Nick Vinocur

Europe had barely switched off its out-of-office replies before geopolitics came roaring back. In the first days of January, events in Caracas — and rhetoric from Washington — jolted Brussels out of its post-holiday slumber and straight back into crisis mode. A U.S. special forces operation captured Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and left more than 100 people dead, reopening old questions about power, sovereignty and just how reliable an ally the United States really is. This week on EU Confidential, host Sarah Wheaton is joined by Allison Hoffman, Nick Vinocur, Eva Hartog and Bartosz Brzeziński to unpack what Donald Trump’s moves in Venezuela reveal about the world he’s shaping — and the uncomfortable position they leave Europe in. They dig into Moscow’s humiliation — and the opportunities it may see in chaos — renewed U.S. pressure over Greenland, Europe’s mounting doubts about American security guarantees for Ukraine, and how Brussels is trying to navigate a world where raw power seems to be back in fashion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Vinocur, Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent at POLITICO, joins the discussion on the political turbulence shaking Europe. They delve into Donald Trump's royal reception at NATO and the challenges of EU defense spending amidst rising tensions. The threat to the Green Claims Directive ignites a political storm, raising questions about Ursula von der Leyen’s future. The complexities of trade agreements and humanitarian aid enforcement in Europe reveal conflicting national strategies, making for a captivating exploration of diplomacy and internal EU dynamics.

Zoya Sheftalovich, a keen observer of EU politics, Nick Vinocur, an expert on transatlantic relations, and Tim Ross, who covers European Council dynamics, dive into the aftermath of Trump's unpredictable moves at Davos. They discuss how his tariff threats rattled EU leaders and prompted an emergency summit. The trio also reveals the challenges surrounding issues like the Gaza 'Board of Peace' and the stalled Mercosur deal, questioning Europe’s trust in diplomacy and emphasizing the need for strategic autonomy in the face of shifting global relations.

Join Nick Vinocur, an Editor at large for Politico, Jan Cienski, Defense Editor at Politico, and Clea Caulcutt, senior correspondent in Paris, as they delve into Europe’s political tumult. They analyze the tight presidential race in Poland and the impact of far-right candidates on the youth. Tensions rise over Hungary’s ban on pride parades as Brussels confronts LGBTQ+ issues, while France faces backlash over its diplomacy with Hungary. Plus, discussions on the EU’s shifting stance on Israel and implications in Gaza create a charged atmosphere.

In this enlightening discussion, foreign affairs correspondent Nick Vinocur and POLITICO's Clea Caulcutt delve into Trump’s surprising rhetoric on Ukraine, contrasting it with European skepticism. They explore the implications of Trump's comments on NATO and defense spending, as well as the cautious responses from leaders like Macron. The conversation also moves to the geopolitical dynamics at play, including France's recognition of Palestine and how it may influence US-Israel relations. Tune in for insights on a week filled with diplomatic challenges.