Brussels Playbook Podcast

One of the Commission’s oldest and most powerful departments may be heading for a dramatic overhaul — or even extinction. 

DG REGIO oversees the hundreds of billions of euros that go towards the social development of local regions and cities. But its potential restructuring by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is a clear sign that the EU's aims are shifting. Zoya and Ian explain the thinking behind this redesign and the wide-ranging impacts.

Also, after just a year as German chancellor, Friedrich Merz’s popularity is plunging to new lows. His most recent comeback tour around the country — aimed at reviving support — has backfired. On the show, we try to understand why the conservative leader is struggling to connect with Germans.

Finally: Purchasing a train ticket across Europe is a convoluted process that involves different railway operators from different countries. The European Commission wants to simplify that ... but it won’t be easy.

Do you work at the European Commission? We’d love to hear your take on the DG REGIO restructuring or big reshuffles taking place in other departments! Send us a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Anonymity guaranteed if you need it.
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Ukraine wants Europe more involved in peace efforts with Russia — but who exactly would represent Europe in those talks? After Vladimir Putin floated former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a possible negotiator, Brussels reacted with disbelief.

Host Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack the growing debate around Europe’s role in future peace negotiations, including Nick’s interview with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Zoya’s conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on why Ottawa is moving closer to Europe on Ukraine, defense and security.

Then: Europe’s latest attempt to get ahead of the artificial intelligence boom before it spirals out of control. From a new child-focused AI safety institute unveiled in Copenhagen with Ursula von der Leyen and Hillary Clinton, to Belgium’s push for an AI “coalition of the willing.”

And finally: Influencers could soon get access to EU summits, doorsteps and press conferences as part of a new European Council pilot project.

Do you have a name in mind? Send us your recommendations on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.
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When foreign ministers meet in Brussels today, Israel and Russia will likely dominate the agenda.

Today on the pod, Zoya and Nick discuss why the bloc might finally be able to move forward on sanctioning several Israeli individuals involved with settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Plus, the EU is looking to move forward on a new round of sanctions towards Russia, hoping to pressure Moscow back to the negotiating table.

Also on the show, the Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told Zoya in an exclusive interview that the EU needs to build its own military. He argues, with Russia on its doorstep and U.S. President Donald Trump turning away from the bloc, “this is the moment of the sovereignty and independence of Europe.”

And finally, the film industry is freaking out about what a far-right win in next year’s presidential election could mean for francophone cinema.

We’re curious: Do you have a favorite film from France or your own country? Send it along to us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.
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We’re talking identity this week on EU Confidential — in more ways than one.

First, host Sarah Wheaton sits down with Theresa Kuhn, professor of European studies at the University of Amsterdam, who has led a major research project tracking how European identity has evolved across the continent over the past five decades.

At a moment when Europe feels tense, vulnerable and under pressure, Kuhn’s research suggests people in many countries may actually feel more European than they used to. But what kind of European identity is growing? Who gets included in that idea of Europe — and who increasingly doesn’t? They also unpack how wars, migration, crises and the rise of the far right are reshaping the way Europeans see themselves.

Then, a different kind of identity question: the future of this show itself.

Back in February, we launched the Brussels Playbook Podcast — our daily 15-minute morning show running Monday through Thursday. And now, the Friday edition is officially joining the family under a new name: Week Ender.

There’ll be new cover art and a new sound … but the core idea remains the same: a deeper dive into the biggest stories shaping Europe each week.

To celebrate this new era, we brought in EU Confidential’s original host, Ryan Heath, to discuss how the political landscape (and audio equipment) has changed since he first helmed the show.

Questions or comments? Send a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.
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Péter Magyar promised a full reset between Hungary and Brussels after Viktor Orbán’s defeat — but the EU may be ready to unlock only part of Hungary’s frozen billions. Zoya Sheftalovich, dialing in from Madrid, and Sarah Wheaton unpack the first possible tensions emerging between Brussels and post-Orbán Hungary.

Then: a right-wing MEP is planning a trip to Russia — and inviting fellow lawmakers along. We discuss the controversy surrounding the proposed Moscow visit and the broader sensitivities regarding Russian influence in Brussels.

And finally, from Madrid, Zoya brings us what Spanish politicians and officials are saying about Pedro Sánchez, Donald Trump and Spain’s growing political gridlock at home.

We’d also love to hear from you: What does European identity mean to you? What makes you feel European — or not? Send a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.
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