For the next six months, Poland will chair the Presidency of the Council of the EU and coordinate the 27 member states under the motto ‘Security, Europe!’. But even just convincing countries to agree on what security means will be extremely difficult.

So, how is the Polish presidency preparing for its mandate?  

"The big task for the Polish presidency will be to foster unity in terms of sending support, money, and equipment to Ukraine," said Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Poland's EU affairs undersecretary. But looking at the last years, not all members are on the same page.

In this episode, host Giada Santana interviews Sobkowiak-Czarnecka to find out how Poland plans to steer its presidency.

Leaders meet today to coordinate on how to better defend the Baltic Sea after the latest incident saw the cutting of four internet and one power transmission cable on Christmas day. EU officials suspect Russia is behind the sabotage. If they are right, this attack marks a step up in the Kremlin’s hybrid warfare strategy.  

"Towards the end at least of the Cold War, everyone learned the rules. Now, we are much less certain of what the other side wants to communicate”, said historian Vladislav Zubok,"and that for me, is rather disconcerting".

In this episode, host Giada Santana analyzes the latest cable-cutting incident with defense editor Aurelie Pugnet and energy & climate reporter Niko Kurmayer. Expert Vladislav Zubok chimes in to draw parallels between now and the Cold War

The bloc of populists within the European Union might soon expand to include Austria. Herbert Kickl is likely to become Austria’s next Chancellor. Until recently, even his own party thought he was too extreme for the job. Now, his rise comes at a crucial time for Europe’s security concerns, especially given the politician’s favorable stance towards the Kremlin. But Brussels has more than one tool to retaliate. 

How did Austria get here? And what might Kickl’s leadership mean for the future of the country—and the EU? 

In this episode, host Giada Santana interviews Karnitschnig to discuss Austria’s political shift and its implications for Europe.

In this episode, we revisit a significant development in the transatlantic tech landscape: Elon Musk’s controversial appointment as head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its potential impact on EU-US relations.

Host Giada Santana and Euractiv's Eliza Gritski explore the EU’s probe into X, the implications of Musk’s new role, and what this means for the future of EU digital policy and transatlantic relations.

[Note: This episode was originally published on Nov 18th.]

In this episode, we look back at a critical development in Europe’s green agenda: Teresa Ribera’s appointment by President von der Leyen to steer Europe’s green transition while ensuring its competitiveness.

Host Giada Santana and Environment hub editor Donagh Cagney delve into the commissioner nominees and discuss the future of EU energy and environment policy.

[Note: This episode was originally published on Sep 19th.]

In this episode, we revisit a pivotal moment in EU politics: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s unveiling of her proposed team of European Commissioners.

Host Evi Kiorri speaks with politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta to unpack the implications of these changes for EU governance.

[Note: This episode was originally published on Sep 18th.]

In this episode, we revisit an important discussion from November 21st, when EU economy ministers convened to tackle the future of EU-US trade relations.

With the prospect of a protectionist, pro-tariff Trump administration looming, the talks were anything but straightforward. Key industries like Germany’s automotive sector are already under significant pressure, and the risk of a broader trade war remains a serious concern. How is Europe preparing to adapt to a potentially shifting US trade agenda?

In this episode, host Evi Kiorri speaks with Euractiv's economy reporter Thomas Nielsen Moeller to explore the strategies at play.

[Note: This episode was originally published on Nov 21st.]

As we reflect on the key milestones of the past year, we revisit the conclusion of a historic trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) on December 6th. After 25 years of negotiations, the deal will create one of the world’s largest free trade zones.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood reporter Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro delve into the details of the EU-Mercosur deal and explore the controversies surrounding it.

[Note: This episode was originally published on Dec 9th.]

As the year winds down, we revisit a critical moment in the EU’s environmental efforts: the European Parliament’s decision on the landmark anti-deforestation law, the EUDR, back on November 14th.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood reporter Sofia Sánchez Manzanaro examine the supporters and detractors of the EUDR and discuss the potential outcomes of the vote.

[Note: This episode was originally published earlier this year.]