Europe Talks Back

In France's Champagne region a high-profile human trafficking trial is raising serious questions about working conditions in one of Europe's most luxurious industries.Three people, a woman from Kyrgyzstan, a Georgian man, and a French national, are on trial in Châlons-en-Champagne. They're accused of trafficking and exploiting over 50 undocumented workers during the 2023 grape harvest. How widespread is exploitation in the seasonal labour force and what does this mean for the industry? 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 brewing foreign policy storm is putting the EU's diplomatic resolve to the test.Foreign ministers from some of Europe's most powerful countries, France, Germany, and the UK, are meeting with their Iranian counterpart in a bid to de-escalate a crisis that risks spiraling into an all-in war between Israel and Iran. Can European diplomacy influence the course of 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.

The EU's most powerful member state is clashing with its biggest political party and the fight is about money. Yes, the EU's budget is back in the spotlight, and it's starting to look like a family feud. The European People's Party says: if we expect Europe to do more, then we need to spend more. But Berlin is holding the wallet tight and is refusing to contribute a cent extra. But what does this mean for the EU's next budget and for the political power play behind 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.

The G7 summit in Canada ended up delivering more drama than diplomacy. US President Donald Trump cut his visit short, skipping the final day of talks, including a key session with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and publicly insulted French President Emmanuel Macron on his way out. So, where does this leave the resolution of the conflicts in Gaza, Israel and Iran, and Ukraine?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 world leaders are gathering in the Canadian Rockies to kickstart what promises to be… well a high-stakes political retreat with plenty of dramatic potential: the G7 Summit.The group includes Canada, the UK, the US, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union. While the original agenda focused on global economic turbulence, Ukraine, and the climate crisis, one issue has bulldozed its way to the top: the rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. So, what can we expect from this summit?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.

Israel has launched a major military attack on Iran, during the night and the world woke up to a scarier reality today. The operation involved over 200 fighter jets and targeted dozens of Iranian military and nuclear sites, including the enrichment facility in Natanz and high-ranking officials. But how is Iran planning to retaliate and what are the reactions so far?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, the UK and Spain have struck a deal over Gibraltar 's post-Brexit future, the last unresolved issue of Brexit. The territory has been in a kind of diplomatic limbo ever since, but now all sides have agreed to remove border and customs checks between Gibraltar and Spain. But how will this affect everyday life for people living in the area?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.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is expected to win a symbolic but politically significant vote of confidence in parliament today. His coalition government holds 242 seats in the 460-member Sejm, Poland's lower house, making the outcome largely predictable at least for now. But what message is Tusk trying to deliver today?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 being intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, the 12 passengers of the Gaza-bound aid ship Madleen, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament, have been transferred to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Israeli authorities say the group of activists is currently being processed for deportation. However, according to international media reports, some of the activists are refusing to sign deportation documents. So, what happens next and what are the reactions 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.

On Sunday and Monday, June 8 and 9, Italians are heading to the polls for five referendums. These are abrogative referendums, meaning citizens are being asked whether to repeal existing laws or parts of them. And to be valid, turnout must reach 50% plus one of eligible voters. But what is at the core of these referendums and can they pass? 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.

Consumer watchdogs from 21 countries, coordinated by the European Consumer Organisation, BEUC, have filed a complaint against the ultra-fast fashion Shein to the European Commission and EU consumer protection authorities. What is the complaint about and what could this case mean for fast fashion in Europe?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.

An internal report written by the EU foreign service in late 2024 has resurfaced this time, in full.The document, originally kept confidential, was published yesterday by the EU Observer and it outlines findings from a human rights audit that was ordered by the EU's then, foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell. But what is in the report and what could it mean for the EU- Israel trade agreement?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 Tuesday morning, the Netherlands woke up to a political earthquake, again. Geert Wilders, the leader of the anti-migration PVV party, announced on X that he is pulling out of the coalition government, causing the collapse of Prime Minister Dick Schoof's cabinet. But what led to the fall out and what does this mean for the country's stability?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.

So… Poland has a new president. And not the one the exit polls predicted.Right-wing opposition candidate Karol Nawrocki (Navrotski) has narrowly won Poland's presidential runoff election, with 50.89% of the vote, just edging out centrist Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who landed at 49.11%. A result so close it feels like a decimal-point drama. But what does this result mean for Poland and for Europe?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 last episode of A Grain of Power, we cast a light on the functioning of the market of grain and wheat at the global level. Until now, this series has focused on the responsibilities of nations and supranational institutions, but in this sixth episode, we focus on the power of private companies and, also, financial markets. Through 6 episodes, A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South. Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliances. And you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?Narration: Alexander Damiano RicciReporting and field research: Futura D'AprileAuthor: Futura D'AprileEnglish adaptation: Futura D'Aprile and Alexander Damiano RicciOriginal soundtrack: Epidemic SoundOriginal Sound Editing: Jeremy BocquetSound editing and mixing English version: Daniel Gutierrez OrtegaCover artwork : Watermelon CollectiveEditor-in-chief: Alexander Damiano RicciProduction: Futura D'Aprile Executive producer: Ana RiberaEditorial and production coordination: Alexander Damiano RicciA Grain of Power is a six-episode documentary series produced by Europod and Outriders, as part of the WePod project, funded by the European Union. This podcast is co-produced by Europod.Subscribe to Europod • English for even more podcasts, and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Slovak central bank governor, Peter Kažimír and member of the European Central Bank's Governing Council, you know the body that decides monetary policy for 20 eurozone countries, has just been convicted of bribery. Yes, he has been convicted and fined €200,000 and with a warning that if he doesn't pay, he's looking at a year behind bars. But how did we get here and what does this mean for the ECB?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.

Yesterday was International Menstrual Hygiene Day, and chances are, it passed without much notice. But something that affects nearly half the population, every single month, for around 40 years, deserves a bit more attention. Periods might still be treated like an uncomfortable secret, but they're not. And the most important thing isn't the discomfort, it's the cost, the stigma, and the silence that continue to surround them. But why is something as basic and essential still so expensive and so ignored in Europe?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 rule of law and democracy were the two topics at the heart of the General Affairs Council this week in Brussels, and Hungary was once again the elephant in the European room. This time, the vibe was already set by many EU countries who called Hungary to reverse the ban on Pride celebrations and scrap the law that cracks down on independent media and NGOs. Is the EU finally ready to make the move and hold Hungary accountable?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 this episode of Europe Talks Back, we explore how Europe's so-called culture wars are used to divert attention from structural economic issues. With insight from political scientist and member of the Social Democrats Justus Seuferle and Politics Professor at the University of Bath, Aurélien Mondon, the episode examines how political and media discourse has shifted away from material concerns like wages, housing, and labour rights, towards debates on identity, migration, and “wokeness.” Our guests argue that this cultural framing distorts the concept of class and often benefits elite interests, while marginalising those most affected by economic inequality. Through this lens, we question who really shapes the public narrative in Europe, and who is excluded from it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany has just joined the US, the UK, and France in lifting range restrictions on the weapons it sends to Ukraine. Which means that Kyiv is now officially allowed to hit targets inside Russia using Western-supplied weapons. But why is this decision coming now and what does it mean for the war?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 Sunday, US President Donald Trump announced that he will delay the implementation of a 50% tariff on European Union goods. The tariffs were originally set to take effect on June 1 in a few days, but the new deadline is now moved to the 9th of July. But what does this signal for the future of the trade relations between the EU and the US?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 analysing the impact of the lack of grain and wheat on the global South, in the 5th episode of A Grain of Power, we look at the impact an abundance of the same can have on economies. In 2024, farmers' movements across Europe took the streets of their capitals and Brussels. To some, it looked like the Kremlin had been able to spur these protests through its geopolitics of grain. What was that really the case? And, more globally, what role does the EU play in wheat trade? Through 6 episodes, A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South. Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliancesAnd you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?Narration: Alexander Damiano RicciReporting and field research: Futura D'AprileAuthor: Futura D'AprileEnglish language adaptation: Futura D'Aprile and Alexander Damiano RicciOriginal soundtrack: Epidemic SoundOriginal Sound Editing: Jeremy BocquetSound editing and mixing English version: Daniel Gutierrez OrtegaCover artwork: Watermelon CollectiveProduction: Futura D'Aprile Executive producer: Ana RiberaEditorial and production coordinator: Alexander Damiano RicciA Grain of Power is a six-episode documentary series produced by Europod and Outriders, as part of the WePod project, funded by the European Union. This podcast is co-produced by Europod.Subscribe to Europod • English for even more podcasts, and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

329 civil society organisations across Europe issued a very clear call to Brussels: stop Hungary's latest attempt to silence pluralism. In a public letter addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath, the signatories urge the EU to act immediately against a new Hungarian law that could destroy what little remains of the country's democratic public space. But is the EU still willing to protect the rule of law at all?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 humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the UN warning that 14,000 babies could die within 48hours if aid does not reach communities in the Strip, finally, pushed the European Union into a moment of reckoning. But this comes after more than 19 months of Israeli military operations in Gaza and three months of suspended humanitarian aid, prompting several EU member states to call for a formal review of the EU's political and economic relations with Israel. But can this review lead to policy change?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.

Last Sunday, Poles voted in the first round of presidential elections. Leading were Rafał Trzaskowski, mayor of Warsaw and candidate of Prime Minister Donald Tusk's Civic Platform, and Karol Nawrocki of the conservative Law and Justice party. A runoff is set for 1 June.The race highlights Poland's deep divisions. And this also has something to do with the right to abortion. Despite Tusk's 2023 promise to restore abortion rights within 100 days, the near-total ban remains. Reform attempts failed due to internal opposition and President Duda's veto power. Many women, crucial to Civic Platform's 2023 victory, feel betrayed. A Trzaskowski win could revive reform hopes; a Nawrocki win would likely block them. Feminist groups now wait to see if promises turn into action.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.

They say money talks. But sometimes, it whispers, behind closed doors, in Brussels boardrooms, and inside sleek offices of public affairs firms you've probably never heard of. While the world tries to phase out fossil fuels, a handful of lobbying and law firms are working hard to protect them. Not because it's good for the planet, but because big oil still pays. A new analysis by the Good Lobby reveals just how deep the ties run between powerful lobbying firms and the fossil fuel giants they quietly serve. And for this episode we're switching things up and we're talking with professor Alberto Alemanno, to explain why this link remains strong. What does this say about who really influences EU climate policy? And what will it take to hold them accountable?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 all eyes are on a very complicated relationship that ended with a breakup, the EU and the UK. Keir Starmer wants to reset this relationship and this week, that effort finally takes shape in the form of hosting the first official U.K.-EU summit since Brexit. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas are having talks with the British Prime Minister in London. What was discussed during the meetings and what would be the impact on citizens? 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.

With the fourth episode of A Grain of Power, the reportage trip which started in Ukraine and passed along the Western coast of the Black Sea reaches its final destination. In the Egyptian town of Mansoura and the capital city Cairo, bread maker Zainab and restaurant owner Kamal share their views on the importance of bread in their society. The episode analyses the impact of the shortage of wheat due to the war in Ukraine on the Egyptian economy. But by moving back to Europe, the episode also tackles the effect that an abundance of imported grain can have on economies.Through 6 episodes, A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South. Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliancesAnd you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?Narration: Alexander Damiano RicciReporting and field research: Futura D'Aprile and Matteo GaravogliaAuthor: Futura D'AprileEnglish adaptation: Alexander Damiano RicciOriginal soundtrack: Epidemic SoundOriginal Sound Editing: Jeremy BocquetSound editing and mixing English version: Daniel Gutierrez OrtegaCover artwork : Watermelon CollectiveProduction: Futura D'AprileExecutive producer: Ana RiberaProduction and editorial coordinator: Alexander Damiano RicciA Grain of Power is a six-episode documentary series produced by Europod and Outriders, as part of the WePod project, funded by the European Union. This podcast is co-produced by Europod.Subscribe to Europod • English for even more podcasts, and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 19th is Europe's Super Sunday with three elections: Romania, Poland and Portugal, that could reshape each country's national trajectory and reverberate across the continent. Romania's presidential runoff has exposed deep political divides, with nationalist candidate George Simion facing centrist Nicușor Dan. In Poland, the first round of the presidential race is testing the balance of power between the pro-European government and a conservative opposition, amid growing far-right influence. Meanwhile in Portugal, voters returned to the polls for the third time in three years, with the centre-right seeking to maintain power while resisting pressure from the surging far-right Chega party. But the main question for this weekend is: is the center holding, or is the right wing moving in for the win?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.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, never one to shy away from a bit of authoritarian flair, is back at it. His ruling Fidesz party has just introduced a bill that will be blacklisting and monitoring critical to his government media and NGO's. But in what ways is the government planning to use this bill?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 European Union court has just ruled that the European Commission was wrong, actually, very wrong, to deny access to text messages exchanged between its President, Ursula von der Leyen, and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. These messages were sent in early 2021, at a time when the EU had fallen months behind the US and the UK in the race to secure Covid-19 vaccines. Von der Leyen took matters into her own hands, personally negotiating a deal worth up to €35 billion for nearly 2 billion doses, in a process that was anything but transparent. So, what does this verdict really mean, and what is the Commission planning to do about 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.

Busy week this one for the world of diplomacy where moves and decisions made could determine the war in Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly accepted Vladimir Putin's suggestion to have serious negotiations and challenged him to meet for direct peace talks this Thursday, in Istanbul. In this explosive mix add Donald Trump, who is visiting the region and wants to be part of these negotiations. But is there hope for a deal and what happens if Putin doesn't show up?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.

Albanians voted this Sunday to decide whether to give Prime Minister Edi Rama a fourth term or side with his longstanding rival, Sali Berisha. From the current polls it looks like Prime Minister Edi Rama has secured a fourth term in office. His Socialist Party won a bit over 50% of the vote in Sunday's legislative elections, enough to hold a solid majority in parliament, with 79 out of 140 seats. His main rival, conservative leader Sali Berisha, and his coalition received 38% of the vote.But why was this election one of the most crucial ones for the country and what does the result mean for Albania's EU integration ambitions?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 third episode of A Grain of Power, the team of reporters behind this documentary travels from Odessa, in Ukraine, towards Istanbul, in Turkey, passing through Constanza, in Romania. The trip sheds light on the impact of the war on Ukraine on the transport infrastructure of grain from Europe to the global South. Through 6 episodes, A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South. Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliancesAnd you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?Narration: Alexander Damiano RicciReporting and field research: Futura D'AprileAuthor: Futura D'AprileEnglish adaptation: Futura D'Aprile and Alexander Damiano RicciEditor-in-chief: Alexander Damiano RicciOriginal soundtrack: Epidemic SoundOriginal sound editing and mixing: Jeremy BoquetSound editing and mixing of the English version: Daniel Gutierrez OrtegaCover artwork: Watermelon CollectiveProduction: Futura D'AprileExecutive producer: Ana RiberaEditorial and Production coordinator: Alexander Damiano RicciA Grain of Power s a six-episode documentary series produced by Europod and Outriders, as part of the WePod project, funded by the European Union. This podcast is co-produced by Europod.Subscribe to Europod • English for even more podcasts, and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Habemus Papam! After just two days of deliberations, the Cardinals have chosen their 267th Pontiff: Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo the Fourteenth, the first American Pope in history. Seen as a centrist, Leo inherits a global congregation at a time of deep division and growing calls for reform.But, where does Pope Leo stand on key issues shaping our society today, from LGBTQ+ inclusion and women's roles in Church leadership, to climate change and 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's headline in all caps A “MAJOR TRADE DEAL” is on the horizon, or so says Donald Trump, who posted on social media that he'll be announcing one at 10 AM sharp, 4pm for us, from the Oval Office. The deal will be with “A BIG, AND HIGHLY RESPECTED, COUNTRY.” So, which country is getting the Trump treatment this time? And what is this deal actually about?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 76th papal conclave is officially underway, and this one is already being called the most unpredictable in modern Church history. 133 cardinals from across the world have entered the Sistine Chapel, under Michelangelo's famous Last Judgment and they're now sequestered from the outside world to elect the next pope.This is the largest conclave ever. And like every time since 1276, the voting will continue until one cardinal receives a two-thirds majority. So, what's going to happen today in a nutshell?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.

Germany has entered unfamiliar territory. For the first time in the history of the Federal Republic, a designated chancellor has failed to get elected in the first round of parliamentary voting. So, what happens now that Merz failed to secure a majority?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 Monday, Israeli ministers agreed to ramp up their military campaign in Gaza as if they had ever slowed down. Now their new plan is to capture more territory, of whatever is left, draft tens of thousands of reservists of their military and continue striking what they call “militant infrastructure”. All this while Donald Trump is getting ready to visit the region. But will this visit shape the future of the war in Gaza? 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 second episode of A Grain of Power brings you to Ukraine. More specifically, we get to know the story of farmers in the Southwestern region of Mykolaiv, where families have suffered the destruction of their fields of wheat through bombs and mines. We also discuss the history of the weaponisation of grain through the voice of historian and professor Steven Kaplan.Through 6 episodes, A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South. Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliancesAnd you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?Narration: Alexander Damiano RicciReporting and field research: Futura D'Aprile and Diana Lanovets Author: Futura D'AprileEnglish adaptation: Futura D'AprileEditor-in-chief: Alexander Damiano RicciOriginal soundtrack: Epidemic SoundOriginal Sound Editing: Jeremy BocquetSound editing and mixing English version: Daniel Gutierrez OrtegaThumbnail illustration: Watermelon CollectiveProduction: Futura D'Aprile and Diana LanovetsExecutive producer: Ana RiberaProduction coordinator: Alexander Damiano RicciA Grain of Power is a six-episode documentary series produced by Europod and Outriders, as part of the WePod project, funded by the European Union. This podcast is co-produced by Europod.Subscribe to Europod • English for even more podcasts, and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Long Story Short, we turn our attention to Romania, where Sunday's presidential election could redefine the country's role in Europe and shift the balance of power in the region. With a far-right frontrunner promising to cut off military aid to Ukraine and challenge Romania's pro-Western trajectory, the stakes are high, not just for Romanians, but for the entire European project. We unpack who's running, what's at risk, and how this vote could echo far beyond Bucharest. Could Romania become the EU's next political headache?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 EU's top court delivered a landmark ruling: Malta's golden passport programme, which allowed wealthy foreigners to acquire Maltese, and therefore EU, citizenship in exchange for a cash investment, has been found illegal.According to the Court of Justice of the European Union, the scheme amounted to “the commercialisation of EU citizenship.” has violated the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. But what happens now to the passports Malta has already sold and which other countries are under pressure too?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.

Abortion remains illegal in Malta and highly restricted in Poland, despite ongoing pressure from European institutions to uphold reproductive rights. In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we examine the historical and current influence of religious institutions on abortion policy across Europe, and the political forces maintaining these restrictions. We are joined by Neil Datta, Executive Director and founder of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, and Magdalena Chrzczonowicz, Editor-in-Chief of OKO.press and contributor to the cross-border investigation Exporting Abortion, who share insights on how restrictive laws impact women and how cross-border initiatives are working to protect access to safe abortion care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, our Long Story Short podcast is taking you outside of Europe, to the Mediterranean, to Tunisia. This may not be a strictly European story, but what happens in our neighborhood can have major implications for us too. Especially considering that just last year, Tunisia signed a 255-million-euro deal with the European Union to tackle irregular migration.The birthplace of the Arab Spring, is once again caught in a judicial farce, because last week, a Tunisian court sentenced 40 people up to 66 years of prison. But who are these people, and why is the EU turning a blind eye in its transactional relationship with Tunisia?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.

Over the weekend, world leaders gathered in Rome to attend Pope Francis' funeral, an event that quickly became a hotspot for high-stakes diplomacy. At the heart of these diplomatic moves was the very first face-to-face meeting of Donald Trump and Voldomyr Zelenskyy since February's highly tense Oval Office encounter.In what way did this meeting shape the future of the war in Ukraine, and what should we be keeping an eye on this week?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 first episode of A Grain of Power starts in Trevignano, near Rome, Italy. It starts with the story of Culetti, a small modern bakery led by Mirko Magnano, who discusses the philosophy behind the business. More than 2000 kilometres away, Zainab describes the visceral relationship between Egyptian people and bread, as well as the challenges the local population encounters to access this essential good. How and why are the stories of Mirko and Zainab connected?Through 6 episodes, A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South. Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliancesAnd you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?Narration: Alexander Damiano RicciReporting and field research: Futura D'Aprile & Matteo GaravogliaAuthor: Futura D'AprileEnglis adaptation: Alexander Damiano RicciEditor-in-chief: Alexander Damiano RicciOriginal soundtrack: Epidemic SoundOriginal Sound Editing: Jeremy BocquetSound editing and mixing English version: Daniel Gutierrez OrtegaIllustration: Watermelon CollectiveProduction: Futura D'Aprile & Matteo GaravogliaExecutive producer: Ana RiberaProduction coordinator: Alexander Damiano Ricci A Grain of Power is a six-episode documentary series produced by Europod and Outriders, as part of the WePod project, funded by the European Union. This podcast is co-produced by Europod.Subscribe to Europod • English for even more podcasts, and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Union is currently investigating whether Hungary's new plan to use facial recognition at LGBTQ+ Pride events on June 28th is even legal. But what does Hungary's surveillance move reveal about the strength of the EU's AI Act? And will the European Commission take action this time around?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 president Donald Trump, took to social media, again, to blame Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for blocking a peace deal with Russia. Only Russia has been launching a massive missile attack on Kiev since last night with Ukrainians looking for shelter anywhere underground. But is there a peace deal on the horizon and what does lifting sanctions on Russia mean for Europe and the US?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 last episode of Sea of Rage, we travel back to Barbate and investigate what happened on the night of the 9th of February 2024, when two local police officers were killed by narco-gangs. We also meet Spanish prosecutors and researchers, trying to understand what the future might hold for Barbate.Sea of Rage is a reportage podcast dealing with the borderless narco-trafficking business as seen from the perspective of ordinary people who live in two towns in Southern Europe: Barbate (Andalusìa, Spain) and Gioia Tauro (Calabria, Italy). Over the past few decades, Barbate and Gioia Tauro have become entry points for hashish and cocaine into Europe. But why have these towns become such pivotal places for drug trafficking? And what does it mean to live, day in day out, next door to such dark and murky businesses?Sea of Rage is an adaptation of the homonymous co-production between Podium Podcast and Chora Media, released in September 2024 under the Spanish and Italian language titles Mar de rabia (Spanish, Podium Podcast) and Mare di rabbia (Italian, Chora Media). Sea of Rage is part of WePod, a collaborative project financed by the Creative Europe program of the European Commission.Art direction: Alexander Damiano RicciReporting on the ground and interview collection: Manu Tomillo (Podium Podcast), Javi Caminero (Podium Podcast) and Francesca Berardi (Chora Media)Original sound design: Elizabeth BuaAdaptation of scripts in English: Alexander Damiano RicciSound editing: Daniel Gutierrez OrtegaEditorial support (original Italian version): Ilaria Ferraresi e Valeria LuziProducer (Italian version): Martina ConteOriginal sound theme: Luca Micheli (Chora Media)Cover artwork: Watermelon collective, based on original artwork by Agencia Player and Giulia Mangano (Chora Media)Executive producer: Ana Ribera (Podium Podcast)Project Manager: Henar Leòn (Podium Podcast) and Gloria Beltrami.Coordination of editorial work and production: Alexander Damiano Ricci.This co-production was financed by the European Union. However, the points of view and opinions shared are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not reflect necessarily the opinions of the European Union. Nor the European Union, nor the authorities and agencies which might have financed this product can be considered responsible for points of view shared through this journalistic and creative work. This podcast was co-produced by Europod.Subscribe to Europod • English for more podcasts and subscribe to our Linkedin and Instagram channels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we continue our reporting from the area of Gioia Tauro. We meet journalist Michele Albanese who lives under police protection these days. And discover the reach and connections of the Italian Ndrangheta mafia across Europe. From the reporting the differences and red threads connecting Barbate and Gioia Tauro become manifest.Sea of Rage is a reportage podcast dealing with the borderless narco-trafficking business as seen from the perspective of ordinary people who live in two towns in Southern Europe: Barbate (Andalusìa, Spain) and Gioia Tauro (Calabria, Italy). Over the past few decades, Barbate and Gioia Tauro have become entry points for hashish and cocaine into Europe. But why have these towns become such pivotal places for drug trafficking? And what does it mean to live, day in day out, next door to such dark and murky businesses?Sea of Rage is an adaptation of the homonymous co-production between Podium Podcast and Chora Media, released in September 2024 under the Spanish and Italian language titles Mar de rabia (Spanish, Podium Podcast) and Mare di rabbia (Italian, Chora Media). Sea of Rage is part of WePod, a collaborative project financed by the Creative Europe program of the European Commission.Art direction: Alexander Damiano RicciReporting on the ground and interview collection: Manu Tomillo (Podium Podcast), Javi Caminero (Podium Podcast) and Francesca Berardi (Chora Media)Original sound design: Elizabeth BuaAdaptation of scripts in English: Alexander Damiano RicciSound editing: Daniel Gutierrez OrtegaEditorial support (original Italian version): Ilaria Ferraresi e Valeria LuziProducer (Italian version): Martina ConteOriginal sound theme: Luca Micheli (Chora Media)Cover artwork: Watermelon collective, based on original artwork by Agencia Player and Giulia Mangano (Chora Media)Executive producer: Ana Ribera (Podium Podcast)Project Manager: Henar Leòn (Podium Podcast) and Gloria Beltrami.Coordination of editorial work and production: Alexander Damiano Ricci.This co-production was financed by the European Union. However, the points of view and opinions shared are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not reflect necessarily the opinions of the European Union. Nor the European Union, nor the authorities and agencies which might have financed this product can be considered responsible for points of view shared through this journalistic and creative work. This podcast was co-produced by Europod.Subscribe to Europod • English for more podcasts and subscribe to our Linkedin and Instagram channels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we travel to the Italian coast and port-town of Gioia Tauro, in the Southern region of Calabria. We discover the history of the construction of the port of Gioia Tauro and the role of the Italian mafia, Ndrangheta, in the narco-trafficking of cocaine into Europe. Sea of Rage is a reportage podcast dealing with the borderless narco-trafficking business as seen from the perspective of ordinary people who live in two towns in Southern Europe: Barbate (Andalusìa, Spain) and Gioia Tauro (Calabria, Italy). Over the past few decades, Barbate and Gioia Tauro have become entry points for hashish and cocaine into Europe. But why have these towns become such pivotal places for drug trafficking? And what does it mean to live, day in day out, next door to such dark and murky businesses?Sea of Rage is an adaptation of the homonymous co-production between Podium Podcast and Chora Media, released in September 2024 under the Spanish and Italian language titles Mar de rabia (Spanish, Podium Podcast) and Mare di rabbia (Italian, Chora Media). Sea of Rage is part of WePod, a collaborative project financed by the Creative Europe program of the European Commission.Art direction: Alexander Damiano RicciReporting on the ground and interview collection: Manu Tomillo (Podium Podcast), Javi Caminero (Podium Podcast) and Francesca Berardi (Chora Media)Original sound design: Elizabeth BuaAdaptation of scripts in English: Alexander Damiano RicciSound editing: Daniel Gutierrez OrtegaEditorial support (original Italian version): Ilaria Ferraresi e Valeria LuziProducer (Italian version): Martina ConteOriginal sound theme: Luca Micheli (Chora Media)Cover artwork: Watermelon collective, based on original artwork by Agencia Player and Giulia Mangano (Chora Media)Executive producer: Ana Ribera (Podium Podcast)Project Manager: Henar Leòn (Podium Podcast)Coordination of editorial work and production: Alexander Damiano Ricci.This co-production was financed by the European Union. However, the points of view and opinions shared are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not reflect necessarily the opinions of the European Union. Nor the European Union, nor the authorities and agencies which might have financed this product can be considered responsible for points of view shared through this journalistic and creative work. This podcast was co-produced by Europod.Subscribe to Europod • English for more podcasts and subscribe to our Linkedin and Instagram channels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.