Today in the EU

The EU is poised to launch a series of ambitious defence initiatives under the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) to bolster its military capabilities over the next decade.

The European Commission has identified eight flagship projects spanning land, air, maritime, space, and cyber defence, which could be supported by a €500 billion budget. These projects aim to enhance EU-wide security and foster greater cooperation between member states, though crucial details regarding funding and execution are still under negotiation.

To look into the specifics of this story host Evi Kiorri spoke with defence editor, Aurélie Pugnet.

The European Union is stepping up its oversight of major online platforms (VLOPs) on multiple fronts. Today Parliament debates reforms to the customs code to protect consumer rights in the digital space, while the European Commission demands answers from Chinese e-commerce giant TEMU. 

The company is expected to respond to the Commission's concerns regarding consumer protection. Since its launch in July 2022, TEMU has rapidly established itself as a leading player in the EU e-commerce market, now boasting 75 million active monthly users. Advocacy groups have raised alarms about potential risks to shoppers' health and privacy, citing issues with toxic materials in inexpensive products and allegations of unauthorized data sales. 

The customs’ code reform, now in the works at the EU Parliament, could better protect online shoppers, but implementation is likely to take more than a decade. 

Join host Giada Santana and tech editor Eliza Gritski as they discuss Eu regulators’ efforts to keep pace with the fast-evolving online landscape.  

The EU will have its first-ever Defence Commissioner, Andris Kubilius, and his agenda is anything but straightforward. He has to unite member states on defence policy amid rising global threats and create a 'true single market for defence' in the EU.

In an interview with Euractiv’s Aurélie Pugnet, Kubilius expressed determination to make this work by focusing on joint defence strategies, increased funding, and streamlining production. As defence has traditionally been a national competency, what is his plan for the future of EU defence? And why is the EU appointing a defence and space commissioner for the first time?

To break down these questions host Evi Kiorri is joined by our Defence Editor, Aurélie Pugnet.

EU migration policy will be at the forefront of the European Council summit today (17 October) as tougher measures against irregular immigration have gained momentum. But common goals do not equal common means – member states across the Union are clashing over what direction EU migration policy should take. 

From 'return hubs' to asylum seekers' rights and third-country bilateral agreements, member states' divergent proposals are likely to complicate efforts in achieving the unanimous consensus necessary to pass any procedure at EUCO.

Join host Giada Santana and senior editor Sarantis Michalopoulos as they dive into the policies that could redefine the future of EU migration. 

EU and Gulf leaders are meeting on Wednesday (16 October) in Brussels in a first-ever summit between the two regions. Co-chaired by outgoing European Council President Charles Michel and Qatar’s Emir H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the meeting follows the launch of a strategic partnership in 2022.

But mutual concerns remain. The EU sees the Gulf as a key energy partner in reducing its dependence on Russian energy. Yet, the Gulf's ties with Moscow make this partnership challenging. For their part, Gulf countries are concerned about the EU's inconsistent stance on Gaza as the conflict expands. Can both sides overcome these issues to deepen their diplomatic and energy partnership?

To answer this question, host Evi Kiorri spoke with Camille Lons, policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and Cinzia Bianco, visiting fellow at the same think tank.

High levels of corruption and limited media freedom are among the issues at the forefront of Albania's EU accession negotiations, which begin today (15 October), 16 years after the country first applied to join the bloc.

EU membership negotiations for both Albania and North Macedonia were initially scheduled for July 2022, but no negotiation chapters have been opened since then. At the end of September, however, EU member states unanimously decided to separate the bids and formally open EU membership talks with Albania.

The talks will focus on five key issues, including the judiciary, financial control, and procurement, as Albania struggles with high levels of corruption, slow judicial processes, and limited media freedom.

Will Albania's notable efforts in recent years, such as the adoption of several anti-corruption measures, be enough to reassure the EU's member states?   

Join host Giada Santana and senior editor Alice Taylor in this episode as they unpack the EU's enlargement strategy, Albania's evolving role in migration policy, and the implications of the country's membership bid for the rest of the Balkans. 

EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today (14 October) to discuss urgent matters, including Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the volatile situation in the Middle East, following recent escalation in Lebanon and northern Israel. With a summit postponed last week between Western leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, there is speculation about whether Ukraine’s victory plan will be presented in today’s discussions.

The Foreign Affairs Council will also evaluate potential EU responses to the conflict in Gaza and the Middle East, with a particular focus on concerns about regional spillover, especially after Lebanon being hit and Iran's involvement.

To look into these pressing issues, host Evi Kiorri is joined by Dr Spyros Economides, Associate Professor in International Relations and European Politics at the European Institute and James Moran, Associate Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies.

The long-term EU budget, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), may soon see structural reforms. 

A leaked document from this week hints at the merger of various funds, the introduction of conditionality measures, and a shift toward a more centralised approach, among other things.  

In this episode, join host Giada Santana and economy and transport reporter Jonathan Packroff as they dive into MFF’s current challenges, regional stakeholders' perspectives, and what the future might hold. 

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had a tense exchange at the Strasbourg plenary on 9 October, after Orbán outlined his country's EU Council Presidency initiatives.

Orbán stressed the need for stricter migration controls, questioning the EU's approach to Ukraine. Von der Leyen responded with a strong defence of Europe’s military and financial support to Kyiv. The clash highlighted deepening divisions within the EU, as Orbán called for Commission neutrality, while von der Leyen criticised Hungary’s border control policies and its stance on the Ukraine conflict.

To take a deep dive into this topic, host Evi Kiorri spoke with László Andor, secretary general of FEPS and former Hungarian EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion, along with our politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta.

[Edited by Rajnish Singh]

Thursday’s Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting has laid bare the stark shift in EU member states' approach to migration, as right-wing politics gain ground across the bloc.

While ministers are due to discuss issues related to Schengen and security, the focal point will be a working lunch where ministers will explore new migration deals with third countries and how to make the return of irregular migrants more efficient.

The obvious harder line that is being taken on both asylum and irregular migration comes as member states face increasing pressure at the EU's external borders, pushing for the adoption of tougher measures and possible deals with new countries.

To break this down host Evi Kiorri spoke with our Paris-based reporter, Théo Bourgery-Gonse.