EU Confidential

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.

Michelle Haas, a defense analyst at Ghent University, discusses how European states are reacting to the proposed 5% defense spending goal amidst the Ukraine conflict. Sammy Mahdi, leader of Belgium's CD&V, vehemently opposes the goal, calling it 'crazy' and raises concerns about budget reallocations affecting social programs. Ralf Stegner, a senior German Social Democrat, advocates for prioritizing diplomacy over militarization, emphasizing the need to balance defense investments with domestic welfare. The episode dives into the political complexities around Europe's defense policies.

Izabella Kaminska, a senior editor at POLITICO specializing in finance, and Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s former foreign minister, discuss Bulgaria's contentious move to adopt the euro and its potential risks. Kaminska highlights the divided opinions in Sofia about the euro's economic impact, drawing comparisons to Greece and Italy. Landsbergis emphasizes Europe’s complacency regarding Ukraine, advocating for stronger support amidst geopolitical tensions. He also hints at his future projects, including a memoir, while navigating the political landscape.

Karin Karlsbro, a Swedish Member of the European Parliament and Vice Chair of the International Trade Committee, shares insights on Europe’s approach to Trump's tariff threats and the potential for a 'beautiful trade deal.' Andrzej Bobinski, Managing Director of Politika Insight, delves into Poland's election results and what they mean for the EU, particularly the dynamics of Tusk's coalition. The conversation also touches on U.S. sanctions against Russia and the complexities of transatlantic trade amidst current geopolitical tensions.

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.

Rym Momtaz, a European and Middle Eastern politics expert, discusses the EU's evolving stance on its trade agreement with Israel amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Leo Varadkar, former Irish Taoiseach, shares insights on navigating the complexities of identity politics and the EU-U.K. relationship post-Brexit. They explore the implications of U.S. and German military aid suspensions and the pressing need for the EU to take a unified approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting Ireland's unique position in this geopolitical landscape.

Mari Eccles, a health reporter at POLITICO, dives into the landmark EU court ruling demanding transparency from Ursula von der Leyen regarding her text exchanges with Pfizer's CEO during vaccine negotiations. This ruling questions the EU's governance style and von der Leyen's leadership. Andrzej Bobiński, managing director at Polityka Insight, shares insights on the upcoming Polish presidential election, highlighting its significance in shaping Europe’s political landscape and the potential shifts in regional alliances.

Nette Nöstlinger, a Berlin-based reporter covering German politics, joins Carmen Paun, a Romanian politics expert, and Tim Ross, chief political correspondent for Europe and the U.K. They dive into Europe's political turmoil, highlighting Friedrich Merz's struggles in Germany and the dramatic rise of a Trump-inspired candidate in Romania. The trio discusses the precariousness of coalition politics, the normalization of far-right parties, and how Trump's influence reshapes voter sentiments, creating a complex landscape for mainstream politics.

Karl Mathiesen, a senior climate correspondent, and Jan Cienski, a defense and mobility editor, dive into how Trump's first 100 days impacted Europe. They discuss the EU's uncertain response to Trump's unpredictable policies and its implications for NATO and trade relationships. The guests also explore the fallout from the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, revealing Europe's chances to lead on climate action. Additionally, they touch on the recent blackout in Iberia and its political consequences, highlighting issues of accountability amidst crisis.

With POLITICO turning 10 and Brexit hitting 5 earlier this year, this episode of EU Confidential takes stock of two milestones that shaped Brussels — in very different ways.Host Sarah Wheaton kicks things off with Zoya Sheftalovich, editor of Global Playbook, reflecting on POLITICO Europe’s early days and its first big scoop: Jean-Claude Juncker’s kidney stones. Then we head to Maastricht for highlights from a debate organized by Studio Europa Maastricht, where Sarah moderated a conversation on Brexit’s legacy with Joris Luyendijk, Fleur Launspach, Oliver Garner and Ferenc Laczó. Finally, Sarah checks in with former MEP — and Nigel Farage confidant — Alex Phillips to ask: Did Brexit deliver? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices