Politico's Eu Confidential

The European Commission is unveiling its new anti-poverty strategy today. The only problem is ... it doesn’t include any new cash. On the pod, Zoya and Ryan discuss how the EU executive is justifying the lack of new funding in this plan. They also look at how likely the bloc is to reach its target of eradicating poverty by 2050 (spoiler alert: not very likely). That’s not the only strategy on the agenda today. The Commission will also present its guidelines on addressing homelessness. To better understand the housing crisis, Zoya speaks with the President of the Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő, who is in Brussels for a plenary session. She explains why consulting with cities and local governments is key to tackling the issue. And finally: We’re talking about Mythos, Anthropic’s new AI model that has everyone bent out of shape. We explain why the EU is particularly on edge. Do you have thoughts on the EU’s need for AI regulation? Send a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more a

Political parties are misspending their cash, while the public is left in the dark about what’s going on. The European Parliament’s department of finance found political parties and foundations had misspent €1.5 million during the 2024 EU election campaign. Zoya and Ian discuss which parties are the biggest offenders. They also explain how the Parliament — with the help of complex bureaucratic processes — helps these parties avoid broader scrutiny. Also on the pod, EU finance ministers are meeting today to discuss getting financial support for Ukraine from countries outside the bloc. While we’re on the topic of geopolitics, Zoya and Ian have some breaking news about a major personnel change at the EU’s foreign policy arm, the European External Action Service. Finally, a Spanish MEP was outraged when an inauthentic Galician octopus dish was served at the Parliament’s canteen. We take a look at some other institutional food fights. Do you have insider info on any big job moves happening in Brussels — or els

Europe yet again finds itself on the receiving end of Donald Trump’s ire.  On Friday, the U.S. president threatened to raise tariffs on European cars to 25 percent, as frustration grows in Washington over the slow pace of an EU-U.S. trade deal. Trump had also called for withdrawing U.S. troops from Germany earlier in the week as a response to German leader Friedrich Merz’s sharp criticism of the Iran war. On the pod, Zoya and Nick discuss how Brussels and Berlin have scrambled to respond. Also on the show, some officials and lawmakers say that the next two years could be the perfect chance for Russian President Vladimir Putin to test the West’s commitment to NATO. But not everyone agrees with this take. Plus, almost 50 leaders have descended on Yerevan, Armenia for the European Political Community summit taking place today. Nick and Zoya explain why the presence of leaders like Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canada’s Mark Carney is particularly significant.   And finally, May 9 is Europe Day so we want

The European Central Bank will meet today and make a decision that depends heavily on events happening thousands of kilometers away.  That’s because the war in Iran has pushed up energy prices and inflation. ECB President Christine Lagarde and her fellow rate-setters will be in a tricky spot when deciding whether to raise borrowing costs. Zoya and Ian explain the dilemma. The conflict in the Middle East has also brought about a jet fuel shortage that has airlines warning about disruptions and governments telling people to fly less. On the show, we discuss how it’s not just a supply crisis that’s the problem, but also a shortage of information. And finally, politicians walk into classrooms … and immediately say the wrong thing. We run through some recent awkward political gaffes. If you have questions or comments — contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The power shift in Budapest hasn’t happened yet — but Brussels is already engaging with what comes next. Péter Magyar arrives in Brussels as Hungary’s incoming prime minister, skipping the usual waiting period and heading straight into talks with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. His aim: unlocking billions in EU funds frozen over rule-of-law concerns. Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton walk through the early reset between Budapest and Brussels — and the risks that come with moving this fast. In the European Parliament, MEPs debate how Russia is quietly edging back into global sports and cultural life. From the Olympics to the Venice Biennale, restrictions are softening — raising questions about what “neutral” participation really means during a war. Finally, a new snapshot of climate change’s effect on Europe. A major scientific assessment finds almost the entire continent saw above-average temperatures last year, alongside heatwaves, drought and wildfires. Scientists warn a new El Niño could pu

Today on the pod, we’re talking money, money, money. An important vote on the EU’s next long-term budget is happening in the European Parliament. Zoya and Nick discuss how lawmakers are pushing for a bigger cash pot ... which will likely cause a stir with some countries. We unpack the battle lines already starting to form. Also, the College of Commissioners is meeting in Strasbourg to discuss how drafting legislation could be made more efficient — although critics warn this could weaken important safeguards. Plus, last week the Commission unveiled an age verification app designed to stop kids from accessing adult content online. But the rollout has been … bumpy. Finally: It seems we really hit a nerve when we discussed whether shops in Brussels should be open on Sundays. Zoya and Nick sift through your heated messages. More questions or comments? Contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Europe is staring down a familiar and unwelcome set of circumstances: rising energy prices, slowing growth and growing political pressure. As the fallout from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran ripples through global markets, EU governments are scrambling to cushion the blow — with far fewer tools than they had when the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered the last energy crisis. Zoya Sheftalovich is joined by Nick Vinocur to unpack what this new economic shock could mean — not just for households, but for Europe’s political center. Also on the pod: German conservatives turn up the heat on Ursula von der Leyen — and Belgium looks to keep the lights on in its shops a little longer. Got a question or a comment? Contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fragile ceasefire in the Persian Gulf and the uncertainty over peace talks between the U.S. and Iran have cast a long shadow over European capitals hoping for an end to hostilities in the Middle East. Will they have any say over what happens next? The wars in Iran and Ukraine have exposed the chasm between U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration in Washington and opinion on this side of the Atlantic. Each time the president attacks NATO and the contribution of European countries to the alliance, confidence in its durability weakens. Host Anne McElvoy talks to Kurt Volker, whose job it was to manage relations between the U.S. and NATO allies as former ambassador to the organisation. He later served as U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine, handling the negotiations during the first Trump administration. And later in this episode, Anne hears from Ian Wishart, who’s in Cyprus covering the informal summit of EU leaders. How will they wrestle with the war in Iran and its ongoing economic fallout? Lea

On today's show, Ian is in the sunny Mediterranean nation of Cyprus for the biggest gathering of EU leaders on the island for many, many years.  Sarah joins from Brussels and Nick dials in from Greece, where he’s attending the Delphi Economic Forum. Expect the agenda of the leaders' summit today and tomorrow to be heavy on geopolitics. High on the list of topics to discuss are the Iran crisis, high energy prices, the EU’s long-term budget and how the bloc can defend itself. So, pretty high stakes, then. Over in Greece, Nick points out that — much to his surprise — several high-profile MAGA figures have shown up in force at the Delphi Economic Forum. With Hungarian leader and Trump ally Viktor Orbán on the way out, it seems the movement aligned with the U.S. president is looking for new friends. Got a question or a comment? Contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brussels faces a narrowing window to strike a deal on its next long-term budget. EU leaders gather in Cyprus this week for a potential clash over the bloc’s €1.8 trillion plan — already dividing north and south, farmers and reformers, capitals and Brussels. Council President Antonio Costa wants momentum. But with proposed new EU taxes, debt repayments and looming elections on the table, compromise looks distant. On today’s episode, Ian Wishart and Ryan Heath break down what’s at stake — and why this battle is only just beginning. They also dig into the Commission’s new emergency energy package, as fears of a new crisis grow — driven by the war in Iran and disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Plus: A rekindled Paris–Brussels romance raises awkward questions about power, politics and conflicts of interest. Got a question or a comment? Contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Further reading: Magyar wants to put the Austro-Hungarian Empire back on the map Germany spear

EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today to discuss a hefty list of geopolitical crises. But compared with past gatherings, something feels ... different. That might be because, without the presence of an obstructionist Hungary, the meeting could finally result in movement on several key topics. Ian and Sarah discuss whether we can expect decisive action to be taken on issues like the unblocking of aid to Ukraine or possible sanctions against Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Next, we give you the lowdown on the election results in Bulgaria where ex-fighter-jet pilot Rumen Radev won big. Some diplomats here in Brussels are wondering if perhaps we’re looking at another Viktor Orbán type of leader.  Also, with Brussels urging Europeans to cut back on travel to save fuel, MEPs are also scrutinizing their monthly trips to Strasbourg. Finally, we have a message from our host Zoya Sheftalovich, who's on vacation in Australia ... and isn't very happy with Ian. That's not all: Carrie Budoff Brown, ou

Europe, in efforts to disentangle itself from Russian gas, has become increasingly aware of the vulnerability of its web of pipelines, subsea cables and offshore installations to hybrid attacks.  A million kilometers of undersea cables transport 95 percent of the world’s internet traffic, and more than 200,000 kilometers of active oil and gas pipelines run across Europe. That physical infrastructure is at risk amid an escalation in hybrid attacks. The attacks on cables and pipelines are across frontiers and jurisdictions, mandating the need for a cross-border, coordinated response.  In this special podcast episode produced by POLITICO Studio for Equinor, policy experts and industry leaders come together to discuss the vulnerabilities facing Europe’s energy infrastructure, and the collaborative approach to resilience that is on the rise.  Hear from Oana Lungescu, former NATO spokesperson; Petya Barzilska, head of research and policy at the European Initiative for Energy Security; Camilla Salthe, executive v

This week's agenda is brimming with high-level summits and meetings on foreign affairs. The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, kicks it all off by focusing minds on Gaza. Today Kallas hosts back-to-back events to promote a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinian territories. Ian and Nick discuss how the EU is using the occasion to position itself as an authority on the future of Gaza and present an alternative worldview to Donald Trump's. Plus, they explain how Viktor Orbán's defeat in the recent Hungarian election could impact EU-Israel relations. Later, we unpack the key issues to be discussed at this week’s summit of EU leaders in Cyprus, and the potential knock-on effect it could have on the beleaguered tourism industry. Last, the EU is celebrating its birthday on the wrong day, according to some. Nick sets the record straight.  Does your country have a culinary delicacy whose name resembles that of one of our hosts? If so, contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about yo

Election night in Hungary was an emotional and teary one ... but now, the work begins. The winners — Peter Magyar’s Tisza party — have the daunting task of reversing years of democratic backsliding that went on under Viktor Orbán’s watch. Meanwhile, Fidesz — and far-right parties across Europe — have some intense soul searching to do to figure out what went wrong in Orbán’s campaign. Our panel of guests includes POLITICO’s White House Correspondent Eli Stokols and our Senior France Correspondent Clea Caulcutt in Paris, along with Balazs Kos, a Hungarian consultant and expert on EU affairs. Together with host Sarah Wheaton, they dive deeper into what the outcome means for Brussels and the MAGA movement across the pond. We also speak with Frank Furedi of MCC Brussels, a think tank with links to Orbán’s government. He gives us a breakdown of why he believes the Fidesz campaign failed. Do you have a question or a comment? Send us a WhatsApp message here or dial +32 491 05 06 29.  Learn more about your ad choi

Viktor Orbán may be out — but his man in Brussels is not. Today on the pod, Ian and Sarah discuss how the Hungarian Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi is expected to stay on in the Berlaymont after his Fidesz party's landslide election loss back home. They explain why neither the Commission nor the new Hungarian government are in a rush to get rid of the Orbán ally. Next, they talk about the frontrunner in Bulgaria's upcoming vote — an ex-fighter jet pilot. It's the eighth election in five years and voters are hoping for the country to regain political stability. Plus, chaos has hit airports around Europe as the EU rolls out its new digital border control system. People are missing their flights and waiting in queues for hours. Has your flight travel been disturbed by this new Entry/Exit system? We want to hear from you! You can contact us on WhatsApp here or on +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

European ambassadors are gathering to prep for a leaders’ summit taking place in Cyprus next week. And yet again, the agenda will likely be dominated by geopolitical crises.  Ian Wishart and guest co-host Ryan Heath explain how topics like the budget, enlargement and competitiveness are falling by the wayside as the bulk of the meeting will instead focus on the fallout of the Iran war. They also ask whether another leader will take over Viktor Orbán's role as the bad boy around the summit table. Next, centrist dads unite! We discuss how Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Canadian PM Mark Carney — running partners and friends who text each other regularly — are trying to build a new transatlantic alliance along with other middle powers. Also, Donald Trump’s backpedaling on a social media post that appeared to depict himself as Jesus Christ has us looking through the archives for other classic excuses used by politicians. Finally: The halloumi wars continue ... and Ryan weighs in with his cheesy take. 

The EU may be saying goodbye to Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, but the system that empowered him and the problems he’s left behind are still very much in place. Today on the podcast, Ian Wishart and Nick Vinocur discuss what a new leader in Budapest means for issues like Russia sanctions and the €90 billion loan for Ukraine that Hungary has been blocking. Also on the pod, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has a vision of a vastly expanded European Union — but the bloc’s leaders are less enthusiastic. They fear the topic of enlargement will stoke support for far-right, populist parties. We unpack these concerns. Finally, we have some bad news for halloumi fans. Do you have any questions or comments for us? Sent them along to our WhatsApp here or via +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the end of an era: Hungary’s Viktor Orbán is on the way out after suffering a crushing defeat in Hungary’s general election. Péter Magyar, who will take his place as prime minister, is on course to win a supermajority in parliament. In this election special, host Ian Wishart speaks with reporter Max Griera who’s been at the victorious Tisza watch party in Budapest and Jamie Dettmer, our foreign affairs columnist, who’s also in the Hungarian capital. They discuss what Magyar’s victory means for the country following years of democratic backsliding and illiberal democracy. Plus, how this new leader might mend Budapest’s fractured relationship with Brussels — thanks in large part to Orbán’s obstructionism and pro-Russian stance. How do you feel about the results? Did you vote in the election? Send us your thoughts via WhatsApp here or via +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hungarians may be the ones voting this Sunday — but all EU citizens have something at stake in the outcome of the election.  After years of obstructionism under PM Viktor Orbán, a new leader in Budapest could mark a turning point for the EU. But is Hungary's relationship with Brussels dominating the campaign domestically to the same extent it is internationally?  On today’s episode, host Sarah Wheaton speaks with journalist Abigail Frizon (a former EU Confidential trainee) who is filming a documentary about the Hungarian election. She takes us inside the swell of support for the Tisza opposition party based on conversations she’s had with voters on the ground. Plus, she unpacks the top issues for Hungarians that may have been missed abroad. Then Sarah is joined by Nick Vinocur, our chief foreign affairs correspondent, who’s been reporting on growing calls to rethink the EU’s unanimous decision-making process. Do you have a question or a comment? Send us a WhatsApp message here or dial +32 491 05 06 29. Le

It’s three days until the Hungarian election, and opposition leader Péter Magyar appears poised to end PM Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule. If that happens, some in the Brussels bubble hope Magyar will take steps to improve Hungary’s strained relationship with the EU. But on today’s episode, host Zoya Sheftalovich and EU Policy Editor Sarah Wheaton explain why that won’t be easy — with the chore of unblocking billions of euros in frozen EU funds representing just one example. Then, the latest developments from the war in Iran suggest Europe may again be left footing the bill for controversial actions by U.S. President Donald Trump. Last, the Commission’s DiscoverEU initiative is offering free train passes to 18-year-olds who correctly answer a short quiz. Sarah tests Zoya on one of last year’s questions. Do you have a harrowing or pleasant train travel experience within Europe?Send us a WhatsApp message here or dial +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices