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. The episode also covers EU foreign ministers’ urgent talks in New York regarding potential lethal Russian hybrid attacks and the stalled sanctions rollout. Additionally, the hosts address budgetary pressures, including the controversial plan to move EU staff to Brussels’ North Station area, and preview their upcoming live event.