Brussels Playbook Podcast

POLITICO
POLITICO
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POLITICO’s daily audio briefing on what’s moving Brussels — and why it matters. The Brussels Playbook Podcast is the audio extension of the Brussels Playbook newsletter. Hosted by POLITICO's chief EU correspondent, Zoya Sheftalovich, the podcast runs Monday through Thursday, offering a clear, reporting-driven guide to EU politics in under 15 minutes. It’s a perfect companion for your morning coffee. Each episode takes listeners inside the decisions, power shifts and debates shaping the day in Brussels — and explains how they connect to national capitals across Europe. Clear, conversational and shaped by reporting from the heart of the EU, the Brussels Playbook Podcast brings context to EU politics as your day begins. On Fridays, the same feed features a longer episode that goes deeper into the week’s biggest themes, offering context and analysis beyond the daily news cycle — with Sarah Wheaton behind the mic. 

  1. 4h ago

    US voters’ warning to European politicians

    The Democrats scored a resounding victory in this week's U.S. midterm elections. But will their triumph actually change anything for Europe? With the balance of power shifting in Congress, could the incoming lawmakers move the needle on issues Europe cares about, from tariffs to support for Ukraine? And what do MAGA's bruising losses mean for Europe's own nationalist and populist parties? Are they a warning for Europe’s far right? Or could the very issues that battered Republicans — affordability and the cost of living — end up propelling Europe's far right into power? Joining host Sarah Wheaton to discuss this is POLITICO Europe's Executive Editor Carrie Budoff Brown, who also led our U.S. newsroom during Donald Trump's first term. We’ll also speak with Gregor Schwung, a reporter at WELT currently on the ground in Washington, D.C., and POLITICO’s Foreign Affairs columnist Jamie Dettmer.  Questions? Comments? Let us know on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    US voters’ warning to European politicians

  2. 1d ago

    How to find a job in the age of AI

    Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping Europe’s job market. The Commission is hoping to do something about that. Today on the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton discuss the unveiling of Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu's Education and Skills Package. In it, the EU executive sets out plans to boost vocational education and training for jobs that require physical presence and manual expertise — jobs that AI won't be as likely to snap up in the future. Next, the culprit behind this week's cyberattack on supermarket freezers across Europe remains a mystery. But we explain why cybersecurity experts are looking toward Moscow. Finally, some MEPs have AI doing their homework — and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is not happy about it. Are you a young person nervous about your future job prospects? What is your game plan when it comes to finding a job in the age of AI? Let us know on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: Supermarket Chain Thaw Massacre: Russia suspected in Europe’s fridge attacks. Fridge hacks also hit French blood banks. Metsola tells MEPs not to rely on AI when drafting laws. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How to find a job in the age of AI

  3. 2d ago

    Europe wakes up to a blue tsunami in the US midterms

    Overnight, the Democratic party has won the U.S. Senate and made decisive gains in the House. But this might not necessarily be good news for Europe. On this special episode, Zoya Sheftalovich is joined by Sarah Wheaton in Brussels and our Global Politics Bureau Chief Jack Blanchard, who is ringing in from Washington. Jack will give us a picture of election night and the "generational changing of the guard" as he describes it, which has seen big wins for Democrats across the country. But could this blue wave actually mean Donald Trump — more curtailed at home — turns his attention instead to Europe? And in that case, could we see transatlantic relations sour further in the next two years? We dive deeper into all these questions and more. Do you have any thoughts or questions on these initial results from the U.S. midterm elections? Contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: Allies fear Trump will target NATO in case of midterm loss. OPINION: Why Europe shouldn’t celebrate a Democratic midterm victory. 5 things Europe needs to monitor as Democrats blitz Trump in US midterms. Our U.S. midterm election live blog. This episode was produced by Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Europe wakes up to a blue tsunami in the US midterms

  4. 3d ago

    Poland's court fight boils over

    Poland's long-simmering rule-of-law issue reached boiling point this weekend. So, what now? On today's show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Kathryn Carlson unpack Prime Minister Donald Tusk's efforts to undo judicial appointments made under the previous right-wing Law and Justice government. Tusk's administration argues that removing these PiS-era appointees is essential to bringing Poland back into line with EU rule-of-law standards. But after this weekend's turmoil, could the push backfire? And what could it mean for Tusk's support ahead of next year's elections? Then, on to a crisis closer to home: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever offered his resignation to King Philippe Monday morning, after failing to reach a budget agreement for 2027. Does that mean the government will collapse? Zoya and Katie go through what happens next. And finally, RFK Jr.’s Make American Healthy Again campaign is coming to Brussels ... at least when it comes to ultra-processed foods. What are your thoughts on unhealthy, processed snacks and junk food? How should the bloc tackle them? Write in and let us know: You'll find us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: Crisis over top court shapes Poland’s battle lines before 2027 election. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s food fight is coming to Brussels. King mulls De Wever’s resignation as Belgian budget talks fail. This episode was produced by Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Poland's court fight boils over

  5. 4d ago

    Canada, coffins and confessionals

    The jet lag has barely worn off, but Brussels is already grappling with what its new relationship with Canada could actually look like. After the 48-hour whirlwind EU-Canada summit in Montreal, Prime Minister Mark Carney has given the EU six months to hash out what “associate membership” actually means. On the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack the deals struck at the summit and what lies ahead for the relations between the two powers. Next, after last month's unwieldy European Council summit drew criticism of its president, Antonio Costa, he's doubling down on his push to secure a budget by 2027. This week, his head of cabinet Pedro Lourtie will be holding so-called “confessionals” with national governments to get a sense of where they stand. And finally, Europe’s coffin makers are afraid Chinese competitors could be the death of their business. Questions, comments? Please write in! Find us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: EU and Canada’s 6-month test of commitment. 8 things we learned at the EU-Canada summit. Europe’s coffin-makers warn Chinese imports could be death knell for industry. This episode was produced by Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Canada, coffins and confessionals

  6. 6d ago

    Special episode: An exclusive interview with Canadian PM Mark Carney

    In this special edition, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sits down with POLITICO's chief EU correspondent Zoya and Ottawa bureau chief Nick Taylor-Vaisey for an exclusive interview. With Canada and the European Union exploring a much closer partnership, Carney discusses his vision for Canada's place in a changing world, the future of transatlantic relations and what it would take to build a lasting alliance with Europe. And with Donald Trump reshaping relations between traditional allies, how far is Canada prepared to go in charting a new course? If you have a question or comment, don’t hesitate! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Special episode: An exclusive interview with Canadian PM Mark Carney

  7. Oct 30

    Inside America's midterm election battle

    America is heading to the polls for the midterm elections — and Europe is watching closely. With the outcome set to have consequences far beyond Washington, from trade to defense, we're bringing you a special episode of The Conversation, hosted by POLITICO's Dasha Burns. Dasha sits down with two political strategists working behind the scenes in some of America's most consequential races: Republican T.W. Arrighi and Democrat Lis Smith. They take stock of the race, reveal what goes into running a high-stakes campaign and explore what's shaping the battle for American voters. If you have a question or comment, don’t hesitate! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Inside America's midterm election battle

  8. Oct 29

    The great EU-Canada lovefest

    European leaders are descending on Montreal in a bid to forge closer ties with Canada. On today's show, host Zoya Sheftalovich catches up with Sarah Wheaton, who's on the ground at the EU-Canada summit. They unpack what the talks could actually deliver — from defense and critical raw materials to space and AI — and the Trump-shaped shadow hanging over it all. Next, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen may be here in Montreal, but back in Brussels, questions remain about her role in the EU's Covid vaccine deal with Pfizer. Finally: Eurovision has revealed its 2027 lineup — but the row over Israel's participation is far from over. Questions, comments? Please write in! Find us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Articles mentioned in this episode: Our EU-Canada summit live blog. ⁠EU and Canada eye golden window to Trump-proof their ties. Eurovision confirms candidates for 2027 — but 2 EU countries are still on the fence. EU Public Prosecutor’s Office will be ‘killed softly for doing its job,’ says outgoing chief. This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The great EU-Canada lovefest
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POLITICO’s daily audio briefing on what’s moving Brussels — and why it matters. The Brussels Playbook Podcast is the audio extension of the Brussels Playbook newsletter. Hosted by POLITICO's chief EU correspondent, Zoya Sheftalovich, the podcast runs Monday through Thursday, offering a clear, reporting-driven guide to EU politics in under 15 minutes. It’s a perfect companion for your morning coffee. Each episode takes listeners inside the decisions, power shifts and debates shaping the day in Brussels — and explains how they connect to national capitals across Europe. Clear, conversational and shaped by reporting from the heart of the EU, the Brussels Playbook Podcast brings context to EU politics as your day begins. On Fridays, the same feed features a longer episode that goes deeper into the week’s biggest themes, offering context and analysis beyond the daily news cycle — with Sarah Wheaton behind the mic. 

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