United Citizens of Europe Podcast

United Citizens of Europe
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United Citizens of Europe brings people together and inspires generations of Europeans. We want to listen to stories of Europeans and expats living in Europe, celebrate their successes, and learn from their mistakes. We talk to European NGOs that work to improve Europe and bordering countries. We strive for an inclusive Europe, and we will do it one podcast episode at a time.

  1. FEB 14 · BONUS

    Cross-border dating and global south with Dr. Jupiter Wang | United Citizens of Europe

    💘 Love Across Borders | Valentine’s Special In this Valentine’s Day episode of United Citizens of Europe, we welcome back Dr. Jupiter Wang for a thought-provoking and lively conversation on cross-border marriage and dating in the Global South. What happens when love moves across borders? How do migration, cultural expectations, gender norms, and global inequalities shape intimate relationships? And why are cross-border unions often misunderstood or reduced to stereotypes? Dr. Wang helps us unpack the social, political, and emotional dimensions of international dating and marriage, offering deeper insight into the realities couples face when navigating culture, identity, opportunity, and belonging in a globalised world. Blending academic perspective with real-world dynamics, this episode challenges simplified narratives and invites listeners to rethink what love looks like in an interconnected era. Honest, insightful, and surprisingly fun — this Valentine’s special reminds us that love is never just personal; it is also shaped by the world around us. Tune in and explore what it truly means to love across borders. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Dr. Jupiter Wang Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

    57 min

  2. JAN 24

    The intersection of Pride flags and passport stamps with Ken Krell | United Citizens of Europe

    In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, host Luca De Cristofaro interviews Ken Krell, a digital nomad and founder of PrideNomad. They discuss Ken's journey as a traveler and entrepreneur, the unique challenges and experiences of LGBTQ digital nomads, and the importance of community and connection while traveling. Ken shares insights on navigating relationships, the creation of the Pride Nomad Index, and the impact of politics on travel. The conversation emphasizes the value of exploring offbeat destinations and the importance of being flexible and open-minded as a traveler. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Kenneth Krell, PrideNomad Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠  ⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠

    44 min

  3. JAN 17

    The human side of China-Africa relations with Dr Jupiter Wang | United Citizens of Europe

    What happens when China invests in Africa? Beyond economic growth and geopolitical influence, what happens when a Chinese worker falls in love with an Ethiopian colleague? What do everyday encounters tell us about power, culture, and globalization? In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe Podcast, we explore the human side of China–Africa relations with Dr. Wei Wang (Jupiter), postdoctoral fellow at the University of Amsterdam. Drawing on years of ethnographic research, Dr. Wang takes us beyond headlines to examine how Chinese soft power operates through culture, intimacy, labor, and creativity. We discuss cross-border marriages between Chinese men and Ethiopian women and the growing China–Africa fashion industry as a lens to understand global influence from the ground up. The conversation challenges traditional Global North / Global South narratives, highlighting China’s complex role as a rising Global South power rather than a conventional Western actor. The episode also reflects on Europe and the EU’s role in these dynamics: how China–Africa relations are perceived from Europe, what is often misunderstood, and why European audiences need new frameworks to understand global power shifts. A thought-provoking conversation for anyone interested in Chinese soft power, globalization, China–Africa relations, the Global South, fashion and culture, migration, and Europe’s place in a changing world. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Jupiter Wang Follow United Citizens of Europe: IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠⁠

    36 min

  4. 12/20/2025

    Surviving the EU Bubble with Kasia Kowalewska | United Citizens of Europe

    In this inspiring episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, host Luca De Cristofaro sits down with Kasia Kowalewska to unpack the realities of life and work inside the so-called EU bubble. With nearly a decade of experience across EU institutions, Kasia brings a refreshingly honest perspective on what it really means to build a career in Brussels. Kasia’s journey is anything but linear. From growing up in Pomerania, Poland, to discovering a passion for the EU as her country prepared for accession, she followed opportunities that often appeared by chance — a path many newcomers to Brussels will find familiar. Her early traineeship at the European Parliament in Warsaw set her on an unexpected trajectory into the heart of the EU institutions. Throughout the conversation, Kasia paints Brussels as a vibrant ecosystem full of opportunities, diversity, and creative energy. From NGOs and think tanks to institutions and advocacy groups, the city thrives on its unique mix of people and ideas. But Kasia also acknowledges the challenges: fast-paced work, frequent burnout, and the pressure to constantly be visible. Her advice? Stay authentic. Set your own goals. Build genuine connections instead of transactional ones. Kasia also breaks down the myth of the EU bubble as a single, homogeneous space. In reality, it’s made up of countless micro-bubbles: communities, networks, and sectors that often never interact. For newcomers, exploring these different circles can open the door to unexpected opportunities — and a better understanding of what Brussels has to offer. Whether you’re dreaming of a career in the EU, recently arrived in Brussels, or simply curious about how Europe’s political capital works from the inside, this episode offers valuable lessons on ambition, curiosity, and resilience. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Katarzyna Kowalewska, Unbubble Follow United Citizens of Europe: IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

    33 min

  5. 12/13/2025

    Youth, Democracy, and the Future of the European Union with Lukas Sieper | United Citizens of Europe

    In this episode of United Citizens of Europe, host Luca De Cristofaro speaks with MEP Lukas Sieper, one of the youngest Members of the European Parliament, about what it truly means to navigate European politics at just 28 years old. Lukas Sieper recounts the emotional rollercoaster of his election night, when uncertainty gave way to unexpected victory, revealing the unpredictability and intensity of political life. The conversation dives into the complexities of building genuine relationships in an environment where everyone arrives with ambitions and expectations. MEP Sieper reflects on how hard it can be to form real friendships in the Parliament and shares how this shapes the daily experience of young politicians eager to find their place. The discussion also explores why so many young Europeans feel disconnected from political institutions and how a generation that increasingly identifies as European is reshaping the meaning of political engagement. Mr Sieper offers a candid look behind the scenes of parliamentary work, describing chaotic agendas and inefficient processes that young MEPs must learn to navigate quickly. Throughout the episode, MEP Sieper’s passion for human rights comes through clearly. With a background in international law and a role in the Committee on International Trade and the LGBTQIA+ Intergroup, he explains how his academic path informs his political work and why human rights remain the unifying thread across all his efforts. This conversation highlights the hopes, challenges, and determination of a new generation stepping into European politics. MEP Sieper’s story is a reminder of why young voices matter — and how they are already shaping the Europe of tomorrow. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: MEP Lukas Sieper Follow United Citizens of Europe: IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠

    35 min

  6. 12/06/2025

    The Art of Staying Energized in a Demanding World with Joseph Redsure | United Citizens of Europe

    In a world where activism, volunteering, and creative work often come with emotional and physical exhaustion, how do we stay energized without burning out? In this episode, Luca sits down with Joseph Redsure — singer-songwriter, activist, and lifelong community-builder — to explore what it truly takes to maintain energy, passion, and purpose in challenging times. Joseph shares powerful tips that have shaped his approach to wellbeing and resilience. Whether you’re an activist, volunteer, creative, or someone trying to stay afloat in a demanding world, this episode offers a reminder:Your energy matters: protect it, nurture it, and surround it with the right people. 🎙️ Listen now and rediscover the art of staying energized Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Joseph Redsure Follow United Citizens of Europe: IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠

    37 min

  7. 11/29/2025

    After COP30: Breakthroughs, setbacks, and the road ahead with Angelos Pastras | United Citizens of Europe

    In this episode, we speak with Angelos Pastras, civil and environmental engineer and a veteran COP participant, who joins us to unpack the key outcomes of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. From the Amazon’s unprecedented role as host to the creation of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility and the agreement on the Global Goal on Adaptation indicators, Angelos explains why this year’s conference felt more urgent than ever. We discuss the role of the EU’s leadership in climate negotiations, the commitment to triple adaptation financing, and the persistent challenges around fossil fuel phase-out, where strong language once again failed to land despite global pressure. Angelos also reflects on Europe’s evolving role in climate diplomacy and why “shared but differentiated responsibilities” must guide global action moving forward. If you want a clear, accessible breakdown of what truly happened at COP30, this conversation is for you. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Angelos Pastras, Youth Climate Diplomacy Forum for Southeast Europe Follow United Citizens of Europe: IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠   #ClimateAction #COP30 #TropicalForests #Sustainability #EnvironmentalAwareness #ProtectourPlanet #ClimateCrisis #GreenFuture #EcoFriendly #Belem #ClimatePolicy #ClimateExpert #UnitedCitizensofEurope #AmazonRainforest #ClimateNegotiations #ClimateCrisis #EuropeanCitizens

    33 min

  8. 11/22/2025

    What is going on at COP30 with Paolo Destilo | United Citizens of Europe

    In this COP30 special, Luca speaks with Paolo Destilo, climate activist representing United for Climate Justice and Debt for Climate in Belém, Brazil. Paolo shares how his journey - from Dutch-Italian student to frontline climate organizer - led him to COP30.From the sudden pavilion fire that forced thousands to evacuate, to the political tensions around the Belem Declaration on phasing out fossil fuels, Paolo gives a rare insider perspective on what’s really happening at COP30. We dive into Brazil’s complex role as host, the struggle of Indigenous communities who had to storm the venue to demand access, and the powerful People’s March that united over 35,000 people calling for climate justice and debt cancellation for the Global South. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Paolo Destilo, United for Climate Justice & Debt for Climate Follow United Citizens of Europe: IG: ⁠@⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠

    40 min
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About

United Citizens of Europe brings people together and inspires generations of Europeans. We want to listen to stories of Europeans and expats living in Europe, celebrate their successes, and learn from their mistakes. We talk to European NGOs that work to improve Europe and bordering countries. We strive for an inclusive Europe, and we will do it one podcast episode at a time.

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