Briefed - Your Daily European Podcast

Trump and Putin decide on Ukraine: Are EU-US relations at their worst?

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are reportedly pushing for peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, but with one major catch: Europe is being completely left out of the conversation. While the US and Russia make plans, European leaders are scrambling to figure out what’s next. Ursula von der Leyen insists Europe must remain at the center of negotiations, while António Costa bluntly states that the EU “cannot be treated as an ATM.” Are the EU- US relations at their worst?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Zelenskyy open to swap land with Putin and to give up Kursk

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has put forward a high-stakes geopolitical proposal: the possibility of a land swap with Vladimir Putin. The idea could fundamentally reshape the conflict, with Ukraine potentially offering part of the Kursk region, a territory that it has controlled inside Russia since a surprise incursion last year, in exchange for land currently occupied by Russia in Ukraine.

But is this a real step toward peace, or a dangerous precedent?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

EU promises ‘firm and proportionate’ retaliation to Trump’s tariffs

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security have responded this morning to the U.S. tariffs on aluminum and steel announced overnight, calling them unjustified and vowing that the EU will respond with "firm and proportionate countermeasures." Translation? The EU is getting ready to hit back.

 But how will these tariffs impact Europe, and can the EU really strike back?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

France bets big: Can €109 billion put Europe ahead in AI?

France is making a bold move in the AI race with a €109 billion investment, backed by private and international investors. But can Europe really compete with the US and China, or is it still too caught up in regulations? As Brussels shifts from AI watchdog to innovation hub, questions remain over funding, infrastructure, and Europe’s place in the AI-driven future. 

In this episode, we break down the numbers, the power plays, and what it all means for Europe’s tech landscape.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Truck Drivers : A life on the road 1/6

In Europe, there is a shortage of around 230,000 truck drivers, but by 2028 there will be as many as 745,000 vacancies. Excessive working hours, inadequate wages and long periods away from home are the main causes of this shortage of truck drivers, but the issue is much more complex. In order to understand why this great labour gap exists and what it could mean for our societies and personal lives, we travelled by truck between Spain, France and Germany. Our journey begins with this first instalment.  

This podcast is part of WePod, a collaborative project funded by the European Commission's Creative Europe program.

• Hosting and Narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci
• Field reporting and research: Manu Tomillo and Futura D'Aprile
• Editor-in-chief of the French and English version: Alexander Damiano Ricci
• Sound design and editing: Jeremy Boquet
• Original visual design by: Agencia Player
• Visual adaptation for the French version by: Watermelon Collective
• Producer: Futura D’Aprile
• Executive producer: Ana Ribera
• Production coordinator: Alexander Damiano Ricci

This co-production is funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the authority that funded this work can be held responsible for these views and opinions.

USAID Freeze: America steps back, Europe steps up?

Since Donald Trump’s reelection or even before that Washington’s foreign policy has been shifting from soft power to hard power. Translation? More tanks, fewer textbooks. More weapons, less humanitarian aid. The EU, which has long relied on the U.S. for global development efforts, is now looking at a major funding vacuum as USAID, America’s premier development agency, freezes nearly $40 billion in foreign aid.

So what was USAID funding exactly, and who is expected to cover the gaps now?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Spyware scandal in Italy: journalists, activists, and government denial

When WhatsApp alerts you that military-grade spyware hacked your phone, it’s not just paranoia, it’s reality. At least seven people in Italy, including journalists and activists, and another 83 people in more than 24 countries were targeted using Israeli-made spyware. 

The Italian government denies involvement, but questions remain: Who ordered the hacks? And what does this mean for press freedom and privacy in Europe?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

What is the new special tribunal to try Putin for the Ukraine invasion?

Legal experts from the European Commission, the European External Action Service, the Council of Europe, Ukraine, and representatives from 37 countries agreed on the legal framework for a special tribunal to try Vladimir Putin and his officials for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

The experts finalized the so-called ‘Schuman draft Statute’, the core legal text governing the tribunal’s functioning.

But, will this tribunal really bring justice? Will Putin ever pay for what he has done in Ukraine?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Trump’s tariff gamble and the price the EU may pay

Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US will “definitely” impose tariffs on the EU, citing concerns over the US trade deficit with Europe. While Trump has previously made threats without following through, some of his recent tariff measures, particularly on Canada and China, have been implemented stressing European leaders.  

But is Trump really going to impose tariffs on the EU, and if so what would the impact be?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

EU Defence spending: big plans, little budget

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels today, Monday, to discuss defense spending, without committing to real investments. This follows weeks of debate on the issue, fueled by growing concerns that Russia could test and destabilize Europe’s defenses at any moment. 

But instead of concrete funding plans, the focus of this meeting will be on identifying the EU’s priorities, securing necessary financial resources, and reinforcing existing partnerships.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Truck Drivers : [Trailer]

Truck Drivers is the story of an indispensable profession, but also of an economic and logistical system under strain. It’s a story of exploitation, fierce competition, and an equilibrium that has spiraled out of control. Every day, thousands of trucks crisscross Europe’s roads to deliver the products we consume without a second thought. This immense and often invisible supply chain is, nonetheless, essential to our daily lives. But this vital sector is in crisis: already, 230,000 drivers are missing across Europe, a number that could exceed 700,000 in the coming years. Embark on a truck journey across Europe and discover the stories of those whose work connects us every day. A profession that, on its own, has the power to paralyze all of Europe.

Merkel slams Merz: Has Germany’s CDU opened the door to the far-right?

Angela Merkel has spoken, and she’s not happy. Three years after stepping down as Germany’s chancellor, she’s publicly criticizing her successor, CDU leader Friedrich Merz, for breaking a long-standing taboo: relying on far-right AfD votes to pass an anti-immigration motion in parliament. With Germany’s elections just weeks away, Merkel’s intervention has ignited a fierce debate over whether the firewall against the far-right is crumbling for good. What does this mean for Germany, Europe, and the future of mainstream conservatism? 

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

The EU stands firm with Denmark against Trump’s Greenland ambitions

Donald Trump is once again saying Greenland should belong to the U.S., but Denmark, and the EU, aren’t having it. European Council President António Costa reminded everyone that Europe doesn’t take kindly to territorial threats and European leaders have rallied behind Denmark, making it clear that Greenland is not for sale or for the taking. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has been securing support across Europe, while Greenland’s government firmly rejects any U.S. takeover. 

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Is the EU’s Competitive Compass the end of the Green Deal?

The Competitive Compass is the Commission’s roadmap for strengthening the EU’s economy in a rapidly changing global market. It focuses on key priorities like reducing regulatory burdens, increasing investment in innovation, and helping European businesses compete with their U.S. and Chinese counterparts. 

And so far so good, but what does this mean for the EU’s environmental goals? Is the Competitive Compass the beginning of the end for the Green Deal?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Fast fashion and climate change - How is Europe tackling textile waste?

Fast fashion is responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions, more than aviation and shipping combined, and its environmental toll continues to rise. The industry thrives on overproduction and overconsumption, flooding the market with cheap, disposable clothing that drives a growing textile waste crisis. Across Europe, millions of tonnes of textiles are incinerated, dumped in landfills, or exported to countries where waste management systems are overstretched, causing severe environmental and social repercussions.

This episode explores the hidden costs of fast fashion and Europe’s response to this crisis with EU-wide regulations aimed at promoting circularity, reducing waste, and addressing microplastics.

Sabotage in the Baltic: What’s happening with the cables?

A critical undersea cable connecting Sweden and Latvia was damaged in Swedish waters. This isn't just a technical hiccup, it’s a geopolitical flashpoint. Was it an innocent accident caused by bad weather? Or is there a more sinister force at play? Sweden’s coastguard seized a Bulgarian-owned tanker, NATO stepped up patrols under its Baltic Sentry mission, and suspicions of sabotage are hanging heavy in the air.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Justice for Tempe: Greeks fight for truth as new evidence emerges

Nearly two years after Greece’s worst railway disaster, tens of thousands took to the streets demanding accountability for the 57 lives lost. 

In this episode, we take a look into the Tempe train tragedy, unpack the damning evidence of missing CCTV footage, the undisclosed presence of flammable materials, and the alleged cover-ups that have surrounded the case.Why is this case more than just a Greek issue and what should happen next? 

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

German elections: Merz’s vision for Germany and what it means for Europe

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s conservative CDU party, is tipped to become the next chancellor. His party is leading the polls by a wide margin ahead of the February 23 election. If elected, Merz would replace Olaf Scholz and bring a decisive shift in both foreign and domestic policies. But what is his vision for Germany’s and Europe’s future and what can we expect after February 23rd?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Kallas and Tusk: The EU needs higher defence spending

"There is no choice." That’s how Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk laid it out yesterday in the European Parliament, while outlining the priorities of Poland during its EU rotating presidency. His message? Europe must arm itself, not just to survive but to thrive in a world where reliance on the U.S. for security is increasingly precarious. 

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative echoed this sentiment emphasising the urgent need for the EU to take responsibility for its defence.Is this a shift in Europe’s defense strategy? And are we saying yes to Donald Trump’s demands on NATO spending?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Europe wake-up: Can Davos be the alarm the EU can’t ignore?

Global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos are sounding the alarm, Europe is losing ground. With the world charging ahead, Europe risks being left behind, tangled in over-regulation and a lack of innovation. Former European Council President Charles Michel is calling for bold action, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggests Europe is prioritising red tape over progress. 

Is Europe really sleepwalking into catastrophe, as some claim? And more importantly, how can we turn things around before it’s too late?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Europe Talks Back : [Trailer]

Europe Talks Back is a journalistic podcast that unpacks the social, political, environmental, and cultural events and trends shaping Europe today. Combining the sharp expertise of guests from the field of politics, economy, and NGOs with unique insights based on on-the-ground reporting of independent media, Europe Talks Back offers a fresh perspective on European matters, which goes beyond the headlines.

Join Evi Kiorri every last Wed of the month to dissect these and other themes at the heart of European debates. 

Europe's new challenges: defense, energy, and trade with Trump’s return

In today’s episode of Long Story Short, we explore how President Donald Trump’s return to the global stage shakes Europe’s delicate balance. From his bold calls for NATO allies to spend 5% of GDP on defense to promises of cheap American LNG that could replace Russian energy, Trump’s policies pose tough choices for European leaders. Meanwhile, fears of a looming trade war add to the pressure as Europe struggles to safeguard its economic stability, strategic autonomy, and climate ambitions. 

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Over 100 Slovak psychiatrists urge Fico to change or exit politics

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is facing sharp criticism from 155 mental health professionals, who’ve signed an open letter accusing him of authoritarian tendencies, divisive rhetoric, and policies that undermine Slovakia’s position in the EU and NATO. 

How has the government reacted, and what are the public’s fears?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Polish prosecutors ask to lift immunity to charge former PM Morawiecki

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Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki is under fire for his pandemic-era push for a mail-in election that cost millions and broke the rules. In today’s episode of Long Story Short, we unpack why prosecutors want to lift Morawiecki’s parliamentary immunity, what this case means for Poland and Europe’s democracies, and what’s next for the former PM and other key players. 

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

France’s no-confidence vote: Bayrou struggles to tackle €53B deficit

Today on Long Story Short, we focus on the political drama unfolding in France as Prime Minister François Bayrou faces a no-confidence vote in parliament. With a divided government, mounting public discontent over pension reforms, and wavering Socialist support, Bayrou’s ability to lead hangs in the balance. Will his last-minute concessions be enough to keep his fragile coalition intact? And what would a government collapse mean for France’s future, and the rest of Europe?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Ceasefire in Gaza: hope or illusion as Europe watches

In today’s episode of Long Story Short, we look into the potential ceasefire in Gaza and the high-stakes negotiations surrounding the release of Israeli hostages. With over 46,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis killed, the toll of this conflict is staggering. What could this agreement mean for peace, Europe’s role in global diplomacy, and regional stability? 

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Europe’s toxic crisis: Plastics industry lobbying to shield 'forever chemicals’

Forever chemicals, the toxic, indestructible substances hiding in our everyday lives are threatening Europe’s environment and public health. From their staggering cleanup costs to the plastics industry’s relentless lobbying to block a ban, this episode unpacks the high stakes of PFAS pollution. Why should Europeans care? Because these chemicals don’t just stay in factories, they seep into our water, soil, and bodies. Tune in to explore what’s being done, what’s standing in the way, and why it’s crucial to act now.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Croatia’s Milanović wins big: EU critics take charge… again

Zoran Milanović has been re-elected as Croatia’s president in a landslide victory, but what does this mean for Croatia and Europe? Join Evi Kiorri as she unpacks the political tensions, the EU skepticism, and the rising frustrations driving change in the Balkans. From corruption scandals to soaring inflation, we explore what’s next for Milanović, Croatia, and the European Union.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Musk's bizarre livestream with AfD's Weidel, EU's DSA and Martians fantasies

Elon Musk had a chaotic livestream with Alice Weidel, co-chair of Germany's far-right AfD party, ahead of Germany's 2025 election. From awkward moments to bizarre claims about Martian saviours and historical blunders, Musk's endorsement of Weidel raises serious questions about tech influence on European politics and had the opposite effects of boosting AfD.

The conversation also highlights potential violations of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which could set a troubling precedent for social media's role in shaping elections.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Cecilia Sala freed, Meloni’s diplomatic triumph

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has returned home being arrested in Tehran on December 19, Sala’s harrowing 3-week detention in the notorious Evin prison took a surprising turn with her release on January 8. With the involvement of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who personally took charge of the diplomatic negotiations, the case turned into a symbolic victory for both Italy and Meloni herself.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.