EU Confidential Tyrants are forever: Has Europe missed its moment?
Sep 5, 2025
Clea Caulcutt, a senior correspondent in France for POLITICO, and Nick Vinocur, the chief foreign affairs correspondent for POLITICO, dive into Europe’s turbulent political climate. They discuss the potential chaos in France following a critical confidence vote, where Prime Minister François Bayrou's position hangs in the balance. The duo also tackles Europe’s strategies on Ukraine and the mounting pressures on Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership, all while reflecting on the EU's response amid shifting global dynamics.
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Jackhammers As A Political Metaphor
- The podcast opens with the sound of jackhammers at Schuman roundabout to set a metaphor for a Europe under reconstruction.
- Hosts link that noise to old foundations cracking amid geopolitics involving Xi and Putin.
High-Stakes State Of The Union
- The State of the Union by Ursula von der Leyen arrives amid a tense rentrée and few clear wins to tout.
- Her speech must reassure on unity and Europe's place while facing recent diplomatic and domestic setbacks.
France On The Brink
- France faces immediate political turmoil with Prime Minister François Bayrou calling a confidence vote likely to be lost.
- That instability could trigger months of uncertainty and weaken France's European influence.