Will 2024 fears become reality in 2025?

The first Radio Schuman episode of the new year follows significant uncertainties left behind by 2024 that Europe will have to handle.

The continent is set to experience significant political and policy shifts, with Ursula von der Leyen's influence growing, the balance of power in the EU potentially changing due to elections in Germany, and global uncertainties like Trump's re-election affecting relations with Russia and China.

Key policy discussions will include the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework, increased defence spending and ongoing migration reforms. On top of that, there's also competitiveness, energy security, and tackling budget deficits in EU economies, all up for debate.

Radio Schuman touches upon what's ahead with Euronews reporter Paula Soler.

We will also explore last week's presidential election in Croatia and look at the roster and the gameplan of the first MEP delegation of the year as it begins its work abroad.

Finally, are smokes vanishing into thin air only to be replaced with electronic cigarettes? We'll check out who and how uses vapes — widely popular nicotine devices — across Europe.

Today's Radio Schuman is hosted by senior policy reporter Gerardo Fortuna and produced by journalist Eleonora Vasques, with audio editing by Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas.

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