A new era for European defense?
Summary
EU defense ministers are debating an emergency security protocol to address hybrid threats and reduce reliance on NATO amid uncertainty over US commitments. Meanwhile, the European People's Party is grappling with internal divisions over how to counter the far right ahead of the 2029 elections, balancing strict firewalls with populist policy shifts. The episode also covers the death of a Greek pop star, which has exposed regulatory failures in the country's unregulated wellness industry.
Topics discussed
Intro: Sponsor, date, and episode overview
Hosts introduce the day's agenda
EU defense ministers discuss 'Article 4' equivalent
Upcoming EU Security Strategy and institutional turf wars
Russia's threats to Svalbard and surveillance tech scandal
EPP strategy to counter the far right in 2029 elections
Greek wellness industry scrutiny after pop star's death
Listener mail: Why Finns exercise more than others
Outro and sponsor message on textile recycling
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