Brussels Playbook Podcast

Host Sarah Wheaton interviews Elizabeth Brouh, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, to discuss the escalating wave of Russian hybrid and gray zone attacks across Europe.

Hosts Zoya Shtafalovich and Sarah Wheaton discuss Ukraine’s critical winter funding gap and the EU’s struggle to unblock military aid, noting that frozen Russian assets remain a non-starter.

Hosts Zoya Shaolich and Ian Wishart discuss Ursula von der Leyen’s Balkan tour, highlighting EU enlargement roadmaps for Montenegro and Albania while noting stalled progress in Kosovo and Serbia.

The episode discusses the EU's response to soaring energy prices, including a meeting of energy ministers and the potential impact of a US diesel export ban.

This episode explores the challenge of transitioning Europe’s textile industry from a linear model to a circular one, focusing on the massive waste generated by polyester.

EU defense ministers are debating an emergency security protocol to address hybrid threats and reduce reliance on NATO amid uncertainty over US commitments.

This episode explores the escalating debate over AI safety, featuring Cardinal Michael Czerny, who urges the EU to enforce strict guardrails and human responsibility in warfare.

This episode covers the EU's controversial decision to roll over sanctions on 3,000 Russians, highlighting diplomatic tensions over France and Luxembourg removing two billionaires from the list.

Hosts Zoya Shefovich and Ian Wishart announce the launch of the Brussels Playbook Capitals newsletter, expanding coverage to key European capitals.

Hosts Zoya Shaflovich and Ian Wis discuss the UN General Assembly, where Trump’s Greenland deal is viewed cautiously by European diplomats.

Hosts Zoya Shaflovich and Nick Pinnaker discuss the tense political climate in Brussels, focusing on German Chancellor Merz’s decision to stay in office despite his CDU’s historic election losses.

This episode analyzes Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address, focusing on her push for European strategic autonomy through new alliances…

Ursula von der Leyen’s surprise proposal for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member dominates the episode, with hosts Zoya Schafovich and…

Zoya Shtafrovich and Ian Wishart analyze Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the European Union speech, noting her focus on global threats like AI, climate change, and democratic backsliding.

Host Zoya Shatlovic and Politico’s Ian Munro preview Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address, focusing on the EU’s response to AI risks and social media regulation for minors.

The European Commission unveils a fair labor mobility package to streamline cross-border work, reducing qualification recognition times from 120 to 30 days.

Zora Scheflovich and Nick Finaker discuss Ursula von der Leyen’s plan to streamline asylum procedures for mass migrant arrivals, a move aimed at countering far-right gains.

Host Sarah Wheaton and colleagues assess Ursula von der Leyen’s one-year progress on her "Europe is in a fight" agenda, scoring her performance 6.

The US is pressuring NATO allies to dismantle the International Criminal Court, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from European nations.

Hosts Zorya and Ian Wishart discuss the EU’s renewed defense and space cooperation with Israel, highlighting the tension between political rifts and economic needs.

Kaja Kallas faces a major setback as her new EU defense expert group collapses at the last minute, fueling tensions between the Commission and the EAS.

The Brussels Playbook dedicates this episode to the historic far-right AfD victory in Germany’s Saxony-Anhalt state election, a first for the region since WWII.

Anne McElvoy hosts Tim Brunner and Joseph Foster to discuss the migrant crisis in Ceuta and the far-right surge in Saxony-Anhalt.

Hosts Zoya Sheflovich and Ian Wishart discuss EU budget negotiations ahead of the General Affairs Council in Dublin, highlighting emerging red lines among member states.

Zoya Shaftolovich and Ian Wishart discuss German lawmakers’ push for a center-left/right coalition to isolate the far right in the European Parliament.

The EU adopts an offensive trade stance against China, aiming to address a massive daily deficit and potential oversupply of subsidized goods ahead of an October summit.

Icelanders voted to reject restarting EU membership talks, citing fishing rights and costs, dampening Brussels' expansion hopes.

Anne McElvoy interviews Janos Spokka, the new leader of Hungary’s opposition Fidesz party, regarding the post-Orban political landscape.

The Brussels Playbook podcast examines Europe’s wary reaction to Canada’s trade war with the US, questioning if the EU should emulate Ottawa’s stance against Trump.

The episode covers the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act, highlighting tensions between France and Germany over protectionism and competitiveness goals.

Host Sarah Wheaton discusses the EU’s new tech sovereignty package with guests Marietje Schaake and Laurence Rulis.

Host Sarah Wheaton and producer Saga Ringmar share summer book recommendations from colleagues and listeners, ranging from historical fiction to thrillers.

Hosts Zoya Sheftalovic and Sarah Wheaton discuss toxic workplace culture at the European Commission, highlighting reports of harassment and high pressure despite attractive salaries.