Radio Schuman

Why did the European Commission choose not to disclose Ursula von der Leyen’s hospitalisation for pneumonia? Why did von der Leyen not delegate authority to her deputy, Spanish commissioner Teresa Ribeira, when she was ill? Does it denote a culture of secrecy at the commission or suggest von der Leyen’s unwillingness to delegate power?Today Radio Schuman answer these questions with Euronews reporter Gerardo Fortuna.Last week, the European Commission confirmed a report by the German press agency DPA that President Ursula von der Leyen had been hospitalised for a week due to severe pneumonia. This sparked criticism from Brussels journalists, as spokespeople had not disclosed the hospitalisation, stating only she had severe pneumonia but was still able to fulfil her duties.Despite her condition, von der Leyen did not delegate her responsibilities to her deputy, Teresa Ribera, as protocol dictates, though she cancelled appointments, avoided public engagements, and remained largely silent during key events, such as former US President Donald Trump's announcement about Greenland.Yesterday, an EU executive spokesperson defended the decision, arguing that the severity of her condition had already been communicated, making further disclosures unnecessary.In the other segments of the podcast, we have a look at an important meeting in Finland as well as beaches to visit during the winter period.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.

Do Ukrainians still trust their president, Volodymyr Zelensky? How to explain dipping trust levels? Is he as popular abroad as he is in his own country? Today Radio Schuman discusses this issue with Sasha Vakulina, Euronews’s Ukraine expert.According to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), trust in Zelensky has declined, with 77% of Ukrainians saying they trusted him in 2023, compared to 52% a year later, though his leadership in Ukraine appears to remain strong.We also look ahead to meetings taking place today at the European Parliament and the Matignon in Paris, as well as asking why may not be a good idea to use the Christmas tree to spice up your food.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, withournalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the consequences for EU countries of interrupted gas flow through the pipeline passing via Ukraine? Was the decision to interrupt the gas flow the right one?Today Radio Schuman answers these questions with Szymon Kardas, senior policy fellow on energy at the European Council on Foreign Relations.Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moscow supplied nearly 40% of the EU’s natural gas via pipelines. Following the war, Russia significantly reduced its supply through key pipelines.In response, the EU diversified its imports, with Norway and the United States becoming the top suppliers by 2023. This shift allowed the EU to plan eliminating Russian gas imports entirely by 2027. However, nations like Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria, which still rely heavily on Russian gas, face significant challenges.Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico recently travelled to Brussels to protest the impact on his country, even threatening to cut electricity flows to Ukraine and reduce aid for Ukrainian refugees.On the other parts of this podcast, we look at Croatian elections and the best bathhouses 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.

How far can the European Commission handle Elon Musk if his companies violate EU laws? How could his social media X, formerly Twitter, affect upcoming elections in Germany?Today Radio Schuman answers these questions with Euronews reporter Cynthia Kroet.X owner Elon Musk will livestream an interview on X with Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD). Musk is also set to play a key role in the upcoming Donald Trump administration. The interview takes place ahead of Germany's snap elections in February.This follows reports that a five-year contract is about to be signed between the Italian government and Musk's Starlink for government and military communications.Musk's moves in Europe raise many questions about how he aims to advance his business and political agenda on the continent, and whether the European Commission can contain his actions if his social media infringes EU rules.We also look at the upcoming meeting today between the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and EU officials, as well as the most congested cities in Europe.Today's Radio Schuman is hosted by Jack Schickler and produced by Eleonora Vasques. Audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reinhold Lopatka, an Austrian MEP from the center-right Austrian People's Party, discusses the potential rise of Herbert Kickl as chancellor and its implications for the EU. He highlights concerns over a coalition with the far-right Freedom Party, focusing on Euroscepticism and anti-immigration policies. The conversation explores the historical context of Austria's political landscape and emphasizes the need for cautious governance. They also touch on a pivotal European court case about data privacy and reveal surprising airline punctuality rankings.

The Baltic states, Poland, and Sweden are among the better-prepared EU countries in countering disinformation, while Italy, Germany, and Romania appear to be among the most vulnerable, stated Mattia Caniglia, Senior Intelligence and Policy Analyst at the Global Disinformation Index, according to an interview with Euronews.In the interview featured for Radio Schuman, Caniglia exmplain why some countries are more prepared than others and what are the major method and tools used throughout 2024 to spread disinformation.Radio Schuman also has a quick look at Meloni-Musk negotiations for a 1.5 billion deal to use SpaceX Starlink to set up a government and military communication system.Finally, we also bring you to tourist destinations where visitors are rewarded if they behave!Today's Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Eleonora Vasques. Audio editing by Georgios Levaditis and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining the discussion is Paula Soler, a Euronews reporter with a sharp focus on economy and European affairs. They dive into Europe's looming political challenges, especially with Ursula von der Leyen's rising influence. Global dynamics might change with Trump's potential re-election impacting EU relations with Russia and China. Budget priorities, defense spending, and migration reforms are hot topics. They also explore the recent Croatian elections and the growing trend of vaping across Europe, contemplating its cultural implications.

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As EU leaders gather in Brussels today for a one-day summit, Radio Schuman previews expectations for leaders' discussions with Euronews journalist Jorge Liboreiro.Key topics on the agenda include the current state of EU support for Ukraine, the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the White House in January, and the EU's next steps in addressing Syria's fragile political landscape following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.Today is also the António Costa’s inaugural summit as European Council President and the first time French President Emmanuel Macron has missed the gathering, as he attends to the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Chido on the French island of Mayotte.We also examine a new study on jobs that may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Radio Schuman talks all things Syria with Adam Coogle, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Division at Human Rights Watch. What should the EU's approach be to the new regime in Syria? Should the EU lift sanctions in the country and start a dialogue with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which is defined as a terrorist organisation by the EU?Radio Schuman also examines the next steps in the European Commission's investigation into TikTok, and a European Court of Auditors report on the Commission's performance in enforcing EU law.We also look at how Europe is performing on the gender pay gap in the workplace.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.