EU Decoded

Russia’s unlawful war on Ukraine threatens both Ukrainian sovereignty and EU stability. A strong response is crucial to defending democracy and security. The EU must tighten sanctions enforcement to counter evasion, with its 16th package remaining key to weakening Russia’s war efforts. Sanctions can be as impactful as military action, and Russia’s economy is struggling, with Putin draining the civilian sector to sustain the war. What more can Europe do to stop Russia's war economy?

Andrzej Halicki, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group and Chair of the Working Group on External Policies, and Sandra Kalniete, Vice-Chair of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield and Member of the Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, have the answer. 

Europe is at a crossroads. Either it takes decisive action to regain its competitive edge or risks falling further behind other major economies. But what needs to change to revive the EU’s competitiveness? 

In this episode, we break down the key ingredients for growth – innovation, productivity, and cutting red tape – to ensure Europe remains a global economic powerhouse. 

MEPs Christian Ehler, Dolors Montserrat, Jörgen Warborn, Eva Maydell, Andreas Schwab, Fernando Navarrete and Andrea Wechsler look at the latest European Commission proposals, such as the Competitiveness Compass, the Omnibus Proposal and the Clean Industrial Deal, and explain the way forward to unlocking Europe’s full potential. 

Tune in and follow the EPP Group on social media for the latest updates on Europe’s economic future. 

With war at Europe’s doorstep and a dynamic situation in international affairs, the EU must take control of its own destiny. This week on “EU Decoded,” we examine Europe’s defence ambitions, calls for stricter migration enforcement, and the future of key industries like automotive and agriculture. 

Can Europe protect itself, its economy, and its values in an increasingly unstable world? Join us as we break down the key debates shaping the EU’s next moves. 

Tune in and follow the EPP Group on social media for the latest updates! 

From the challenges of transatlantic relations and defence spending to the innovations needed in Europe’s defence sector, we explore what it takes to build a stronger, more autonomous EU defence. Our esteemed guests, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, spokesperson and Coordinator for Security and Defence in the EPP Group and former Spanish Ambassador to NATO, and Alice Teodorescu Måwe, an EPP Group MEP, Swedish lawyer, journalist, and political activist, highlight why collaboration within the EU and with NATO remains essential for ensuring security and stability. 

Tune in and follow us on social media 👉🏼 @eppgroup

Another plenary session is behind us, and we bring you an overview of the week in the latest episode of our “EU Decoded” podcast. Some of the key topics discussed include international trade and tariffs, security, EU competitiveness, the Commission’s Work Programme for 2025 and three years of war in Ukraine. 

Tune in to hear more from the EPP Group on the current developments on the EU stage. 

The automotive industry has long been a cornerstone of Europe’s economy, providing over 13.8 million jobs and contributing significantly to the EU’s GDP. However, the sector now faces unprecedented difficulties - from regulatory pressures and high energy costs to competition from subsidized international players. In this episode we spoke to MEP Jens Gieseke who helped us unpack this complex issue. 

Tune in! 

In our first episode of 2025, we discuss the main topics from the latest plenary session:  

🔵 The implications of the DSA for social media platforms   

🔵 The future of EU-US relations  

🔵 The Polish Presidency of the European Council  

🔵 The Russian shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea  

🔵 The critical situation in Venezuela  

🔵 The urgent need to address Europe’s demographic decline  

Tune in and follow us on social media 👉🏼 @eppgroup. 

Illegal migration is one of Europe’s most pressing challenges, increasingly weaponised to undermine security and stability. In this episode of EU Decoded, the EPP Group delves into the hybrid warfare tactics at the Polish-Belarus border, the role of human traffickers, and the destabilisation attempts across external EU borders. Tune in to understand how Europe can secure its borders, protect vulnerable individuals, and maintain safety for all.

The new episode of "EU Decoded" brings you an overview of the plenary week as the Parliament focused on approving the new European Commission. Now that the vote is in, it's time to get to work. With the new Commission and the 2025 budget in place, we're reflecting on the EPP Group's priorities for the years ahead. Tune in - don't miss it! 

Europe's automotive industry is facing a growing crisis that could lead to the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs in the sector.  

The EPP Group wants to ensure that driving remains affordable for everyone, not just for those who can afford expensive electric cars. To achieve this, Europe must be driven by economic realism and remain technologically neutral. If we do not, driving will become too costly for many Europeans, and we will lose countless jobs in the automotive industry to competitors like China. 

Tune in to our latest episode!