The EU Elections Podcast

In this episode Arianna and Federico try to get to the bottom of what's happening in this new European Parliament by getting some insights straight from the source.Together with MEP Benedetta Scuderi we talk about what it's like having to defend European values in a political situation where they are often taken for granted, what challenges lie ahead and how we can use this euphoria to our advantage.

In this episode, Arianna and Federico discuss the current catastrophic situation in Gaza and the EU's complete failure to address the current crisis.Together with Alexandre Marcou, Communication Manager in Palestine for Médecins sans Frontières, we paint the full picture of the dire situation of the citizens of Gaza and how the EU's indifference is making us all complicit.

In this new episode of Euphoria Federico and Arianna discuss the topic of new threats to Democracy and Human Rights that are emerging through the use of new technologies like AI and Social Media by bad actors.Special thanks to Asha Allen, Director and Secretary General of the Center for Democracy and Technology Europe Office in Brussels, for guiding us through this conversation.

In this new episode of Euphoria Federico and Arianna discuss the idea that with the beginning of the Trump administration we have entered a "new world of might" were international relations is a zero sum game and law comes second.They then discuss how the EU and particularly Ukraine is caught in the middle of this new paradigm together with Marta Barandiy, President of Promote Ukraine.Like our podcast and want to keep in touch?Send us a message!@eu_and_u on all platforms

In the first episode of Euphoria Federico and Arianna lead us through what has happened in the first 100 days of the European Commission.They talk about a new world order and how things in Europe have changed in response to Trump's second term and then discuss the future of EU&U with the association's Executive Director, Otilia Colceriu

Welcome to Euphoria, the new and improvied EU&U podcast hosted by Arianna Labasin and Federico Terreni, where we explore the paradoxical state of the European Union—a mix of prosperity and deep challenges. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek meaning of "euphoria" as "health" experienced by a sick person, we question whether the EU's current sense of well-being is genuine or an illusion masking unresolved issues.In this thought-provoking series, we tackle pressing topics shaping our lives as young Europeans, including abortion rights, structural racism, the war in Ukraine, colonialism, mental health access, and youth rights. Together, we'll confront discomfort, reflect on critiques and advice, and envision a healthier, more democratic Europe for future generations.Are you ready to join us on this journey of discovery and transformation? Let's wake up from the euphoric haze and stitch together a stronger European project.See you in the next episode!Let us know your thoughts on instagram

In this last episode of the EU elections Podcast Arianna and Fede talk to Lena Schilling, the youngest MEP elected in the new legislature. The discussion is centered on the responsibility felt from being a young person in a position of power and what she want sto achieve in the coming 5 years. Thanks for listening to the EU elections podcast!

The results of the US elections do matter for the EU, but maybe, less than we think.  This is what Arianna and Federico discussed with Dan Nechita, EU Director of the Transatlantic policy network. His message was clear: as Europeans, we need to focus on our priorities and targets and the mission we already established, regardless of the US influence. The EU and the US have a long standing partnership and friendship that will continue, we just need to make sure to work with the right tools to maintain and develop this relationship further.  Listen to the new episode to make sense of what  just happened in the US, what is the impact of these electoral results for the EU and its transatlantic relationship and why, fundamentally, the American people voted for Trump and not for Harris. 

Get ready for a deep dive into the EU's political epicenter! As the proposed European Commissioners head into their parliamentary hearings between November 4-12, co-hosts Arianna Labasin and Federico Terreni take you through what these high-stakes sessions mean. In this episode, they answer burning questions from listeners: What's the process to become a Commissioner? Can we expect shifts on the Green Deal with the European People's Party now in power? And, are these hearings public? With insider details and some sharp critique, we uncover the key steps each nominee must pass, from addressing policy priorities to proving their commitment and integrity. Get your popcorn—there may be drama ahead!

In this first episode after the summer break, Arianna and Fede discuss what has happened since the European Parliament Elections of June 2024. We talk about the new composition of the parliament, the new political groups, and how diverse it's members are. Then we discuss the next steps required to complete the handoff between one legislature and another. Can you feel it? There's a scent of Commissioner hearings in the air!

The EP Elections came and went, now it's up to Arianna and Federico to pick up the rubble and make sense of the 27 simultaneous elections held across the Member States. Let's recap what happened to voter turnout, what where the biggest surprises, and most importantly what happens next in this last bonus episode before the summer break. NB: The opinions presented in this show are of the authors themselves and don't represent the position of EU&U Music Credit: Gleb Raglevich

There's only a few days left from the 2024 European Parliament elections and as you listen to this episode some citizens in certain Member States are already casting their ballot. In order to celebrate the end of this podcast we thought it would be a good idea to talk to the man responsible for the entire election campaign of the European Parliament. In this episode Arianna and Federico talk to Jaume Duch Guillot, the Spokesman and Director General for Communication at European Parliament, about what it takes to plan a communication campaign simultaneously in 27 Member States. We learn more about how DG Comm works, the secrets behind the EU election video, and why some careful optimism is always the best remedy. Enjoy this last episode of the EU elections podcast. Don't worry we will be back soon to talk about everything that happens once the polls close! Music: Gleb Ragalevich

In this episode Arianna and Federico talk about the evolving mental health epidemic in the European Union following the Covid-19 pandemic. This topic was the big missing point from the Maastricht Debate that we discussed in the last episode and it seems like most parties have not been considering it or including it in their campaigns. But what role can the topic of mental health play in the upcoming European Parliament elections? We asked this among other important quetions to Karl Lavò of Gamian Europe. Music: Gleb Ragalevich

In this special episode of the podcast Arianna and Federico made their way to the Maastricht Debate where all of the "spitzenkandidaten" participated trying to show their vision of the European Union to voters. A special thanks to Eddy Wax for participating and bringing us in the behind the scenes of what it takes to cover an election and Politico for the invite! Music: Gleb Ragalevich

In this episode Arianna and Federico talk us through the numbers of youth participation in politics from the heart of the European Parliament. In a context where each Member State can set its own rules for the European Parliament elections there can be a lot of confusion regarding what age you can start to vote or be a candidate. But one thing is for sure, young people are not disengaged from activism. We also talk to María Rodríguez Alcázar, the President of the European Youth Forum about challenges to youth participation in the upcoming elections. Music: Gleb Ragalevich

In this episode Arianna and Federico talk us through the current state of gender inequality in the EU. They present data on which countries are seeing progress in their gender representations and which ones are still lagging behind. Then Aimee Duprat-Macabies from the Brussels Binder joins us to talk about their important work in ensuring gender representation at important events as well as her vision for a more balanced future. Music: Gleb Ragalevich

In this episode, Federico and Arianna talk us through the history of the EU's enlargement as well as the ins and outs of this complicated process. Then,Liza Bezvershenko, from Promote Ukraine will talk us through her country's long history with the EU and its ongoing accession procedures. Music: Gleb Ragalevich

In this episode, Federico and Arianna talk us through the legitimacy question of the European Parliament elections. Can we consider them truly European if they are actually 27 national elections, each with their own rules? They also tell us about some possible reforms proposed by the Parliament that were not approved in time for the 2024 elections and the challenges that some communities face to both get to the polls and be elected. Music: Gleb Ragalevich

The EU wants to become climate neutral by 2050 but to reach this ambitious goal it needs an equally ambitious plan. The European Green Deal is the package of legislation and policies that the EU is relying on to get us to the net neutral goal. Still, with the upcoming European Parliament elections it is likely to be reshaped by a new coalition. In this episode Federico and Arianna talk us through the possible scenarios for the future of the Green Deal and interview Francesca Bellisai from ECCO, about he research in this field. Music: Gleb Ragalevich

400 million people are eligible to vote for this year's European Parliament elections, but nobody is talking about it! In this episode Arianna and Federico introduce and set the stakes for the EP elections that will be held between the 6th and 9th of June in 2024. They also introduce us to some of the key concepts behind the race! Music: Gleb Ragalevich

Longer episode for a nice (if cold!) holiday season. In this episode, Francesco and Alastair have a chat with 3 other members of EU&U, namely Martina, Evan and Jokin, to look back to the Italian elections of September 2022 and reflect upon what the results mean in the current European landscape and in relation to other European governments. Therefore just sit back, relax, and enjoy! The episode is divided in 3 chapters, available at the following timestamps: Chapter 1 - 0:00 Chapter 2 - 47:02 Chapter 3 - 01:03:24

Francesco and Alastair are joined by Cathy, Sam and Sharon for an in-depth discussion on the potential for Irish unity following Northern Ireland's shocking and historic election results. Alastair is from the North but Cathy, Sam and Sharon are from the South; so this is a real cross-border poll of opinions! We're also answering YOUR questions about Irish politics and Ireland in general. Is a United Ireland realistic? Is Derry Girls realistic? Which is the best cup of tea? And whose fault is all this anyway! Join us for the most craic EU&U has ever seen!

In this episode we talk to Dori from Hungary and Lilly from the Czech Republic, who explain to us all about the Visegrád 4; the 700 year long cooperation between their countries along with Slovakia and Poland. We'll discuss the culture, politics, history and personalities of the countries, as well as sharing some perceptions. And as we debate the difference between Central and Eastern Europe, we'll also talk about the shadow of Russia over these countries, and the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine for our lives.

New York based stand-up comedian Dan Pulzello is the king of Europe vs USA TikToks and Reels so we thought it was time to get him on the show to have it out! Join us for a hilarious dive into some of our funniest cultural differences, and Dan's philosophy on making fun of them. We also chat about the art of standup and the New York standup scene, as well as how social media has transformed the way comedians interact with their material as well as their audiences. Not to mention how social media has transformed and polarised society; we get into that too. Dan also has some words of wisdom for French people going to the polls this weekend - don't think You-Know-What can't happen to you just cos you're in Europe...

Natālija Knipše is an incredible youth activist who joins us for a chat about her time as UN Youth Delegate for Latvia and her personal brand of youth activism. We also get the behind-the-scenes scoop on COP26 from her - she was there - and you don't want to miss that. Also in this episode, we discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how it feels to live with Russia hovering over your shoulder, as well as the incredible true story of the Baltic Way protest. We also share a few tips and tricks on how to improve your public speaking - even if you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.

We're joined this time by Pietro to announce the EU&U Policy Hackathon, an unmissable event we're organising in cooperation with the European Parliament Liaison Offices that YOU can take part in! We also hear more of your feedback on EU&U and discuss our plans for future content! Did we read our your suggestion? Sign up for the hackathon at https://together.eu/events

You asked, we listened! In this episode we review your New Year's suggestions for EU&U, starting with a deep-dive on a federalised future for the EU - the politics, the culture, the economy... the army? And we kick off the New Year with a comparison of the Irish and Italian Christmas Cakes - you won't believe which one Francesco wants to try!

We welcome special guest Otilia Colceriu for an in-depth look at the exciting and dynamic politics of Romania, from the technocratic government in 2015 to the jailing of Liviu Dragnea, Romania's most powerful politician. We also learn about Romania's National Day, dances, and of course we compare notes on the best alcohol too. Not to mention a virtual tour of Maastricht, the plan for Next Generation EU, and a fairy tale about an Irish giant - not to be missed!

Whiskey and artichokes: Pietro joins us from Rome to talk about the future of the EU in the hands of young people, and where to get the best meal in the city - just don't ask him about the wine. We'll also get to grips with media literacy and answer the big question - is the "post-truth" era a technology problem or part of the human condition?

In this episode we see Irish and Italian hospitality going head to head. Learn the future of languages in Europe, and hear the Northern Irish view on everyone's favourite tragicomedy: Brexit.