Briefed - Your Daily European Podcast

The Right to Decide - Episode 2: Women’s rights under threat

Who is threatening women’s rights and why?

In the second episode of The Right to Decide, we uncover the forces driving the anti-gender movement with our host Sophie in ’t Veld and our guest Neil Datta, Executive Director of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights. From fake hotlines that discourage abortion to crisis pregnancy centres spreading disinformation, we reveal how a well-organised network of religious and political actors is working to roll back decades of democratic progress.

Europe’s digital scam epidemic: How big tech profits from fraud

Thousands of Europeans are losing their savings to fake investment ads on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. These scams use AI-generated deepfakes of politicians and celebrities, like Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius or Irish presidential candidate Heather Humphreys, to sell get-rich-quick schemes. 

All this information is coming to light after a months-long investigation by Investigate Europe, which uncovered how criminal networks are using AI, illegal call centres and social media ads to scam people across the continent.

So how do the scams work and what is Europe doing to prevent them? 

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

Crafts and hobbies bring Europeans back to themselves and each other

Across Europe, a quiet movement is taking shape. From knitting circles in Helsinki to pottery workshops in Brussels, people are rediscovering the simple, grounding act of making things by hand. What began for many as a way to fill the long days of lockdown has grown into something deeper, a form of self-care, a social bond, and even a small act of resistance against the relentless pace of modern life.

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we explore how creative practices such as ceramics, weaving and painting are reshaping wellbeing and community across the continent. We speak with Brussels-based designer and ceramicist Anna Tou, whose workshops offer people a chance to step away from their screens, slow down, and reconnect not just with clay, but with themselves.

Together, they reflect on the tactile joy of creation, the patience that crafting demands, and the way art and tradition continue to bring people together in an increasingly digital world.

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

‘Voluntary’ overtime: Inside Greece’s 13-hour workday

Greece’s parliament is voting today on a controversial labour reform proposed by the conservative government, allowing employees under “exceptional circumstances”  to work up to 13 hours a day, for up to 37 days a year. The government insists the measure is voluntary and designed to help workers earn more without having to take on a second job. 

But why do workers need to take on a second job just to survive in the first place, and what does this new bill change for them?

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

French PM freezes Macron’s pension law saving the government, for now

On Tuesday, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the suspension of Emmanuel Macron’s 2023 pension reform, which had raised the retirement age from 62 to 64. The reform, pushed through parliament without a vote, triggered months of nationwide protests and strikes, becoming one of the most divisive policies of Macron’s presidency. 

Now, two years after it was passed, its implementation will be paused until after the 2027 presidential election. But how is this suspension saving the government for now? 

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

Ministers discuss mutual deportations: could this be the EU’s new migration fix?

European interior ministers met in Luxembourg yesterday, with the meeting continuing today to discuss how to better manage migration, or at least how to convince voters that they’re doing so. At the centre of the talks is a proposal that would make deportation orders issued by one EU country automatically recognised by all others. 

But how would that actually work, and could it be the fix for the EU’s migration system?

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

Hostages freed ahead of peace summit in Egypt without Hamas

After more than two years of war between Israel and Hamas, all remaining living hostages have been released, a ceasefire has taken hold, and world leaders are gathering in Egypt to talk peace, but only one side of the conflict will be there. 

So, what kind of peace can be built without Hamas at the table?

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

The Right To Decide - Episode 1 - Abortion rights in Europe

What happens when the right to choose over your own body becomes a political battlefield?

The first episode of The Right to Decide explores the fight for abortion rights in Europe. Our host Sophie in ’t Veld sits down with Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, Polish MEP and long-time women’s rights defender, to explore one of the most contested issues in Europe today. From Poland’s near-total ban on abortion to France’s constitutional

protection, we uncover how control over reproduction has become a test for democracy itself.

A podcast by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights

Produced by Europod, in collaboration with Ambiorix Center

EU politicians contaminated with PFAS, will Brussels keep weakening the laws?

Over the summer, a group of 24 European politicians, ministers, commissioners, senior officials, agreed to have their blood tested for toxic PFAS chemicals. The results that now came out showed that every single one of them tested positive. 

But will these results push Brussels to act or to water down its own rules again?

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

Israel and Hamas agree to the Gaza ceasefire plan. Will it last?

After nearly two years of war in Gaza, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire deal, a development announced, rather dramatically, by US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account. 

But after so many failed ceasefires, how much hope can people on the ground really have this time?

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

Cohesion in action: How EU funding transforms European cities

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we take you on a journey through European cities to explore how the EU’s Cohesion Policy turns funding into tangible improvements for citizens. From Zagreb’s modernised heating networks to Poland’s energy-efficient schools and Portugal’s greener public transport, the episode reveals how European investments support sustainability, energy efficiency, and urban development. 

Featuring an in-depth conversation with Adrian Teban, mayor of Cugir, Romania, we discover how cohesion funds are translated into real-life changes, from renovated hospitals and schools equipped with new technologies to enhanced local mobility and infrastructure. With insights from ESPON research and examples of innovative projects, this episode shows that Cohesion Policy is not just a budget line in Brussels; it is about the long-term future of Europe’s cities.

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

A podcast by Europod, in cooperation with ESPON, an EU-funded programme that bridges research with policies

“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.”

Austria’s bid to free Russian assets tests EU unity on sanctions

EU ambassadors are once again meeting in Brussels this Wednesday trying to agree on a new round of sanctions against Russia. But this time Austria, besides Hungary and Slovakia, has thrown a spanner in the works.

Vienna is pushing for what it calls a “derogation”, a kind of legal exception, that would allow frozen Russian assets to be released under certain conditions. But why does Austria want to unfreeze money linked to sanctioned Russian oligarchs and where does that leave the rest of the EU? 

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

Two years since October 7th: Fragile Gaza peace talks continue

Today marks two years since Hamas carried out the deadliest terrorist attack in Israel’s history, when militants entered the Nova music festival, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Since then, many captives have been released in deals or ceasefires, but around 48 hostages remain in Gaza. Israel believes about 20 of them are still alive. Negotiations for their release, and for Trump’s Gaza peace plan, started on Monday and are continuing in a “positive” atmosphere aimed at reaching a ceasefire.

In these two years Israel’s retaliatory offensive on the Gaza Strip has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and displaced around 90% of Gaza’s roughly two million people. Entire neighbourhoods have been razed, humanitarian aid has been severely restricted, and famine is widespread. 

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

French PM quits hours after unveiling cabinet, plunging the country into chaos

France’s Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has resigned less than a month after being appointed and just 12 hours after presenting his new government. President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation this morning, with the Élysée Palace confirming the decision in a short statement.

But what led to the resignation and what happens now?

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

The Right To Decide - Teaser

Discover a new podcast!

What does it mean to lose control over your own body, your own life? The Right to Decide is a podcast about the fight for sexual and reproductive rights — and the forces trying to roll them back. From abortion access to sex education, from funding networks to online misinformation, each episode unpacks how anti-gender actors operate and what’s at stake for democracy.

Hosted by former MEP Sophie in ’t Veld.

Czech Election: Babiš comeback with populism and Russia in the background?

This Friday and Saturday, Czechs head to the polls to elect 200 lawmakers to the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of parliament. Polling stations open Friday afternoon and close Saturday at 2 p.m, with results expected that evening. For the first time, Czechs abroad can also vote by correspondence. But the real question for the Czechs is: will the outcome keep them firmly in Europe’s pro-Ukraine camp, or open the door to a government leaning toward populism and the far right?

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

France seizes Russian-linked tanker as unidentified drones appear over Germany

The French authorities have detained two crew members of a Russian-linked oil tanker suspected of belonging to the so-called “shadow fleet”. The vessel is also thought to be involved in recent Russian drone activity, while Germany has reported sightings of unidentified drones over critical infrastructure. So, where does this leave Europe?

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

EU leaders debate drone wall in Copenhagen after Russian airspace violations

Today, Europe’s leaders gather in Copenhagen under unusually tight security. Outside, a German frigate sits in the harbour, signalling Europe’s military mood. Meanwhile, Danish authorities have banned all civilian drone flights this week, with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frideriksen stressing that Europe’s “hybrid war,” isn’t some abstract concept it’s already playing out in the skies above us.

Inside, leaders will spend barely four hours debating how to fortify the EU’s defences, support Ukraine, and how to overcome Hungary’s endless vetoes on basically anything Viktor Orban doesn’t like. What else is on the agenda?

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

What the Gaza peace plan means for Palestinians, Israel, and Hamas

After a meeting at the white house Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have presented what they’re calling a 20-point peace plan for Gaza. 

They presented this as a historic breakthrough and the basics go like this: a ceasefire would begin immediately, Hamas would have 72 hours to release all the hostages it still holds, and Israel would free around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children. But is this really the start of peace?

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

EU climate watchdog report finds only 2 of 22 targets on track for 2030

A new flagship report from the European Environment Agency says that the continent is struggling to meet most of its 2030 climate and environmental targets. While Europe has managed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 37% since 1990, more than the US or China, almost everything else looks grim. 

With water scarcity threatening one in three Europeans, heatwaves scorching the south and governments rolling back green rules, how much longer can Europe afford to delay climate action before the damage becomes irreversible?

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

Elections in Moldova: What’s at stake?

All eyes are on Europe's east this weekend, where Moldovans head to the polls on Sunday in an election that could define the country’s future as they will have to decide between Europe and Russia. So what happens if Moldova holds its course towards Brussels, or drifts back into Moscow’s orbit?

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

China’s climate pledges fall short as Trump dismisses the crisis as a ‘hoax’

World leaders have once again taken to the stage at the United Nations, this time presenting a fresh set of targets to cut greenhouse-gas emissions. A total of 120 countries and the European Union have pledged new goals, including China, currently the world’s biggest polluter, which says it will reduce emissions by 7 to 10 percent from its peak level by 2035. 

Is this enough? What are experts suggesting and what are the US and the EU doing?

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

Drone Wars: NATO’s response and the EU’s ‘drone wall’

Over the past two weeks, Russian drones and fighter jets have repeatedly strayed into NATO airspace, from Poland and Romania to Estonia, and possibly Denmark, near Copenhagen airport. NATO chief Mark Rutte has called it a “dangerous pattern,” warning the alliance is ready to defend every inch of its territory.

But what is Russia trying to achieve with its incursions into NATO airspace and what options do these violations leave for the West?

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

Most of the EU and two-thirds of the UN recognise Palestine. What now?

On Monday night in New York, European Council President António Costa announced that a majority of EU member states, 16 in numbers, now officially recognise the State of Palestine. The list includes Belgium, Cyprus, Spain, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, Portugal, Malta, France and Luxembourg. 

Costa didn’t directly call for other countries to follow, but his tone made clear he viewed this as a positive development, without him necessarily pointing that out. Still, the EU remains deeply divided over its reaction to the Gaza war. But what does this recognition mean for Palestinians, for Israel’s retaliation, and for the EU countries?

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

Can Macron’s UN Assembly push for Palestinian statehood be a diplomatic win?

This week, the spotlight is at the United Nations General Assembly and it isn’t just on global crises like climate change, war in Ukraine, or artificial intelligence. It’s also firmly on France’s Emmanuel Macron, who is pushing for formal recognition of a Palestinian state. But will this move, backed by a handful of Western countries, actually change the political reality on the ground?

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

Is Germany joining the trend of politics shaping media freedom?

In Germany, a dispute over public broadcasting has reached the political spotlight. Julia Ruhs, a journalist and presenter of Klar, a programme that often covered right-wing themes such as immigration and COVID-19 policy, has been dropped by northern Germany’s public broadcaster NDR. 

The decision triggered a strong reaction from the Christian Democrats. Their general secretary, Carsten Linnemann, described it as “a new low for debate culture in Germany” and suggested freezing the licence fee that funds public broadcasters until further notice. With press freedom under political pressure worldwide, is Germany joining the trend?

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

EU’s push for Israel sanctions and tariffs falters over Berlin’s position

Today marks the passing of the deadline set by the United Nations General Assembly for Israel to end its illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. 

Yesterday, on 17 September, EU ambassadors gathered in Brussels to discuss the European Commission’s latest proposal for sanctions against Israel. Why are EU countries still hesitating to act and who is stalling sanctions once again?

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

Green funds, black gold: Amundi’s fossil fuel investments exposed

Amundi Investment Solutions. You may not have heard of them, but they’re Europe’s largest asset manager and one of the ten biggest worldwide, handling more than two trillion dollars in assets. The company claims to focus on green and responsible investments. 

But when IrpiMedia and Voxeurop looked closer at where the money actually goes, a very different picture emerged. So, how sustainable are Amundi’s so-called green funds?

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

Israel intensifies Gaza offensive as UN commission declares genocide

After a night of intense bombardment, Israel has launched an expanded operation in Gaza. The military says it is targeting Hamas’ infrastructure and has once again warned civilians to flee south. But for many in famine-stricken Gaza, leaving is impossible: the roads are dangerous with ongoing military operations, and the south is already overcrowded.

And today, the UN Commission of Inquiry presented the results of its two-year investigation, officially calling Israel’s actions in Gaza genocide. But can the UN’s damning conclusion influence future action for Gaza?

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

Loneliness in Europe: From empty villages to crowded cities

Loneliness doesn’t stop at city limits or country borders. In this episode of Europe Talks Back,we explore how isolation takes root in both Europe’s bustling cities and its quiet rural towns. With insights from sociologist Jasper de Witte, we unpack why loneliness isn’t just about being alone but about social ties, inequality, and the structures that shape our lives. 

From young people in fast-paced capitals to older adults in remote villages, millions across Europe are affected. We look at what makes loneliness different in rural and urban contexts, why it matters for public health and democracy, and what solutions from better transport to community spaces might help people feel less cut off and more connected. And today, we’re diving into what loneliness means in rural and urban Europe, why it happens, why it matters, and what can actually make a difference.

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