
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

Europe Talks Back - How to make sure everyone has access to basic public services everywhere in Europe?
Everywhere in Europe, various territories are facing growing challenges to maintain access to basic services or general interest services. We are talking about care, mobility, education… The ageing population, coupled with skills gaps and territorial inequalities, is putting pressure on a lot of regions.Which are the most vulnerable territories? How to guarantee equal access to these services acro

Europe Talks Back - Are small and medium-sized cities losing their attractiveness?
The European Union is one of the world’s most developed regions; yet deep territorial inequalities persist. According to Eurostat, GDP per capita can vary threefold within the same member state, with capital regions often earning twice as much as the rest of the country.In this episode of Europe Talks Back, produced with ESPON, Léa Marchal explores why many small and medium-sized cities are losing

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

Hypertourismos ep6 : Should we stop travelling?
After five episodes focusing on Santorini, I now take a step back and take a look at overtourism on a European scale.Dr. Antonio Paolo Russo shares his expertise on the problem, telling us that there is still a long way to go before effective policies are put into place at the European level.So, could we do anything to solve the problem, as European citizens who love to travel? I invited my friend

Hypertourismos ep5 : Who even cares ?
In this episode, we talk about responsibility. Who should act to save Santorini? What are politicians doing? Who even cares?When activists are doing most of the work voluntarily and without much resources, when municipalities are blocked by national governments, when investors are still building hotels in protected areas and individuals think saving Santorini is a lost battle, the island is certai

Hypertourismos ep4 : Typical Greekness
What happened to authenticity? When people start comparing some areas of Santorini with Disneyland, it is not a good sign.This episode is about the impact that overtourism has on the local culture of Santorini. Locals highlight how important is to share with tourists the true richness of the island, for them to learn about its culture, its past, its traditions, its arts and crafts, its music,

Hypertourismos ep3 : The art of killing what you love
What’s the actual impact of over-tourism on the environment of Santorini? In this episode, activists, politicians and locals sound the alarm on the disaster created with the progressive loss of natural land and the pollution of its waters. The endless growth of Santorini is stretching the island’s capacity and resources far beyond their limits. A podcast by Maëlle Julou for Sphera, avail

Hypertourismos ep2 : Santorini is a whore
“Everyone will get something from her, but no one will love her.” As tourist arrivals keep growing and attain dramatic numbers, the quality of life on the island is negatively impacted. How do inhabitants deal with the presence of tourists on a daily basis? Is there even a choice, now that the tourism industry is what feeds the whole island?A podcast by Maëlle Julou for Sphera, available on the eu

Hypertourismos ep 1 : A dream destination was born
How did Santorini get here? How did this once small and quiet island become the host of millions of tourists every year?Sharing their archives and memories, locals tell us about the rapid transformation that Santorini experiences, and how the focus on tourists might have become a bit excessive.A podcast by Maëlle Julou for Sphera, available on the European podcast platform EuroPod, and all listeni

Hypertourismos - teaser
ReuploadHypertourismos is a documentary podcast series created by Maëlle Julou that explores overtourism on the Greek island of Santorini and across Europe. It features local voices discussing how massive crowds affect the environment, local life, and the economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep10 - “Grounded, here.”
Reupload of the series Disconnected in 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and co

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep.9 - "My name is Ezra"
Reupload of the series Disconnected in 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and co

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep8 - "The first time"
Reupload of the series Disconnected in 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and co

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep7 - "Nothing was the same anymore”
Reupload of the series Disconnected 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corru

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep6 - "Stay safe Ezra"
Reupload of the series Disconnected in 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and co

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep5 - "Entering the new era: the era of Infinity"
Reupload of the series Disconnected in 2050.It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and c

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep4 - "I believe this belongs to you"
Reupload of the series Disconnected in 2050.It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and c

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep3 - "We know we are being monitored and yet…"
REUPLOAD of the series Disconnected in 2050 It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep2: "They seized everything and now they're coming for us"
REUPLOAD of the series Disconnected in 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and co

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep1 - "That’s when I found it"
REUPLOAD of the series Disconnected in 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and co

Can the EU fine Google, Apple, Meta, without angering Trump?
The European Commission announced yesterday, 23 July, that it is fining Google €890 million. The American tech giant has been found to be in breach of the EU's competition rules. A decision that is likely to irritate U.S. President Donald Trump.So, what should Europeans expect in return?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn •. Instagram Hosted on

Why is poverty so hard to reduce in Europe?
In 2021, the EU set itself targets to reduce poverty and improve social protection by 2030. They are part of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Five years on, some areas have seen progress, but others remain far from meeting their targets. This is particularly true when it comes to reducing poverty and inequalities.Why are some European countries struggling to reduce poverty?Production: By Euro

Does Pedro Sánchez stand a chance of being reelected?
Like France and Italy, Spain will hold a general election in 2027. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to run for another term. But at home, his reputation has been damaged by a series of corruption scandals involving people close to him.So, what are his chances of staying in power?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn • Instagram Hosted

Does Pedro Sánchez have real EU backing in his standoff with Trump? - REUPLOAD
Reuploaded episode from 6 March.Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is standing up to Donald Trump. He condemned the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and denied the Americans access to Spanish military bases. In retaliation, Washington has vowed to cut trade ties with Madrid.How far can Pedro Sánchez oppose the United States?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow u

How does the EU protect its citizens from US arbitrary sanctions? - REUPLOAD
Reuploaded episode originally published on 24 February -The U.S. President keeps putting pressure on the EU Whether it’s sanctions against International Criminal Court judges or threats of tariffs, Donald Trump is using coercion to sway European decisions.So what is the EU doing to protect its independence from American pressure?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Foll

Is Ukraine gaining the upper hand against Russia?
The European Union is stepping up support for drone production for Ukraine's war effort. Last week, Donald Trump also authorized Kyiv to manufacture Patriot missiles. Meanwhile, Russia seems to be getting prepared for a no-victory scenario.So where does Ukraine stand in its war against Russia these past few weeks?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedI

France legalises assisted dying, is Europe following?
Yesterday, the French National Assembly gave its final approval to the country's assisted dying law. France now joins five other European countries that already allow the practice.So, is this a growing trend across Europe?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Europe remain prosperous with a rapidly ageing population?
For the first time, the European Commission is warning that demographic change is becoming one of the biggest challenges to the EU's competitiveness and welfare systems.Can Europe remain prosperous with a rapidly ageing population?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the EU finally ban social media for kids?
Most Europeans are worried about the risks social media poses to children. That's according to a new Eurobarometer survey published on Monday, July 13. On the same day, a panel of experts recommended banning social media for children under the age of 13.Will the EU introduce such a measure, and how would it work?Production : Europod et Sphera. Suivez-nous sur :LinkedIn•Instagram Hosted on Aca

When will Gaza finally find peace?
Since the ceasefire signed in October 2025 between Israel and Hamas, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the local health ministry. The EU hopes that Hamas stepping down from the Palestinian government will pave the way for an end to the hostilities.But will that be enough for Israel to stop its attacks on the people of Gaza?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the

Three months in: Is Peter Magyar delivering on his promises in Hungary?
Three months after the election of Peter Magyar in Hungary, how Hungarians are experiencing this shift in power? Are they feeling a big difference, and are they confident that Magyar will hold his promises to restore the rule of law and the press freedom in particular?Kata Olah, editorial manager at 444, a Hungarian independent media, answers to my questions in this special episode of Briefed.Prod

Building renovation - How Europeans are wasting billions of euros
The European Union is investing tens of billions of euros to make our homes more energy efficient. Yet, according to a new report, much of that money is delivering only limited results.So why isn't EU funding having the impact it was supposed to?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio
![Does Alexis Tsipras stand a chance of becoming Greece's Prime Minister again? [Special episode with Ioannis Tsioulis]](https://assets.pippa.io/shows/62c698ba05e339001287cf17/1768986162135-d10f668d-b9ba-4f6c-b5c2-04d3ed94d1b6.jpeg)
Does Alexis Tsipras stand a chance of becoming Greece's Prime Minister again? [Special episode with Ioannis Tsioulis]
Today's episode of Briefed is a conversation with Ioannis Tsioulis, journalist for the Greek independent media Popaganda, to talk about the comeback of Alexis Tsipras in Greece ahead of next years general elections. What does Tsipras propose, and does he stand a chance to win the election? Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Aca

Is the EU really a safe place for transgender people?
In March, the EU’s top court ruled in favour of a Bulgarian transgender woman who wanted to correct the gender and name recorded in her civil registry. Some say this is a landmark decision for trans rights in Europe. But what is actually the state of transgender rights in Europe?This episode was co-written with Emma Belmonte.Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow u

Could remigration become a realistic policy in Europe?
"Remigration". Born within the Belgian far right and later embraced in France and Austria, this concept refers to the forced or voluntary return of foreign nationals, but also legal migrants and even naturalised citizens, to their countries of origin. And it is becoming increasingly popular among right-wing forces across Europe.Is this racial, and xenophobic, policy really realistic and feasible?

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•Instagram Hosted on Acast. S

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• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

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•Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on A

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 •. Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m

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•Instagram Hosted on Aca

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:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 •. Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

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:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p

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:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri

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 • Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 • Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva

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 • Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf

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:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat

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:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast

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:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Ac

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:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info
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