Europe Talks Back

Before the launch of the new season of our daily podcast, we invite you to listen again to the best content produced in 2025.Wildfires have once again swept across the Mediterranean this summer. Catalonia saw entire towns forced into lockdown, fires crept dangerously close to Marseille, and evacuations have been underway in Greece. It's becoming an all-too-familiar summer routine. But as the flames grow stronger and more frequent, are we doing enough to stop Europe from burning every summer?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co-production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover a new podcast series! 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. A podcast by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive RightsProduced by Europod, in collaboration with Ambiorix CenterFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover a new podcast series! 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 RightsProduced by Europod, in collaboration with Ambiorix Centre. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belgium's Prime Minister, Bart De Wever, has thrown quite a spanner into the EU's plans to use frozen Russian state assets to fund Ukraine. The Commission wants to turn those assets, around €210 billion frozen since Russia's full-scale invasion, into a €140 billion “reparations loan” to keep Kyiv financially afloat for the next two years. But, what's really behind Belgium's resistance and could one country derail Europe's entire Ukraine strategy?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

COP30 ended with almost no attention to food systems, despite their huge climate footprint. In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Evi Kiorri explores the climate cost of the European diet, from high meat consumption to fertiliser-intensive farming, and why efforts like the Farm to Fork Strategy have stalled. With insights from Olivier De Schutter, co-chair of IPES-Food, and UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, we look at the political reluctance, the role of agri-food lobbies, and what it would take for Europe to make its food system truly sustainable.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wednesday's inaugural session of the European Parliament's new scrutiny working group, the one set up to investigate transparency around NGO funding, did not exactly go as planned. The meeting descended into chaos within the first half hour. Progressive and left-leaning MEPs walked out almost immediately, calling the probe a politically-motivated assault on civil society. Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Court of Justice has ruled that all EU member states must recognise same-sex marriages lawfully concluded in any other member state, even if they don't allow such marriages at home. But what sparked this ruling and what are the reactions from countries where same sex marriages are illegal?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Belgium entered its second day of a coordinated, three-day strike on Tuesday, as unions protest against the government's sweeping austerity plans. The action began yesterday, when trains and public transport walked off the job. The national rail operator managed to run only one or two out of three trains, while several Eurostar services between Brussels and Paris were cancelled. Today, schools, crèches, hospitals, and other public services are joining the strike, making daily life across the country difficult. And tomorrow is expected to be the most disruptive day of all with a full general strike that will shut down nearly everything, including Belgium's two largest airports, Brussels-Zaventem and Charleroi, where all departing flights have already been cancelled.But is this the start of a political storm for the De Wever government?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Across Europe, traditional news is losing ground and creators are stepping in. From TikTok explainers to YouTube analysts and Instagram storytellers, a new generation of voices is reshaping how young audiences understand politics, culture, and the world around them.In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Evi Kiorri explores what the rise of news creators means for journalism, trust, and public debate. With insights from Nic Newman of the Reuters Institute, lead author of the report “Mapping News Creators and Influencers,” and from journalist-creator Mirko Paradiso, we dive into why younger Europeans identify more with online personalities than established media, how algorithms shape what becomes “news,” and the growing blur between information and entertainment. Is this a crisis for journalism or its next transformation?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US and Ukrainian officials say progress has been made in Geneva during talks aimed at ending the war. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the discussions as “tremendous”, “productive”, and the most meaningful to date, although he emphasised that more work is still needed. But what does the US plan include and what is Europe's reaction to it?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than 60 delegations gathered in Brussels this Thursday for a meeting of the Palestine Donor Group, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, to discuss Gaza's reconstruction, future governance, and security, as well as long-awaited reforms to the Palestinian Authority. But, what was actually decided and what are the first reactions?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EU foreign ministers are expected to impose sanctions today at their Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, following mounting pressure to act against individuals and entities supplying weapons to Sudan's militia groups responsible for the country's catastrophic civil war. But are these sanctions enough to change the course of the war, or is it too late?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Commission, backed strongly by France and Germany, is preparing to roll out a sweeping “digital simplification” package. This Wednesday the Commission will present a major omnibus plan to simplify digital rules, everything from data protection to the freshly minted AI Act.Officials call it a way to ease burdens on European companies. Critics including MEPs, NGOs, and a good number of lawyers, say it's more like opening Pandora's box. But what does this digital simplification mean?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Copenhagen a political earthquake might be brewing. For the first time in over 120 years, Denmark's Social Democrats are on track to lose control of Copenhagen, a city they've governed since 1903, longer than most European republics have even existed. Every single lord mayor since 1938 has been a Social Democrat. But perhaps that changes tonight. But why can these local elections shift Denmark's power play?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EU countries are beginning negotiations on the bloc's next Multiannual Financial Framework, covering 2028 to 2034. The European Commission has proposed a budget of €2 trillion, up from the current €1.2 trillion, with the aim of increasing flexibility for national spending and boosting funding for defence and competitiveness. But as discussions open, why are richer member states drawing the line on how far they're willing to go?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European research funding, Chinese-owned technology, and Turkey's expanding surveillance system are more closely connected than EVER. A recent investigation by Follow the Money reveals that EU-backed research projects have indirectly supported a Turkish company supplying facial-recognition equipment to law enforcement, despite its ties to ZTE, a Chinese firm classified by the EU as a “high-risk” vendor.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of The Right to Decide, host Sophie in 't Veld speaks once again with Neil Datta, Executive Director of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, to look at the global picture for reproductive freedom. With the return of the Trump administration, the world is witnessing renewed attacks on gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. But this episode also looks forward. Together, we explore how Europe can step up as a global leader: by defending progressive policies, investing in education and healthcare, and building international coalitions that protect the right to decide for everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The EU's migration dilemma is back, not that it ever really went away. Member states are once again clashing over asylum rules, exposing old rifts that the bloc has spent years trying, and failing, to gloss over.This week, the European Commission published its first annual migration management cycle. Think of it as a map of who needs help, who should give help, and who is already signalling they'll try very hard to avoid both.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Thursday, all eyes are on a crucial vote in the European Parliament regarding corporate sustainability and due diligence rules. The Parliament's biggest political group, the European People's Party, or EPP, is poised to do something it has long claimed it would never do, vote alongside the far right.How could this move reshape not only the EU's environmental policy but also the entire political balance in Brussels?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukraine's Justice Minister, German Galushchenko, has been suspended from his position as energy minister after a major corruption investigation into the country's energy sector.Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko announced the decision after an extraordinary government session today, Wednesday, saying Galushchenko would step aside while the inquiry continues. But how is this affecting Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and its credibility on the international stage?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The EU has been working on a plan to use frozen Russian state assets to help keep Ukraine afloat. Since Russia's invasion in 2022, around €185 billion in Russian assets have been immobilised in Europe, most of them sitting at Euroclear, a huge securities depository based in Belgium. But, why is the EU's plan to use these frozen assets hitting a wall?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world has gathered for what's called the “COP of truth.” Tens of thousands of delegates, activists, and journalists have descended on Belém, Brazil, for COP30 the UN's annual climate conference.It's been one of the hottest years on record, with floods, fires and melting ice caps becoming the new normal. The UN warns that global temperatures are now on track to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius within the next decade, the key threshold the Paris Agreement was supposed to prevent us from crossing.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fifth episode of The Right to Decide, host Sophie in 't Veld speaks with Nicole Moran, Gender and SRHR Advisor, about a worrying trend spreading across Europe: the decline in contraceptive use among young people. Together, they explore how stigma, fake news, and a growing mistrust in healthcare providers are shaping young people's attitudes toward contraception. From misinformation spreading online to the absence of proper sex education in schools, we uncover why investing in education is essential to restore trust and protect young people's right to choose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is about to meet US President Donald Trump, and he's got quite the wish list. The visit comes at a sensitive moment. On the surface, it's a diplomatic catch-up between two long-time political allies. But underneath, the Hungarian leader has two clear goals, first, to secure an exemption from US sanctions on Russian oil, and second, to persuade Trump to host another summit with Vladimir Putin, ideally in Budapest.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The French government has launched a procedure to suspend access to the fast-fashion giant Shein's website, after authorities found child-like sex dolls listed on the platform. Under French law, online platforms must remove clearly illegal content, including child sexual content, within 24 hours, or risk being blocked and delisted.This move came on Wednesday, the same day Shein opened its first permanent physical store in the world, inside BHV, one of Paris's historic department stores. The opening drew long queues of shoppers, and a crowd of protesters, who briefly disrupted the launch before being escorted out.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Commission has released its annual enlargement report and there's movement on Europe's waiting list. Ten countries are officially candidates to join the EU: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Turkey, and Ukraine. They all want a seat at the table, but who is really getting closer to joining, and who is falling behind?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liberties, a network of civil liberties organisations across the EU, has released its 2025 Gap Analysis, reviewing the Commission's Rule of Law cycle. The report examined over 500 recommendations issued to Member States since 2022, case studies on Italy and Slovakia, and a dedicated review of media freedom.The findings point to a system that is stalling. So, if this is the case how do we protect democracy in Europe now?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been a year since the concrete canopy at Novi Sad train station collapsed, killing 16 people and sparking one of Serbia's largest youth-led protest movements in recent memory. What began as mourning has transformed into a sustained political awakening that is reshaping Serbia today. Now, tensions between citizens demanding accountability and a government determined to hold its grip on power have reached a new, boiling point. But what does this movement show about the future of democracy in Serbia?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fourth episode of The Right to Decide, our host Sophie in 't Veld speaks with Belgian Senator Celia Groothedde to explore how anti-rights actors are using money and media to influence politics, public opinion, and access to healthcare. From anti-choice clinics spreading disinformation to campaigns targeting schools and sex education, we uncover how a well-funded network is reshaping Europe's cultural and political landscape…one narrative at a time.A podcast by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive RightsProduced by Europod, in collaboration with Ambiorix Centre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sudan's government has publicly criticised the European Union, accusing Brussels of responding too softly to atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces, the RSF, in the city of El Fasher. The United Nations describes the situation in Sudan as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. So, what is happening on the ground and what is the international community, including the EU, actually doing to stop this crisis?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A political plot twist happened after yesterday's election in the Netherlands. A leader once dismissed as “Robot Jetten” is suddenly the smiling face of Dutch centrist optimism, challenging the far-right, and potentially becoming the country's first openly gay prime minister. Who is Rob Jetten, and why is Europe watching him so closely?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Across Europe, Millennials and Gen Z are working, studying and saving, yet home ownership is increasingly out of reach. Though housing is officially recognised as a human right under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Pillar of Social Rights, skyrocketing house prices and stagnant wages have created what Eurofound calls a “generation-wide affordability divide.” In this episode, I speak with Ina Delić youth engagement officer at Caritas Europe and part of the very generation she's advocating for, about the lived reality of Europe's housing crisis, and what it means for young lives and futures.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Wednesday, voters in the Netherlands head to the polls for yet another snap parliamentary election. The vote was called after the collapse of a four-party coalition government led by Geert Wilders' far-right Party for Freedom (PVV). The coalition, which included the liberal-conservative VVD, the agrarian BBB, and the centrist New Social Contract (NSC), lasted less than a year. Wilders withdrew his support in June, claiming the government's migration policies were not strict enough, despite his own party holding the migration portfolio.In one of Europe's most fragmented and polarised democracies, governments fall faster than they form. So, can this vote finally change that?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world's latest climate plans are in and they fall drastically short. More than sixty countries have submitted their updated commitments to the United Nations, outlining how they'll reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. But according to the UN's own analysis published today, these plans would only cut global carbon emissions by around 10% compared with 2019 levels.That's just one sixth of what's needed to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the supposed goal of the Paris Agreement. So, are governments genuinely trying, or are these plans just for show?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the European Union and China will hold talks in Brussels aimed at easing trade tensions, focusing on Beijing's restrictions on exports of rare earths and magnets, materials vital for Europe's automotive, defence, green tech and digital industries. All this, as Donald Trump meets Xi Jinping to discuss trade and critical minerals on the other side of the world. But why is everyone so eager to meet Chinese officials?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who's funding the rollback of women's rights in Europe?In the third episode of The Right to Decide, host Sophie in 't Veld speaks with Lucia Yar, Member of the European Parliament from Slovakia, to uncover how money fuels the anti-gender movement. From religious donors and oligarchs to EU funds being redirected toward conservative networks, we reveal how a well-organised financial strategy is reshaping Europe's political and cultural landscape. Sources:“The Next Wave: How Religious Extremism Is Regaining Power”, Neil Datta, EPF (2025)“MEPs demand answers over EU funding of anti-abortion charity”, Sian Norris, Open Democracy (2024)“EU gives anti-abortion group €400k to educate girls on reproductive health”, Sian Norris, Open Democracy (2024)A podcast by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive RightsProduced by Europod, in collaboration with Ambiorix Center Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winter is approaching, and while energy bills have fallen since the shock of 2022, when the EU moved to cut its dependence on Russian energy following the invasion of Ukraine, millions of Europeans are still struggling to keep their homes warm. The EU has now gone a step further, sanctioning Russian liquefied natural gas, and while Europe's push for energy independence is essential, it hasn't solved the problem for those who can't afford to heat their homes.According to the European Commission Joint Research Centre, around 48 million people in Europe, roughly one in ten, cannot afford to heat their homes adequately. And the trend is worsening, the share of households unable to keep adequately warm rose from about 9 % in 2022, to over 10.6 % in 2023, and the percentage is getting higher by the year. But what can the EU do to ease the needs of the vulnerable ones who cannot warm their homes?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.This episode was produced by Europod in cooperation with ESPON, an EU-funded programme that bridges research with policies.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram“This episode is co-funded by ESPON. However, the opinions and views expressed are solely those of the authors. ESPON can't be held responsible for them.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EU leaders gathered in Brussels today, Thursday, to discuss matters ranging from defence and housing to climate targets, but the agenda is clearly topped by Ukraine.Two big items stand out, the so-called “reparation loan” using frozen Russian assets, and the EU's 19th sanctions package against Moscow, which was greenlit this morning.But can Europe turn political agreement into real financial support for Kyiv without crossing legal red lines?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Commission has changed course, again, on its landmark anti-deforestation law, known as the EUDR.After weeks of speculation about yet another delay, Brussels has now decided not to postpone the law for everyone. Instead, it's introducing a series of exemptions and tweaks especially for small businesses and farmers. But what does this all mean in practice?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor, is facing strong criticism for what many describe as “dangerous rhetoric” on immigration.During a visit to the eastern state of Brandenburg, Merz said that Germany still had “a problem in the cityscape” and that his interior minister was working to enable and carry out large-scale deportations. Why have these remarks sparked such a strong reaction across Germany and what do they reveal about the country's political mood on migration?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, EU energy ministers are meeting to decide the future of Russian fossil fuels in the bloc, after years of delays and exemptions. At the same time, leaders are debating how to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's defence, looking to reach a deal this week.But can Europe finally act decisively on both energy and financial support and what will it actually mean for the EU?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.A podcast by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive RightsProduced by Europod, in collaboration with Ambiorix Center Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 RightsProduced by Europod, in collaboration with Ambiorix Center Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.