right be on the verge of an electoral breakthrough in Germany? This weekend’s election in the Eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt could result in the Alternative for Germany forming a government, the first time a far-right party has tasted power since the Second World War. Anne has been on the road in the state, writing about how two chancellors, Merz and Merkel, have lost the old East. She's joined by Josef Forster, BILD’s politics editor, on what might follow for Germany's leadership.

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Dublin tests Europe's budget red lines Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

At the informal General Affairs Council in Dublin today, the EU’s next 7-year budget is set to dominate the agenda.

The talks are still in deadlock over the size of the money pot ... but the red lines of various capitals are starting to take shape. On today’s episode, host Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart explain why — counterintuitively — that’s actually a step forward for the negotiations.

Next, the pivotal regional election in Germany’s Saxony-Anhalt is just days away ... and the far-right AfD party is poised to win big. But just how big? And what would the party do if it manages to come to power?

Finally, the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, is considering a council of elders to help with the reform of the bloc’s foreign policy arm, the EEAS. Who do you think should be part of an expert group like this? Get in touch on 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 plan to shut out Europe's far right Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

The political center in the European Parliament is looking increasingly fragile. Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart look at a proposal from two senior German MEPs for the center-right EPP and the Social Democrats to strike a much more formal deal — as relations between the two groups deteriorate and the far right gains influence.

Then: Europe says it needs giant data centers if it wants to compete in the AI boom. But who pays for them — and what happens when one arrives in your town? We look at the millions of euros governments are being asked to commit to Europe’s AI ambitions, and at the resistance to a massive Google data center in Austria.

Plus, should the European Commission just be on TikTok if it wants to reach younger voters — or is trying to look young and hip more trouble than it’s worth?

Question? Comment? Get in touch on WhatsApp here, or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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