Europe Talks Back

The European Union imposed a 120 million euros fine on the social network X last December. On Monday April 20, Elon Musk was supposed to join a hearing by the French authorities about the functionning of X, but he did not show up. What is the real impact of European sanctions on X and other platforms?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn •. Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Briefed presents: Journalism in War - Solidarity Beyond Borders (From Florence)What does it take to report the news from within a war zone?In this special episode recorded at the Voices - European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom, we explore how journalists continue working under extreme conditions - in Ukraine and in Gaza.Featuring testimonies from Sergiy Tomilenko (National Union of Journalists of Ukraine) and Yousef Khader Habache (Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate – Europe), this episode focuses on the creation of Journalists' Solidarity Centres: support hubs designed to help reporters operate in conflict environments.From access to electricity and internet, to safety equipment and emergency funding, these hubs provide the basic infrastructure needed to sustain journalism in times of war.In Ukraine, they were developed in response to Russia's full-scale invasion. In Gaza, the model has been adapted to function in an environment where infrastructure has largely collapsed.At the core of this episode: a simple question - how do you maintain journalism when the conditions to produce information no longer exist?This episode was produced with the support of Voices. Europod retains full editorial responsibility for its content.More information about Voices: https://voicesfestival.eu/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who will succeed Emmanuel Macron in 2027 ? One thing already seems clear: the candidate from the National Rally, the main extreme right party, will likely make it to the second round of the election, for the third time in a row. But could the far right actually grab power? What's at stake for France and for the European Union?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we take a close look at working conditions across the EU. Are they evolving homogeneously? What are the obstacles to fair working conditions?To answer these questions, we welcome Agnes Parent-Thirion, Senior Research Manager at Eurofound.Production by Europod, in cooperation with ESPON, an EU-funded programme that bridges research and policy.“This podcast series is cofunded by ESPON. However, the opinions and views expressed are solely those of the authors. ESPON can't be held responsible for them.”Follow us on:LinkedIn • Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Bulgaria, the right-wing party GERB could be beaten in the legislative elections this Sunday. Rumen Radev, the leading candidate in the polls is pledging to end the corruption in the country. Who is he? What is he advocating for? And why is he performing so well in the polls?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Italy is suspending its defense agreement with Israel. The reason? Concerns over Israel's conduct in the Middle East conflict—especially in Lebanon.Across Europe, more and more voices are calling for stronger measures against Israel. A citizen-led initiative has now gathered over one million signatures, calling for the suspension of the EU–Israel Association Agreement. So, is the European Union finally ready to take tougher action against Israel?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fights are still very much ongoing in Ukraine. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Berlin and then Oslo this Tuesday, April 14th, his country was once again under heavy Russian attacks. Overnight from Monday to Tuesday, Russia launched at least four missiles and one hundred twenty nine drones at Ukraine. Then on Tuesday morning, the city of Dnipro was hit as well, leaving around fifteen people injured. So, where do things stand when it comes to the prospects for peace in Ukraine?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hungary has chosen Europe. That's what the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, believes. Because on Sunday, the Hungarian people brought an end to the rule of Viktor Orbán, after 16 years in power. But did Hungarians really choose Europe?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The reign of Viktor Orbán is over. His opponent, Péter Magyar, won last night's election. A turning point for the country, which has been ruled by Orbán since 2010.It is also a major lesson for the EU: despite having Donald Trump's active support, Orbán lost voters' trust. In Brussels, diplomats and officials alike are celebrating what could be the end of the traditional Hungarian veto. But is that really the case?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In only nine days, between March twenty-eighth and April fifth, five boats sank in the Mediterranean. They were carrying people hoping to cross the sea and reach Europe.At least 180 people died in these shipwrecks. This marks the “deadliest start to a year” in the Mediterranean in more than a decade.What is the EU doing to stop this tragedy?By Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network.This episode is based on an article published on El Salto and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Le doute plane sur la portée du cessez-le-feu au Moyen-Orient. Après plus d'un mois de guerre, les États-Unis et Israël d'un côté, et l'Iran de l'autre, sont convenus d'un cessez-le-feu dans la nuit de mardi à mercredi. Mais alors que l'accord devait couvrir toute la région, Israël continue d'attaquer le sud du Liban. De quoi inquiéter le pays, mais aussi les Européens.Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consumers are being squeezed by skyrocketing fuel and gas prices. Meanwhile, producers are raking in extraordinary profits. The situation is unfair - and a few European countries are now proposing to regulate it. They propose to tax the windfall profits of oil and gas companies. But can the EU actually implement such a tax?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The EU has nearly half a million people in prison. In many European countries, prisons are seriously overcrowded. Yet over the last decade, violent crime has actually decreased in Europe. What's wrong with the prison system in Europe?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is no episode of Briefed for this Easter Monday. But I'm directing you to a podcast that I enjoyed very much: The Right kind of family. It was produced by Europod and a few European partners in 2025.Link to the first episode of the series: https://open.spotify.com/episode/57q2lQuHyy3AfvR97BTl3L?si=H4z7Ow5NSVKpyFhilLJ_bw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

French bread could be more dangerous than what's on the table in neighboring countries. Why ? Because of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal lurking in everyday foods.A recent study showed that French people were far more contaminated by cadmium than others. Why is France more contaminated than other countries?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn•Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NATO is once again under fire from American threats. U.S. President Donald Trump is furious over the EU's repeated refusals to support - even indirectly - his war efforts.Are Europeans finally firmly standing up against Trump?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel has just passed a law reinstating the death penalty. This measure not only reverses a fundamental principle, but also discriminates against Palestinians. Because capital punishment will only apply to those accused of anti-Jewish terrorism. Will the EU, which strongly opposes the death penalty, now sanction the Israeli government?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn • Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Respect for the rule of law in the EU is seriously eroding. This is what a report compiling data from 40 organisations across the continent has found. Member States are simply not implementing the recommendations made each year by the European Commission. Is the EU reaching its limits in maintaining the rule of law?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Only eight European countries have banned conversion practices. These so-called therapies often lead to PTSD, but they can go as far as driving young people to suicide.This is why more than 1 million citizens are asking the EU to ban these practices. Is the EU willin to do so?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Total blackout, shortages of food and fuel, lack of medication… The situation in Cuba is worsening day by day. According to the United Nations, the country has been pushed to the point of imminent humanitarian "collapse." What are the reactions of Europeans?Production : Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network.This episode is based on videos shot by Samuele Maccolini for VD News and on a story written by Antigone Panta-Harva for Popaganda and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European households are suffering high energy bills. As long as the war in the Middle East drags on, options to reduce this burden remain limited.One major reason? Europeans are highly dependent on gas. Can the EU actually cut its gas consumption?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giorgia Meloni has just suffered her first major defeat. On Monday, she lost the judicial referendum she had called. A defeat that will not lead to her resignation, she declared.But could this first setback weaken her both in Italy and internationally?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are constantly being delayed. That's what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated last week. As his country begins to run out of missiles and financial support, can Zelensky still hope to get out of this war with dignity?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In France, a campaign to demonize the far left is underway. During the municipal elections, different left-wing parties joined forces to defeat the right and the far right. The right has labeled most of these alliances as "shameful deals," because they include La France insoumise (LFI), or France Unbowed. Is this the beginning of a real firewall against leftist parties? Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The EU is looking for answers to the energy crisis. Several EU member states are proposing to revise how the carbon market works, so that it weighs less on prices. But could this actually make a difference?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukraine will soon run out of money. Four years into the war, the country faces a serious funding issue. The EU has promised a 90 billion euros loan, but it is currently blocked by Hungary. Will the rest of the EU manage to convince Viktor Orban to lift its veto?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nuclear energy is no longer just a French affair. The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, has finally admitted that nuclear power has an important role to play in the EU's energy mix. But the question is: How many European countries are switching back to nuclear?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump keeps turning up the heat on his allies. Over the weekend, he warned that it would be “very bad for the future of NATO” if allies didn't help secure the strait.Are Europeans ready to step up and support the U.S.?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The EU-Mercosur trade deal has faded from the headlines. Yet, a major milestone is on the horizon: after twenty-five years of negotiations, the agreement is set to enter into force provisionnaly in the coming weeks. Will farmers' fears actually materialize?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A court ruling has just ordered the city of Madrid to comply with the Spanish law on abortion, and create a registry of conscientious objectors. These are doctors in the region who refuse to perform abortion procedures. Are there still many of these conscientious objectors in Spain and across Europe?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.This episode is based on a story written by Sara Plaza Casares for El Salto and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The right has once again joined forces with the far right in the European Parliament to push through a major text on migration. Since the 2024 elections, this pattern has been repeating itself over and over. Could this breakdown of the firewall become the norm across Europe?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn •Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France has deployed its aircraft carrier to support Cyprus and the Gulf states, which have been attacked or threatened by Iran. Several other EU countries have joined this effort. What is the scale of European forces sent to the region?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The war in Iran has once again highlighted a familiar issue: when it comes to international politics, the European Union does not always speak with one voice. Why doesn't the EU have a single president?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soon, asylum seekers from Bangladesh or Egypt, could see their asylum applications in the EU automatically rejected.This is what the new regulations on safe countries of origin and safe third countries, adopted in February, provide for.On what criteria does the EU base its decision to classify a country as safe? And are these criteria foolproof?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is standing up to Donald Trump. He condemned the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and denied the Americans access to Spanish military bases. In retaliation, Washington has vowed to cut trade ties with Madrid.How far can Pedro Sánchez oppose the United States?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After several years of industrial decline, the European Commission proposed a ‘Made in Europe' policy, on March fourth.Is this a major industrial turning point? Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran is now blocking the Strait of Hormuz, through which 1 in 5 barrels of oil and a quarter of the world's liquefied natural gas transit.As oil and gas prices rise, should Europeans be worried about a new energy crisis?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historically, the EU has placed crucial importance on upholding international law. But after the US and Israeli strikes in Iran, the EU is turning a blind eye to the violation of the principles of the UN Charter. Are we witnessing an erosion of this principle within the EU?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Briefed Special is a longer conversation from our series Europe Talks Back.The European Union is one of the world's most developed regions; yet deep territorial inequalities persist. According to Eurostat, GDP per capita can vary threefold within the same member state, with capital regions often earning twice as much as the rest of the country.In this episode of Europe Talks Back, produced with ESPON, Léa Marchal explores why many small and medium-sized cities are losing ground — and whether this trend can be reversed.Joined by Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, Professor at the London School of Economics and Chair of the High-Level Group on the Future of EU Cohesion Policy, the discussion looks at demographic decline, policy blind spots, and the limits of current cohesion funding.Are these cities doomed to fall behind - or can smarter investment and stronger local institutions help them thrive again?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.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Far-left kills.” That's how extreme-right protesters have described the death of Quentin Deranque. A formula also used by various political figures in France and abroad to blame far-left and antifascist movements in a broader sense.Can this dramatic event weaken antifascist movements across Europe?Production : By Europod in co-production with the Sphera network.This episode is based on a story written by Enric Bonet for El Salto and another one written by László Szily for 444, and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Spain, the Therian community—people who spiritually identify as animals—has been the subject of heated debates on social media and in the press. Yet, the phenomenon exists primarily in the mouths of its detractors. Why has such a minority movement received so much attention in recent days?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn•Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poland isn't just preparing for war—it's rewriting the rulebook on how to get ready. The defence training programmes adopted in 2025 should train some 400 000 people this year only. Meanwhile, the rest of the EU is slowly catching up on defence. What can we learn from Poland's approach?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The U.S. President keeps putting pressure on the EUWhether it's sanctions against International Criminal Court judges or threats of tariffs, Donald Trump is using coercion to sway European decisions.So what is the EU doing to protect its independence from American pressure?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI can be tricked into saying almost anything. That's what a BBC journalist recently discovered. He found an easy way to make AI say whatever he wanted.Are authorities doing enough to regulate AI? At the EU level, is the AI Act doing its job?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Brussels, several EU member states are angry with the European Commission. These countries did not appreciate that the EU's executive body attended the first meeting of the “Board of Peace” launched by Donald Trump.What was the alternative for the EU? Should Europeans stay away from this initiative?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new negotiation session ended yesterday between Ukraine and Russia, under the leadership of the United States. The EU, once again, did not take part in the peace talks, despite having long asked to do so. Has the EU given up on participating in the peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán could lose the next elections after 10 years in power. And this, despite having the open support of Donald Trump. If Orban were to actually lose the elections, what would this mean for the EU? Could the traditional Hungarian veto become a thing of the past?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Union will soon have a new regulation that should make it easier for EU countries to deport irregular migrants. A group of 64 NGOs is worried that EU countries could use deportation methods that resemble what the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, ICE, does in the US. Is the EU going in that direction?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump has just announced that his administration no longer recognizes that a range of greenhouse gases poses a threat to public health and the environment. Meanwhile, the leaders of the EU, considered the most ambitious bloc on the green transition, are discussing rollbacks of existing green rules. Should Europeans be worried about the future of climate policies?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Kurdish diaspora has been demonstrating in major European cities for weeks now. Protesters are urging European and international authorities to respond to the takeover of the Kurdish autonomous region called Rojava by Syria's new government. They fear that their community is at risk of disappearing. What is the diaspora hoping from the European and international authorities?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.This episode is based on a story written by Blanche Ribault for Streetpress and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

French senator Laurent Duplomb is back with a controversial proposal: reintroducing pesticides that are currently banned in France. Last year, his first attempt was blocked by the constitutional court. This time, the debate returns, as discussions at EU level also suggest a possible softening of pesticide rules. Are we witnessing a broader rollback of pesticide regulation in Europe?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.