Best Euractiv Podcasts (2025)

1
Renewable carbon and the circular economy - Unlocking the role of woodbased value chains 1:15:05

1d ago1:15:05

1:15:05

Renewable carbon is carbon originating from a sustainably sourced renewable resource that can be naturally or artificially grown or replenished within aforeseeable time frame by processes found in nature. Unlike fossil carbon from the geosphere, renewable carbon does not reintroduce long-stored carbon into the atmosphere, making it a more sustainab…

1
Media Partnership - Rural Energy Dialogue: Advancing the Clean Industrial Deal in Rural Areas? 1:36:01

3d ago1:36:01

1:36:01

Rural communities are more than energy consumers—they are critical contributors to Europe’s industrial and energy ecosystem. These regions play a dual role by providing essential support for heating, cooking, and powering businesses while also serving as hubs for clean energy innovation and production. Energy-intensive industries, such as ceramics,…

1
Media Partnership - The digital imperative: Europe's path to innovation, security, and growth 1:25:52

29m ago1:25:52

1:25:52

Listen to a discussion exploring the critical role of the global technology industry in support of the EU's economic security, innovation and competitiveness goals, organised by ITI - the Information Technology Industry Council. Europe faces a unique challenge: maintaining an open economy in an increasingly complex and hostile geopolitical landscap…

1
What Roswall’s Clean Industrial Deal means for environmental policy 18:01

27d ago18:01

18:01

Today, the Commission unveils its rebranded Green Deal, signalling a new approach to industrial policy. The draft of the proposal obtained by Euractiv last week suggests a less-than-green path for Europe’s industrial revival, with a clear focus on slashing red tape. In doing so, however, it appears environmental safeguards may take a back seat. Thi…

1
Why the German election is still not over 22:27

28d ago22:27

22:27

Yesterday, fifty-nine million voters cast their ballots in what is considered a defining election for Europe’s future. It was a big night for the Christian Democrats, which came out on top. This is a good reason for Merz, the likely next chancellor, to celebrate – but maybe not too hard, as the far-right AfD is now the second force in parliament. F…

1
EU top diplomat Kallas on 'Russian traps' and European red lines 10:02

1M ago10:02

10:02

The first round of US-Russia talks on a potential Ukraine peace deal kicked off yesterday in Riyadh – behind closed doors and without a single European or Ukrainian representative. The meeting caps off a week of American shock therapy for the continent, from Trump’s call with Putin to tough talk from US top brass in Munich, which sent shockwaves to…

1
Europe’s desperate bid to shape Ukraine’s Trump deal in Munich 12:47

1M ago12:47

12:47

Last weekend, Munich hosted the world’s premier geopolitical forum amid shifting alliances and rising tensions across country lines. In the Bavarian capital leaders convened to debate on everything from global governance to climate security. But the real question for Europeans remains how the ongoing war in Ukraine will end, and on whose terms afte…

1
Why Valentine’s Day will taste more bitter this year 12:57

1M ago12:57

12:57

Are you looking forward to celebrating the day of love? You’re not the only one. For food producers, the day is a test of how far consumers are willing to stretch their budgets. After all, chocolate prices have been skyrocketing due to a perfect storm of supply chain disruptions, climate change, and energy crisis. Only in December 2024, cocoa bean …

1
What a supermarket boycott has to do with the Romanian election 17:01

1M ago17:01

17:01

Across the Western Balkans and beyond, the eye watering prices of food products have led citizens to successfully boycott supermarkets in the past two weeks. In Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, sales were down to 30% or more. This weekend, Calin Georgescu, polls’ frontrunner in Romania, called on people to boycott foreign-owned supermarkets, “to sup…

1
What the EU can expect from NATO talks 17:53

1M ago17:53

17:53

NATO members are meeting in Brussels today for the first time since Trump took office to discuss defence spending pledges, GDP targets, and weapons delivery to Kyiv. The bloc is feeling the pressure. Trump infamously said he could end the war in 24 hours – yet in politics, 24 hours can change a lot. This meeting is a chance to show the US that the …

1
Macron’s plan to push Europe’s AI policy ahead 15:17

1M ago15:17

15:17

Eighty world leaders are in Paris for the final day of the AI Summit, a key forum for Europe’s renewed push to close the gap with AI powerhouses—the U.S. and China. For years, the high cost of innovation kept Europe on the sidelines. That’s changing. French President Emmanuel Macron said the country has secured more than €100 billion in private fun…

1
Why the EU won’t stop the development aid decline 22:53

1M ago22:53

22:53

By Euractiv

1
How Brexit's legacy limits Starmer's EU relationship 22:07

2M ago22:07

22:07

Five years after the Brexit referendum, the UK has undergone its biggest change in a century. In Westminister, five prime ministers have tried – and failed – to stabilise the country's political and financial lifeline. Now, it is Starmer’s turn. In Brussels, hopes rest on his success, especially in rekindling diplomatic ties on trade, defence, and …

1
How a budget bill could end the French left 15:53

2M ago15:53

15:53

For the first time in 60 years, France started the year without a budget bill after December’s vote triggered the collapse of Prime Minister Barnier’s three-month-old government. But this week, new PM Michel Bayrou managed to push through the budget – avoid the New Popular Front alliance's no-confidence vote and secure his own job in the process. N…

1
Making sense of Trump’s tariffs, what should the EU expect? 19:06

2M ago19:06

19:06

After Canada, Mexico, and China, the EU could be next to face the threat of tariffs as Donald Trump’s latest remarks suggest levies on European goods may be imminent. Is Brussels prepared to retaliate? And how might the bloc get entangled in a global trade war? In this episode, host Giada Santana and economy reporter Thomas Moller-Nielsen break dow…

1
After California, DeepSeek makes the EU nervous 15:02

2M ago15:02

15:02

The new Chinese AI model DeepSeek R1 is making waves worldwide as the start up behind it says it runs at a fraction of the cost of all existing models on the market. That seems impressive. Or sort of. In the EU, at least eleven member states have promptly reacted to the launch, demanding the platform clarification on its privacy policy. Brussels' i…

1
Why the Commission is failing to ease farmers' worries over MERCOSUR 15:32

2M ago15:32

15:32

Concerns over the EU’s trade deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay have stalled negotiations for two decades. Now, the agreement is signed – but its opposition is far from sealed. Farmers worry it means unfair competition and fear cheaper, less-regulated imports could threaten their livelihoods. Economy Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and …

1
Industrial electrification - Ready to power Europe's green industrial future? 1:10:01

1M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

As we approach the first anniversary of the landmark Antwerp Declaration’s ambitious goal-setting for European industrial competitiveness and the green transition, the challenge of industrial electrification remains at the heart of Europe's decarbonisation journey. The Declaration's vision for industrial transformation, coupled with the implementat…

1
An interview with EVP Teresa Ribera, on the political tensions against the Clean Industrial Deal 23:07

2M ago23:07

23:07

Less than a month before the publication of the Clean Industrial Deal, executive commissioner Teresa Ribera speaks to host Giada Santana and EET editor Donagh Cagney about competitiveness, environmental NGOs lobbying and the hostile political climate standing in her way.By Euractiv

1
What the uprising toppling Serbia’s PM means for the country’s EU accession 16:57

2M ago16:57

16:57

Not many could have guessed that the 2024 railway accident in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, would spark some of the largest protests in the country’s post-Soviet history, ultimately leading to Prime Minister Miloš Vučević's resignation. While demonstrators are demanding accountability for the 15 lives lost in the railway ceiling collapse,…

1
Von der Leyen’s Competitiveness Compass explained 15:04

2M ago15:04

15:04

European Commission's President von der Leyen unveils today her 'North Star' of economic strategy: the Competitiveness Compass. Beyond the motto of simplifying and unifying, the document has drawn praise from businesses and raised alarms among unions. What impact will it have on the Union's economic future? In this episode, host Giada Santana talks…

1
Financing the EU energy transition and European competitiveness - Can the two co-exist? 1:18:28

1M ago1:18:28

1:18:28

With the new legislative cycle, the need for a clean energy transition has never been greater. In this context, energy companies need to align their strategic objectives within the broader priorities of the European Green Deal. The Draghi report also emphasised competitiveness and the need for an increased number of public and private investments t…

1
How Alice Weidel redefined Germany’s far right 14:53

2M ago14:53

14:53

By becoming the moderate face of the AfD, Alice Weidel helped transform the party from a fringe movement into a dominant force, forcing its rivals to rethink their electoral strategy. However, Weidel's private life reveals contradictions some argue clash with the traditional values of the far-right movement. She has lived abroad, is openly in a sam…

1
Why the EU’s new crisis force won’t be deployed just yet 11:38

2M ago11:38

11:38

The European Union approved its first-ever crisis response unit, a 5,000-strong force designed to address threats outside its borders. However, as EU foreign ministers convene today to once again deliberate on Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, one thing seems clear: the newly minted crisis unit doesn't look set to be heading to Kyiv – or anywhe…

1
Everybody wants Greenland, but what does Greenland want? 19:45

2M ago19:45

19:45

Greenland has come into the limelight after Donald Trump suggested buying the island in late December. The controversy reignited a wish for independence in the world's largest island, and thrown the government in Copenhagen into a political quagmire. In this episode, host Giada Santana speaks with politics reporter Magnus Lund Nielsen, who has been…

1
Von der Leyen's Davos economic vision for Europe 22:12

2M ago22:12

22:12

As European leaders and the world's most powerful companies descended upon Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum this week, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used the summit to unveil plans aimed at boosting the EU’s competitiveness, expanding trade, and attracting much-needed talent. But is the market buying into it? Business le…

1
How a spy scandal exposed EU's failure to protect its officials 18:27

2M ago18:27

18:27

The EU is facing some serious questions about the lack of robust counter-intelligence measures after an investigation revealed that Hungarian secret forces spied on the European Anti-Fraud Office between 2015 and 2017. During this time, the office investigated corruption linked to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's son-in-law. How could the es…

1
What the EU stands to lose from Trump 2.0 21:30

2M ago21:30

21:30

For his first full day in office as 47th president, Donald Trump is expected to sign as many as 100 executive orders on climate, tariffs and national security. Meanwhile, the European Union remains without clear leadership, as member states such as France, Germany, and Austria grapple with domestic political challenges. What did Trump pledge in his…

1
What makes 2025 the lucky year for EV buyers 17:42

2M ago17:42

17:42

German carmakers are under pressure. They must meet new EU carbon emission targets. Chinese manufacturers are gaining ground with cheaper, subsidized electric vehicles. A new German government could bring policy changes for the industry. How are German carmakers trying to save the EV market? In this episode, host Giada Santana talks to Jasper Stein…

1
Why Brussels is excluded from the Israel-Hamas peace talks 19:43

2M ago19:43

19:43

Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks are hanging by a thread, despite months of brokering from Qatar, Egypt and the United States. Talks are stalling over how far Israeli troops should withdraw, according to what an informed US official told the Associated Press. Despite contributing over €500 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians over the past 25 ye…

1
The EU’s next move as Big Tech gets behind Trump 15:33

2M ago15:33

15:33

The incoming Trump presidency is changing the rules of the game for big tech compliance with digital EU regulation. Meta axed its fact-checking team in the United States, while Google did similarly in the EU. On X, Musk now wields the platform as a political megaphone. The potential political ramifications – particularly in terms of misinformation …

1
Unpacking the Polish Presidency with diplomat Sobkowiak-Czarnecka 11:28

2M ago11:28

11:28

For the next six months, Poland will chair the Presidency of the Council of the EU and coordinate the 27 member states under the motto ‘Security, Europe!’. But even just convincing countries to agree on what security means will be extremely difficult. So, how is the Polish presidency preparing for its mandate? "The big task for the Polish presidenc…

1
Why Russia wants to leave the Baltics in the dark 24:28

2M ago24:28

24:28

Leaders meet today to coordinate on how to better defend the Baltic Sea after the latest incident saw the cutting of four internet and one power transmission cable on Christmas day. EU officials suspect Russia is behind the sabotage. If they are right, this attack marks a step up in the Kremlin’s hybrid warfare strategy. "Towards the end at least o…

1
How Austria’s new leader could test the EU and what Brussels can do to push back 16:24

2M ago16:24

16:24

The bloc of populists within the European Union might soon expand to include Austria. Herbert Kickl is likely to become Austria’s next Chancellor. Until recently, even his own party thought he was too extreme for the job. Now, his rise comes at a crucial time for Europe’s security concerns, especially given the politician’s favorable stance towards…

1
Top10. How Musk’s White House appointment could test the EU 16:36

2M ago16:36

16:36

In this episode, we revisit a significant development in the transatlantic tech landscape: Elon Musk’s controversial appointment as head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its potential impact on EU-US relations. Host Giada Santana and Euractiv's Eliza Gritski explore the EU’s probe into X, the implications of Musk’s new role,…

1
Top10. The climate ambitions of the next EU commission 14:41

2M ago14:41

14:41

In this episode, we look back at a critical development in Europe’s green agenda: Teresa Ribera’s appointment by President von der Leyen to steer Europe’s green transition while ensuring its competitiveness. Host Giada Santana and Environment hub editor Donagh Cagney delve into the commissioner nominees and discuss the future of EU energy and envir…

1
Top10. Von der Leyen launches new EU commission with surprising picks 14:32

3M ago14:32

14:32

In this episode, we revisit a pivotal moment in EU politics: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s unveiling of her proposed team of European Commissioners. Host Evi Kiorri speaks with politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta to unpack the implications of these changes for EU governance. [Note: This episode was originally published on Sep 18th.]…

1
Top10. EU-US trade: what EU economy ministers fear about second Trump term 17:39

3M ago17:39

17:39

In this episode, we revisit an important discussion from November 21st, when EU economy ministers convened to tackle the future of EU-US trade relations. With the prospect of a protectionist, pro-tariff Trump administration looming, the talks were anything but straightforward. Key industries like Germany’s automotive sector are already under signif…

1
Top10. Why the EU is divided over the Mercosur trade deal 17:35

3M ago17:35

17:35

As we reflect on the key milestones of the past year, we revisit the conclusion of a historic trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) on December 6th. After 25 years of negotiations, the deal will create one of the world’s largest free trade zones. In this episode, host Giada Santana and …

1
Top10. The vote that might end EU anti-deforestation law 17:28

3M ago17:28

17:28

As the year winds down, we revisit a critical moment in the EU’s environmental efforts: the European Parliament’s decision on the landmark anti-deforestation law, the EUDR, back on November 14th. In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood reporter Sofia Sánchez Manzanaro examine the supporters and detractors of the EUDR and discuss the potent…

1
Top10. The future of the EU budget behind the leak 14:50

3M ago14:50

14:50

By Euractiv

1
Top10. Niinistö report: How the EU must gear up for future crises 15:23

3M ago15:23

15:23

As the year comes to a close, we revisit a pivotal conversation on how the EU can brace itself for the challenges ahead. A landmark report by outgoing Finnish president Sauli Niinistö offers a sobering reality check, spanning recommendations from climate change management to intelligence sharing. In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics rep…

1
Top10. German coalition collapse: what European leaders fear 15:23

3M ago15:23

15:23

As we reflect on the events that shaped Europe this year, we’re revisiting one of the most dramatic moments in German politics: the collapse of Germany’s coalition government. This political upheaval has left European leaders concerned about its impact on European cooperation, especially as the continent braces for Donald Trump’s potential return t…

1
Top10. Draghi,The EU to consider report's proposals or face 'slow agony' 20:00

3M ago20:00

20:00

As we look toward 2025, we revisit a crucial moment from earlier this year: September 9th, when Mario Draghi presented his highly anticipated report on European competitiveness to President Ursula von der Leyen. The report highlighted the urgent need to boost productivity to achieve the EU’s ambitious political and economic goals. In this episode, …

1
Looking back at Europe's defining moments of 2024 25:53

3M ago25:53

25:53

This year brought seismic changes across Europe: political crises, shifting environmental priorities, and debates about the continent’s industrial strategy.From the Green Deal’s transformation to the US election, we explore how decisions made this year will shape the continent for decades. How did Germany’s government collapse ripple across the EU?…

1
How German parties plan to win voters in upcoming snap elections 20:52

3M ago20:52

20:52

Germany’s political groups officially kicked off their campaign trail after Chancellor Scholz lost a no-confidence vote on Tuesday (17 December). With a snap election now set for February, the race is well underway. From their manifestos, both the SPD (S&D) and CDU/CSU (EPP) appear to be carefully calibrating their messaging on key voter concerns –…

1
Why Macron’s bid to stay relevant is falling short 13:52

3M ago13:52

13:52

François Bayrou's appointment as France's new prime minister is the latest in a series of questionable political moves Emmanuel Macron has made since June, which have increasingly put the president in a vulnerable position. Outmanoeuvred by his long-time ally Bayrou, who used his political leverage to secure the job, Macron now faces a public growi…

1
Lessons from the EU's watchdog: Emily O’Reilly on ethics and accountability 19:51

3M ago19:51

19:51

The European Parliament will elect the new EU Ombudsman on Tuesday (17 December) to replace Emily O'Reilly, with her successor set to inherit her impressive legacy. In a sit-down interview with Giada Santana, O’Reilly reflected on her time in office, the current political climate, and her landmark inquiry into Frontex.…

1
Digital governance in the era of hybrid warfare, with Estonia’s digital minister 16:27

3M ago16:27

16:27

Estonia, a leader in digital governance, is known for remote internet voting, online public services, and digital IDs, earning recognition as the world’s second most digitalized government, according to the United Nations. But its technological advancements have made it a target for cyber interference from Moscow as geopolitical tensions move onlin…

1
Why Georgia’s pivot toward Russia may backfire 14:03

3M ago14:03

14:03

Georgia’s parliament is set to elect the country’s next president on Saturday (14 December), a vote that could backfire for the ruling Dream Party as it has opted to back pro-Russian candidate Mikheil Kavelashvili. During its four terms in power, Georgian Dream has gradually worked towards eroding democratic institutions - a move that has alienated…

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