EU Confidential

Arancha González-Laya, former Spanish foreign minister and dean at Sciences Po, discusses Europe's need for action amid global instability. She emphasizes leveraging energy market integration and strengthening the internal market to enhance resilience against coercion. Her insights also cover the implications of US foreign policy on NATO deterrence and the urgent need for a unified European defense strategy. Aitor Hernández-Morales then profiles EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, focusing on his affordable housing initiative and strategies to reduce reliance on Russian gas.

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

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, discusses urgent funding efforts for Ukraine amidst rising tensions with Donald Trump, who recently criticized EU leaders. She highlights the importance of unity for EU resilience and future defense plans. Meanwhile, Balázs Orbán, advisor to Hungary's prime minister, critiques Brussels' leadership and calls for new dynamics in European governance. He also emphasizes Hungary’s distinct approach to energy diplomacy and the need to avoid confrontation with Russia for regional stability.

Zoya Sheftalovich, POLITICO's new chief EU correspondent, discusses a shocking fraud probe into senior EU diplomats and its implications for Ursula von der Leyen. The panel, featuring defense editor Jan Cienski and trade expert Doug Busvine, evaluates von der Leyen’s first year, highlighting the Commission's shift towards defense amid the Ukraine war and critiques of the US-EU tariff deal. Senior climate correspondent Karl Mathiesen adds insights on the EU's climate performance amid global challenges. Together, they assess the risks to public trust in EU institutions.

Veronika Melkozerova, a Kyiv-based journalist reporting from the frontline, shares gripping accounts of life in a city under bombardment. She discusses Ukrainians' frustration with the leaked US–Russia peace talks and highlights Kyiv's non-negotiables in any negotiations. Joining her are Bjarke Smith-Meyer, a POLITICO finance reporter, who breaks down the complexities of using frozen Russian assets for reparations loans, and Wouter Verschelden, who addresses Belgium's internal challenges regarding this funding amid growing EU pressures.

Marianne Gros, a sustainability reporter at Politico, discusses the implications of the EU's omnibus sustainability package and the political fallout from its controversial negotiations. Max Griera, a European Parliament correspondent, provides insights on shifting voting dynamics and far-right influence. Tim Ross highlights the professionalization of far-right parties across Europe, while Aitor Hernández-Morales shares surprising insights from Denmark’s recent local elections, where urban voters reacted against a left-leaning government. Together, they unravel the evolving political landscape in Europe.

In this discussion, Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, head of Europa Nostra, emphasizes the cultural unity needed for a complete Europe while highlighting the dangers of enlargement fatigue. Vjosa Osmani, Kosovo's president, passionately advocates for her country's merit-based EU membership amidst ongoing reforms. Eirikur Bergmann, an Icelandic political analyst, shares insights into Iceland's complex relationship with the EU and the renewed interest in membership driven by geopolitical changes and local debates.

Join POLITICO journalists Sam Clark, Eliza Gkritsi, and Océane Herrero as they unravel Europe’s daunting challenge of balancing child protection and digital privacy. They discuss shocking statistics about child abuse material, controversies surrounding Shein's questionable products, and the implications of age verification failures in the adult content realm. Meanwhile, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama shares insights on appointing Diella, the world’s first AI minister, highlighting how this innovation could combat corruption and streamline governance.

In this discussion, Eva Hartog, a Dutch political reporter for Politico, dissects the recent Dutch election's surprising outcomes, highlighting the ideological contrasts between Rob Jetten and Geert Wilders. Max Griera analyzes Frans Timmermans’ defeat and its impact on European social democracy. Shawn Pogatchnik covers Catherine Connolly's significant victory in Ireland, noting its implications for leftist politics. Together, they explore campaign strategies, coalition prospects, and the intricate dynamics shaping European politics today.

Join financial services reporter Gregorio Sorgi, climate correspondent Zia Weise, and on-the-ground summit reporter Gabriel Gavin as they delve into pressing EU matters. Sorgi breaks down the complexities of lending €140 billion from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, touching on Belgium’s liability fears. Weise discusses the renewed focus on climate goals, including the contested 2040 emissions target. Meanwhile, Gavin unveils the 19th sanctions package and its implications for Russia’s war economy, highlighting the political divides shaping these critical decisions.