Brussels Playbook Podcast

A reckoning for Europe’s center left

The far right took some minor hits to its seemingly impenetrable armor this week, as people in Denmark, Italy, France and Slovenia headed to the polls. But those votes also told another, more existential story: the slow-motion collapse of the EU’s center left. To unpack what’s ailing left-leaning parties across the bloc, host Sarah Wheaton is joined by a panel of POLITICO colleagues: Clea Caulcutt in Paris, James Angelos in Berlin, and Iberian correspondent Aitor Hernández-Morales. Plus, an excerpt from an exclusive interview by POLITICO’s Tim Ross with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb — who has a stark warning about the economic fallout of the Iran war. He explains why he thinks the current moment could spiral further than many expect. Questions? Comments? Send us a message! Our WhatsApp is: +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The next refugee crisis

Officials are meeting in Brussels today to discuss the brutal civil war in Sudan and the looming refugee crisis that may result.  U.N. officials warn that the conflict could lead to a mass displacement on a par with what happened with Syria in 2011. Zoya and Sarah unpack what the various humanitarian agencies want the EU to do about it. You’ll also be hearing from Cyprus’ Europe minister, Marilena Raouna, who reflects on the Cypriot Council presidency so far and assesses the security risks involved in hosting European leaders following Iranian drone strikes on the island earlier this month. Finally: Is this the end of long-winded abbreviations in the Brussels Bubble? Probably not, TBH ... but we can dream! Do you have a favorite convoluted EU abbreviation? Send it to us on WhatsApp: +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

About those energy bills, Commissioner...

Europe is facing another energy shock — so what can it actually do to keep prices down? Zoya Sheftalovich speaks with Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen in a conversation recorded live at POLITICO’s Competitive Europe summit, on how the EU is responding to rising costs linked to the war in Iran — and what happens if the crisis drags on. Then, back in the studio, Zoya and Ian Wishart look at the contest among nine cities vying to host the EU’s new customs authority, take stock of Denmark’s tight election result — and, yes, return to the great tree debate. Got a favorite tree? Send us a voice note or a message on WhatsApp: +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

More Russian snooping allegations

After Hungary was accused of leaking sensitive EU discussions to the Kremlin, the spotlight is now shifting to Germany. Zoya Sheftalovich is joined by Ian Wishart to unpack mounting concerns in Brussels over the far-right AfD’s access to confidential EU documents — and whether Europe’s open systems are creating new vulnerabilities. The duo also discuss Denmark’s election, where Mette Frederiksen is fighting for another term in a tight race, and break down a razor-thin result in Slovenia — plus what Giorgia Meloni’s referendum defeat means for her authority at home. And finally — Europe’s quirkiest contest returns. The “Eurovision of trees” is about to crown its winner, and we want your pick. Which tree do you like the most? Which one gets your vote? Send us your choice on our WhatsApp: +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Is Hungary leaking EU secrets? A crisis of trust in Brussels

Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack Donald Tusk’s accusation that Hungary may have leaked sensitive European Council discussions to Moscow — and what that means for trust, decision-making and Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán’s position in Brussels. Plus: Europe’s balancing act as Donald Trump turns up the pressure over Iran — and a breakdown of the weekend’s voting in France and Germany. Questions? Comments? Send them to our WhatsApp: +32 491 05 06 29.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]