Best Euractiv Podcasts (2024)

1
Nourishing Europe - Financing the path to resilient and sustainable food systems 1:17:00

3h ago1:17:00

1:17:00

In 2020, as an integral part of the European Green Deal, the EU presented its Farm to Fork Strategy, aimed at making Europe's food systems more resilient, healthier and more sustainable. The Farm to Fork strategy was the first to integrate all aspects of the food chain (agricultural, ecological, and nutritional) into a unified approach to food syst…

1
EPP power play set to shape outcome of Commissioner hearings 14:44

1h ago14:44

14:44

The European Parliament hearings of Commissioner-designates will start on Monday afternoon (4 November), but unlike in previous hearings, the European People’s Party (EPP) seems to have the upper hand. With 26 nominees lined up for vetting, each committee in the European Parliament will have the opportunity to scrutinise the candidates' expertise a…

1
Niinistö report: How the EU must gear up for future crises 15:23

37m ago15:23

15:23

According to a landmark report by former Finnish president Sauli Niinistö, the EU has much to change to be prepared for future crises. The report’s reality check, as he calls it in one paragraph, spans a wide range of recommendations, from climate change management to intel sharing. The Nordic politician suggests the EU could benefit from Finland’s…

1
How Putin’s grip on the east could influence EU’s enlargement package 15:09

4h ago15:09

15:09

Today, the European Commission unveils its 2024 Enlargement Package, a set of documents shaping Brussels' engagement with Eastern Europe. Last year's document introduced unprecedented policies, including a revamped accession process for the Western Balkans and a pathway for Ukraine to join the Union. As Putin's grip on the region tightens, the EU f…

1
Neurotechnology's rapid evolution – What consequences for the EU regulatory landscape? 1:28:54

18h ago1:28:54

1:28:54

Neurotechnology, where neuroscience meets technology, includes all the tools and methods that are used to improve our understanding of how the human brain functions as well as what can be done to improve or repair the brain’s capacities. These advancements are opening new possibilities across various aspects of life, from healthcare to daily activi…

1
EU eyes Georgia amid election fraud allegations 13:30

1d ago13:30

13:30

Last weekend's parliamentary elections in Georgia have sparked significant controversy amid allegations of electoral manipulation before and during polling day. Key concerns include supposed vote-buying targeting vulnerable groups, misuse of administrative power, and possible tampering with new electronic voting systems. Accusations suggest the rul…

1
Why Brussels is keeping its nose out of Washington 13:34

2d ago13:34

13:34

With just seven days until the year's most crucial election taking place in the United States, EU political leaders are reluctant to give opinions on future legislation coming from Capital Hill. Given the backdrop of Russian interference, AI-driven disinformation campaigns, and two assassination attempts, the US election campaign may seem like a qu…

1
Moldova and Georgia: how domestic struggles threaten EU dreams 13:03

5d ago13:03

13:03

Moldova and Georgia are at a crossroads in their paths toward European integration. Just recently, Moldova held a constitutional referendum where voters expressed their desire to enshrine EU aspirations. The contest turned out to be tighter than expected, with allegations of Russian interference and vote-buying. Further southeast on the continent, …

1
Commissioners-designate hearings: What to expect in the next phase 14:53

6d ago14:53

14:53

The commissioners-designate have responded to questions posed by the European Parliament in writing, kick-starting the first phase of their hearings in early November (4th to 12th). For most members of the European Parliament, there seems to be a collective sense that this composition represents the best possible outcome, given the competing politi…

1
Why legal experts are worried about an EU debate on 'return hubs' 16:14

7d ago16:14

16:14

Outsourcing the management of migrants is back on the European Parliament's agenda on Wednesday, with EU groups likely to clash over the viability of return centres similar to the one set up under the Italy-Albania deal. This comes after a Rome court forced the government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to take back the 16 migrants it had …

1
The EU's eight flagship projects of common interest to boost defence 13:19

8d ago13:19

13:19

The EU is poised to launch a series of ambitious defence initiatives under the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) to bolster its military capabilities over the next decade. The European Commission has identified eight flagship projects spanning land, air, maritime, space, and cyber defence, which could be supported by a €500 billion budget.…

1
EU ventures to regulate e-commerce's breakneck growth 16:30

9d ago16:30

16:30

The European Union is stepping up its oversight of major online platforms (VLOPs) on multiple fronts. Today Parliament debates reforms to the customs code to protect consumer rights in the digital space, while the European Commission demands answers from Chinese e-commerce giant TEMU. The company is expected to respond to the Commission's concerns …

1
Security and unity challenges awaiting EU's first defence commissioner 18:41

12d ago18:41

18:41

The EU will have its first-ever Defence Commissioner, Andris Kubilius, and his agenda is anything but straightforward. He has to unite member states on defence policy amid rising global threats and create a 'true single market for defence' in the EU. In an interview with Euractiv’s Aurélie Pugnet, Kubilius expressed determination to make this work …

1
EU-US trade relations – What does the future hold? 1:16:51

13d ago1:16:51

1:16:51

With elections on both sides of the Atlantic, 2024 is set to bring many changes to transatlantic relations. If the elections result in new leadership, priorities and strategies will shift, impacting trade and competitiveness policies. Launched in 2021, the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) aims to revitalise transatlantic cooperation through coord…

1
Migration concerns take centre stage at European Council summit 14:31

13d ago14:31

14:31

EU migration policy will be at the forefront of the European Council summit today (17 October) as tougher measures against irregular immigration have gained momentum. But common goals do not equal common means – member states across the Union are clashing over what direction EU migration policy should take. From 'return hubs' to asylum seekers' rig…

1
Has the EU underestimated its relationship with Gulf countries? 17:13

14d ago17:13

17:13

EU and Gulf leaders are meeting on Wednesday (16 October) in Brussels in a first-ever summit between the two regions. Co-chaired by outgoing European Council President Charles Michel and Qatar’s Emir H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the meeting follows the launch of a strategic partnership in 2022. But mutual concerns remain. The EU sees the G…

1
Media Partnership: Developing an Implementation Plan for ‘You Collect We Buy’ - Capitalising on the gas capture opportunity 1:30:32

17d ago1:30:32

1:30:32

Gas venting, flaring, and leakage accounts for tremendous wastage. An estimated 267 billion cubic metres (BCM) of natural gas could be made available to gas markets with a global effort to reduce methane emissions and tackle non-emergency flaring. These volumes amount to over 70% of the EU’s annual gas consumption, which was estimated at 360 BCM in…

1
Albania-EU membership talks to kick off with corruption, checks and balances 17:39

15d ago17:39

17:39

High levels of corruption and limited media freedom are among the issues at the forefront of Albania's EU accession negotiations, which begin today (15 October), 16 years after the country first applied to join the bloc. EU membership negotiations for both Albania and North Macedonia were initially scheduled for July 2022, but no negotiation chapte…

1
EU foreign ministers to address Ukraine and Middle East crises amid escalation 18:50

16d ago18:50

18:50

EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today (14 October) to discuss urgent matters, including Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the volatile situation in the Middle East, following recent escalation in Lebanon and northern Israel. With a summit postponed last week between Western leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zele…

1
The future of the EU budget behind the leak 14:50

19d ago14:50

14:50

The long-term EU budget, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), may soon see structural reforms. A leaked document from this week hints at the merger of various funds, the introduction of conditionality measures, and a shift toward a more centralised approach, among other things. In this episode, join host Giada Santana and economy and…

1
Orbán's relations with Brussels at boiling point 16:34

20d ago16:34

16:34

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had a tense exchange at the Strasbourg plenary on 9 October, after Orbán outlined his country's EU Council Presidency initiatives. Orbán stressed the need for stricter migration controls, questioning the EU's approach to Ukraine. Von der Leyen responded wit…

1
EU ministers' not-so-subtle rightward shift on migration 13:41

21d ago13:41

13:41

Thursday’s Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting has laid bare the stark shift in EU member states' approach to migration, as right-wing politics gain ground across the bloc. While ministers are due to discuss issues related to Schengen and security, the focal point will be a working lunch where ministers will explore new migration deals with th…

1
European countries change course over their military support to Israel 12:36

22d ago12:36

12:36

One year into the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, European countries remain divided over their military support for Israel. Despite international efforts to broker peace, arms exports have continued to play a critical role in the conflict, with major suppliers like the US and Germany providing significant military aid. However, countr…

1
The environmental cost of Europe's hunt for lithium 15:10

23d ago15:10

15:10

As the European Union accelerates its push for net-zero emissions, it is looking to boost lithium production across various member states. This essential mineral, crucial for electric vehicle batteries, has sparked interest in mining projects not just in Serbia, but across Portugal, Spain and France. While lithium is a key component of the EU's gre…

1
Let the grilling of the commissioner-nominees begin 11:39

27d ago11:39

11:39

The Legal Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (JURI) met on Thursday (3 October) to start the vetting of commissioners-designate to see who is fit to join the Commission's new line-up. Although the vetting process is based on the nominees providing the necessary information, the JURI Committee has a crucial role in scrutinising financial d…

1
EU eyes migration routes as humanitarian crisis in Lebanon unfolds 14:24

28d ago14:24

14:24

EU foreign ministers this week discussed the possibility of incoming migrant flows to the bloc amid concerns over Israel's ground offensive in southern Lebanon, the European Commission told Euractiv. In Lebanon, more than one million people have been displaced so far, with around one in 10 having fled to Syria. To cope with the unfolding humanitari…

1
Starmer’s first shot at resetting ties with Brussels 13:14

28d ago13:14

13:14

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is meeting with the European Commission in Brussels today, for the first time since he won a landslide victory in the UK general elections, last July. He promised to rekindle the relationship with Brussels after the Tories focused on delivering Brexit at all costs.Starmer has, however, been handed a list of leftover i…

1
Ending HIV in Europe - Can the EU lead the global path forward to 2030? 1:21:08

29d ago1:21:08

1:21:08

In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the fight against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Europe has committed to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 and EU-wide progress has been made towards the UNAIDS goals. However, many countries – including in Europe – are not on track to meet the global goals. HIV continues to pose a public…

1
Challenges and high expectations as Rutte starts first day as NATO chief 14:32

29d ago14:32

14:32

Former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte will assume the role of NATO Secretary-General on Tuesday (1 October), marking the start of a new chapter for the North Atlantic Alliance as he takes over from Jens Stoltenberg. A seasoned leader with over a decade of experience, Rutte is expected to face significant challenges and manage high expectations in …

1
Austria’s far-right Freedom Party triumphs in national election 11:27

1M ago11:27

11:27

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. With 29.1% of the vote, the FPO is set to begin coalition talks, aiming to play a decisive role in forming the next government. However, its victory may be complicated as the outgoing ce…

1
Uzbekistan 2024 parliamentary elections - On the road to a democratic future 2:16:34

1M ago2:16:34

2:16:34

Panel I: Meet the candidates Discussion of the upcoming elections with representatives of Uzbekistan’s political groups and civil society. Panel II: EU and Central Asia – What avenues for future cooperation? In 2022 and 2023, the Central Asian Heads of State and the President of the European Council held their first-ever high-level meetings, result…

1
EU divided over tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles amid growing geopolitical tensions 18:22

1M ago18:22

18:22

Discussions about tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are intensifying following a recent meeting of industry ministers in Brussels on Thursday (26 September). Member states are split on supporting these tariffs, with undecided countries like Sweden and Germany potentially abstaining. China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao toured Europe earli…

1
The EU defence budget dilemma 17:26

1M ago17:26

17:26

Facing pressure from Russian aggression in the east, the EU has pledged to build an independent, cross-border military under an ambitious defence strategy. Boosting defence spending is no small task – it would require €500 billion over the next decade, according to European Commission President von der Leyen. Yet, only €1.5 billion is currently all…

1
Tech and the new mandate – What are the opportunities and challenges? 1:15:45

1M ago1:15:45

1:15:45

The last European Parliament mandate introduced the first-ever legal framework on artificial intelligence through the AI Act. This act addresses the risks associated with AI and positions Europe to play a leading role globally. In line with this, the development of the new European AI Office ahead of the new mandate will centralise AI expertise acr…

1
ICRC urges protection of civilians as Israel-Hezbollah conflict threatens regional spill over 22:50

1M ago22:50

22:50

The situation in the Middle East is rapidly deteriorating. Though not officially termed a war, the escalating conflict across Gaza, northern Israel, and southern Lebanon suggests a new regional conflict in the Middle East is rapidly taking shape. Israel's operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and Beirut, which resulted in the death of one…

1
Media Partnership - Smart siting: Unlocking Europe's Solar and Wind Potential 1:16:53

1M ago1:16:53

1:16:53

On 24 September, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will unveil their new study showing the availability of community and biodiversity friendly land in Europe for achieving renewable energy targets. This study is a critical step toward balancing our energy needs with conservation efforts. The revised Renewable Energy Directive mandates European countries…

1
Navigating the ESG legislation - What implications for carbon removal projects in Europe? 1:31:26

1M ago1:31:26

1:31:26

Climate change is increasingly causing environmental damage and disturbing biodiversity across Europe. This situation calls for greater initiatives to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and industry’s carbon footprint. In this context, the European Commission approved a new legislation on environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings in Fe…

1
Brussels watches as Barnier reveals government to navigate political crisis 15:31

1M ago15:31

15:31

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). With a no-confidence vote looming, Barnier faces immense pressure to balance urgent budget reforms amid rising deficits and demands from conservative and f…

1
Energy project aims to demonstrate realistic efficiency strategies 17:38

1M ago17:38

17:38

To explain what the ENEFIRST Plus project is, the project’s senior expert Jean-Sébastien Broc starts by outlining what it isn’t: While it all revolves around promoting energy efficiency, that does not mean achieving efficiency at all costs. Joined in this podcast by Managing Director and Chairperson Vlasios Oikonomou, the two colleagues discuss the…

1
UN Future Summit hoped to be 'once-in-a-generation' opportunity despite key leaders missing 14:49

1M ago14:49

14:49

World leaders are gathering in New York for the UN Summit of the Future, which UN Secretary-General António Guterres described as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to reshape international institutions, even though leaders of the so-called Permanent Five will be absent. With the Summit taking place just before the high-level week of the General …

1
Germany's border crackdown fuels EU divide on migration policy 13:05

1M ago13:05

13:05

More and more EU member states are moving away from the notion of a united EU front on migration, opting for individual solutions instead. Germany's recent decision to ramp up border controls at all nine of its borders has been criticised by EU countries like Poland, Austria, and Greece. With the European Commission warning that such actions should…

1
The climate ambitions of the next EU Commission 14:41

1M ago14:41

14:41

All eyes are on Teresa Ribera, after President von der Leyen tasked the Spanish politician with steering Europe's green transition while ensuring its competitiveness. Despite the prestige attached to the role, Ribera sits as one of the few socialists among predominantly conservative colleagues, with whom she might have to compromise during the next…

1
Von der Leyen launches new EU Commission with surprising picks 14:32

1M ago14:32

14:32

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her proposed team of European Commissioners, highlighting significant leadership changes. Six executive vice presidents, including Finland's Henna Virkkunen and Italy's Raffaele Fitto, will oversee key policy areas. Von der Leyen emphasised gender parity, increasing female representation to 40%. Bu…

1
Breton out, Séjourné in: What triggered the resignation? 12:55

1M ago12:55

12:55

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. In a public letter, Breton accused von der Leyen of requesting that France replace him in a political trade-off for a more influential portfolio, and criticised her "ques…

1
Ukraine seeks Western ammunition as Putin threatens NATO-Russia war 12:22

1M ago12:22

12:22

NATO's Military Committee met in Prague on Friday and Saturday to discuss stepping up NATO's support package for Ukraine, after Russia warned NATO that a strike with Western-made missiles would be considered an act of war. Among other security issues, Allies discussed the establishment of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU…

1
EU committee rejects double standards on pesticide levels allowed in food 11:54

2M ago11:54

11:54

EU farmers must comply with strict production standards, and so should third-country producers if they want to export to the EU, according to the latest vote by Parliament's Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). On Thursday (12 September), ENVI members rejected the European Commission's proposal to lower the maximum residu…

1
EU antitrust chief Vestager to leave Commission with a bang 13:43

2M ago13:43

13:43

EU antitrust head Margrethe Vestager is wrapping up her tenure at the European Commission with two major victories as the European court of Justice ruled against Apple’s Irish tax arrangements and Google’s anti-competitive practices. These decisions reward her close-to-decade-long battles to tackle Big Tech’s dominance in Europe, marking a signific…

1
Quantum technologies - How can we lead in the industries of the future? 1:13:11

2M ago1:13:11

1:13:11

Quantum technologies are one of the emerging technologies deemed by experts to have the potential to radically transform the world. Quantum opens possibilities to process data that are too complex for today’s fastest computers. As a result, quantum technologies have strategic importance for the scientific and industrial competitiveness of the EU, a…

1
Media Partnership: Win-wind solutions in the Baltic Sea region 1:22:01

2M ago1:22:01

1:22:01

The offshore wind potential in the Baltic Sea region is estimated to be close to 100 GW by 2050. The first Baltic offshore projects will come online in the next few years and will gradually contribute to the decarbonisation of the Baltic energy systems. However, in order to take full advantage of the favourable geographical conditions in the Baltic…

1
Trump v Harris: The debate that defined the US presidential race 13:26

2M ago13:26

13:26

Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening (5 September) for their first – and likely their only – confrontation before the presidential election. With eight weeks to go, polls show candidates are running a neck-and-neck race that could easily swing both ways. Where do Trump and Harris stan…

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