Briefed - Your Daily European Podcast
Briefed is a daily podcast from Europod that covers stories across Europe. In five minutes, host Léa Marchal offers a fresh perspective on European politics and major news, including topics like tech sovereignty, climate skepticism, and the rise of extremism. Episodes are released Monday through Friday at 6:00 AM CET.
Episodes
How Scotland managed to cut violent crime in half
Twenty years ago, Scotland was one of the most violent places in the developed world. Today, it has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.How did Scotland turn things around, and what lessons can the rest of Europe learn from this success story?Check the BBC story about the Scottish case.Listen to the episode about the prison system in Europe. Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sp
Hormuz latest: Will oil and gas prices keep falling for the summer holidays?
Iran and the United States signed an interim agreement two weeks ago. Yet hostilities between the two countries have not completely stopped. Ships have started sailing through the Strait of Hormuz again, but a big share of the usual traffic is still on hold.So starting the summer holidays, what should we expect for oil and gas prices?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network
Who will benefit from the new EU €3 tax on small parcels?
If you sometimes order products from Temu, Shein or AliExpress, your next order might soon cost a little more. Because from today onwards, the European Union is introducing a new €3 customs duty on low-value parcels entering the bloc from outside the EU.Who will benefit from this tax?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn•InstagramTake your personal
What's stopping the EU from being tougher against China?
The 27 EU member states all agree on one thing: Europe needs new solutions to withstand China's growing economic pressure. But when it comes to taking concrete and far-reaching action, that unity quickly disappears.So what can the EU actually do to push back against the Chinese giant?Listen to the episode about China's own strategic goals: https://pod.link/1633500456/episode/NjlkZmU0NWE5MDdlNWE3Y2
Young Ukrainian men will no longer be eligible for EU protection
The European Commission wants to extend unconditional protection for Ukrainians fleeing the war for another year — but not for men of fighting age. That's what European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner announced on Friday 26 June.Where does this decision come from, and what could it mean for both Ukraine and the European Union?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera netwo
Europe Talks Back - Why Europe's digital gap isn't closing
In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we explore why Europe's digital divide persists in Europe, from infrastructure and connectivity to digital skills and AI adoption, with insights from researcher Dr. Cora Van Leeuwen of the VUB university in Brussels.Production by Europod, in cooperation with ESPON, an EU-funded programme that bridges research and policy.This podcast series is cofunded by ESPON
Is Meloni paving the way for the National Rally in France?
Within the EU, Giorgia Meloni has proven to be a much easier partner than many had expected. In Italy, she also enjoys an image of stability that reassures at least part of the business community.Can the Italian experience strengthen other far right movements in Europe, such as the National Rally in France?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstag
Heatwaves: How does the EU support building adaptation to high temperatures?
School closures, free access to museums… Across Europe, authorities are taking exceptional measures to cope with the current heatwave.But what is being done on a larger scale to adapt buildings to rising temperatures? Can the EU contribute to that effort, and how?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• InstagramTake your personal data back with Incog
Could the UK really rejoin the EU?
Ten years after voting to leave the European Union, 57% of Brits now believe Brexit was a mistake.But what if the United Kingdom eventually wanted to rejoin the EU? Is that actually a realistic possibility?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn•InstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link below and get 60% off an a
Europe divided over migrant deportation centres
Not only do several EU member states want to build deportation centres, or 'return hubs' in third countries, but they also hope to have them financed by the European Union.Which countries support these return hubs, which oppose them, and what are they likely to get?Listen to the previous episode about the 'return regulation': https://open.spotify.com/episode/26PUqeVGLhEp2cd8D33JAY?si=kZTgcV6zQJSMp
Can the EU really close the gender pay gap?
Has it ever happened to you to discover, after months of working in your role, that your colleague is receiving a higher salary for the same job? If you’re a woman, there is a high chance the answer is yes. But don’t worry, the European Union is changing that thanks to the Pay Transparency Directive, which just became mandatory everywhere in Europe.Is it for real? What will truly change in your co
W, The European social platform that wants to take on X
On Wednesday, the new social media platform W launched its beta version. It is said to already have 55,000 users worldwide, and it is already backed by 80 European investors.What does W offer that existing platforms don't?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link below and g
Why Poland is tightening support for Ukrainian refugees
Since March, Ukrainians benefiting from temporary protection in Poland no longer enjoy the same rights as before. Free collective accommodation is no longer available to everyone. And neither are family benefits.Why has Poland tightened the rules, and what does it mean for Ukrainian refugees?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your pe
Why Europe keeps giving in to Trump's tariff threats
On Monday, Donald Trump threatened France with a 100% tariff on French wine unless it scrapped its digital services tax.More than a year after Donald Trump's tariff revolution, where do things stand? What tariffs are currently applied to European goods?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn •. InstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Us
US-Iran agreement: Will Europe find a place in the negotiations?
A few hours after the announcement of an agreement between the United States and Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the EU, said they wanted to play a role in the discussions that are expected to follow.What could that role be? And why do Europeans want a seat at the table?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn•InstagramTake your pers
The €2 trillion budget battle dividing Europe
The 27 EU heads of state or government will gather in Brussels on Thursday 17 June for what promises to be an intense meeting. They're expected to make key decisions on the future budget of the European Union. So far, the signals coming out of the negotiations have been overwhelmingly negative when it comes to the prospects of a deal.So what are the possible outcomes for the EU's next long-term bu
Why does Europe suffer more than the US from the same inflation?
In the United States, inflation is just as high as it is in the European Union—if not higher. Yet it seems to be hurting the American economy much less, according to a report published on Monday by the Peterson Institute for International Economics. So why are Europeans feeling the pain more intensely, and how much higher could prices still go?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphe
Why France and the UK sanction Israeli ministers, but the EU doesn't
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is now banned from entering France. The sanction is largely symbolic, but it matters.Why aren't other European Union countries sanctioning members of the Israeli government?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link below and get 60%
The uncomfortable truth about sustainable aviation
The aviation industry will probably miss its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. That’s what Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association, recently acknowledged.So if aviation can’t go green, does that mean that we, as consumers, should stop flying?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.This episode is based on a story written by
Why is the EU negotiating with the Taliban?
A meeting is indeed being planned between European Commission officials and representatives of Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, in Brussels.Why is the EU negotiating with a regime it does not even consider legitimate?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn •. InstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link below and ge
Associate membership: the future of EU enlargement?
Germany and France believe that joining the European Union has become too slow a process, often taking decades. Their solution? A more gradual path to integration, including a partial participation to meetings in Brussels.What do candidate countries think about it? Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Incog
How should European countries regulate sex work?
The French Parliament is examining a bill aiming at decriminalising sex work in the country. For the first time, the text was co-drafted with sex workers. It reignites a debate that regularly resurfaces in France and many European countries. Why so? How are European countries regulating sex work, with wat effect?Production: By Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network.This episode is based
Why is the EU's tech sovereignty package making Americans angry?
In the tech sector, Europeans no longer want to be naïve. They are increasingly willing to restrict access for American tech giants in certain strategic areas.Why should Americans worry about the new EU tech sovereignty package?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link below
Is tap water in the EU becoming less safe?
A group of French doctors are raising concerns about the contamination of drinking water by pesticides, PFAS, and microplastics. Yet at the same time, the European Commission is considering loosening some water quality rules to make it easier to develop new mining projects.So what’s the connection between drinking water and mining? And what can we realistically expect for the quality of our tap wa
Why don't Europeans shoot down Russian drones entering their airspace?
This is not the first time Russian drones have entered Romanian airspace. But this time, the incursion that occured on Friday 29 May caused a fire and injured two people in the city of Galați.So why can't Europeans shoot down Russian drones when they enter their airspace?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with
Why the EU's next budget talks matter
There are seven months left for European countries to reach an agreement on the EU budget. That is the timeline currently envisioned for the next Multiannual Financial Framework to begin in 2028. But negotiations are moving very slowly.So what is at stake for Europeans?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with I
What are China’s strategic goals in Europe?
Europeans are struggling to align on China. But hoes does China view Europeans? What are China’s strategic objectives when it comes to the EU?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network. This episode was co-written with Emma Belmonte.Follow us on:LinkedIn • InstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link below and get 60% off an annual
How cuts to humanitarian aid are worsening the Ebola outbreak
The Bundibugyo variant of the Ebola virus is spreading faster than ever before. The outbreak currently hitting the Democratic Republic of the Congo is being fueled by armed conflict — but also, and perhaps above all, by the global decline in humanitarian aid.Do Europeans have a role to play?Check the article from El Salto, our partner within the Sphera network, which inspired this episode.Producti
Can Peter Magyar convince the EU Commission to release Hungary’s funds?
The new Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, hopes to seal a deal this week, to unfreeze 10 billion euros in EU funding.To achieve that, Magyar needs to present reforms that are acceptable to the EU. Is it possible, and what would these reforms mean for Hungarians?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn • InstagramTake your personal data back with Inc
Does the Western Balkans’ future lie in the EU?
In 2003, the EU promised the Western Balkans that they would one day become members. More than two decades have passed, and they are still out.Why are they still waiting? And will that day ever come?This episode was co-written with Emma Belmonte. Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn • InstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code
Can we, Europeans, actually reduce our gas consumption? Reupload
Briefed is taking a long weekend, so there’s no fresh episode. But I invite you to listen to the episode published on 26 March about the possibilities for the EU to reduce its gas consumption.Would it be possible to get rid of gas, and if so, when?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROP
Can the EU achieve pharmaceutical sovereignty?
European countries need to become more self-sufficient in medication production in troubled times, but is it possible at all? Six years after the Covid 19 pandemic, the EU will soon adopt its Critical medicines act to tackle medicines shortages in Europe. Production: By Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network.This episode is based on an article written by Paweł Jędral for Krytyka Politycz
How the EU is preparing to crack down on irregular migrants
It will soon become easier to detain and deport irregular migrants. That is the spirit of the future European Return Regulation, which is being negotiated. How far is the EU willing to go to deport irregular migrants?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link below and get 60
Energy crisis - why is Giorgia Meloni asking for fiscal exemption?
Why should defence spending benefit from budget flexibility, but not energy crisis spending? That’s the question Giorgia Meloni is asking the European Commission. The Italian Prime Minister wants authorization to increase Italy’s public deficit in order to fund additional energy-related spending.What would that mean in practice? And is it a realistic option?Production: By Europod, in co-production
Ukraine strikes Moscow with 600 drones: turning point or illusion?
Moscow was hit by 600 Ukrainian drones overnight from Saturday to Sunday. This comes after a May 9 Victory Day parade on Red Square that was noticeably scaled back.Is Russia starting to lose momentum in its war against Ukraine?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• InstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link belo
Can the EU really improve cross-border train travel?
It is incredibly difficult to link European capitals by train. That is the observation Enrico Letta made, while he presented his report on the EU Single market. Last week, the European Commission made proposals for easier cross-border transport with its passenger package.What is it, and can it really improve cross-border mobility?A podcast by Europod, in cooperation with ESPON, an EU-funded progra
EU–Mercosur meets reality as Brazil’s meat exports face EU ban
Only two weeks after the EU/Mercosur trade agreement provisionally entered into force, Brazil, the biggest partner in the Mercosur bloc, has just been banned from exporting meat to the EU as of September because it uses antimicrobials to promote animal growth.What can we learn from this decision?Episode about the expected impact of the EU/Mercosur trade agreement : https://open.spotify.com/episode
Reupload: Why are the french more exposed to cadmium ?
In France, the National Assembly will debate in June a new bill aimed at reducing the maximum cadmium content in phosphate fertilizers.In a previous episode of Briefed, I explained why the French are more exposed to cadmium than the rest of Europeans, why it is a public health issue, and how it can be addressed.Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:Link
European army: myth or a real possibility?
The United States is gradually scaling back its presence in Europe. Donald Trump threatened to remove troops in Germany and possibly elsewhere in Europe. But without American support, Europe’s current military forces would not be sufficient to face a potential Russian attack.A permanent European army, intergovernmental cooperation—what ideas are being discussed, and which ones actually stand a cha
Can we live in a world on fire?
The world recorded its highest burned area ever for the period between January and April this year, according to compiled data. The area burned by wildfires literally doubled compared to the recent average for this period. Can we live on a planet with more and more burned areas?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your person
Is the EU backtracking on AI regulation?
Two years after adopting its landmark AI Act, the EU is already preparing to simplify it. Co-legislators in Brussels agreed on Thursday 7 May to revise the regulation. Does this mean Europeans are scaling back their regulatory ambitions on AI?To listen to the previous episode of Briefed about the AI Act: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0OlVVMedWdPXjGLYcinAwq?si=764c46484e2d4246Production: By 
Is austerity making a comeback in Europe ?
In the heart of the European capital, Brussels, one hundred thousand protesters rallied in the streets in March to push back against the Belgian government’s austerity plan. We are seeing more and more reforms in EU Member States, like in Belgium, that directly cut public spending and therefore reduce social benefits for people. So in Belgium and across Europe, is austerity actually making a comeb
EU poverty strategy: Ambition vs reality
Poverty rates are struggling to decline in the EU. The European Commission has presented on Wednesday 6 May a strategy to reduce poverty. It aims at eradicating poverty by 2050. But is it realistic? This episode will be completed by a second episode on the austerity comeback in Europe. Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your per
Will the Green Deal survive the simplification effort of the EU?
One by one, the flagship laws of the EU’s Green Deal aiming at climate neutrality are being put through a “simplification” process, which, more often than not, ends up looking a lot like deregulation.So, will the Green Deal survive the push for competitiveness?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Incog
Trump threatens with increased tariffs on cars, will the EU retaliate?
Donald Trump threatened Europeans with additionnal tariffs on cars (25%). This time, will Europeans show some teeth and retaliate?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• InstagramListen to the podcast Decoding the ocean: https://open.spotify.com/show/3YD6J6GEaVc2ka03PVmkqf?si=092c21ce1b2e4567 Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code E
One year in office: How is Friedrich Merz really doing?
In May 6 last year, Friedrich Merz was elected chancelor in Germany, after more than 30 years in politics. One year in, what can we make of his record so far?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn •. InstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/europo
Reupload - My question to Angela Merkel - This is a dog’s world
Briefed is taking a break this week.In the meantime, I’m bringing you a German-themed segment featuring one of Europod’s award-winning series: My Question to Angela Merkel. Follow Emilia, a young journalist, as she searches for the perfect question to ask Angela Merkel before she leaves office.For this final episode of the week, I’m bringing you episode 9 of the series, which looks at the opportun
Reupload - My question to Angela Merkel - « Wir schaffen das » and the extremes go mad
Briefed is taking a break this week.In the meantime, I’m bringing you a German-themed segment featuring one of Europod’s award-winning series: My Question to Angela Merkel.Follow Emilia, a young journalist, as she searches for the perfect question to ask Angela Merkel before she leaves office.In this episode, Emilia looks back at Angela Merkel’s decision to welcome refugees to Germany in 2015.Foll
Reupload - My question to Angela Merkel - What’s with the Austerity Angie?
Briefed is taking a break this week.In the meantime, I’m bringing you a German-themed segment featuring one of Europod’s award-winning series: My Question to Angela Merkel. Follow Emilia, a young journalist, as she searches for the perfect question to ask Angela Merkel before she leaves office. In this episode, we look back at the EU’s response to the Greek debt crisis, with testimonies from Jean-
Reupload - My question to Angela Merkel - Financial Crash and Angie
Briefed is taking a break this week.In the meantime, I’m bringing you a German-themed segment featuring one of Europod’s award-winning series: My Question to Angela Merkel. Follow Emilia, a young journalist, as she searches for the perfect question to ask Angela Merkel before she leaves office. Today, I’m bringing you episode 6 of the series, which looks at Angela Merkel’s response to the 2008 fin
Reupload - My question to Angela Merkel - Lisbon Treaty, Angie's Treaty?
Briefed is taking a break this week.In the meantime, I’m bringing you a German-themed segment featuring one of Europod’s award-winning series: My Question to Angela Merkel.Follow Emilia, a young journalist, as she searches for the perfect question to ask Angela Merkel before she leaves office.For today, I’ve chosen episode 5 of the series, which looks at the early days of Angela Merkel’s time as c
EU–Syria reset: what will happen to Syrians refugees in Europe?
The EU has formally relaunched contact with Syria after years of frozen relations. But what does it mean for Syrians in Europe? What will be the impact on those who have sought refuge in Europe over the last two decades?Production: By Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network.This episode is based on an article published on Popaganda and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes.Take
What does the EU put on the table to fight the energy crisis ?
The EU firmly believes that the answer to the energy crisis is in the transition to clean energies. But what does the Commission propose to ease the pressure on Europeans in the short term?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: h
Can the EU fix expensive train travel?
For years, public authorities have said they want to support faster and more affordable train travel. But in practice, not much has changed. So, is the EU actually capable of boosting rail?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn • InstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link below and get 60% off an annu
EU fines against X - will Elon Musk comply with EU rules?
The European Union imposed a 120 million euros fine on the social network X last December. On Monday April 20, Elon Musk was supposed to join a hearing by the French authorities about the functionning of X, but he did not show up. What is the real impact of European sanctions on X and other platforms?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn
What does it take to report the news from within a war zone? (with Voices)
Briefed presents: Journalism in War - Solidarity Beyond Borders (From Florence)What does it take to report the news from within a war zone?In this special episode recorded at the Voices - European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom, we explore how journalists continue working under extreme conditions - in Ukraine and in Gaza.Featuring testimonies from Sergiy Tomilenko (National Union of Jour
One year out: Could the far right win France's 2027 election?
Who will succeed Emmanuel Macron in 2027 ? One thing already seems clear: the candidate from the National Rally, the main extreme right party, will likely make it to the second round of the election, for the third time in a row. But could the far right actually grab power? What’s at stake for France and for the European Union?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Fo
Europe Talks Back - How work is changing across the EU: A tale of diverging conditions
In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we take a close look at working conditions across the EU. Are they evolving homogeneously? What are the obstacles to fair working conditions?To answer these questions, we welcome Agnes Parent-Thirion, Senior Research Manager at Eurofound.Production by Europod, in cooperation with ESPON, an EU-funded programme that bridges research and policy.“This podcast seri
Elections in Bulgaria - who is the leading candidate Rumen Radev?
In Bulgaria, the right-wing party GERB could be beaten in the legislative elections this Sunday. Rumen Radev, the leading candidate in the polls is pledging to end the corruption in the country. Who is he? What is he advocating for? And why is he performing so well in the polls?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal da
Is the EU turning tougher on Israel?
Italy is suspending its defense agreement with Israel. The reason? Concerns over Israel’s conduct in the Middle East conflict—especially in Lebanon.Across Europe, more and more voices are calling for stronger measures against Israel. A citizen-led initiative has now gathered over one million signatures, calling for the suspension of the EU–Israel Association Agreement. So, is the European Union fi
Can Ukraine still win the war?
Fights are still very much ongoing in Ukraine. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Berlin and then Oslo this Tuesday, April 14th, his country was once again under heavy Russian attacks. Overnight from Monday to Tuesday, Russia launched at least four missiles and one hundred twenty nine drones at Ukraine. Then on Tuesday morning, the city of Dnipro was hit as well, leaving around fi
Did Hungarians really choose Europe over Orbán?
Hungary has chosen Europe. That’s what the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, believes. Because on Sunday, the Hungarian people brought an end to the rule of Viktor Orbán, after 16 years in power. But did Hungarians really choose Europe?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Inco
Does the victory of Péter Magyar mean the end of the Hungarian veto in the EU?
The reign of Viktor Orbán is over. His opponent, Péter Magyar, won last night’s election. A turning point for the country, which has been ruled by Orbán since 2010.It is also a major lesson for the EU: despite having Donald Trump’s active support, Orbán lost voters’ trust. In Brussels, diplomats and officials alike are celebrating what could be the end of the traditional Hungarian veto. But is tha
What is the EU doing to prevent migrants from drowning in the Mediterranean?
In only nine days, between March twenty-eighth and April fifth, five boats sank in the Mediterranean. They were carrying people hoping to cross the sea and reach Europe.At least 180 people died in these shipwrecks. This marks the “deadliest start to a year” in the Mediterranean in more than a decade.What is the EU doing to stop this tragedy?By Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network.This
EU calls on Israel to respect ceasefire and stop strikes on Lebanon, will it work?
Le doute plane sur la portée du cessez-le-feu au Moyen-Orient. Après plus d’un mois de guerre, les États-Unis et Israël d’un côté, et l’Iran de l’autre, sont convenus d’un cessez-le-feu dans la nuit de mardi à mercredi. Mais alors que l’accord devait couvrir toute la région, Israël continue d’attaquer le sud du Liban. De quoi inquiéter le pays, mais aussi les Européens.Production: By Eu
Could the EU tax windfall profits made by oil and gas companies?
Consumers are being squeezed by skyrocketing fuel and gas prices. Meanwhile, producers are raking in extraordinary profits. The situation is unfair - and a few European countries are now proposing to regulate it. They propose to tax the windfall profits of oil and gas companies. But can the EU actually implement such a tax?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follo
How to improve the prison system in Europe?
The EU has nearly half a million people in prison. In many European countries, prisons are seriously overcrowded. Yet over the last decade, violent crime has actually decreased in Europe. What’s wrong with the prison system in Europe?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the
Reupload - The right kind of family - trailer
There is no episode of Briefed for this Easter Monday. But I'm directing you to a podcast that I enjoyed very much: The Right kind of family. It was produced by Europod and a few European partners in 2025.Link to the first episode of the series: https://open.spotify.com/episode/57q2lQuHyy3AfvR97BTl3L?si=H4z7Ow5NSVKpyFhilLJ_bwTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the l
Why are the French more exposed to cadmium?
French bread could be more dangerous than what’s on the table in neighboring countries. Why ? Because of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal lurking in everyday foods.A recent study showed that French people were far more contaminated by cadmium than others. Why is France more contaminated than other countries?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedI
Europe resists Trump’s pressure over Middle East conflict
NATO is once again under fire from American threats. U.S. President Donald Trump is furious over the EU’s repeated refusals to support - even indirectly - his war efforts.Are Europeans finally firmly standing up against Trump?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• InstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link
Israel's death penalty bill: Will the EU finally sanction Netanyahu's government?
Israel has just passed a law reinstating the death penalty. This measure not only reverses a fundamental principle, but also discriminates against Palestinians. Because capital punishment will only apply to those accused of anti-Jewish terrorism. Will the EU, which strongly opposes the death penalty, now sanction the Israeli government?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera
Is the EU Commission unable to protect the rule of law in the 27 Member states?
Respect for the rule of law in the EU is seriously eroding. This is what a report compiling data from 40 organisations across the continent has found. Member States are simply not implementing the recommendations made each year by the European Commission. Is the EU reaching its limits in maintaining the rule of law?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:
Will the EU ban conversion practices for LGBTQ people?
Only eight European countries have banned conversion practices. These so-called therapies often lead to PTSD, but they can go as far as driving young people to suicide.This is why more than 1 million citizens are asking the EU to ban these practices. Is the EU willin to do so?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data
Where does the EU stand on the embargo imposed on Cuba?
Total blackout, shortages of food and fuel, lack of medication… The situation in Cuba is worsening day by day. According to the United Nations, the country has been pushed to the point of imminent humanitarian "collapse." What are the reactions of Europeans?Production : Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network.This episode is based on videos shot by Samuele Maccolini for VD News and on a s
Can we, Europeans, actually reduce our gas consumption?
European households are suffering high energy bills. As long as the war in the Middle East drags on, options to reduce this burden remain limited.One major reason? Europeans are highly dependent on gas. Can the EU actually cut its gas consumption?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code E
Italy’s referendum: Is Giorgia Meloni slowly losing her grip on power?
Giorgia Meloni has just suffered her first major defeat. On Monday, she lost the judicial referendum she had called. A defeat that will not lead to her resignation, she declared.But could this first setback weaken her both in Italy and internationally?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use c
What happened with the Ukraine-Russia peace negociations?
Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are constantly being delayed. That’s what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated last week. As his country begins to run out of missiles and financial support, can Zelensky still hope to get out of this war with dignity?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with
Municipal elections in France: the rise of a firewall against far-left parties
In France, a campaign to demonize the far left is underway. During the municipal elections, different left-wing parties joined forces to defeat the right and the far right. The right has labeled most of these alliances as "shameful deals," because they include La France insoumise (LFI), or France Unbowed. Is this the beginning of a real firewall against leftist parties? Production: By Eu
Will the EU carbon market pay the price of the energy crisis?
The EU is looking for answers to the energy crisis. Several EU member states are proposing to revise how the carbon market works, so that it weighs less on prices. But could this actually make a difference?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagramTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code EUROPOD at the link below and get 60% off
Will the EU keep its promise on the financial support to Ukraine?
Ukraine will soon run out of money. Four years into the war, the country faces a serious funding issue. The EU has promised a 90 billion euros loan, but it is currently blocked by Hungary. Will the rest of the EU manage to convince Viktor Orban to lift its veto?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• InstagramTake your personal data back wi
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