It’s all change in the EU this year, as election fever hits. In our first Panorama of 2024, we take a look at some of the challenges of this election year, particularly as seen from the perspective of the next two presidencies: that of Belgium, which will see the current Commission and Parliament come to an end with the EU elections in June, and that of Hungary, which is already proving controversial.

An episode by Joanna Neville, brought to you by Euranet Plus.

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The last European Council summit of 2023 is currently underway just next door to our office in Brussels. But on Thursday night, leaders gave up hope of reaching agreement on an adjustment to the EU’s long-term budget.

An episode by Joanna Neville, brought to you by Euranet Plus

Image: European Union, 2023

At the final EU leaders’ summit of 2023, set to take place next Thursday and Friday, the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the EU’s continued support for the besieged nation top the agenda.

An episode by Joanna Neville, brought to you by Euranet Plus

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COP28 started on 30 November in Dubai. The EU's priorities? Fossil fuel phase-out, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and their financing. In this episode, we also look at the EU's failure to reform its chemicals legislation (REACH). And ask is there is an EU 'Tobacco Gate'?

An episode by Joanna Neville, brought to you by Euranet Plus

Image © European Union, 2023

The European Parliament held its penultimate plenary session of the year this week in Strasbourg. As the current Commission’s term draws gradually to a close, its ambitious Green Deal was the focus of several debates and votes.

An episode by Joanna Neville, brought to you by Euranet Plus.

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The Brussels executive this week submitted its proposal for a twelfth package of sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine - including an import ban on Russian diamonds.

An episode by Joanna Neville, brought to you by Euranet Plus.

Image © Bjoern Wylezich on Shutterstock

The European Commission’s latest in-depth assessment of ten aspiring member states’ bid for EU membership forms the basis for some unexpected recommendations.

On Thursday, Brussels adopted its 2023 enlargement package – and the report contains good news for several countries, but in particular for Ukraine.

An episode by Joanna Neville, brought to you by Euranet Plus

Image: © Alexandre Rotenberg on Shutterstock

What impact could the political change in one of the Union's most populous countries have on the EU itself, on Warsaw-Brussels and on Warsaw-Kyiv relations?

An episode by Joanna Neville, brought to you by Euranet Plus

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Brussels was quick to condemn the Hamas attacks on Israel last weekend, reaffirming the latter’s right to defend itself while calling on it to respect international humanitarian law. The EU also declared that it would maintain its aid to the Palestinians. Our radio stations report.

An episode by Joanna Neville, brought to you by Euranet Plus.

Image: Below the Sky/Shutterstok

The question of whether to renew the market authorisation of the well-known pesticide glyphosate is typical of the dilemmas Europe faces as it implements its Green Deal.

An episode by Hermine Donceel, brought to you by Euranet Plus

Image: Glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup for sale in the EU © Edefotoberg on Shutterstock