EU Confidential

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.

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?

Clea Caulcutt, a senior correspondent in Paris for POLITICO Europe, delves into the ramifications of the French government collapse under President Macron. Sophia Russack from the Centre for European Policy Studies unpacks the rarely successful motions of censure in the EU, highlighting their role as symbolic rather than effective removals. René Repasi, a German MEP, discusses the S&D's cautious approach, while Marc Botenga from The Left details their motivations behind censure motions. Together, they explore the intricate political landscape shaking Europe.

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