Brussels Playbook Podcast

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The ban threat facing Europe's far right May 28, 2026

Show notes

Europe’s far right is yet again under the microscope as a European Parliament watchdog moves to ban the Alternative for Germany’s EU party.

On the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton discuss how the far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations party — home to Germany’s AfD — risks losing EU funding and even its status as a political party. In a 300-page letter, the Authority for European Political Parties and Foundations cites evidence of anti-immigration, antisemitic and anti-LGBT rhetoric from its members. It argues this “casts doubt” on the ESN’s compliance with EU values.

Next, we discuss how one of Europe’s oldest geopolitical disputes is spilling into preparations for this year’s U.N. climate summit. Turkey, which is hosting COP31 this November in Antalya, has effectively frozen Cyprus out of parts of the preparatory process.

And finally: we dig into a very Brussels-y diplomatic food fight that’s been brewing quietly in the background for months.

Questions? Comments? Send us a message — or even better, a voice note on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Kallas, von der Leyen and the rivalry over EU intelligence May 27, 2026

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Brussels is beefing up its intelligence machinery.

Zoya Sheftalovich and Kathryn Carlson talk about the growing role of INTCEN — the EU’s little-known intelligence-analysis hub inside the European External Action Service — and the quiet power struggle brewing between Kaja Kallas’ diplomatic service and Ursula von der Leyen’s Commission over who gets to handle sensitive security information in Brussels.

Then: the Greens in the European Parliament are facing an identity crisis, as one of their biggest national parties considers defecting to the Socialists and Democrats — and why Bas Eickhout’s dramatic departure matters far beyond one relationship scandal.

And finally: European commissioners are discovering that driving electric vehicles to Strasbourg can involve awkward charging stops somewhere near Luxembourg.

If you have thoughts, tips or strong opinions on how to survive the Brussels–Strasbourg trip in an EV without stopping for 20 minutes in the middle of nowhere, send us a message — or even better, a voice note on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Should Europe talk to Putin? May 26, 2026

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Europe is still reeling from the recent drone incursions into Baltic airspace.

In a show of solidarity, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius are in Lithuania today following last week’s drone scare. Today on the Brussels Playbook Podcast, we unpack the latest developments, including discussions about Baltic companies teaming up with Ukrainian firms to tap into their expertise in bomb-shelter construction.

Also on the pod: Calls are growing for Europe to appoint its own negotiator in Ukraine-Russia peace talks, now that the U.S. has stepped back. Even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Europe to take a more active role. But not everyone is convinced — Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys and Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski have both raised concerns. Zoya and Nick break down the debate.

And finally, negotiations over the EU’s next long-term budget are heating up, with some countries balking at the proposed €1.8 trillion price tag. We explain what’s driving the pushback.

Should the EU spend more or less money on the next budget? Let us know what you think by sending us a message on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

And don’t forget to check out the Paris Playbook Podcast. You can listen to the trailer and subscribe here.

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From the Baltic to the Balkans: Putin is testing European leaders May 22, 2026

Show notes

There’s an ominous backdrop to this year’s GLOBSEC forum in Prague as the war in Ukraine strays into the skies over NATO’s Eastern flank. The last few weeks have seen an increasing number of drone incursions in the Baltics — Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia — across EU airspace.

And there are questions over America’s commitment to European security ahead of an important NATO summit in Ankara in July, following changes in American troop deployments, and whether the tide is really changing in the war in Ukraine.

Recording at POLITICO's Speakeasy at the GLOBSEC Forum, Anne McElvoy sits down with two Europeans with skin in the game — Janne Kuusela, Permanent Secretary at Finland's Ministry of Defense and Ana Brnabić, Speaker of the National Assembly in Serbia and former Prime Minister. Both countries have a stake in the ongoing war in Ukraine and the changing face of the EU.

Questions or comments? Message our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Why are drones suddenly terrifying Europe? May 21, 2026

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With drone alerts, emergency shelters and fighter jets over the Baltics, Europe’s security fears suddenly feel much less theoretical at the GLOBSEC forum in Prague.

On the ground in Czechia for the Brussels Playbook Podcast, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack the growing wave of drone incursions linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. They also discuss why Baltic leaders are sounding the alarm and how the crisis in Latvia became serious enough to bring down the government.

Then: Germany is growing impatient with the EU’s enlargement drift. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing a new concept called “associate membership” that would pull countries like Ukraine and Moldova closer to EU institutions — even before full accession.

And finally: Brussels’ next big institutional power struggle is already underway. António Costa looks increasingly safe as European Council president, while the European People's Party scrambles to keep its grip on the EU’s top jobs and protect Roberta Metsola’s position as European Parliament president.

Do you live in Baltic country? Have the recent drone incursions affected your everyday life? We’re curious to hear more! Send a voice note to us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Brussels wanted less red tape. It hasn't proved as easy as that. May 20, 2026

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Brussels is discovering that cutting red tape may be harder without actual experts in the room. As the EU races ahead with its deregulation drive, concerns are growing over rushed lawmaking, weaker safeguards and the sidelining of technical specialists.

Then, EU leaders are exploring ways to make Russia sanctions harder to block — including extending renewal deadlines from six months to a year — as Brussels moves quickly after Viktor Orbán’s departure.

And finally: Giorgia Meloni’s party has found a new political battleground — peacocks. Yes, really.

For this episode of the Brussels Playbook Podcast, Ian Wishart is joined by POLITICO senior finance reporter Kathryn Carlson.

Send us your thoughts — and your views on whether peacocks should be considered a public menace — on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Budapest and Kyiv break the ice May 19, 2026

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After years of Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán blocking Ukraine’s path to join the EU, Budapest and Kyiv are talking again. That has Brussels wondering if Hungary might finally be softening its position on Ukrainian accession.

Today on the pod, Nick and Ian discuss why joining the bloc is so important to the war-torn nation and why — even if the mood is shifting in Budapest — it’s unlikely to change overnight.

Also on the show, EU Commissioner Jozef Síkela is heading to Nuuk for a conference called Future Greenland. It’s all part of the EU’s attempt to court the Arctic island as Donald Trump continues to exert his influence.

And finally: Bono, Angela Merkel and “The Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo will receive the European Parliament’s brand-new Order of Merit awards.

Who would you nominate for the awards? Send us a message on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Why Brussels is getting tougher on China May 18, 2026

Show notes

The European Commission is preparing to take a much tougher line on China, we hear on this episode of the Brussels Playbook Podcast, with Zoya Sheftalovich joined by Nick Vinocur. Brussels is growing increasingly worried about cheap imports, industrial decline and dependence on Chinese critical raw materials.

Then: Despite 20 EU sanctions packages against Russia, a major investigation reveals how Russian networks still manage to get hold of European technology through shell companies and third countries including Turkey.

And finally, the European Parliament heads to Strasbourg — where MEPs are once again arguing over parliamentary immunity, prosecutorial overreach and whether lawmakers are becoming too protective of their own.

Send us your thoughts — and your favorite European museum, since it’s International Museum Day — on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Two transatlantic power brokers on why Europe should step up on Iran and double down on Ukraine May 15, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the very first edition of the Brussels Playbook Week Ender. Anne McElvoy travels to the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, an annual event that brings together defenders of democracy in the Danish capital. As U.S. President Donald Trump visits China and the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran remain unresolved, how is Europe grappling with crises on multiple fronts?

Anne sits down with two influential powerbrokers from the other side of the Atlantic. Chrystia Freeland is an economic adviser to Ukraine President Zelenskyy and until last year was Canada's deputy prime minister: They discuss Ukraine's war effort and political stability in a week that saw Andriy Yermak, the former head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, charged with corruption and money-laundering offenses.

Anne also talks to John Bolton, the former U.S. national security adviser during Trump's first term, about Europe's response to the war in Iran and Trump's visit to China.

Questions or comments? Message our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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The Commission’s next big overhaul? May 13, 2026

Show notes

One of the Commission’s oldest and most powerful departments may be heading for a dramatic overhaul — or even extinction.

DG REGIO oversees the hundreds of billions of euros that go towards the social development of local regions and cities. But its potential restructuring by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is a clear sign that the EU's aims are shifting. Zoya and Ian explain the thinking behind this redesign and the wide-ranging impacts.

Also, after just a year as German chancellor, Friedrich Merz’s popularity is plunging to new lows. His most recent comeback tour around the country — aimed at reviving support — has backfired. On the show, we try to understand why the conservative leader is struggling to connect with Germans.

Finally: Purchasing a train ticket across Europe is a convoluted process that involves different railway operators from different countries. The European Commission wants to simplify that ... but it won’t be easy.

Do you work at the European Commission? We’d love to hear your take on the DG REGIO restructuring or big reshuffles taking place in other departments! Send us a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Anonymity guaranteed if you need it.

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