Today in the EU

One year into the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, European countries remain divided over their military support for Israel. Despite international efforts to broker peace, arms exports have continued to play a critical role in the conflict, with major suppliers like the US and Germany providing significant military aid.

However, countries like Italy and Spain have halted arms deals, citing concerns over the humanitarian crisis and potential violations of international law. As tensions rise in the region, particularly with Lebanon being hit and Iran's involvement, European nations face growing pressure to reassess their arms export policies while navigating complex geopolitical alliances.

To look into this topic, host Evi Kiori is joined by Euractiv's Defence Editor Aurélie Pugnet.

As the European Union accelerates its push for net-zero emissions, it is looking to boost lithium production across various member states. This essential mineral, crucial for electric vehicle batteries, has sparked interest in mining projects not just in Serbia, but across Portugal, Spain and France.

While lithium is a key component of the EU's green transition, concerns are rising over the environmental impact of increased mining activities. Experts warn of water pollution, biodiversity loss, and heightened carbon emissions, raising questions about the sustainability of this green push.

Can Europe meet its ambitious climate goals without compromising the environment?

In this episode, host Giada Santana sits down with Energy and Environment reporter Nathan Canas to explore the continent's expanding lithium production plans, the challenges that accompany them, and the broader implications for Europe’s sustainability efforts. Join us for a critical look at this pressing issue.

The Legal Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (JURI) met on  Thursday (3 October) to start the vetting of commissioners-designate to see who is fit to join the Commission's new line-up. 

Although the vetting process is based on the nominees providing the necessary information, the JURI Committee has a crucial role in scrutinising financial declarations to identify potential conflicts of interest.

Which are the commissioners-designate that are already raising concerns due to their business and political connections? 

To look into this topic host Evi Kiorri is joined by Euractiv's Politics journalist Magnus Lund Nielsen. 

EU foreign ministers this week discussed the possibility of incoming migrant flows to the bloc amid concerns over Israel's ground offensive in southern Lebanon, the European Commission told Euractiv.

In Lebanon, more than one million people have been displaced so far, with around one in 10 having fled to Syria. To cope with the unfolding humanitarian emergency, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Bikati has appealed for $400 million in aid.  

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta look into what the humanitarian crisis looks like on the ground with IOM Middle East spokesperson Joe Lowry and Relief International's country director Giacomo Baldini in Beirut. 

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is meeting with the European Commission in Brussels today, for the first time since he won a landslide victory in the UK general elections, last July. He promised to rekindle the relationship with Brussels after the Tories focused on delivering Brexit at all costs.Starmer has, however, been handed a list of leftover issues that he may need to settle on the UK's divorce from the bloc before his reset can fully take shape.

In this episode of 'Today in the EU', Giada Santana talks with Owen Morgan about Brexit's unresolved issues and the future of the EU-UK relationship.  

Former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte will assume the role of NATO Secretary-General on Tuesday (1 October), marking the start of a new chapter for the North Atlantic Alliance as he takes over from Jens Stoltenberg.

A seasoned leader with over a decade of experience, Rutte is expected to face significant challenges and manage high expectations in his new role.

NATO allies, while grateful for Stoltenberg’s steady leadership during turbulent times, are eager for change and look to Rutte for guidance on critical issues.

To shed some light on the challenges and expectations, we spoke to our defence and security reporter, Aurélie Pugnet.

Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) won the most votes in Sunday’s election, the first time it has topped the poll in post-war history, in line with forecasts. With 29.1% of the vote, the FPO is set to begin coalition talks, aiming to play a decisive role in forming the next government. 

However, its victory may be complicated as the outgoing centre-right party has previously ruled out partnering with FPO leader Herbert Kickl. It remains unclear if this stance will hold. 

In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta discuss the election results, the FPO’s platform, and the potential makeup of Austria’s next government. 

Discussions about tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are intensifying following a recent meeting of industry ministers in Brussels on Thursday (26 September). Member states are split on supporting these tariffs, with undecided countries like Sweden and Germany potentially abstaining.

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao toured Europe earlier this month to lobby against the tariffs. Simultaneously, the European Commission and China are negotiating a "price undertaking" agreement that would set a minimum price for Chinese EVs in Europe to avoid tariffs. All this is happening amid growing geopolitical tensions between China and the EU, and increasing concern about the economic risks, particularly in Germany, which is heavily dependent on the Chinese auto market and may face retaliatory measures.

To better understand what is happening with the EU-China negotiations we spoke with our economy reporter, Thomas Moller-Nielsen.

Facing pressure from Russian aggression in the east, the EU has pledged to build an independent, cross-border military under an ambitious defence strategy.

Boosting defence spending is no small task – it would require €500 billion over the next decade, according to European Commission President von der Leyen. Yet, only €1.5 billion is currently allocated for 2025 to 2027.

With the stakes high, the European Commission must answer uncomfortable questions: who will fund it, and how much will it cost?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and defence editor Aurelie Pugnet explore the EU’s defence budget dilemma with insights from Nathalie Loiseau, Member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE).

The situation in the Middle East is rapidly deteriorating. Though not officially termed a war, the escalating conflict across Gaza, northern Israel, and southern Lebanon suggests a new regional conflict in the Middle East is rapidly taking shape.

Israel's operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and Beirut, which resulted in the death of one of Hezbollah's leaders, has triggered missile retaliation and caused severe civilian casualties. More than 550 people, among them dozens of children have died, and thousands have fled the violence since Israel’s most intense barrage. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is urging immediate de-escalation, civilian protection, and unhindered humanitarian aid to prevent further catastrophe, particularly in Gaza, where the situation is already dire.

In today’s episode, host Evi Kiorri brings you a voice from Gaza: Hisham Mhanna, spokesperson of the ICRC, discusses the situation on the ground. Our senior editor, Georgi Gotev, joins us to unpack the current situation in southern Lebanon and north Israel.

This headline has been updated to reflect the fact that ICRC are urging protection of civilians, in addition to an end to hostilities.