Europe Today

Marta Iraola Irribarren, Euronews health expert and the journalist who uncovered the story, discusses the fallout from the U.S. suspension of USAID funding. She highlights how European NGOs are grappling with the funding shortfall, risking critical aid for vulnerable populations. The conversation delves into the EU’s potential role in filling this gap and the urgent need for alternative solutions. Additionally, they touch on the shifting landscape of humanitarian aid in Europe and the unexpected rise of 'quiet holidays' amid current global challenges.

Julia Poliscanova leads the charge on electric vehicles at Transport & Environment in Brussels. In this insightful discussion, she dives into the obstacles European carmakers face with stringent EU emissions regulations. The conversation tackles the electric vehicle dilemma, highlighting stagnant sales due to high prices and limited models. Poliscanova emphasizes the urgency of complying with CO2 targets and the need for affordable options. She also discusses the impact of upcoming regulatory initiatives and transatlantic trade tensions, framing the future of the automotive industry.

Gerardo Fortuna, a senior reporter at Euronews with expertise in EU policies, discusses the European Commission's new priorities aimed at simplifying legislation. He highlights the push for agricultural law reforms and the Clean Industrial Deal as part of the Green Deal. Fortuna also addresses the complications of balancing environmental goals with legislative simplification. Additionally, the rise of far-right influences in Europe and the variation in school holiday lengths across countries provide intriguing insights into the current political climate.

Will the US start a trade war with the EU? What does Trump’s crackdown on the federal government mean? And how should we interpret the funding freeze and dismantling of USAID—a key agency supporting life-saving programs with partners across Europe?Euronews’ Shona Murray spoke with David Salvo and Rachael Dean Wilson of the German Marshall Fund to unpack the global ramifications of Trump’s first weeks back in power.For months, Brussels and the EU have been bracing for the impact of Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Now, in just a matter of days, officials have watched with astonishment as Trump—alongside his special government employee, Elon Musk—pushes forward an aggressive campaign to dismantle US agencies and slash the size of the federal government.His plans to cut foreign aid and scale back USAID’s global operations have left European NGOs reeling. Many organisations that relied on US funding, including the Norwegian Rescue Council, are scrambling to understand the implications of the funding freeze and what it means for the vulnerable communities they support worldwide.Radio Schuman also brings you to Strasbourg, the Western Balkans and Paris for three appointments not to miss, as well as to organic fishing farming in Europe.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Radio Schuman speaks about opposition protests in Slovakia with vice-president of the European Parliament, the Slovak liberal Martin Hojsik.Mass protests are expected in towns and cities across Slovakia today, sparked by outrage over Prime Minister Robert Fico’s handshake with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a December visit to Moscow.Since reclaiming power in 2023, Fico's eurosceptic agenda has raised alarm in Brussels over his stance on Ukraine and potential challenges to EU sanctions against Russia.His ongoing disputes with both the EU and Kyiv—especially over Ukraine’s move to halt Russian gas transit to Slovakia—have only deepened tensions.Radio Schuman also covers a summit of the Patriots for Europe party getting under way in Madrid and considers those European countries where people struggle with concentrating.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the European Union ready to set up return hubs outside its territory?According to a document seen by Euronews, the European Commission and several Schengen member states are ready to propose so-called 'return hubs' in upcoming EU legislation.Such 'return hubs' are centres outside the EU where rejected asylum seekers would be located before being returned to their country of origin.The measure is considered controversial by many civil society organisations and NGOs citing negative impact on human rights.Today Radio Schuman talks to Euronews' reporter Vincenzo Genovese on the issue.Radio Schuman also looks at how climate change puts the future of some European traditional drinks at risk.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Friedrich Merz unlocked what a senior socialist MP called “the gates of hell” by accepting AfD support on two key immigration votes? With less than three weeks until the German elections, the CDU leader and likely future chancellor insists he won’t govern with the far right—but who will he partner with? What’s his real strategy? And has the AfD gained a boost from Elon Musk’s backing?Today Radio Schuman answers these questions with Euronews' Berlin correspondent Liv Stoud.Merz and his Christian Democrats, now polling above 30%, shook German politics last week by seeking AfD support for tough new immigration measures—breaking a long-held taboo against working with the far right. Though the bill failed, the backlash was swift, with tens of thousands protesting nationwide. Has this gamble hurt Merz’s popularity, or will it shape the upcoming elections?We also look at the pros and cons of hotels and Airbnbs while travelling.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today EU leaders will meet in Brussels for an informal retreat to discuss how to strengthen EU’s defence capabilities. Radio Schuman gives you a preview of the event, with an analysis with Euronews reporter Alice Tidey.The urgency was sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and intensified by Donald Trump’s call for NATO members to spend 5% of GDP on defence—double the current target. This demand raises concerns among European governments already facing budget deficits.In an interview with Euronews, the president of the European Council António Costa noted that since 2021, European defence investments have risen by 30%. He also highlighted that since 2014, 23 NATO countries have increased defence spending, collectively meeting the 2% target. However, he acknowledged that each country has its own budget priorities and urged leaders to focus on efficient joint investments.Radio Schuman also covers the meeting of a new European parliamentary committee in Brussels and the latest Eurostat data on online education.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Johan Breton. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many Greenlanders feel that the world around them is more worried about Greenland than they are, Euronews' Shona Murray tells Radio Schuman today from Greenland’s capital Nuuk.Shona has been on the ground in Greenland gauging reaction to US President Donald Trump's bid to acquire the territory for the US.Trump's interest in Greenland has unsettled European leaders, despite their efforts to remain silent. Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, sought support from three European capitals and announced a $2 billion security boost for the Arctic.Some officials even considered deploying European troops to Greenland. However, Europe is reluctant to confront Trump and has other priorities.Euronews' Shona found that many Greenlanders seek greater independence from Denmark, are open to business with the US, but are not looking to alter their ties with the EU.Radio Schuman also reports on a new study on how the weather affects the mental health of young people.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.