

Exit Poles? A bold challenge to the EU
Oct 12, 2021
Matt Steinglass, The Economist's Europe correspondent, and Vijay Vaitheeswaran, its Global Energy and Climate Innovation Editor, dive into Poland's legal crisis as a court ruling challenges EU law, igniting fears of a 'Polexit.' They discuss the implications for Polish democracy and EU integrity amid rising populism. Shifting gears, they explore the promising role of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source and highlight the surge of innovative startups in Mexico, showcasing how these changes could reshape the global landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Poland vs. EU: A Legal Showdown
- Poland's Constitutional Court ruling asserts national law over EU law, causing protests over fears of a "Polexit".
- This challenge to EU legal primacy could lead to Poland's de facto exit from the EU.
Judicial Independence at Stake
- The ruling party in Poland, Law and Justice, aims to control judicial appointments, leading to conflict with the EU.
- The EU Court of Justice questions the independence of Polish courts under this influence.
Hydrogen's Green Potential
- Hydrogen, primarily used in fertilizer production, has the potential to become a green fuel source.
- Its use could expand to steelmaking, trains, and trucking, offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.