Briefed - Your Daily European Podcast

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?

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?

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?

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?

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 water?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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/5OEOW3cBHbokwNHdpB62g9?si=TLjQBIjgT6ODLItV1A_Eag

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.

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 chance of becoming reality?

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?

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=764c46484e2d4246

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 comeback? And at what cost?

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.

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?

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?

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?

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 opportunity Angela Merkel had to become the new leader of the free world after Barack Obama left office in the United States.

Briefed will be back on Monday with a special episode on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

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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.

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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-Claude Juncker, Alexis Tsipras, and François Hollande.

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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 financial crisis. You’ll hear, in particular, from former President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, and former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

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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 chancellor, as well as Germany’s rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, and the Lisbon Treaty.

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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?

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?

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?

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?

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 Journalists of Ukraine) and Yousef Khader Habache (Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate – Europe), this episode focuses on the creation of Journalists’ Solidarity Centres: support hubs designed to help reporters operate in conflict environments.

From access to electricity and internet, to safety equipment and emergency funding, these hubs provide the basic infrastructure needed to sustain journalism in times of war.

In Ukraine, they were developed in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion. In Gaza, the model has been adapted to function in an environment where infrastructure has largely collapsed.

At the core of this episode: a simple question - how do you maintain journalism when the conditions to produce information no longer exist?

This episode was produced with the support of Voices. Europod retains full editorial responsibility for its content.

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?

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 series is cofunded by ESPON. However, the opinions and views expressed are solely those of the authors. ESPON can't be held responsible for them.”

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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?

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 finally ready to take tougher action against Israel?

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 fifteen people injured. So, where do things stand when it comes to the prospects for peace in Ukraine?

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?

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 that really the case?

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?

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.

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?

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?

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.

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?