Europe Today

On Europe Today, your daily Euronews podcast presented by Méabh Mc Mahon, we are joined by Vjosa Osmani, the president of Kosovo who is in Brussels for an EU-Western Balkans summit. We also travel to Strasbourg where MEPs are meeting for an action-packed session ahead of the Christmas holidays. Our Euronews EU editor Maria Tadeo speaks to EU Commissioner for housing Dan Jørgensen about the first ever EU strategy for housing.Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Waitz, an Austrian MEP and ecological farmer, passionately critiques the Mercosur trade deal, arguing it endangers small farmers and rural communities. He labels the Commission's safeguards as mere 'tranquilizers' that fail to protect local interests. Laura Fleischmann shares insights about Chancellor Friedrich Merz's role in Berlin's diplomatic landscape and the peace talks related to Ukraine. Both guests highlight the tension between corporate profit and farmers' livelihoods in Europe.

Laurence Tubiana, a French economist and climate diplomat who was instrumental in creating the 2015 Paris Agreement, discusses the ongoing challenges in climate action. She highlights the detrimental impact of Donald Trump's climate denialism on global efforts and underscores the need for aggressive strategies to phase out fossil fuels. Tubiana also explores the feasibility of the EU achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy and industrial decarbonization to meet this ambitious goal.

Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank and former Spanish finance minister, discusses Europe's position as a startup incubator, pushing for investment to enhance growth. She addresses US criticisms of European unity and emphasizes the need for major policy reforms. Meanwhile, Raya Stoyanova analyzes the political fallout in Bulgaria following recent protests that led to government resignation, highlighting public discontent over budget issues. Sasha Vakilina provides critical updates on the war in Ukraine and hints at potential diplomatic moves involving the US and Europe.

Join Sasha Vakulina, Euronews Ukraine correspondent, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Nobel Peace laureate and human rights defender, and Maria Tadeo, Euronews EU editor, as they delve into the profound challenges facing Ukraine and Europe. They discuss Russia's alarming trend of militarizing children, Ukraine's ambitious peace proposals, and the critical human rights implications surrounding them. Maria breaks down the EU's new, stringent migration policies and the political dynamics behind them. A thought-provoking exploration of war, peace, and human dignity!

Andrew Puzder, the US Ambassador to the EU and former business executive, discusses the evolving US-EU relationship amidst economic challenges. He highlights Europe's economic decline through GDP comparisons, and emphasizes the importance of cultural and economic contributions in his concept of 'stay Europe.' The podcast also explores Finland's drone manufacturing in light of NATO plans and features a frontline account of Ukrainian soldiers relying on drones. Puzder’s insights shed light on the complexities of US support and European security.

Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU Commissioner for the economy and former Prime Minister of Latvia, discusses the urgency of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's funding needs. Ukrainian correspondent Sasha Vakulina reports on President Zelensky’s high-stakes talks in Brussels, emphasizing security guarantees. Migration reporter Vincenzo Genovese explains new EU laws aimed at expediting asylum processes and changing return procedures, highlighting the evolving approach to migration management in Europe.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled opposition leader from Belarus, shares her insights on the ongoing struggle for democracy in her country. She discusses the invigorating impact of her husband's release on the movement and emphasizes the need for Europe to maintain a strong stance against dictatorial aggression. Tsikhanouskaya warns about hybrid tactics employed by regimes testing Europe's resolve, while advocating for unwavering support for Ukraine and a unified European approach to regional security.

Join EU Commissioner for Energy, Dan Jørgensen, a former Danish politician, as he discusses the bold new proposal to phase out Russian gas by 2028 and the strategic shift from sanctions to outright bans. Ukraine correspondent Sasha Vakulina shares insights from ongoing diplomatic talks and urgent discussions around frozen Russian assets for Ukrainian support. The episode also touches on protests in Bulgaria and the rising tensions over the nation's budget, revealing how these issues intertwine with broader EU dynamics.

Roxana Mînzatu, the Romanian politician and EU Executive Vice-President for social rights, shares her vision for quality jobs in the EU. She discusses a new proposal that focuses on reskilling workers, particularly in the automotive sector. Shona Murray provides critical insights on NATO's cautious response to Ukraine amid geopolitical tensions. The guests also express shock over the alleged corruption scandal involving Federica Mogherini, emphasizing the need for accountability. Additionally, Macron's diplomatic efforts with China regarding the Ukraine conflict are explored.