In today’s episode of Long Story Short, we look into the potential ceasefire in Gaza and the high-stakes negotiations surrounding the release of Israeli hostages. With over 46,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis killed, the toll of this conflict is staggering. What could this agreement mean for peace, Europe’s role in global diplomacy, and regional stability? 

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.

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Forever chemicals, the toxic, indestructible substances hiding in our everyday lives are threatening Europe’s environment and public health. From their staggering cleanup costs to the plastics industry’s relentless lobbying to block a ban, this episode unpacks the high stakes of PFAS pollution. Why should Europeans care? Because these chemicals don’t just stay in factories, they seep into our water, soil, and bodies. Tune in to explore what’s being done, what’s standing in the way, and why it’s crucial to act now.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.

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Zoran Milanović has been re-elected as Croatia’s president in a landslide victory, but what does this mean for Croatia and Europe? Join Evi Kiorri as she unpacks the political tensions, the EU skepticism, and the rising frustrations driving change in the Balkans. From corruption scandals to soaring inflation, we explore what’s next for Milanović, Croatia, and the European Union.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.

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Elon Musk had a chaotic livestream with Alice Weidel, co-chair of Germany's far-right AfD party, ahead of Germany's 2025 election. From awkward moments to bizarre claims about Martian saviours and historical blunders, Musk's endorsement of Weidel raises serious questions about tech influence on European politics and had the opposite effects of boosting AfD.

The conversation also highlights potential violations of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which could set a troubling precedent for social media's role in shaping elections.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.

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Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has returned home being arrested in Tehran on December 19, Sala’s harrowing 3-week detention in the notorious Evin prison took a surprising turn with her release on January 8. With the involvement of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who personally took charge of the diplomatic negotiations, the case turned into a symbolic victory for both Italy and Meloni herself.

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Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.

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Greenland, a remote island with a population of just 60,000, has become the unexpected focus of a global power struggle. U.S. President Donald Trump’s audacious idea to buy the territory has stirred debates about sovereignty and self-determination, while exposing the Arctic as a strategic chessboard for world powers. Why does this matter to Europeans? Greenland holds 25 of the 34 critical raw materials essential for Europe’s green transition, making it a linchpin in the fight against climate change.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.

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Austria is on the brink of a historic political shift as the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) positions itself to lead the government. Meanwhile, Elon Musk stirs controversy in Germany by using his platform to amplify the far-right AfD ahead of snap elections, raising serious concerns about the influence of Big Tech on European democracy. For now all eyes are on Brussels to enforce the DSA, but why the lack of decisive action?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Production: By Europod, in collaboration with Sphera Network.

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On our very first episode of the Long Story Short, we dive into the critical crossroads of 2025, where Ukraine's fight for freedom meets Europe’s energy uncertainty. In this episode, we unpack the latest updates from Ukraine, the abrupt halt of Russian gas via Ukraine, and what it all means for EU citizens facing rising energy costs and geopolitical tensions. What’s at stake for Europe, security, and industry as the war continues? And could this be the year Ukraine's war finally ends?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.

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Long Story Short is Europod's new daily podcast.

Host Evi Kiorri breaks down one news story shaping Europe at a time, in just under five minutes, cutting through the noise and bringing you the facts, the context, and what it all means. Whether you’re on your lunch break, grabbing a coffee, or just catching your breath, Long Story Short is your new go-to for staying in the know.

Starting January 6th 2025, episodes of Long Story Short will drop by 12.30 PM CET, from Monday to Friday.

Long Story Short is produced by Europod in co production with the Sphera Network.

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In October this year, the social media giant META, took down a Russian network of social media accounts spreading disinformation on the War on Ukraine. 

META says it is the largest network of its kind, the company disrupted since the war in Ukraine began. More specifically, identified social media accounts were sharing false information by relaunching fake articles published on 60 websites impersonating legitimate news organisations. Articles published on these websites were shared on social media and messaging apps, such as Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and Twitter. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci interviews Marìa Dios, editor at Europe Talks Back, about the pro-Russian disinformation operation taken down by META and Trisha Meyer, Professor of Digital Governance and Participation at the Brussels School of Governance of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Professor Meyer leads the Research Centre for Digitalisation, Democracy and Innovation, the BA in Communication and Public Relations, and the Jean Monnet Winter and Summer Schools on EU Policy-Making.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Production: Europod

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