100 days in, Europe’s top leaders are facing a reality check. Ursula von der Leyen talks about a new sense of urgency — but is she leading, or just firefighting? António Costa wants to unify the bloc — but can he keep Europe together on defense? Kaja Kallas vowed to sharpen EU foreign policy — but after a snub in Washington, is anyone listening?With transatlantic ties fraying, host Sarah Wheaton sits down with Brussels top policy minds to assess whether Europe’s leadership is fit for purpose — or stuck in the past. Joining her are Rosa Balfour, director of Carnegie Europe; Karel Lannoo, CEO of the Centre for European Policy Studies; and Heather Grabbe, senior fellow at Bruegel.Later, Jacopo Barigazzi, POLITICO’s senior defense correspondent, introduces Andrius Kubilius, the EU’s first-ever defense commissioner, in our latest installment of Berlaymont Who’s Who.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mikko Patokallio, a Ukraine specialist at the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, and Elisa Braun, author of the EU Influence newsletter, dive into the fallout from the US-EU breakup affecting Ukraine. They discuss the complexities of achieving peace in Ukraine, focusing on trust-building and the challenges of negotiations with Russia. The conversation also touches upon the contentious debate surrounding EU funding for NGOs, revealing the rising political tensions and their implications for civil society and transparency in Europe.

In this engaging discussion, James Angelos, POLITICO's news editor in Berlin, Jana Puglierin, Senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, and Nick Vinocur, POLITICO's editor-at-large, analyze the implications of Friedrich Merz's election as Germany's chancellor-in-waiting. They explore the challenges of coalition-building amid a rise in extremist parties, the shifting dynamics of transatlantic relations, and Europe's urgent need for leadership in response to geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Ukraine and energy independence.

In this discussion, Chris Lunday, a POLITICO reporter in Berlin, delves into the complexities of the upcoming German elections and the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany party. Jan Cienski provides a deep dive into Europe’s evolving defense policies amid shifting global dynamics, particularly regarding Ukraine. Joanna Roberts highlights the tension between the EU's green goals and the need to support struggling industries. Together, they illuminate Europe's urgent quest for resilience against external pressures and internal challenges.

Veronika Melkozerova, a POLITICO correspondent in Kyiv, shares firsthand insights on Ukraine's challenges amid shifting U.S. diplomacy led by Trump and Putin. Clea Caulcutt, a senior correspondent in Paris, discusses how these developments impact EU politics and trade tensions. Robert Biedroń, a Member of the European Parliament and LGBTQ rights activist, provides a personal look at his partnership with Krzysztof Śmiszek, highlighting the intersection of love and political activism in an evolving landscape.

Alessandro Ford, POLITICO's agriculture reporter known for his insights into European food politics, discusses how the Mediterranean diet has become a political battleground in Europe amidst rising gastro-nationalism. Topics include Italy’s resistance to EU dietary regulations and the cultural identity tied to traditional foods. Pieter Haeck, a tech reporter at POLITICO, highlights the challenges faced by European Commissioner Henna Virkkunen in regulating Big Tech, especially with rising online meddling and Elon Musk's influence on EU policies.

Ivo Daalder, former U.S. ambassador to NATO, shares insights on the implications of Trump's unconventional ambassador picks. Suzanne Lynch, experienced in EU politics, discusses how these nominees, lacking traditional backgrounds, alter diplomatic norms. Nick Niedzwiadek weighs in on how loyalty trumps experience in these appointments. They examine the potential risks to U.S.-EU relations and whether these changes foreshadow a shift in foreign policy dynamics. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of transatlantic ties!

Josh Lipsky, Senior Director at the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center, and Eva Maydell, a Bulgarian MEP, engage in a lively discussion on Europe's geopolitical turmoil under Trump’s leadership. They examine the shifting power dynamics between Europe and the U.S., especially in tech and trade. The duo highlights Europe's struggles for economic relevance while adapting to the new global landscape. They also touch on citizen engagement in environmental decisions and the urgent need for proactive reforms to maintain EU resilience amid rising challenges.

Nicholas Vinocur, POLITICO's editor-at-large with a sharp focus on European politics, and Koen Verhelst, a seasoned trade reporter, dive into the Europe’s political landscape amid Ursula von der Leyen's unexpected hospitalization. They explore the paralysis facing the EU as trade tensions rise and the far-right gains ground. Their discussion highlights the challenges of military spending disparities among nations and analyzes the geopolitical significance of Greenland, revealing how these dynamics could reshape EU relations with global powers.

The world’s richest man has a lot to say, a vast platform, and the ear of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Now he has turned his focus to Europe. As Elon Musk weighs in on European politics, often supporting extreme candidates and promoting conspiracies, Brussels tech regs appear no match for the algorithmic onslaught. For former MEP Marietje Schaake, now International Policy Director at Stanford University’s Cyber Policy Center, it’s just a small part of Europe’s subordination to Silicon Valley, as described in her book “The Tech Coup.” She joins Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, professor at the University of Copenhagen and co-author of “The Power of Platforms,” and host Sarah Wheaton to discuss the political trade-offs of free speech.And in case you need extra motivation to fulfill those New Year’s resolutions, we introduce you to “sweatworking.” POLITICO’s Kathryn Carlson explains the art of schmoozing and schvitzing at Brussels’ high-end gyms. Further reading:Sweatworking: How the gym became Brussels’ elite new lobbying spot, by Kathryn Carlson and Federica Di Sario‘Nobody was tricked into voting for Trump’: Why the disinformation panic is over, by Laurie Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices