EU Confidential

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.

Join John Kampfner, a keen observer of German politics, Nick Vinocour, who navigates the twists of EU affairs, and Clea Caulcutt, reporting live from Paris, as they dissect the swift fall of Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel from political grace. They explore how rising extremism is reshaping Europe’s landscape, the implications of failed centrist leadership, and the consequences of the Hungary espionage scandal. Can the centrist political framework survive or is it crumbling under public dissent and radical alternatives?

While the French government collapses in Paris, Ursula von der Leyen stands unshaken in Strasbourg. It’s been a week of political tremors — some performative, others seismic. Just three months after facing her first motion of censure, the European Commission president was hit with not one but two new attempts to topple her — and once again held firm. Host Sarah Wheaton talks with Sophia Russack of the Centre for European Policy Studies about the history of no-confidence votes — and the unlikely scenario in which one might actually succeed. From the buzzing corridors of the European Parliament in Strasbourg she also catches up with Greens MEP Marie Toussaint, Socialist René Repasi, Marc Botenga from The Left, and Anders Vistisen from Patriots for Europe — to unpack the politics behind these censure motions and whether they’re becoming a new ritual. And in Paris, POLITICO’s Clea Caulcutt breaks down a very real political crisis — the collapse of the French government, an event that further weakened President Emmanuel Macron, bolstered the far-right National Rally and sent shockwaves all the way to Strasbourg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do Donald Trump’s culture war, Moldova’s EU ambitions, and Czechia’s upcoming parliamentary election have in common? They all reveal how Europe is being tested — and sometimes humiliated. In this episode of EU Confidential, host Sarah Wheaton speaks with Paweł Zerka, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, about his new report. It argues that Trump is waging a deliberate culture war against Europe — trying to weaken the continent, polarize its politics, and strip it of its dignity. We also bring you a dispatch from Moldova, where POLITICO’s Gabriel Gavin reports on last weekend’s election and what it means for the country’s EU path. And we also zoom in on Czechia’s election with political marketing scholar Anna Shavit in Prague, who unpacks Andrej Babiš’ comeback campaign — and his oddly revealing “shovel theory” of leadership. Further readings: Reality show: Why Europe must not cave in Trump’s culture war, by Paweł Zerka EU must unblock Moldova’s membership bid, government urges after historic vote, by Gabriel Gavin Pro-EU party secures majority in high-stakes Moldovan election, by Gabriel Gavin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this enlightening discussion, foreign affairs correspondent Nick Vinocur and POLITICO's Clea Caulcutt delve into Trump’s surprising rhetoric on Ukraine, contrasting it with European skepticism. They explore the implications of Trump's comments on NATO and defense spending, as well as the cautious responses from leaders like Macron. The conversation also moves to the geopolitical dynamics at play, including France's recognition of Palestine and how it may influence US-Israel relations. Tune in for insights on a week filled with diplomatic challenges.

Věra Jourová, former European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, shares inside stories from her Brussels tenure, reflecting on political clashes and her new life in Prague as a university vice-rector. Jan Cienski delves into Russia's drone incursions, analyzing NATO's response and the geopolitical dilemmas posed by these incursions. Eva Hartog unpacks Kremlin motives and the narratives spun by Russian media, emphasizing the broader implications for European unity and security.

Rym Momtaz, editor-in-chief of Carnegie Europe's Strategic Europe blog, and Carsten Brzeski, ING’s global head of macro research, dig into Ursula von der Leyen's recent State of the Union speech. They discuss her bold proposals on sanctions against Israel and utilizing frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, raising questions about their feasibility. The conversation also touches on the political turmoil in France, exploring how Prime Minister Bayrou's collapse affects EU strategies amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Will these fighting words lead to real change?