A controversial new idea on EU enlargement is stirring debate in Brussels. Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton unpack a proposal known as “reverse enlargement,” as the European Commission tests how far EU capitals are willing to go to speed up Ukraine’s path toward the bloc.

Meanwhile, the war in Iran looms over two meetings in Brussels: EU foreign ministers hold talks with their Gulf counterparts about the escalating conflict, while home affairs ministers discuss deportations policy and how Europe should prepare if instability in the region leads to more people seeking safety in the EU.

And finally: The European Commission is experimenting with AI to test whether EU policies are fair to future generations.

Plus a surprise dispatch from Berlin from Ian Wishart on Germany’s upcoming elections.
If you have thoughts or questions about the podcast, you can reach us on our WhatsApp: +32 491 05 06 29.

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