Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission President, tackles a chaotic back-to-school season filled with naming new commissioners while balancing politics, geography, and expertise. Barbara Moens and Joanna Roberts dive into the implications of this chaos for European policy, especially in light of a rightward shift in elections. They also cover the significant rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany and its possible effect on governance. The discussion pokes into smartphone bans in schools aimed at combatting screen addiction and cyberbullying, highlighting their importance for children's mental health.

In this episode of EU Confidential, we speak to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anne Applebaum. Her latest book, "Autocracy Inc.," explores how authoritarian regimes are banding together against democracies, including EU countries.But first, we look ahead to local elections in three eastern German states, where extreme parties on both the right and the left are poised to make historic gains as migration dominates the headlines. Host Sarah Wheaton and POLITICO’s Berlin news editor, James Angelos, dive into Germany’s “left conservatism” standard-bearer Sahra Wagenknecht and how her party is reshaping the political landscape, alongside surging support for the far-right Alternative for Germany.Further reading: Is Germany’s rising superstar so far left she’s far right?, by James AngelosMigration smashes into German elections after deadly knife attack, by Nette Nöstlinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join agriculture reporter Alessandro Ford as he dives into the heated debate over lab-grown meat in Europe. He reveals how this innovation threatens traditional farming and subsidies within the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. The conversation addresses Italy's cultural resistance to synthetic foods and the potential economic impacts on rural communities. Ford also explores the regulatory hurdles faced by lab-grown meat, discussing its implications for national identity and the future of farming.

Hanne Cokelaere, James Angelos, and Aitor Hernández-Morales, POLITICO reporters, dive deep into the motivations behind the rising support for far-right parties across Europe. They discuss the changing demographics of these voters, including younger supporters and women. Economic hardship and fears surrounding education and public services emerge as significant factors driving this shift. The conversation also touches on surprising trends in countries like Portugal and Germany, revealing a complex picture of disillusionment with mainstream politics.

Aitor Hernández-Morales, a prominent political journalist, joins Sorcha Edwards, secretary general of Housing Europe, to tackle Europe's soaring housing crisis. They delve into the dire realities of rising rents and the scarcity of affordable housing across the EU. The duo discusses the political ramifications, including far-right parties exploiting housing woes for electoral gains. Personal stories from affected citizens highlight the urgency for solutions, while they explore potential EU interventions amidst a backdrop of evolving political landscapes.

Barbara Moens, POLITICO’s chief EU correspondent, sheds light on the intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering among European leaders vying for key EU Commission positions. She explains the strategic complexities of national nominations and gender balance challenges. Transitioning to Paris, the excitement surrounding the Olympics juxtaposes with political tensions, particularly over the controversial opening ceremony. Moens captures the cultural divides and security concerns that accompany France’s spirited Olympic festivities.

JD Vance discusses U.S. support for Ukraine. Podcast covers Kamala Harris' foreign policy views on Europe, training of Ukrainian soldiers in Germany for urban warfare, and the challenges faced in Germany's support for Ukraine. Insights on Republican perspectives, American commitment to Ukraine, and global leadership roles are also detailed.

Politico's reporter Eddy Wax shares behind the scenes insights on MEPs' secret ballot election for Ursula von der Leyen, including strategic alliances and key issues within the EU. Discussions on the inaugural session of the European Parliament, rejection of the Patriots proposal, condemnation of violence, and insights on lobbying and political dynamics in Strasbourg. MEP reflections on Von der Leyen's election, European policy towards China, and rising political violence are also covered.

Just days into his country's rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán again stunned other European leaders by setting off on a series of visits to Kyiv, Moscow and Beijing, styling himself as a peace negotiator with a mandate from Brussels.Host Sarah Wheaton and POLITICO's chief EU correspondent Barbara Moens discuss Orbán's rough-and-tumble diplomacy tour and reactions it has provoked among the bloc's politicians and diplomats. But beyond angry tweets and statements clarifying that Orbán represents only his own country and not the bloc as a whole, are there other, more effective ways to rein in a leader whom is viewed as out of line?Then we zoom in on Washington, where NATO leaders have gathered for their annual summit to celebrate the alliance's 75th anniversary and pledge continued support for Ukraine. Joining us from Washington is Stuart Lau, POLITICO's NATO correspondent.Finally, we have a conversation with José Manuel Barroso, who previously led the European Commission for 10 years. He reflects on the results of the European elections and offers advice to Ursula von der Leyen and other European leaders on what can be done to boost people's support for EU integration.Further reading and listening:French election shocker: reaction and analysis, by Nicholas Vinocur, Marion Solletty and our Paris teamEU fumes at rogue Orbán, but struggles to rein him in, by Barbara MoensOrbán parrots Putin’s lines on Ukraine in leaked letter to EU chief, by Csongor Körömi and Barbara MoensDivided, reshuffled and politically bruised: Europe’s leaders head to the NATO summit by Stuart Lau and Laura KayaliNATO backs Ukraine’s ‘irreversible path’, names China a ‘decisive enabler’ in Russia’s war, by Stuart Lau Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

France has voted and the results are in — our POLITICO team in Paris discusses the surprising results of the final round of the parliamentary election in this special episode of EU Confidential.Host Nicholas Vinocur is first joined by POLITICO's Victor Goury-Laffont to break down the results and explain how President Emmanuel Macron’s centrists and the left-wing alliance mobilized to stymie Marine Le Pen’s far right National Rally.POLITICO's executive editor in France, Marion Solletty, joins the podcast to discuss where France goes from here.We also hear from POLITICO's Giorgio Leali, calling in from the National Rally's election event, and Nicolas Camut, checking in from one of the left-wing alliance’s parties, France Unbowed.We hope you enjoy this special episode of EU Confidential from Paris. We'll be back in your feeds on Friday, as usual. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices