Briefed - Your Daily European Podcast

Trump calls for NATO allies and the EU to stop buying Russian oil

This weekend, US President Donald Trump once again made waves in Brussels with a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. In what he described as a “letter to NATO nations,” Trump demanded that every member state stop buying Russian oil and gas. 

His message was blunt, as long as countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and even non-EU NATO ally Turkey continue to purchase Russian energy, the United States won’t move forward with its own sanctions against Moscow. Is this wishful thinking or the key to the EU's 19th sanction package against Russia?

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

Sébastien Lecornu: Who is France’s new PM?

The political storm in France continues with new players but the same problems: paralysis in parliament, financial strain, and mounting social unrest. In the midst of this turbulence, President Emmanuel Macron once again turned to a trusted ally, Sébastien Lecornu. 

But what do we know about France’s new Prime minister?

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

Poland triggers NATO Article 4 after drone incursion, what now?

Russian drones violated Poland’s airspace yesterday, sparking the first direct clash between NATO and Russian forces in over a decade. Polish and Dutch fighter jets, backed by German and Italian support, shot down several of the drones, while at least 19 were recorded crossing into Polish territory. 

Four airports, including Warsaw’s main hub, were shut down, and flights were diverted as the incursion unfolded. What does this provocation mean for NATO and the EU?are they simply quick fixes to distract from soaring prices and corruption scandals?

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

Von der Leyen’s promises on Israeli officials sanctions, Russia, and the EU’s economy

Today, Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual State of the European Union speech in Strasbourg, where she, for the first time, proposed sanctions on Israeli officials, acknowledged the backlash over the EU-US trade deal, and underlined the importance of competitiveness for Europe.

But can these promises restore trust in her leadership, or will they deepen the divisions inside the EU?

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

Bayrou is out. What happens now in France?

After just nine months in office, Prime Minister François Bayrou has been ousted in a crushing confidence vote. Only 194 MPs backed him, while 364 voted against. 

Bayrou, a 74-year-old veteran centrist and long-time Macron ally, called the vote himself a gamble. He said France was sinking in a “swamp of debt” and that he needed parliamentary backing for €44 billion of austerity measures. That included a deeply unpopular plan to scrap two public holidays and in the end, his gamble backfired. So, what happens after handing his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron this morning?

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

Greece targets demographic crisis with band-aid tax relief

Greece has announced a sweeping €1.6 billion tax reform aimed at tackling what Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis calls one of the country’s greatest threats, the demographic crisis. 

But are these measures enough to reverse Greece’s demographic decline and ease the cost of living or are they simply quick fixes to distract from soaring prices and corruption scandals?

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

Putin warns foreign troops in Ukraine would be ‘legitimate target’

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned today, Friday, that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine before a peace agreement is signed would be treated as “legitimate targets” by Moscow’s forces. This statement comes hours after 26 of Ukraine’s allies pledged to send troops as part of a so-called “reassurance force”. But what does this “reassurance force” entail, and how does it fit with Putin’s threats?

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

Lisbon’s funicular tragedy brings back ignored workers’ safety warnings

On Wednesday evening, Lisbon’s historic Glória funicular derailed on its route between Restauradores Square and the Bairro Alto climb in the city centre. The yellow-and-white tram came off the tracks, crashed into a building and toppled over. 

The result was catastrophic: at least 15 people were killed, and 18 were injured, including a child. Five are in critical condition. But what led to the horrific accident and why are workers’ unions not convinced by the official explanation?

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

Fico, Putin and the EU: an ‘independent’ foreign policy?

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is once again in the spotlight for his closeness to Moscow. Yesterday, Tuesday, he met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing where the Russian leader praised him for pursuing what he called an independent foreign policy. 

But what does this so-called “independence” really mean for Slovakia, for Ukraine, and for the European Union?

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

Belgium to recognise Palestine at the UN and sanction Israel

Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, announced overnight that the country will recognise the state of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly session in New York. But the move comes with conditions. 

Recognition will only be formalised once Hamas releases all remaining hostages taken on the 7th of October 2023, and once the group no longer has a role in governing Palestine. What other sanctions were decided and what is the reaction so far?

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Von der Leyen’s “precise plans” for Ukraine’s security

European capitals are preparing “pretty precise plans” for a multinational troop deployment to Ukraine, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the Financial Times. 

The plan will be on the table again this week in Paris, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, with leaders including Germany’s Friedrich Merz, the UK’s Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and of course von der Leyen herself. But what exactly do these plans mean for Europe, for Ukraine, and for the future of the war?

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

Italy’s digital misogyny: website finally taken down

An explicit content website in Italy called Phica, a misspelt slang for female genitalia, was finally shut down on Thursday after it was circulating photos of women without their consent.

Among those targeted were some of Italy’s most high-profile figures like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, opposition leader Elly Schlein, European Parliament member Alessandra Moretti and others. The images were often lifted from TV appearances or social media, then altered, sexualised, and accompanied by vulgar captions. But why are sites like this still operating with impunity?

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Denmark and Greenland apologise for forced contraception of Indigenous women

Denmark’s prime minister Mette Frederiksen and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the prime minister of Greenland apologised officially this Wednesday for the roles of their countries in the historic mistreatment of Greenlandic Indigenous girls and women, including forced contraception under the so-called “Spiral Case.” But can an apology alone deliver justice?

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

Confidence vote or collapse? What’s happening with Macron’s government?

France is staring down at yet another political crisis. Prime Minister François Bayrou has announced a confidence vote for the 8th of September, a move that could very well bring down his government. 

Bayrou is pushing through an austerity plan worth 44 billion euros to cut France’s soaring deficit, currently at 5.8% of GDP, nearly double the EU’s target. His proposals include scrapping two public holidays and freezing spending. But, why the gamble and what can happen after September 8th?

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

Is living in rural Europe a retreat or a reinvention?

They call it Europe’s backbone: the rural heartlands. Covering more than 80 percent of the EU’s territory but home to less than 30 percent of its population, rural areas are vital for food, biodiversity, and climate resilience, yet face population decline, ageing communities, poor infrastructure, and limited digital access. 

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Evi Kiorri explores what life is really like far from the cities, speaking with Emanuele Monaco, who left urban life to build a distillery in rural Puglia, Italy. Through his story, we uncover both the challenges and the opportunities of rural life: from revitalising communities and sustainable farming to attracting young families and new ideas. Join us as we examine how policies, investment, and community effort could shape the future of Europe’s countryside.

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

Why Israel’s Gaza hospital strike could constitute multiple war crimes

On Monday morning, Israeli forces launched not one, but two strikes on Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The first hit just after 10am. Then, around ten minutes later, as journalists and medics rushed to the scene, a second strike hit the same spot. 

At least twenty people were killed. Among them: five journalists and four health workers. The journalists were working for outlets including Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye and others. But, how is Israel justifying this latest attack, one that, on many fronts, may amount to a war crime?

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

Von der Leyen or Draghi: Europe’s power and future under question

Over the weekend, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stepped in to defend the EU- US tariff deal, after sharp criticism from Mario Draghi, economist, former ECB chief and former Italian prime minister who, just last year, was asked by von der Leyen to compile a report with ideas to ramp up the EU's economic growth. 

So, is the tariff deal a smart compromise, or proof of Europe’s weakening influence?

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

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep.10 - “Grounded, here.”

Our daily news podcast Long Story Short is currently on a break for the Summer period until the 25th of August. As a Summer treat for our audience, we are dropping every day an episode of one of our most successful podcast series: Disconnected in 2050. So, to make the most of this episode make sure you have listened to earlier episodes of Disconnected in 2050 on this feed.

About Disconnected in 2050

It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.

Episode 10

In Episode 10, Ezra is definitely taking the plunge. Grounded hacks Infinity. The resistance begins.

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep.9 - "My name is Ezra"

Our daily news podcast Long Story Short is currently on a break for the Summer period until the 25th of August. As a Summer treat for our audience, we are dropping every day an episode of one of our most successful podcast series: Disconnected in 2050. So, to make the most of this episode make sure you have listened to earlier episodes of Disconnected in 2050 on this feed.

About Disconnected in 2050

It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.

Episode 9

In Episode 9, Ezra doesn't find Cy but meets up with Adrien and a group of disconnected people in a hidden bar for what looks like the beginnings of the resistance to Infinity. 

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep.8 - "The first time"

Our daily news podcast Long Story Short is currently on a break for the Summer period until the 25th of August. As a Summer treat for our audience, we are dropping every day an episode of one of our most successful podcast series: Disconnected in 2050. So, to make the most of this episode make sure you have listened to earlier episodes of Disconnected in 2050 on this feed.

About Disconnected in 2050

It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.

Episode 8

In Episode 8, Ezra, who is becoming less and less comfortable with her situation, leaves her house for the first time without her Infinity devices. She then goes in search of Cy, before an unexpected announcement is made. 

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep.7 - "Nothing was the same anymore.”

Our daily news podcast Long Story Short is currently on a break for the Summer period until the 25th of August. As a Summer treat for our audience, we are dropping every day an episode of one of our most successful podcast series: Disconnected in 2050. So, to make the most of this episode make sure you have listened to earlier episodes of Disconnected in 2050 on this feed.

About Disconnected in 2050

It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.

Episode 7

In Episode 7, Ezra tries going back to her normal life, but she can’t stop thinking about what she just learned. She knows too much and must hide her knowledge from Jyn and her friends that are connected to Infinity. What will Ezra do with all of this information?

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep.6 - "Stay safe Ezra."

Our daily news podcast Long Story Short is currently on a break for the Summer period until the 25th of August. As a Summer treat for our audience, we are dropping every day an episode of one of our most successful podcast series: Disconnected in 2050. So, to make the most of this episode make sure you have listened to earlier episodes of Disconnected in 2050 on this feed.

About Disconnected in 2050

It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.

Episode 6

In Episode 6, Adrien's story changes Ezra's worldview. Ezra enters her very distinctive rabbit hole.

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep.5 - "Entering the new era: the era of Infinity."

Our daily news podcast Long Story Short is currently on a break for the Summer period until the 25th of August. As a Summer treat for our audience, we are dropping every day an episode of one of our most successful podcast series: Disconnected in 2050. So, to make the most of this episode make sure you have listened to earlier episodes of Disconnected in 2050 on this feed.

About Disconnected in 2050

It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.

Episode 5

In Episode 5, Ezra starts to see the thin web of lies that has been in front of her the whole time. As Adrien begins telling his story, everything that Ezra has ever seen and believed starts slowly falling apart.

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep.4 - "I believe this belongs to you."

Our daily news podcast Long Story Short is currently on a break for the Summer period until the 25th of August. As a Summer treat for our audience, we are dropping every day an episode of one of our most successful podcast series: Disconnected in 2050. So, to make the most of this episode make sure you have listened to earlier episodes of Disconnected in 2050 on this feed.

About Disconnected in 2050

It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.

Episode 4

In Episode 4, Ezra takes a step forward into the unknown. She leaves her house for only the second time in months, determined to find out who Adrien is and what happened to him. Is she prepared for what awaits her?

(Piano played by Alan Ozkan.)

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep.3 - "We know we are being monitored and yet…"

Our daily news podcast Long Story Short is currently on a break for the Summer period until the 25th of August. As a Summer treat for our audience, we are dropping every day an episode of one of our most successful podcast series: Disconnected in 2050. So, to make the most of this episode make sure you have listened to earlier episodes of Disconnected in 2050 on this feed.

About Disconnected in 2050

It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.

Episode 3

In Episode 3, Driving deeper into the rabbit hole, Ezra begins to understand who exactly is behind the mystery. While Ezra tries to find answers, she finds new information that disrupts everything she’s ever known.

(Bass played by Charles Dujardin and Piano played by Alan Ozkan.)

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep.2 - "They seized everything and now they're coming for us."

Our daily news podcast Long Story Short is currently on a break for the Summer period until the 25th of August. As a Summer treat for our audience, we are dropping every day an episode of one of our most successful podcast series: Disconnected in 2050. So, to make the most of this episode make sure you have listened to earlier episodes of Disconnected in 2050 on this feed.

About Disconnected in 2050

It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.

Episode 2

In Episode 2, Ezra gets her new Infinity glasses and Jyn is ready to guide her through life as usual, but Ezra can’t shake the feeling that something is not quite right. Following her feelings of curiosity and uneasiness, she makes another important discovery. And although she doesn’t know it at the time, things will never be the same.

Disconnected in 2050 - Ep. 1 - "That’s when I found it."

Our daily news podcast Long Story Short is currently on a break for the Summer period until the 25th of August. As a Summer treat for our audience, we are dropping every day an episode of one of our most successful podcast series: Disconnected in 2050. So, to make the most of this episode make sure you have listened to earlier episodes of Disconnected in 2050 on this feed.

About Disconnected in 2050

It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.

Episode 1

In episode 1, Ezra's day starts off normal in the dystopian future of 2050. As usual, her artificially intelligent virtual assistant named Jyn guides Ezra through another day connected to the metaverse, Infinity. But when Ezra's Infinity glasses break, she finds something that will set her on a life-altering journey.

Priced out: southern Europe’s locals face the high cost of mass tourism

Summer 2025 is setting new tourism records, but also new tensions. In the sunny south of Europe, local patience is wearing thin. As prices rise and crowds grow, the question is: can southern Europe remain a paradise for tourists without becoming unliveable for its own people?

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

Crisis of masculinity: What’s driving the backlash?

Women’s hatred towards men makes the men uncomfortable, but men’s hatred towards women kills women. Last July, a masculinist attack was averted in France. Earlier this year, the Netflix series “Adolescence” showed the world how the narrative of toxic masculinity had swept its way into young men’s heads. 

All these men pretend to defend their oh so precious masculinity. But is it really endangered and why does this narrative resurface every time women gain rights ? 

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

The AI race and its environmental cost

Artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT and DeepSeek require immense computing power to train and operate. That demand has sparked a global construction boom of data centres, the physical backbone of AI. But as billions are poured into ever-larger facilities, is the world ready for the environmental and energy costs of this new digital infrastructure?

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