College of Europe Podcast (Bruges)

CSDP 11 - Military, Civilian and Student Readiness

In this episode of CSDP, Léonie Bontoux and Giulio Croce interview Philippe Perchoc, Director of the IRSEM Europe (the Research Institute of the French Ministry of Armed Forces). 

In this conversation, they discuss European interoperability, the evolution of the French nuclear doctrine following President Macron’s speech at Ile Longue on the 2nd of March 2026, how Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are countering Russian hybrid warfare, and the implementation of artificial intelligence in the field of security and defence.

This podcast was recorded on the 7th of March 2026 and is produced by students at the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

CSDP 10 - Foreign Manipulation Interference in Europe

In this episode of CSDP, Giulio Croce interviews Teresa Coratella, Deputy Head of the European Council on Foreign Relations in Rome. 

In this conversation, they discuss Foreign Information Manipulation Interference (FIMI) and cognitive warfare, coming both from Russia and China and from the United States. FIMI is the frontier of hybrid warfare, with the ability to exploit the openness of democratic societies and manipulate public opinion. To be fit for the future, the EU and its Member States need to find a way to shield democratic processes from information manipulation. 

This podcast was recorded on the 10th of February 2026 and is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

Cottage Chaos & Canadian Birds

In Episode 2 of the Geopolitics of Heated Rivalry podcast, Professor Michele Chang and Luis Matos break down episodes four through six, where Shane and Ilya navigate panic attacks, tuna melts, and one very judgmental Canadian bird on their journey from awkward flirtation to cozy cottage romance.

Beyond the drama, the discussion dives into queer politics, identity, and representation, exploring everything from heteronormative tropes to the very real pressures faced by queer individuals in Central and Eastern Europe. Guests Arthur Crisci and Coralie Ballieu bring sharp insights, humor, and just enough snark to keep the analysis as entertaining as the show itself.

All rights to the books, series, and other referenced materials are reserved to their respective authors and creators.

Shane's Russia Tutorial

In this episode, Professor Michele Chang, Director of Studies of the Master in Transatlantic Affairs at the College of Europe, joins Academic Assistants Coralie Balieu and Luís Matos, and politics student Louise Msalan to explore key moments in Russia–West relations through unexpected parallels with the show’s timeline. Recorded at the College of Europe, this conversation looks at how pop culture narratives can offer fresh perspectives on international relations and contemporary geopolitics.

All rights to the books, series, and other referenced materials are reserved to their respective authors and creators.

Interview with Cecilia Pellosniemi - Diplomacy Unfiltered

From starting at the College of Europe, Cecilia Pellosniemi has worked at the European Parliament, supported the Syrian Women's Advisory Board at the UN, and navigated peace processes from Myanmar to the Middle East. She joins Leah Tillmann-Morris and Saskia Nijenhuis on this episode of Democracy Unfiltered to talk about peace processes, what meaningful women's participation in diplomacy actually looks like, and how change really happens inside the world's biggest multilateral institutions.

Interview with Dr Nicholas Westcott- Diplomacy Unfiltered

In the first episode of the Young Diplomats Society podcast, İrem İlksoy and Leah Tillmann-Morris interview Dr Nicholas Westcott about his diplomatic career and experience for over thirty years in the UK’s FCDO and the EU’s EEAS. Dr Westcott (Nick) gives his perspectives on what makes negotiations succeed or fail, what the UK and EU diplomatic services could learn from one another, the glamour and sacrifices of a diplomatic lifestyle, and how diplomacy is changing in the modern world.

This podcast is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.”

CSDP 9 - Conversation with HRVP Kaja Kallas: Insights for Future European Diplomats

In this short but insightful episode of CSDP, the first of the Victoria Amelina Promotion' season for the Security & Defence Society at the College of Europe, Giulio Croce and Léonie Bontoux sit with High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat, on the occasion of her presence as the guest speaker of the Victoria Amelina’s Opening Ceremony.

In this dynamic and optimistic conversation, they discuss a variety of topics, including her personal vision of the role of the ‘EU chief diplomat’ compared to being a national elected politician, her main advice to aspiring diplomats and passionate EU students in these complex geopolitical times, and political commitment in younger generations. 

This podcast was recorded on the 27th of October and is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

Publications at the College of Europe #14 – Professor Oriane Calligaro

In this episode of the College of Europe Podcast, students and faculty of the College welcomed Professor Oriane Calligaro, Associate Professor of Political Science at the Université Catholiquede Lille. Her work examines the history and politics of European integration, with particular attention to the cultural and symbolic dimensions of the European project — how the EU seeks to narrate itself through culture, values, and memory. She is the author of Negotiating Europe: EU Promotion of Europeanness since the 1950s and has published widely on questions of European identity, memory politics, and the role of culture in EU governance.

In this lecture, entitled “Are Flanders Fields a European Site of Memory? The Arduous Quest for a European Remembrance of War,” Professor Calligaro reflected on the ways in which the memory of the First World War has been mobilised (and sometimes contested) in attempts to craft a European narrative. Her intervention opened a broader discussion on the possibilities, limits, and political implications of imagining a shared European remembrance of war.

Keynote speech of the Flanders Fields Lecture and Study Trip of the College of Europe, this session and the discussions invite curious listeners and European politics enthusiasts to engage critically with how Europe interprets its past and how these memory practices resonate with contemporary and future challenges for the European project.

CSDP 8 - Great Power Politics in the Sahel: Europe’s Role and Choices

In this eighth episode of CSDP, Antonio Tintoré Vicent is joined by Ambassador João Cravinho to discuss great power politics in the Sahel and what is at stake for Europe. Ambassador Cravinho is the EU Special Representative for the Sahel and formerly served as Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence.

The conversation explores the Sahel as a theatre of global competition, assessing the EU’s strategic interests alongside the United States’ diminished role, Russia’s military-focused presence, and China’s growing economic influence. The discussion also considers how local actors are gaining new leverage and what Europe must do to make its broader, long-term offer of political, economic, and institutional engagement more attractive.

This podcast was recorded on the 17th of March 2025 and is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

Spain’s Role in the European Union

This is the fifth episode of the podcast Europe: A Union of Regions or of Nations?, brought to you by La Voix du Collège.

In this podcast, we look at the role of different Member States within the European Union, examining how national and European interests interact. Each Member State brings its own priorities and plays a different role in shaping European Integration.

Today, our guest is MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez, and we discuss with him the question: What is Spain’s role in the European Union?

Stay tuned for our next episode to look at another Member State!

This podcast is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

The Netherlands’ Role in the European Union

This is the fourth episode of the podcast Europe: A Union of Regions or of Nations?, brought to you by La Voix du Collège.

In this podcast, we look at the role of different Member States within the European Union, examining how national and European interests interact. Each Member State brings its own priorities and plays a different role in shaping European Integration.

Today, our guest is APA Teun Janssen, and we discuss with him the question: What is the Netherlands’ role in the European Union?

Stay tuned for our next episode to look at another Member State!

This podcast is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

Germany’s Role in the European Union

This is the third episode of the podcast Europe: A Union of Regions or of Nations?, brought to you by La Voix du Collège.

In this podcast, we look at the role of different Member States within the European Union, examining how national and European interests interact. Each Member State brings its own priorities and plays a different role in shaping European Integration.

Today, our guest is MEP Daniel Freund, and we discuss with him the question: What is Germany’s role in the European Union?

Stay tuned for our next episode to look at another Member State!

This podcast is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

CSDP 7 - European Economic Statecraft in a World of Weaponised Interdependence

In this seventh episode of CSDP, Antonio Tintoré Vicent is joined by Professor Abraham Newman to discuss the rise of geoeconomics and how Europe should adapt to an era of weaponised interdependence. Professor Newman teaches at Georgetown University and is co-author of Underground Empire: How America Weaponized the World Economy, a landmark book on the geopolitics of globalisation and control over chokepoints in the international system. 

This conversation covers the strategic rationale behind Trump’s trade wars, the debate around weaponising interdependence, and the institutional reforms Europe needs to stay competitive in an age where economic power is increasingly politicised. Drawing on recent visits to Japan and Taiwan, Professor Newman also shares insights into how these debates are playing out in other democracies. Finally, the episode considers the future of the WTO and efforts to build international norms around economic coercion.

This podcast is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

Spain’s Role in the European Union

This is the second episode of the podcast Europe: A Union of Regions or of Nations?, brought to you by La Voix du Collège.

In this podcast, we look at the role of different Member States within the European Union, examining how national and European interests interact. Each Member State brings its own priorities and plays a unique role in shaping European Integration.

Today, our guest is MEP Adrián Vázquez Lázara, and we discuss with him the question: What is Spain’s role in the European Union?

Stay tuned for our next episode to look at another Member State!

This podcast is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

Italy’s Role in the European Union

This is the first episode of the podcast Europe: A Union of Regions or of Nations?, brought to you by La Voix du Collège, and in this episode, also in collaboration with the Italian Society. 

This podcast aims to examine the role of different Member States in the European Union. 

We are often taught that the EU is an international organisation, even if a sui generis one, where Member States remain central actors in its development. Many of the decisions made in Brussels require consensus at the national level, ensuring that national capitals continue to shape the European agenda. 

To understand how the EU works today, looking at the interaction between national and European interests is essential. Each Member State brings its own priorities and plays a different role in shaping the Union's decisions. Through this podcast, we take a closer look at this dynamic by exploring the contrast between two visions of European integration: a Union of Regions vs. a Union of Nations. 

In this first episode, our guest is MEP Dario Nardella (S&D) and we discuss with him the question: What is Italy’s role in the European Union? 

Stay tuned for our next episode to look at another Member State! 

This podcast is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe. 

CSDP 6 - Europe Wakes Up: What the ReArm Agenda means for the future of EU defence

In this sixth episode of CSDP, Antonio Tintoré Vicent is joined by Dr. Daniel Fiott to explore the EU’s evolving defence agenda. Dr. Fiott is Head of the Defence and Statecraft Programme at the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy and one of Europe’s leading experts on defence industrial policy. This conversation unpacks the significance of the White Paper on Defence and the ReArm programme, while offering a broader reflection on defence spending, EU-NATO relations, and the prospects for an integrated European defence market. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of European security cooperation.

This podcast is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

CSDP 5 - The Raisina Dialogue, the Global South and the Future of Global Governance

In this episode, we speak with Manuel Muñiz, Provost of IE University and former Secretary of State for Global Spain. Dr. Muñiz is currently attending the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, so we took this opportunity to discuss how India and the Global South are viewing recent developments in global affairs— from ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine to the Sino-American rivalry. We also explored what this means for the future of international governance and Europe's potential in fostering North-South dialogue.

In the College Security and Defence Podcast (CSDP) students Alexander Neuhalfen and Pol Koopman delve into the many subjects that buzz around in European diplomacy, security and defence. Through interviewing a wide array of guests they hope to make sense of these often complex topics, while at the same time providing something nice and entertaining to listen to. This podcast is a collaboration of the College of Europe students' Security and Defence Society and Young Diplomats Society.

This podcast is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

CSDP 4 - In the World's Forge - how the Clash of Powers Shapes Europe (and how we should deal with this)

In this fourth episode of the College Security and Defence Podcast series, Pol Koopman talks with researcher Pierre Haroche about his newest book: "Dans la forge du Monde - comment le choc des puissances façonne l'Europe". Europe has made quite a name for itself on the global stage. From the centuries of European empire and brutal colonialism, to the bipolar great power competition of the Cold War with Europe as the battleground, to our current time where Europe seems to have become a mere province of where real power lies. Is this actually a bad development? And how should Europeans deal with this unknown reality? You'll find out all about it - and more - in this episode.

In the College Security and Defence Podcast (CSDP) students Alexander Neuhalfen and Pol Koopman delve into the many subjects that buzz around in European diplomacy, security and defence. Through interviewing a wide array of guests they hope to make sense of these often complex topics, while at the same time providing something nice and entertaining to listen to. This podcast is a collaboration of the College of Europe students' Security and Defence Society and Young Diplomats Society.

CSDP 3 - A Changing Middle East: Risks and Opportunities for Europe

In this third episode of CSDP, Antonio Tintoré Vicent sits down with Julien Barnes-Dacey to discuss some of the latest developments in Middle East geopolitics. Julien is the Director of the MENA programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations and was previously based in Egypt, Syria and Iraq as a journalist. The discussion covered everything from the fall of Assad's regime and the ceasefire in Gaza to Iran's nuclear programme and Israeli-Saudi normalisation. Listen in if you want to learn what's at stake for Europe and how it should position itself amidst all this change.

This podcast is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

Learn more about the College of Europe Societies:

CSDP 2 - Coexistence, cooperation or competition? The EU and NATO's complicated relationship

In this second episode of CSDP, Alexander Neuhalfen sits down with Alexandros Papaioannou to talk EU-NATO relations. He is a college alumnus and a visiting professor at the College of Europe in Bruges. Ms Papaioannou is a career diplomat at the Greek ministry of Foreign Affairs and he has worked for over 10 years at NATO – first as Advisor in the Office of the Secretary General and later as Policy officer in charge of NATO-EU relations. So he knows all about the complicated relationship of these two institutional structures.

This podcast is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

Learn more about the College of Europe Societies:

College Security and Defence Podcast (CSDP)

In this first episode of our new College Security and Defence Podcast series we dive into the much contested topic of EU Strategic Autonomy with researcher Tara Varma of the Brookings Institution in Washington DC. What does Strategic Autonomy even mean? Does this include a strong Transatlantic Partnership or is Europe better off alone? How does the rest of the world view strategic autonomy? And what can College students do to contribute to this goal? You'll hear it all - and much more - in this first episode.

This podcast is produced by students of the College of Europe. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the College of Europe.

Learn more about the College of Europe Societies:

CoEnnect Digital Policy Talks: Discussing FIMI, resilience, hybrid campaigns, and the role of technologies with Jakub Kalenský

The guest of the very last CoEnnect podcast of the Albright promotion was Jakub Kalenský, from the Hybrid CoE, where he is the Deputy Director of the Centre’s Hybrid Influence COI focusing on safeguarding democratic processes. He specialises in countering Russian disinformation and hybrid activities. In the past, he worked for the EEAS’s East Stratcom task force, where he was among the founding members of the EUvsDisinfo campaign. He currently also teaches in the Natolin campus of the College of Europe. Markéta Šonková (IRD) spoke with him about the role of technologies in hybrid campaigns, disinformation campaigns at large and how to counter them, European elections and elections in Europe, and cooperation across the stakeholder pool.

CoEnnect Digital Policy Talks: Discussing trends in digital diplomacy, digital governance models, monopolies, and digital divides with Jovan Kurbalija

Digital technologies and diplomacy have become an integral part of public engagement. In that regard, Geneva plays an important role as one of the world’s leading digital hubs. To that end, Haritz Echarren (IRD) and Markéta Šonková (IRD) spoke with Dr. Jovan Kurbalija, the Executive Director of DiploFoundation, an international non-profit organization dedicated to building expertise and conducting research in digital diplomacy, internet governance, and technology policy. They discussed a number of topics ranging from societal effects and implications of generative AI, trends in digital diplomacy, digital governance models, long-termism and monopolies, as well as digital divides between developing and developed countries. 

CoEnnect Digital Policy Talks: Discussing disinformation online, modern technologies, AI, and FIMI with Kristína Šefčíková

The topic of disinformation has become a constant in the current security discourse. With the boom in modern technologies and the rise of AI, coupled with the earlier shift that came with social media and online media platforms, a new urgency appeared as regards addressing the threat stemming from disinformation and foreign information manipulation and influence (FIMI) online. Markéta Šonková (IRD) talked about these issues with Kristína Šefčíková, a project manager at Prague Security Studies Institute, a Prague-based security-oriented think tank. Kristína specializes in disinformation, strategic communication, and foreign malign influence, with a specific focus on the area of Central and Eastern Europe. They discussed the rising risk of disinformation and misinformation, EU tools aimed at countering these threats, the role of AI, algorithms, and modern technologies, as well as resilience of democratic societies vis a vis these threats, including during the most recent European elections.

CoEnnect Digital Policy Talks: Discussing artificial intelligence in the EU, regulation and innovation, global standards and cooperation with Boniface de Champris

The CoEnnect Digital Society, represented by Nicolas Rocher (POL), interviewed Mr. Boniface de Champris, Senior AI Policy Manager at the Computer & Communications Industry Association. This international, non-profit association represents a wide range of firms in the computer, communications, and internet industries. Their discussion covered various topics related to artificial intelligence within the EU, including the AI Act and its implications for companies, the establishment of global AI standards and Europe's role in this process, cooperation with the US, EU innovation, funding and skills development, and the next European Commission's role in fostering a thriving AI landscape.

Une citoyenneté sans Etat ? La citoyenneté européenne dans un « territoire-devenir ». (Teresa Pullano et Nicole Dewandre)

Ecoutez le nouvel épisode du podcast de la série Global Europe in the Real New Millenium ! Il est intéressant de s’interroger sur les conditions générales dans lesquelles prennent place ces élections et de se pencher sur la question de la citoyenneté européenne. Dans cet épisode, vous entendrez une discussion entre les philosophes Teresa Pullano et Nicole Dewandre. Le travail de Teresa Pullano prend pour objet la recomposition de la citoyenneté européenne. Elle l’envisage comme une forme spécifique de la structure étatique au-delà de la nation, en particulier en relation à la recomposition de l’espace et de la gouvernementalité à l’échelle continentale. 

Cet épisode est produit dans le cadre du cycle de conférence « Global Europe in the Real New Millenium » organisé par le Programme d’Etudes Générales européennes du Collège et dirigé par Didier Georgakakis. 

Profitez de la conversation et n’oubliez pas de vous inscrire pour écouter notre prochain épisode. 

Production : Margaux Cognard

Are we Europeans ? Post-national Identities in Europe. (William Outhwaite, Luis Bouza Garcia and Alvaro Oleart)

Listen to the new episode of the podcast series Global Europe in the Real New Millenium! In this episode, Professor William Outhwaire, from Newcastle University, is explaining his research linked to European Identities, notably from his last book Transregional Europe. He will question whether we can talk about a European society, an important concept when it comes to the link between European institutions and its citizens. Professor Outhwaite will be discussed by Luis Bouza, visiting Professor at the College of Europe and Alvaro Oleart, Post-doctoral researcher at Université Libre de Bruxelles.

This episode is produced within the framework of the conference series “Global Europe in the Real New Millenium” organised by the European General Studies Programme and led by Didier Georgakakis. 

Enjoy the discussion and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel to listen to our next episode. 

Production : Margaux Cognard

CoEnnect Digital Policy Talks: Discussing the DSA, its implementation, enforcement, and global impact with Agne Kaarlep

CoEnnect Digital Society at the College of Europe, represented by Markéta Šonková (IRD), has recently had the chance to interview Agne Kaarlep, the Head of Policy & Advisory at Tremau. They discussed the Digital Services Act, its implementation, enforcement, and the chances of the legislation having a global impact. 

CoEnnect Digital Policy Talks: Discussing digital and multilateral diplomacy, digital regulation, and the “Brussels Effect” with Radka Sibille

CoEnnect Digital Society, represented by Markéta Šonková (IRD), interviewed Ms. Radka Sibille, the Digital Affairs Advisor at the Delegation of the European Union to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva. They discussed a range of topics, which all revolve around digital diplomacy within the EU context, bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, and digital regulation, most specifically the AI Act and DSA. They also touched upon global digital governance, how the EU fits in the ecosystem, the “Brussels Effect”, and last, but not least, the digital priorities for the years to come. 

CoEnnect Digital Policy Talks: Discussing digital regulation and its global impact, concerns of the tech companies, and healthy competition with Constantin Gissler

This episode of CoEnnect Digital Talks brings you an interview by Haritz Echarren and Markéta Šonková (both IRD) with Constantin Gissler, the Director-General of DOT Europe, an association representing the voice of over 20 leading tech companies providing their services in the EU. The podcast touches off of a broad range of topics; from regulation and its global impact, artificial intelligence, transparency, healthy competition, digital sovereignty and autonomy, concerns of the tech companies, as well as potential policy topics for the next European Commission.