EU Confidential

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?

Clea Caulcutt, a senior correspondent in France for POLITICO, and Nick Vinocur, the chief foreign affairs correspondent for POLITICO, dive into Europe’s turbulent political climate. They discuss the potential chaos in France following a critical confidence vote, where Prime Minister François Bayrou's position hangs in the balance. The duo also tackles Europe’s strategies on Ukraine and the mounting pressures on Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership, all while reflecting on the EU's response amid shifting global dynamics.

Arancha González Laya, Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs and former Spanish Foreign Minister, shares insights on Europe's geopolitical challenges. She discusses the EU's struggle to assert itself amid U.S. threats over digital regulations and evolving trade dynamics. The conversation delves into Europe's need for new partnerships and strategies in the face of nationalism and a shifting global landscape. González Laya emphasizes the importance of a unified Europe to regain leadership and navigate complex international negotiations effectively.

Just when we thought we could get a break for the summer, geopolitics had other plans. This week on EU Confidential, host Sarah Wheaton is joined by POLITICO colleagues Jordyn Dahl, Gabriel Gavin and Jan Cienski for a catch-up on what moved while the bubble was at the beach. From Alaska to the White House: Did anything real shift on Ukraine beyond choreography? We break down the EU-U.S. tariff framework and turn to Gaza — where Brussels is grasping for some sort of leverage — and how the politics split across capitals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices