Brussels Playbook Podcast

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A new era for European defense? Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Europe’s defense ministers are meeting today to discuss whether the EU needs its own version of NATO’s article 4. This so-called Emergency Security Protocol would allow capitals to bring together all EU countries in the event of a security crisis. But the idea is controversial.

On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur discuss whether there is appetite among capitals to set up the protocol, or whether the move will be seen as encroaching on NATO’s turf.

Next, the European Parliament’s biggest political family — the EPP — is devising a plan to take on the far right in 2029. But there’s a problem. It seems even within the conservative political family, there’s a deep disagreement over how to cooperate with populists.

Finally, the death of a pop star has Greece’s wellness industry asking itself some tough questions.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

This episode was produced by Saga Ringmar.

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The Pope is fretting about frontier AI — what’s the EU’s answer? Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

European lawmakers this week called for the EU’s artificial intelligence regulations to hold American tech companies liable for the risks their most advanced models pose to humanity. But how much sway does Europe have in an arms race dominated by the U.S. and China?

Host Anne McElvoy has been in Berlin attending WELT’s AI Summit, which brings together the AI and tech business leaders from across Europe with other interested parties. They include Cardinal Michael Czerny, who Pope Leo recently appointed to chair the Vatican’s Commission on AI. He tells Anne that European politicians need to heed warnings over the development of frontier AI models and enter a dialogue with the Catholic Church.

She also explores the wider questions of AI regulation with Axel Voss, who sits on the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs, and Pieter Haeck, senior technology reporter at POLITICO.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Russia's untouchable tycoons Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

Europe breathed a sigh of relief after finally agreeing on a new Russia sanctions list. But attention is turning to the compromise that got it over the line: dropping two Russian billionaires.

On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton discuss reactions from around the EU to the deal, plus revelations about why France might have wanted billionaire Alisher Usmanov removed from the list in the first place.

Next, the U.K. is planning to release prisoners in an attempt to relieve some of the pressure on its overcrowded jails — but the plan has EU countries nervous. Zoya and Sarah explain why.

Finally, to celebrate the European Week of Sport, we scour the continent to find its most active countries. Which activity is popular in your country? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

If you’re interested in watching our stellar lineup at Playbook Paris Live, you can check it out online here.

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A power struggle in Brussels — and our big reveal Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

Today’s episode was recorded in front of an audience at our Brussels Playbook Live event.

On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart spotlight Cristina Lobillo Borrero, Ursula von der Leyen’s new senior adviser for the Clean Transition. They discuss what her appointment says about the Commission president’s approach to energy — and her relationship with Commissioner Teresa Ribera.

Next, Norway is concerned that it is lobbying the EU too late to have a real effect on policy. And that’s a problem because, while Oslo isn’t an EU member, it still ends up adopting a large number of EU laws.

And finally, Zoya and Ian deliver the big news we’ve been teasing all week: our new Brussels Playbook Capitals newsletter. It’s the afternoon edition of the Playbook newsletter, drawing on our coverage from across the continent. To understand more, Zoya speaks to two of the newsletter’s authors, Marion Sollety in Paris and James Angelos in Berlin. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Is this how the Greenland crisis ends? Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

The U.N. General Assembly is in full swing over in New York, and the agenda is packed.

But perhaps the most pressing item will take place on the sidelines of the gathering, as Denmark, the U.S. and Greenland prepare to sign a security deal. What does the agreement mean for the EU’s big Arctic strategy? And will it be enough to ease months of tension between Donald Trump and the Danish territory? Hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss.

Then, we’re heading back to Germany where the fallout from Sunday’s state elections is only getting worse for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Questions are once again being raised about how long he can hang on.

And finally, we have some bad news for Belgium-dwellers who love online shopping.

Today we’re recording a special episode in front of an audience at our Brussels Playbook Live event. You can register to watch the entire event online here.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Merz’s election nightmare continues Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Two state elections pile more pressure on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz — raising fresh questions about his leadership and what a weaker Germany could mean for the rest of Europe.

Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur also look at the growing fear over Russian hybrid attacks, as EU foreign ministers meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss how Europe should respond if one of those attacks turns deadly.

And back in Brussels, some EU officials are being pushed beyond the Schuman bubble as the fight over savings in the next seven-year budget gets very real.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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Week Ender: Can Europe patch up the world in disorder? Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

The old global order is breaking down. Ursula von der Leyen thinks Europe may have to start building something new around it.

In her State of the European Union speech, she floated closer ties with Canada — even “associate membership” — and a new European Security Council, as Europe looks for new ways to work with like-minded powers in an increasingly chaotic world. But both ideas immediately raised questions about whether von der Leyen was getting ahead of her own allies.

Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by POLITICO Executive Editor Carrie Budoff Brown, senior EU climate reporter Zia Weise and AI and technology reporter Pieter Haeck to unpack what von der Leyen’s speech tells us about Europe’s search for a role in this new global “unorder.”

They also look at her climate message — heavy on adaptation to heat, drought and fires, but lighter on new answers to Europe’s energy problems — and at her attempt to square AI regulation with the need to keep Europe in the global tech race.

Questions? Comments? 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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Von der Leyen makes it awkward with Canada Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney takes the stage in Strasbourg after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen surprised EU capitals by floating “associate membership” for Canada — a status that doesn’t actually exist, and that Ottawa itself seems reluctant to define.

Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton ask whether von der Leyen got ahead of both member countries and the Canadians, and what Carney’s speech could tell us about how close the two sides really want to get.

Then, Germany’s Friedrich Merz faces a potentially decisive weekend as pressure grows on his leadership.

And finally, why is the EU still allowing plastic waste exports to Turkey despite its own assessment warning of serious environmental problems?

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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

This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar.

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Special episode: State of the EU 2026 — promises vs reality Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

In this special episode from Strasbourg, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart give their first take on the State of the European Union speech delivered by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They look at the push for a more independent Europe — from competitiveness to AI, climate, defense and Ukraine — as well as the ideas that could shape what comes next, including a European Security Council and a deeper partnership with Canada.

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

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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AI fears grow as von der Leyen takes the stage Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is giving her State of the European Union address this morning ... her biggest set-piece speech of the year.

Host Zoya Sheftalovich is at the European Parliament in Strasbourg with her ears to the ground, trying to figure out which hot-button issues we can expect to hear about.

Two of the biggest topics we’re almost sure she is going to talk about are plans to limit social media access for children and the challenges posed by the artificial intelligence industry. These issues, alongside migration, climate and defense are all likely to feature in the top-secret speech — oh, and the Commission president’s surprise guests, of course.

We’ll be back later today after the speech is over to give you a snap analysis of everything that Ursula von der Leyen talked about.

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

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

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