United Citizens of Europe Podcast

United Citizens of Europe
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Politics
  • Updated Semimonthly

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. 19h ago

    The State of LGBTQI+ rights in Europe with Alessandro Marcia | United Citizens of Europe

    In this Pride Month episode, Luca sits down with scholar and LGBTQI advocate Alessandro Marcia to unpack the current landscape of LGBTQI+ rights across Europe. Alessandro breaks down why the European Commission's new LGBTQI+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030 represents a step back from its bolder 2020 predecessor, what the over one million signatures on the European Citizens' Initiative against conversion practices actually achieved, and how anti-LGBTQI+ legislation has spread from isolated cases in Hungary and Poland to a growing trend across the Union. They also explore the "LGB without the T" movement and why Alessandro sees internal division as one of the most dangerous threats to LGBTQI+ rights today, the power of financial conditionality as an EU tool (with its limits) and why the fall of Orbán and the repeal of Hungary's censorship law offer real reasons for hope. Tune in to understand the complex intersections of European policy, human dignity, and what it takes to build a truly inclusive Europe for everyone. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Alessandro Marcia Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

    42 min

  2. Jun 6

    Gender and Feminism Today with Ishaa Laximidas | United Citizens of Europe

    To start Pride Month, Luca sits down with Isha, a 21-year-old Portuguese-Indian communications expert and aspiring humanitarian worker, to explore gender identity, feminism, and their deep connection to Pride Month. The conversation dives into how a simple childhood passion for playing football sparked Isha's awareness of old-fashioned gender standards and cultural stigmas within her community. Isha shares the story behind "Gen Fusion," the Spotify podcast she hosts alongside her mother, where they use literature like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's to dismantle extreme stigmas around feminism and bridge generational gaps. Together, they analyze how feminist struggles have evolved from the revolutionary, systemic fights for education and financial independence in past generations to today's focus on identity, self-reflection, and inclusive safe spaces. The discussion also tackles the vital lens of intersectionality for brown and minority women in a European context, the power and dangers of political storytelling in the TikTok era, and the essential conversations families need to have about reshaping traditional household roles. Tune in to discover why creating dialogue across generations offers a powerful beacon of hope for the future of global gender equality. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Ishaa Laximidas Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠⁠

    34 min

  3. May 30

    EU borders and Migration with Clara Zaffino| United Citizens of Europe

    How can Europe move toward a human-centered migration management system? In this episode, human rights expert Clara Zaffino explores the shifting landscape of EU migration policy and the role of social media advocacy in modern humanitarian efforts. We also touch on the impact of AI and biometric tools on border management, the role of Frontex and the legal concerns surrounding the outsourcing of border responsibilities to third countries. Clara explains how bottom-up policy development can transform the future of migration in Italy and across Europe and why we need a federalist approach when it comes to migration policies. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Clara Zaffino Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

    30 min

  4. May 23

    The Art of Leaving (and Coming Home) with Enrico Beyond Borders| United Citizens of Europe

    What does it mean to build a life across continents, and what happens when you finally decide to return? In this episode, we sit down with digital storyteller Enrico Beyond Borders to unpack his 8-year journey living abroad. From his first steps as a European Solidarity Corps volunteer in Lithuania to speaking at the European Commission, and from working holidays in Australia to launching a freelance career in Lisbon, Enrico shares the raw, inspiring reality of a life in motion. Tune in as we discuss the power of youth mobility, the impact of digital storytelling, and the ultimate question: where is "home" after nearly a decade on the road? Whether you are dreaming of leaving or navigating the reverse culture shock of coming back, this episode is for you. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Enrico Armenia Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

    30 min

  5. May 16

    From Encyclical to Action: The Laudato Si’ Platform with Alonso de Llanes | United Citizens of Europe

    In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, Luca sits down with Alonso de Llanes, Director of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform at the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Alonso shares his journey from practicing law to leading a global initiative that translates Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical into concrete institutional change. We explore how the platform bridges the gap between theology and governance by working with dioceses, schools, and religious congregations to influence land-use and financial decisions. Alonso explains why the ecological crisis is fundamentally a human issue and how the Church provides a "moral compass" to navigate the challenges of energy poverty and climate anxiety. Tune in to learn about the interfaith effort toward stewardship and get ready for Laudato Si’ Week, which begins tomorrow. Discover how you can move from narrative to participation by selecting actions that help creation heal. #LaudatoSi #FaithInAction #Sustainability #UCoE #ClimateHope Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Alonso de Llanes Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

    33 min

  6. May 9

    Data, Fashion, and Citizenship with JM Dieke | United Citizens of Europe

    In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, we sit down with JM Dieke, a London-based data analyst and fashion enthusiast who self-taught his way into the tech world. JM explores the intersection of his Afro-Italian roots and his professional life in the UK, explaining how he uses his creative background to build unique and curated data dashboards. This conversation dives into the practicalities of career pivoting, the resilience required to handle political shifts like Brexit, and the beauty of forging a hybrid identity in a globalized world. We will also touch on applying for British citizenship. You may know him from the Vabbè podcast or from his YouTube videos. He is our host’s favorite podcaster, and the enthusiasm in this episode will make it quite obvious. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: JM Dieke Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com ⁠⁠

    42 min

  7. May 2

    The Blueprint for a United States of Europe with Francesca Romana D'Antuono | United Citizens of Europe

    Welcome back to a brand new season of United Citizens of Europe Podcast! For our first episode, Luca sits down with Francesca Romana D'Antuono, the Co-President of Volt Europa, to explore the evolution of pan-European politics and the future of our continent. Francesca shares her unique trajectory, moving from a career in the pharmaceutical industry to the front lines of European activism. Together, they lay out a bold roadmap for a more democratic, accountable, and inclusive Union. Francesca talks about the necessity of reform, arguing that building a grassroots, diverse political movement is the only way to ensure the EU remains effective. She emphasizes that establishing a fiscal and monetary union is a vital first step toward stability, while also tackling the modern challenges of digital sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Throughout the discussion, she returns to a central theme: Europe is built throughout the continent with the people and will only succeed if it happens alongside them. Whether you are interested in the mechanics of EU governance or the personal journey of a leader shaping a pan-European movement, this season premiere provides a comprehensive look at the reforms needed to make the Union more citizen-centric. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Francesca Romana D'Antuono, Volt Europa Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

    38 min

  8. 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
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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.

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