Politics

Orbán’s relations with Brussels at boiling point

Viktor Orbán and Ursula von der Leyen clash at the Strasbourg plenary, after he presented Hungary's EU Council Presidency initiatives.

EU ministers’ not-so-subtle rightward shift on migration

Amid an apparent rightward shift on migration, EU ministers are meeting to talk new migration deals and how to make the return of irregular migrants more efficient.

Let the grilling of the commissioner-nominees begin

The vetting of commissioners-designate is to begin in the European Parliament's JURI committee, where potential conflicts of interest will be examined.

EU eyes migration routes as humanitarian crisis in Lebanon unfolds

With one million people displaced in Lebanon following Israel's ground invasion, EU foreign ministers are discussing the possibility of more migrant inflows to the European Union. Tune into the podcast to hear what the experts have to say.

Starmer’s first shot at resetting ties with Brussels

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is meeting with EU executives in Brussels today for the first time since he won UK general elections last July. He promised to rekindle the relationship with Brussels after Brexit ground it down. However, so far, the prime minister has turned out to be a less collaborative partner than the EU might have expected.

Austria’s far-right Freedom Party triumphs in national election

Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) won the most votes in Sunday’s election, the first time it has topped the poll in post-war history, in line with forecasts.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta discuss the election results, the FPO’s platform, and the potential makeup of Austria’s next government.

Brussels watches as Barnier reveals government to navigate political crisis

Newly-appointed French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has revealed his government, keeping much of the pro-Macron agenda while making key concessions to the far-right Rassemblement National (RN).

Germany’s border crackdown fuels EU divide on migration policy

There is a new trend rising in Europe, where more and more EU member states are deviating from the notion of one united Europe facing migration together, to individually looking for solutions.

Von der Leyen launches new EU Commission with surprising picks

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her proposed team of European Commissioners, highlighting significant changes in leadership.

Breton out, Séjourné in: What triggered the resignation?

Thierry Breton, the EU's Internal Market Commissioner, announced his resignation from the European Commission on 16 September, citing tensions with President Ursula von der Leyen.

Trump v Harris: The debate that defined the US presidential race

Vice-president Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump met in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening (September 5th) for the first and most likely only confrontation between the two presidential nominees. How did candidates play their cards?

All the President’s Women: the candidates competing for the next EU Commission

As Brussels raises concerns about the next European Commission resembling a "men's club," President Ursula von der Leyen is standing firm on the need for gender balance among the nominees.

Why Macron chose Barnier as France’s new prime minister

After months of political deadlock, President Emmanuel Macron has appointed former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as France’s new prime minister.

Far-right election success pushes Germany towards political instability

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured one-third of the vote in East Germany’s elections on Sunday, prompting parties across the political spectrum to rule out coalitions with the extremist group. However, enforcing a domestic cordon sanitaire could result in unlikely alliances and fuel discontent among voters.

How the French political impasse is undermining Macron in Europe

Two months after snap elections, France remains still without a coalition or prime minister-elect, despite five days of government consultations.

Germany’s role in Schengen’s uncertain future

The nearly 40-year-old treaty that established the European Union's border-free travel zone is under strain as countries like Austria, France, and Germany increasingly defy its rules.

Inside the world of lobbying

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Bram Vranken, a researcher at the Corporate Europe Observatory, dive into the murky waters of lobbying politics.

Wildfires: The prevention tactics the EU must focus on

Wildfires are once again raging in the south of Europe. With rising temperatures and global warming, wildfires have become a prominent issue for Europe, particularly in the summer, showing that the need for effective prevention and management is critical. 

How Scholz’s government stabilises despite European instability

Germany's domestic politics has recently stabilised after a turbulent spring. While Europe faces fresh instability, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government in Germany has taken steps to solidify its position.  

Paris Olympic games amid political turmoil and protests

As Paris buzzes with preparations for today's opening ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games, there's palpable excitement in the air. However, Parisians seem to have mixed feelings about hosting the 2024 Olympics, with murmurs of protests adding an element of tension.

The next generation of European far-right leaders

The rise of a young generation of far-right voters - conservative, anti-immigration, and fiercely nationalist - is a phenomenon shaping new electoral strategies all over Europe.

Power moves in EU Parliament: Committee claims and chair votes

It’s a busy summer for the European Parliament, with this week seeing the formation of committees and MEPs voting on the committee chairmanship on Tuesday (23 July). 

Unpacking the European Commission’s Political Guidelines

As Ursula von der Leyen worked to get re-elected for a second mandate at the European Commission's helm, she offered concessions across the political spectrum and these tactical negotiations have largely shaped the Commission's next mandate.

Ursula von der Leyen: round two

Ursula von der Leyen convinced 401 members of the European Parliament to vote in her favour out of 707. This time, she was re-elected as Commission President with a 41-vote lead, emerging from the very first plenary with a stronger mandate.