Podcasts about European Commission

Nobel laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk and Deputy Minister Alona Shkrum join Lisa Burke to discuss the Advocacy Coalition and the cost of silence for Europe My Guests: - Her Excellency Ambassador Barbara Karpetová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg - Inna Yaramenko, the Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Vice President at LUkraine - Oleksandra Matviichuk, Chairwoman of the Center for Civil Liberties, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022. - Alona Shkrum, First Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine. - Kristina Mikulova, Head of Regional Hub for Eastern Europe for the European Investment Bank In this powerful episode, the conversation shifts from the abstract concept of 'aid' to the urgent reality of strategic investment in European security. As Ukraine enters its fourth year of full-scale invasion, a new initiative has been developed by Ambassador Karpetová with the help of Inna Yaramenko. 'The Advocacy Coalition - Defending Our Future Now' has launched in Luxembourg to remind the continent that defending Ukraine is synonymous with defending the future of democracy itself. This year-long set of events will pass the baton between the founding embassies: Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom, to stand united in the conviction that defending Ukraine means defending Europe's future. Beyond Charity: A Strategic Investment Supporting Ukraine in 2026 is now viewed as a strategic investment in the infrastructure of European security. Alona Shkrum, Ukraine's First Deputy Minister for Reconstruction, explained that waiting for hostilities to cease before rebuilding is not an option. "If we do not reconstruct water, utilities, energy supply, schools, and hospitals, then people will leave," she noted, emphasising that keeping the economy functioning allows Ukraine to fund its own defence and protect the eastern borders of the European Union. The scale of destruction is staggering: the road damage alone is equivalent to the distance from Luxembourg to Iran, and the amount of housing destroyed, over 3 million units, exceeds the total housing stock of Denmark. Humanising the Numbers Whilst the statistics are overwhelming, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk focuses on "humanising the numbers". She shared the harrowing story of 10-year-old Ilya from Mariupol, whose mother died in his arms in a frozen apartment after they were caught in Russian shelling. Matviichuk also recounted the experience of Professor Irak Kyvslovski, a philosopher who spent 700 days in captivity and gave lectures on philosophy to rats in his solitary cell just to hear a human voice. "Dignity is action," Matviichuk told the audience, asserting that the "accountability gap" in international law must be closed by establishing a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression. A Year of Intensive Advocacy The Advocacy Coalition, a partnership between LUkraine, the European Commission, and nine resident embassies in Luxembourg (but they're open for more partners), will host monthly events throughout 2026. These events will tackle critical themes such as countering disinformation, reconstruction, and the role of the Ukrainian diaspora. The first event will take place at the European Parliament in Luxembourg on March 23, featuring a keynote address by Matviichuk, focussing on the abducted children. Unity as the Strongest Weapon The message from my guests underlines that unity is the strongest weapon against authoritarianism. As Ambassador Barbara Karpetová noted, even a small nation like Luxembourg can provide "shared inspiration" by standing together, mirroring the visionary leadership of historical figures like Pierre Werner, former Prime Minister of Luxembourg, whose home she now resides in. The Power of Ordinary People Matviichuk emphasises that "ordinary people can do extraordinary things". Inna cites the 700 Luxembourgish families who offered to host refugees within just three days after the invasion began. Digital Engagement: The Coalition is launching an Advocacy Platform, a digital ecosystem featuring authentic testimonies from diplomats, volunteers, and citizens to humanise the impact of solidarity.

On the Property Round-Up on iProperty Radio this week, host Carol tallon speaks to Matthew Baldwin, who – alongside Stefan Moser – leds the Head of the European Commission's Housing Task Force.The discussion explores how the European Commission is responding to the housing affordability crisis affecting Ireland and many other EU member states.Baldwin outlines the rationale behind the Commission's Affordable Housing Plan and the work of the Housing Task Force, explaining how the EU is seeking to support member states while respecting national responsibility for housing policy. The conversation examines the four pillars of the plan – supply, investment, reforms and support for vulnerable households – and what they could mean for housing delivery across Europe.The discussion also addresses the particular pressures facing Ireland, including rising rents, record homelessness figures and the challenge of scaling up housing supply while maintaining quality and sustainability.This broad-reaching discussion also touches on MMC, regulatory simplification, investment models, vacant housing potential and the role of European collaboration in tackling housing supply constraints.Listen back: https://open.spotify.com/show/5EyzgZSvR4hFk6umOWyDCv?si=af8a709436ff4667Watch back: https://youtu.be/zzwJ_bdlGMQ

As proposals for the future Horizon Europe are scrutinised by the European Parliament, we discuss likely changes to the seven-year funding programme and whether it can support a coalition of like-minded powers amidst the current geopolitical upheaval. The next version of Horizon Europe, due to launch in 2028, is likely to show much greater alignment with EU economic and defence priorities, backed by the budget almost doubling to €175bn a year. The initial proposal put forward by the European Commission opens Horizon up to dual purpose and defence focused research and places more weight on research designed to drive EU competitiveness in key industries such as green energy and digital technologies. This week Miranda Prynne is joined by THE features editor Paul Jump to discuss how the planned changes could affect European research and the impact on Horizon's flourishing global network of non-EU members such as the UK, Canada and Japan whose contributions currently make up around a third of Horizon's total budget. Listen to Paul's take on whether the new Horizon Europe will provide a platform for a stronger international network of like-minded middle powers, giving them more clout on the world stage, or if a closer focus on Europe's needs will create tensions with non-EU members.

Talking Europe sits down at the EU Commission with a man whose work goes to the very heart of what the EU sees as its core values. Michael McGrath is the Commissioner responsible for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection. His work concerns not just breaches of the rule of law in EU member states, but also the whole online dimension of democracy, including disinformation and foreign interference. Indeed, he now leads a new European Centre for Democratic Resilience.

Europe acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) editor Stephanie Wix, Asia ABS Senior Editor Angeline Soh, and Senior Data Analyst Yolanda Chen discuss the impact of the recently confirmed definitive anti‑dumping duties (ADD's) on ABS imports from South Korea and Taiwan, with host Aviva Zhang, Global Lead for Styrenics and Industry Analyst for Styrene China.The team examines how the duties are reshaping trade flows, the continued weakness in Europe ABS demand, the shifting strategies among Asian producers, and the indirect risks from rising geopolitical tensions on upstream styrene costs and freight routes. European Commission confirmed definitive anti-dumping duties on 13 February 2026 Taiwan loses further European market share; China sees limited but growing opportunities European demand remains subdued; buyers reassess import options Asia sees seasonal demand improvement but lower overall 2026 growth expectations US–Iran tensions may tighten styrene supply and extend import lead times for ABS and upstream styrene

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.

① How does China's annual government work report chart the course of the country for this year and the next five years? (00:52) ② China's foreign minister says Beijing will send its special Middle East envoy to regional countries to mediate in the Iran conflict. What has prompted China to make the decision? (24:59) ③ The US Court of International Trade has ordered the US Customs and Border Protection to process refunds on illegal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Is it realistic to expect the Trump administration to do that? (36:27) ④ The European Commission has proposed a controversial industrial act to prioritize “Made in EU” goods in public support and procurement. Why is the proposed act criticized as a misguided and protectionist approach? (46:58)

Italy has launched one of the most controversial proposals in the European energy market in years.In a bid to lower electricity prices and boost the competitiveness of Italian industry, the government has proposed shifting the cost of carbon emissions from gas-fired power plants to consumers. Supporters say the move could reduce wholesale power prices and ease pressure on businesses facing high energy costs.But critics warn it could undermine the foundations of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS); the cornerstone of Europe's climate policy.In this episode, Richard speaks with international experts about why carbon prices have been falling, what Italy's proposed reforms could mean for the power market, and the potential impact on renewable investment and corporate PPAs. They also discuss whether the proposal could distort electricity markets across Europe and the legal challenges the European Commission may raise.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests: Hæge Fjellheim, Head of Carbon Analysis at VeytGaia Stigliani, Senior Principal at AFRY Management ConsultingLorenzo Parola, Managing Partner at Parola AssociatiEnza Tedesco - Montel NewsEditor: Oscar BirkProducer: Alex Carlon#EnergyMarkets #EUETS #EnergyTransition #CarbonMarkets #ClimatePolicy #EnergyPolicy #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTrading #EnergyEconomics #EuropeanEnergy #CleanEnergy #Decarbonisation #EnergyPodcast  

As Europe strives to position itself at the forefront of the global digital economy, data centres are emerging as the backbone of competitiveness and innovation, enabling digitalisation, artificial intelligence, cloud services, and the broader digital transition. This presents challenges due to rising energy consumption, which will need the development of large-scale renewable capacity to replace fossil fuels, alongside other substantial investments in grid infrastructure.As part of these efforts, the European Commission is set to publish early 2026 its Strategic Roadmap for digitalisation and artificial intelligence in the energy sector which will aim at accelerating the deployment of digital tools (including AI technologies) across key decarbonisation sectors, such as power-grid optimisation, energy efficiency, and demand-side flexibility.Panel 1: Powering the intelligence – How to integrate data centres in the EU energy systemData centres are highly resource-intensive, consuming large amounts of electricity and requiring considerable grid hosting capacity. Europe faces the challenge of finding ways to balance the future backbone of the digital economy with its sustainability and decarbonisation goals.The publication of the Heating and Cooling Strategy in the first quarter of 2026 will support the decarbonisation efforts in the sector by improving its efficiency and system integration.In addition, the revision of the Energy Efficency Directive will promote a new rating scheme for data centres and foster their integration into the energy system.This panel aims to explore both current and future solutions for the sustainable integration of data centres into the European energy system. Questions to be discussed include:• What are the existing solutions to harness data centres' energy intensive profile and make them fit for a decarbonising energy system?• Data centres are expected to boom in many geographies around the continent. Is Europe ready to face this challenge?•How can the new EU legislative framework underpin this process without jeopardising the climate goal?Panel 2: AI – What's in it for the energy sector?Despite their energy intensive profiles, data centres and AI applications can substantially support the clean transition of the energy sector by boosting renewables efficiency, enhancing grid stability and fostering automatisation. The upcoming Strategic Roadmap for digitalisation and artificial intelligence in the energy sector will address such opportunities and the further arising challenges of AI integration in the energy sector.This panel will explore how AI will integrate, benefit or challenge our energy systems. Questions to be discussed include:• What AI applications are ready for deployment to support the clean transition of the energy sector?• How can AI support Europe's strategic autonomy in the energy sector?• What role can AI play in reducing the energy cost of resource-intensive infrastructure like data centres themselves?

Adopted in 2008, the New Legislative Framework (NLF) establishes a common set of rules, definitions, and procedures that ensure products placed on the EU market are safe, compliant, and reliable, and that their conformity can be verified and trusted. It provides a coherent framework that supports both consumer protection and innovation and ensures fair competition within the Single Market.The European Commission is currently working on the revision of the NLF – a timely opportunity to modernise Europe's regulatory toolbox, simplify procedures, and strengthen the competitiveness of EU industries. The upcoming reform will need to address the realities of an increasingly digital, interconnected, and sustainability-driven economy, while preserving the confidence that underpins the Single Market.In this context, some stakeholders see an opportunity to make product compliance in Europe simpler, more consistent, and more efficient by enhancing the consistency of the quality infrastructure ecosystem. Better coordination between national authorities and more uniform application of standards would ease administrative burdens and support a more predictable environment for conformity assessment bodies (CABs), enabling them to fulfil their role in verifying that products placed on the market are trusted.As technologies advance and products become more dynamic, acknowledging this evolution is essential in modernising the NLF's regulatory tools. The current framework is designed for products with static features. However, a rising number of products is now subject to changes after their placement on the market, including software updates, connected functionalities, or new sustainability performance claims. To strengthen consumer trust and help businesses maintain compliance throughout the product lifecycle, the revised NLF should introduce new mechanisms to enable the assessment of evolving product claims.Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to discuss the ongoing revision of the New Legislative Framework, and what role it can play in fostering competitiveness. Questions to be addressed include:- What should the main priorities be to ensure that the NLF remains future-proof and continues to uphold trust, safety, and competitiveness?- As products become increasingly complex and incorporate continuous digital or sustainability claims, does the current NLF still offer adequate tools for manufacturers to demonstrate compliance credibly?- With regulation now extending beyond products to systems, processes, and digital technologies such as AI and cybersecurity, how should the NLF evolve to stay both practical and risk-based?- Where is the greatest opportunity for improvement in the NLF to make the European system more agile?Suppo

Day 1,469.Today, as questions are directed at the Kremlin after Russian components were reportedly found in the wreckage of a drone that struck Dubai, we examine President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal to swap US-made Patriot air defence missiles for Ukrainian interceptor drones to counter Iranian and Russian weapons. We report on the latest explosion involving a Russian shadow fleet tanker in the Mediterranean Sea, and bring you the view from Brussels as European Union member states appear to push back against the European Commission's fast-track proposals for Ukrainian EU membership.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.NOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHjleMvPSs-JEjiQ8_D2cACONTENT REFERENCED:What the Iran war means for Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/04/iran-war-consequences-for-ukraine-russia-conflict/ Zelensky floats swapping Patriot missiles for interceptor drones amid increased Iranian Shahed threat (The Telegraph):https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-floats-swapping-patriot-missiles-for-interceptor-drones-amid-increased-iranian-shahed-threat/ EU urges Ukraine to allow access to pipeline carrying Russian oil (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/8f5f18fb-311d-4df0-805c-063b292506b3 Russian tanker ‘hit by drone' in Mediterranean (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/04/russian-tanker-hit-by-drone-in-mediterranean/ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:Our weekly newsletter includes maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons, answers your questions, provides recommended reading, and gives exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Join here – http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk . We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many on air and in our newsletter as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In November 2021, the Belgian parliament passed a tax reform that most Europeans never heard about. It phased out depreciation write-offs for petrol and diesel company cars. By 2026, the deduction disappeared entirely — combustion-engine company cars became zero per cent tax-deductible. Battery-electric vehicles stayed at 100 per cent.The market responded without hesitation.Corporate electric vehicle uptake surged — climbing 13 to 15 percentage points per year. By 2025, Belgium's fleet zero-emission vehicle share hit 54.2 per cent. In 2021, it was 8.8 per cent. Over the same period, Germany — Europe's industrial heavyweight — crept to 19.1 per cent.Belgium proved something simple: change the tax, change the market. Fast.Those precedent matters because in December 2025, the European Commission unveiled a regulation that could remake how Europeans buy, drive and eventually inherit their cars.The Clean Corporate Vehicles Regulation (CCVR) — part of the wider Automotive Package — sets out to electrify corporate fleets, the single largest slice of Europe's new car market. The strategy is elegant: turn company cars into a conveyor belt that pushes affordable electric vehicles into the hands of ordinary drivers within a few years.If Europe wants to change what people drive, it should start with the cars that businesses buy in bulk, run hard and swap out quickly so the rest of us can buy them second hand.​The Commission agrees with that much. Its proposal for a Clean Corporate Vehicles Regulation, tucked into the EU's automotive package, aims to push corporate fleets towards zero and low emission vehicles from 2030.Transport & Environment, the clean transport group that spends its days reading the small print, has now read it. It likes the premise. But it does not like the numbers.

There's been a massive Stop Killing Games update, and things are looking good. Ross Scott has presented the petition to the European Commission.Life on Mars might be frozen deep in the ice. Apart from being the plot of horror stories, how might this affect our society?Paramount have won the bidding war for Warner Bros. The consolidation of the media continues unabated.***We enjoyed a nice drink of Rez which you can get a 10% discount when you type NERDS at the checkout from the Rez website at www.drinkrez.com ***Resources MentionedBIG Stop killing games update (Stop Killing Games will talk to the EU Commission, Giant stop killing games updates 2026, SKG Press Conference)Frozen in Mars (NASA study finds ancient life could survive 50 million years in Martian ice | ScienceDaily)Paramount came out on top….against Netflix to buy Warner Bros (Breaking: Netflix Is No Longer Pursuing Purchase of Warner Bros. -- Paramount Takes The Lead In Bidding War, Massive Merger Confirmed: Paramount And WBD Reveal Details Of $110 Billion Deal, Netflix drops Warner Bros bid, clearing way for Paramount takeover, It's a Deal: Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery Unveil $111 Billion Megamerger, Paramount Skydance Poised to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery After Netflix Bows Out of Bidding War, ‘David Ellison Scares the S— Out of Me': How Paramount Beat Out Netflix, Won Warner Bros. and Will Change Hollywood Forever)Full Show Notes : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_UwazECZm0RTvssFO-q2zpznAKSjqPCtMm3x7gGTJ84/edit?usp=sharing***If you'd like to be featured on the show, send us an email: Nerds.Amalgamated@gmail.comFollow us on: Facebook || Twitter || TwitchJoin the Community on Discord: https://discord.gg/VqdBVH5aAnd watch us on YouTube: Nerds Amalgamated - YouTube

The European market for probiotic dietary supplements is one of the most dynamic, but also one of the most complicated, areas of self‑care right now. Probiotics are hugely popular with consumers, widely used across Europe, and backed by an expanding body of science. But for companies trying to bring these products to market, one major obstacle remains: the European Union's fragmented and highly restrictive regulatory environment. To help us unpack this, I'm joined on this episode of HBW Insight's Over the Counter podcast by one of the leading experts on probiotics and the wider “biotics” category: David Pineda Ereño, managing director of DP International Consulting. In this first part of our conversation, we explore why the current international definition of “probiotic,” which currently includes the assertion that these microorganisms confer a health benefit on the host. It is this inbuilt health claim that has become such a regulatory sticking point in Europe. We discuss whether this definition could be revisited at the Codex Alimentarius level, and what that might mean for future harmonization. We also look at the growing divergence within the EU, as countries like Italy, Spain, Denmark and others move away from the European Commission's restrictive position and allow the use of the term “probiotic” under certain conditions. Timestamps 2:00 – Introductions 4:30 – What are probiotics? 6:00 – Probiotic regulation in Europe 12:30 – Changing the definition 16:30 – The EFSA view 19:30 – EU member state divergence 22:15 – The Commission view 24:00 – What's next? Guest Bio David Pineda Ereño is managing director of DPE International Consulting, an international consultancy firm that provides strategic and regulatory advice on the policy, regulation and trade of foods and food supplements. David has over 20 years of experience providing strategic solutions to companies, trade associations, and government bodies at national, regional, and international level, in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Middle East and Africa, and the United States.

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week's Witness History interviews from the BBC World Service. Our guest, gemmologist James Evans discusses the creation of synthetic diamonds.We begin with the trial of the former President of Liberia, Charles Taylor. It was claimed that he traded in arms and ammunition in return for so-called blood diamonds.Next we head to Syria where a group of young men in the besieged town of Darayya came together to build a secret library during the civil war. Plus the start of the Second World War in the Pacific when Japanese troops landed in what was then northern Malaya. We hear about a meeting between two of the most prominent figures in history from around the turn of the last century. Florence Nightingale and the Aga Khan, Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah.Our sporting story takes us back to the summer of 1952 when the first Olympics of the Cold War era took place. Czechoslovakian army officer Emil Zatopek achieved a unique feat.And finally, the moment when Spain's fledgling democratic government appeared to be under threat.Contributors: Brenda Hollis - Chief prosecutor at the Charles Taylor trial. Malik Alrifaii - Volunteer who helped run the Syrian library. Dorothy Variyan -Lived under Japanese rule during the occupation of the Malay peninsula. Aga Khan III, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah - BBC archive interview from 1950. Richard Asquith - Emil Zatopek's biographer. Joaquin Almunia - Former Vice President of the European Commission.(Photo: Charles Taylor (rear C) appears in court in 2006. Credit: Rob Keeris/AFP via Getty Images)

This week on Autonomy Markets, Grayson Brulte and Walter Piecyk discuss Uber's new Autonomous Vehicle Solutions initiative, Waymo's growing markets, and the growth of Physical AI powered by NVIDIA.As Uber's stock languishes in the low seventies due to investor overhang about the future of autonomy, the company announced Uber Autonomous Solutions, a new initiative to support the growth of autonomous vehicles on the Uber platform.Grayson and Walt break down the initiative point by point, examining Uber's strategy of providing training data, enriched mapping, venue management, and autonomous vehicle insurance. While Grayson views much of the in-car experience pitch as buzzword Alley, Walt argues that AV mission control and fleet management are the true meat of Uber's strategy, aiming to provide the critical API for a fragmented market. This sparks a spirited debate on whether Uber is maintaining its asset-light identity or quietly creeping into asset-heavy operations by owning and operating robotaxi assets.The conversation then shifts to the geopolitical risks of Uber's international partnerships, as the company recently hosted analysts in Abu Dhabi to meet with Chinese autonomous partners WeRide and Baidu. Grayson warns of the tremendous blowback and political risk this carries back home, especially given the current US administration's active stance on social media regarding foreign technology.Walt and Grayson also discuss a recent broker report, shared by Uber CFO Balaji Krishnamurthy on X, that analyzed just 34 trips in Austin and claimed there is no cost advantage to autonomy. They call the sample size too small and the conclusions baffling given the obvious long-term benefits of removing human drivers.Contrasting Uber's narrative tour, Waymo is aggressively scaling and growing revenue. This week, Waymo announced they have crossed 1 million fully autonomous freeway miles, expanded into Chicago and Charlotte, and opened up Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando to early riders.Notably, Uber was absent from these new market announcements, leading Grayson to point out the potentially waning relationship between the two companies. Furthermore, he put on his inspector hat to uncover signs of Waymo's grand ambitions in the EU, citing meetings with the European Commission and job postings for EU regulatory counsel.As Waymo scales, the capital markets are flowing for autonomy investments, highlighted by Wayve securing a $1.2 billion check at an $8.6 billion valuation. The round includes investments from SoftBank, NVIDIA, Stellantis, and Nissan, with Uber committing to own and operate the Wayve fleet in 10 upcoming markets, starting with London.Then there is the growth of physical AI, which NVIDIA announced contributed $6 billion in earnings last quarter, with CFO Colette Kress signaling that robotaxis and humanoids are poised to be major growth markets over the next decade.Episode Chapters00:00 Uber's Identity Crisis 1:33 Breaking Down Uber Autonomous Solutions20:43 Uber's Abu Dhabi Analyst Day & Chinese Tech Risks 35:37 Waymo Announces Chicago & Charlotte as New Markets 40:55 Uber and Waymo's Waning Relationship 42:03 Waymo Surpasses 1 Million Fully Autonomous Freeway Miles43:56 Waymo Eyes the EU Expansion 46:32 Wayve's $1.2B Funding Round50:39 NVIDIA, Physical AI, & Humanoids 53:04 Next WeekRecorded on Friday, February 27, 2026--------About The Road to AutonomyThe Road to Autonomy is the definitive media brand covering the Autonomy Economy™. Through our podcasts, newsletter, and proprietary market intelligence, we set the narrative for institutional investors, industry executives, and policymakers navigating the convergence of automation, autonomy, and economic growth.Sign up for This Week in The Autonomy Economy newsletter: https://www.roadtoautonomy.com/ae/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ukraine's cities were failing long before the Russian invasion began. Kyiv and Lviv ranked among the 40 most congested cities in the world, yet neither makes the top 100 by population. Ninety per cent of Ukraine's housing stock was built before 1990. Its urban infrastructure was designed for a Soviet economy and never properly adapted for the one that followed. So when reconstruction begins, the question is not simply how to repair what was there: it is whether repairing what was there is the right goal.Edward Glaeser of Harvard, Martina Kirchberger of Trinity College Dublin, and Andrii Parkhomenko of the University of Southern California argue that the most instructive precedent is not post-USSR Warsaw, or postwar Berlin, it is postwar Tokyo. Firebombed into ruin, Tokyo rebuilt in a way that was strikingly decentralised: master plans quickly abandoned, local communities empowered to combine small lots through land readjustment, and figure it out from the bottom up. Before the war, Ukraine's economic activity was already shifting away from heavy industry and the east, towards services and the west. Reconstruction that concentrates investment where the damage is greatest, rather than where people want to build a new life, would repair the buildings and miss the point.The research behind this episode:Glaeser, Edward L., Martina Kirchberger, and Andrii Parkhomenko. 2025. "Rebuilding Ukraine's Cities: Maximizing Benefits and Minimizing Costs." Economic Policy: Papers on European and Global Issues, special issue: "What's Next for Ukraine?" To cite this episode:Phillips, Tim. 2026, "What's Next for Ukraine: Reconstruction." Economic Policy: Papers on European and Global Issues (podcast). Assign this as extra listening: the citation above is formatted and ready for a reading list or VLE.About the guestsEdward Glaeser is Fred and Eleanor Glimp Professor of Economics at Harvard University and a Research Associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research. He is one of the world's leading urban economists, with a research agenda spanning cities, housing markets, economic growth, and governance.Martina Kirchberger is a CEPR Research Affiliate and Assistant Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin. Her research focuses on structural transformation, urban economics, and development in low- and middle-income countries.Andrii Parkhomenko is Assistant Professor of Real Estate at the USC Marshall School of Business and a researcher at the Kyiv School of Economics. His work centers on urban and spatial economics, with a particular focus on housing markets and city growth.Research cited in this episodeUkraine Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, World Bank Group, European Commission, and UN, 2024. The source of the physical damage figure cited in this episode: approximately $175 billion by the end of 2024, with estimates for end-2025 likely exceeding $200 billion. Some independent projections cited by Glaeser run to $500 billion or above.The concept of investing-in-investing, referenced by Kirchberger, originates in work by Paul Collier on how resource-rich developing countries can scale up capital investment effectively. It refers to the prior investments in institutions, skills, and capacity that must be made before large-scale capital flows can be productively absorbed. The implication for Ukraine: there is work to do now, before reconstruction begins at scale.The Tokyo land readjustment model, which Glaeser cited as the most instructive reconstruction precedent, allowed owners of small fragmented lots to pool their land, redevelop it jointly, and receive a share of the new property in exchange for their stake in the old. It enabled large-scale urban reconstruction without central expropriation, and without waiting for government direction. The mechanism remains in active use in Japanese urban planning.The Solidere reconstruction of central Beirut was raised as a cautionary counterexample: a centralised, top-down rebuild that produced a high-end commercial district with questionable benefit to ordinary Lebanese, and which substantially enriched its private shareholders. The contrast with Tokyo's decentralised model is the episode's sharpest illustration of what reconstruction can and cannot achieve when organised from above.More in the "What's Next for Ukraine?" seriesThis episode is the second in a three-part series based on papers presented at the inaugural Economic Policy winter conference, Paris, December 2025.Episode 1: Yuriy Gorodnichenko and Maurice Obstfeld on the investment and financing challenge: $40 billion a year, debt restructuring as a prerequisite for private capital, and why the number is more achievable than it sounds.Episode 3: Demobilisation and the labour market: getting soldiers back into work without breaking the economy that kept the country going. Related reading on VoxEURebuilding cities in Ukraine: A VoxEU column on the urban reconstruction challenge, including the spatial decisions that will shape how Ukraine's cities develop in the decades after the war.A blueprint for the reconstruction of Ukraine: A comprehensive VoxEU overview of the reconstruction architecture: what institutions are needed, how international financing can be coordinated, and what the sequencing of investment should look like.Completing Ukraine's reconstruction architecture: On the remaining gaps in the international framework for financing and coordinating Ukraine's rebuild, and what needs to happen before reconstruction can begin at the required scale.Lessons for rebuilding Ukraine from economic recoveries after natural disasters: What the evidence from post-disaster reconstruction in other countries tells us about what works, what fails, and how quickly economies can return to their pre-shock trajectories.

Jack Power, Europe Correspondent for the IrishTimes spoke to Rachael from Brussels.

European countries have some of the best public health systems in the world. And yet cancer rates have been going up, according to the European Commission. For instance, in 2022, there was a 2.3 percent increase on the year 2020.

It's EV News Briefly for Thursday 26 February 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily EV LIST PRICES FALL AS GAS GUZZLER PRICES RISENew EV list prices (excluding Tesla) dropped 2.3%, or roughly $1,500, from an average of $63,327 in September 2025 to $61,860 in January 2026, while average new gas-powered vehicle prices rose 2.5% to $47,427 over the same period. The sharpest cuts came after the federal EV tax credit expired, with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 leading the slide at a 13.8% drop of over $7,000, followed by the Chevrolet Equinox EV at nearly $4,000 off — six models in total posted drops above 5%. FORD TEASES EUROPE CAR RETURN AFTER FIESTA, FOCUSFord CEO Jim Farley used the Q4 2025 earnings call to signal "exciting plans" for passenger cars in Europe, framing the comeback as a selective, profitable return to specific segments rather than a volume land grab. Two new EVs built on Renault's Ampere platform are expected in the subcompact segment from the Ford–Renault partnership, with new passenger cars set to start arriving in 2027 under a new dedicated Europe passenger-car leadership role. UBER EXPANDS EV RIDES ACROSS EIGHT UK CITIESUber has rolled out its EV ride option to eight more UK cities — Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Belfast and Merseyside — at standard UberX prices, after falling short of its pledge to run an all-electric London fleet by end-2025. Only 40% of London miles are now covered by EVs, with UK General Manager Andrew Brem citing charging access as "the biggest barrier," prompting Uber to announce driver support measures including discounted home and public charging in partnership with Pod Point. BMW TALKS PRICE FLOOR TO DODGE EU MINI DUTYBMW and the European Commission are in advanced talks to replace the EU's 20.7% countervailing duty on China-made Mini BEVs with a minimum import price agreement, according to Handelsblatt — covering the Mini Cooper Electric and Mini Aceman, both built at BMW's Zhangjiagang joint venture with Great Wall Motor. The approach would mirror the "price undertaking" the EU accepted from Volkswagen Anhui in early February, which freed the Cupra Tavascan from countervailing duties in exchange for a confidential price floor, volume cap and EU investment commitments. EU CITY BUS SALES HIT 60% ZERO-EMISSIONSix in ten new city buses registered across the EU in 2025 were zero-emission — 56% battery-electric and 4% fuel cell — a dramatic jump from just 12% when the Clean Vehicles Directive was adopted in 2019. Five member states hit 100% zero-emission city bus sales in 2025 (Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia), and Transport & Environment says a fully zero-emission EU city bus market is achievable as early as 2028.​MG2 SET FOR 2027 UK LAUNCH AT £20,000MG will enter the electric supermini segment in 2027 with the all-new MG2, targeting a starting price of around £20,000 (~$25,200), to take on rivals including the Renault 5, Citroën e-C3, Fiat Grande Panda and the incoming VW ID. Polo. The car will use the newer E3 architecture from the MG4 Urban, run front-wheel drive with a torsion-beam rear axle for cost efficiency, and feature a 12.8-inch touchscreen with physical climate controls — a reveal is expected in the second half of 2026. MG CONFIRMS MGS9 PHEV SEVEN-SEATER FOR UKMG will launch the MGS9 plug-in hybrid SUV in the UK later in 2026 as its new flagship, offering three full adult-sized rows and targeting rivals such as the Peugeot 5008, Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq at a value-led price point. The model already holds a five-star Euro NCAP rating and could reach UK showrooms as early as summer 2026, extending MG's line-up to 11 models. AUSTRALIA NVES DATA SHOWS HYBRIDS DO THE HEAVY LIFTAustralia's National Vehicle Emissions Standard published its first half-year performance data (July–December 2025), showing EVs made up roughly 12% of new vehicles supplied, with about two-thirds of manufacturers — including BYD and Polestar — meeting their fleet-wide emissions targets. Petrol- and hybrid-focused brands such as Mazda and Hyundai fell short and face penalties if they don't improve, while the data reveals that near-term emissions gains are leaning more on efficient hybrids than on full EVs. LECTRON ADAPTERS WIN UL 2252 SAFETY CERTIFICATIONLectron has earned UL 2252 safety certification across its full range of EV charging adapters — covering J3400, CCS1 and J1772 in both AC and DC variants — with its two DC adapters handling up to 500 amps at 1,000 volts for peak power of 500 kW, and built-in thermal sensors that trigger derating if heat rises during fast charging. The certification comes as the North American charging landscape remains split between NACS and CCS1 on DC networks and J1772 on AC infrastructure, making a certified bridging adapter an increasingly essential tool for EV drivers navigating the transition.

It's Thursday, February 26th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Russian-Ukrainian war in its fifth year The war between Russia and Ukraine entered its fifth year this week. International Christian Concern reports religious communities in the Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine continue to face harassment and violence. Protestant churches are especially targeted with intimidation, raids, and closures. The European Evangelical Alliance is calling on Christians to pray for their brothers and sisters caught in the conflict. The organization noted, “Churches continue to serve courageously. Acts of compassion and solidarity are widespread. Stories of protection, provision, and spiritual awakening remind believers that God remains present and active even in the darkest times.” Romans 8:28 reminds us, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” 1.8 million casualties in Russian-Ukrainian war After four years of fighting, Russia and Ukraine have experienced an estimated 1.8 million casualties. That includes people killed, wounded, and missing.  U.S. President Donald Trump continues to broker peace talks between the two countries even as the war drags on.  Ukrainian representatives plan to meet with U.S. envoys in Geneva, Switzerland today. This is ahead of a potential trilateral meeting between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine next week.  U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently wrote on X, “President Trump wants a solution that ends the bloodshed once and for all.” European Commission fines X $140 million Speaking of X, the company is challenging a $140 million fine imposed by the European Commission.  The commission is using the European Union's Digital Services Act to impose censorship on American tech companies. Jeremy Tedesco with Alliance Defending Freedom stated, “The platforms the Digital Services Act targets … are the modern public square. They are where Americans debate politics, share their faith, and hold the powerful accountable. … The EU Commission is targeting X for a simple reason: X is committed to free speech, and the Commission demands censorship.” El Mencho's Mexican cartel extorted and harassed pastors As The Worldview reported on Tuesday, Mexico's military forces killed the drug cartel leader, Nemesio Cervantes,  known as “El Mencho” on Sunday. He was the most wanted person in Mexico and one of the most wanted people in the United States.  The cartel he led was known for terrorizing not only businesses but also church leaders in Mexico. Pastors faced intimidation, extortion, harassment, and threats at the hands of the cartel.  Trump affirmed “one nation under God” In the United States, President Donald Trump delivered his 2026 State of the Union Address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.  The speech lasted for an hour and 48 minutes, the longest State of the Union Address in modern tracking.  At one point, he asked a question. TRUMP: “One of the great things about the State of the Union is how it gives Americans the chance to see clearly what their representatives really believe. So tonight, I'm inviting every legislator to join with my administration in reaffirming a fundamental principle. “If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support. ‘The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.'” (Republicans applauded) Not surprisingly, all the Republicans stood and all the Democrats remained seated, revealing the stark contrast between the two major parties. Throughout his speech, the president mentioned the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. He acknowledged the hand of Providence in our country's destiny and celebrated recent renewal in religious interest among young people. Listen. TRUMP: “I'm very proud to say that during my time in office, both the first four years, and in particular this last year, there has been a tremendous renewal in religion, faith, Christianity and belief in God. “This is especially true among young people, and a big part of that had to do with my great friend, Charlie Kirk, a great guy, a great man.” (You can watch the State of the Union here.) Singer Johnny Cash remembered for faith in Christ And finally, today marks the birthday of Johnny Cash. The iconic American singer was born on February 26, 1932.  He rose to fame in the music scene in the 1950s before coming to Christ later in the 1970s. He became known as the “Man in Black” for his all-black stage suits.  After his conversion, Cash would use his music to share the Gospel, often performing at Billy Graham Crusades.  Cash remains one the best-selling music artists of all time. He was inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.  One of his last recorded songs was called “I Came to Believe.” Listen to the chorus. “I came to believe in a Power much higher than I. I came to believe that I needed help to get by. In childlike faith, I gave in and gave Him a try. And I came to believe in a Power much higher than I.” Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Pick up a copy of Greg Laurie's biography entitled, Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon.  And watch the Christian movie by the same name.  Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, February 26th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

This episode of 'The New Abnormal' podcast features Maija Knutti, a Policy Analyst in the EU Policy Lab Foresight Team, which is part of the European Commission Joint Research Centre.As Maija explains, it's a collaborative place for innovative policymaking, which is intended to help policymakers think holistically and long-term. She goes into real detail in this episode about what her role entails, and in doing so explains the approaches taken and ranges of outputs delivered re: the ESPAS (European Strategy & Policy Analysis System), the ranges of foresight engagement tools & approaches that the teams utilise in the wide variety of reports they generate; along with highlighting the development of the Nordic Foresight Network, and an exciting forthcoming Polyfutures event. So, I hope you enjoy listening to her, as she covers the above dynamic issues!

In this Sustainable Podcast episode by AgriBusiness Global, Jennifer Lewis, Executive Director of the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association, discusses the significance of the European Commission's Proposal for the Simplification Package Omnibus, the reality of this speeding up the registrations process, and more.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, host Rebecca Christie speaks to former EU Competition Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager -- now chair of the board at Danish Technical University -- and Ditte Brasso Sørensen, who leads Think Tank EUROPA's Stocktaking EU project, about how Europe can reduce its dependencies without grasping for the impossible goal of full economic independence. How can the European Union make its state aid framework fit for purpose? Can Europe anchor its own AI companies, and how will the big US firms manage their European business? What is the role of clean technology and critical raw materials in securing the EU's future? Denmark's experience of European integration, particularly on key topics such as Greenland and the euro, shows how countries can balance sovereignty with shared purpose.Related research: Brasso Sørensen, D. (2026) 'STOCKTAKING EU - Taking stock of the Commission's first year', EUROPA, available at: https://thinkeuropa.dk/en/node/4391 Grabbe, H. and J. Zettelmeyer (2024) ‘Not yet Trump-proof: an evaluation of the European Commission's emerging policy platform', Policy Brief 03/2025, Bruegel, available at: https://www.bruegel.org/policy-brief/not-yet-trump-proof-evaluation-european-commissions-emerging-policy-platform 

On February 24, the Council of the European Union officially adopted the ‘Omnibus' directive. Key aspects of the ‘Omnibus' directive include changes to the scope of entities subject to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) as well as guidance on simplified European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), sector guidance, assurance standards, and value chain reporting. This approval and other recent milestones in the EU legislative process and standard setting efforts are shaping the next phase of sustainability reporting. In this episode, we provide an update on the Omnibus package and discuss the latest developments in the proposed revisions to the ESRS. We explore what is expected to be finalized soon, where there is still opportunity for change, and the key implications for companies preparing for upcoming reporting requirements. In this episode, we discuss:2:48 – Updated scope and timing requirements for EU and non-EU entities11:14 – Streamlined general disclosure requirements and cross-cutting changes14:31 – Changes to double materiality and flexibility in the assessment process17:34 – Clarifications on mitigation, remediation, and assessing impacts22:54 – Reporting boundary updates, including the impact of leased assets and GHG emissions27:51 – New reliefs: reasonable and supportable information, acquisitions and disposals, and metric flexibility36:07 – What's next in the European Commission process and how companies can prepare nowLooking for more on sustainability reporting?Read PwC's Sustainability reporting guideCheck out other episodes in our sustainability reporting podcast seriesAbout our guestDiana Stoltzfus is a sustainability partner in the Professional Practice Group within the National Office. Diana helps to shape our firm's perspective on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings, and policy development and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. Diana was previously the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) of the Professional Practice Group in the OCA at the SEC. She focused on providing guidance related to auditing, independence, and internal controls.About our hostHeather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC's global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC's accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com. Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

U.S. President Donald Trump unleashes a new 15 per cent global baseline tariff – the maximum legal amount – following the Supreme Court's ruling that reciprocal country-specific levies were illegal. The European Commission has insisted Washington honours its trade pact following Friday's SCOTUS verdict. U.S. trade envoy Jamieson Greer says all agreements will remain in place. The tariff retaliation has pushed European futures south and Wall Street is also poised to start the new week deep in the red.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The European Commission has called for Washington to abide by the terms of the trade deal struck last year with the EU. This comes after US President Donald Trump announced new global tariff hikes a day after an adverse Supreme Court ruling. All to discuss with Dan Mulhall Former Ambassador of Ireland to the United States.

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.

In just a few months, the country has signed or advanced several major trade deals with other nations. Is it a reflection of the growing size of the Indian economy - it is on course to become the third largest in the world - or it is because of a global economic realignment due to US President Donald Trump's tariff policies? And is India ready to open its markets to foreign competition, or is there a danger that it will lead to job losses in some sectors? If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresenter: Rahul Tandon Producer: David CannBusiness Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.Each episode is a 17-minute deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Starbucks, Brian Niccol.(Picture: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen in Hyderabad House, New Delhi, India on the 27th of January 2026. Credit: Getty Images)

With Nord Pool set to offer electricity futures contracts from March, competition for liquidity on the Nordic power curve will heat up this year. Who will come out on top?Also, the European Commission, along with the energy  regulators, wants to create a new, centralised unit to operate day-ahead market coupling in the EU. Whilst market participants agree with the need for increased regulatory oversight, there is concern from exchange bosses that this would promote a single point of failure and hamper healthy competition.Would this proposal fix the part of the system that isn't broken? In this episode, Richard sits down with the CEOs of Nord Pool and EEX in Essen to discuss this, as well as the issues concerning liquidity in certain markets in Europe, and how the market needs to adapt to aggregators and the flexibility that the investment into renewables demands. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests: Tom Darrell - CEO, Nord PoolPeter Reitz - CEO, EEXContributor:  Julia Demirdag - Germany Reporter, Montel NewsEditor: Oscar BirkProducer: Sarah KnowlesSubscribe to the podcast on our website, via Apple Podcasts or Spotify

On this episode, I go into several stories related to criticism of European Commission regulations, various security related stories, upcoming enhancements for PowerShell and much more! Reference Links: https://www.rorymon.com/blog/criticisms-of-eu-regulations-increase-new-script-library-feature-for-defender-it-nightmare-story/

-X is facing yet another investigation into Grok's reported creation of nonconsensual sexual images on the platform. Ireland's Data Protection Commission has announced an inquiry into X regarding the harmful, intimate images and processing of EU and EEA individuals' personal data — including children. -The European Commission has opened an investigation into low-cost fast fashion retailer Shein. EC officials are concerned about the sale of illegal products, including child sexual abuse material, as well as the potentially addictive design of its shopping experience. -Apple is planning a major update for its Podcasts app. The app now supports the company's HTTP Live Streaming video technology. Previously, it only streamed video in various formats like MOV, MP4 and M4V. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The European Commission has opened a formal investigation into Shein over suspicions that the online retail giant has violated the EU's Digital Services Act. The probe comes months after the online retail giant came under fire for allowing child-like sex dolls to be sold on its site. But first, France is inching closer to finalising a massive deal over the sale of 114 Rafale fighter jets to India, as French President Emmanuel Macron kicks off his three-day visit. 

Kaja Kallas, the vice-president of the European Commission, rejected America's assertion, made in a national-defence document last year, that Europe is facing “civilizational erasure”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brussels is full of lobbyists. Over decades, big companies have been using their financial might not only to influence EU policies but even to shape how EU institutions are designed and what their key goals are. Host Licia Cianetti talks to Kenneth Haar, who for almost two decades has been conducting research on corporate lobbying in the EU for Corporate Europe Observatory. Kenneth explains how corporate lobbying works, what lobbyists want, and how a sketchily defined “competitiveness” agenda is driving a far-reaching deregulation drive by the European Commission, which endangers hard fought for environmental, social, health, and labour protections.  Guest: Kenneth Haar is a researcher and campaigner at Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO). His freely downloadable book, A Europe of Capital, details how corporate lobbyists got to the core of the European project. Corporate Europe Observatory is an advocacy and investigative research group. Their many reports, articles, and infographics on corporate lobbying in the EU are available on the CEO website. You can download their alternative tourist guide to Bussels here: “Lobby Planet – Brussels”. CEO's podcast EU Watchdog Radio is also highly recommended! Presenter: Licia Cianetti is Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham and Founding Deputy Director of CEDAR. The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Brussels is full of lobbyists. Over decades, big companies have been using their financial might not only to influence EU policies but even to shape how EU institutions are designed and what their key goals are. Host Licia Cianetti talks to Kenneth Haar, who for almost two decades has been conducting research on corporate lobbying in the EU for Corporate Europe Observatory. Kenneth explains how corporate lobbying works, what lobbyists want, and how a sketchily defined “competitiveness” agenda is driving a far-reaching deregulation drive by the European Commission, which endangers hard fought for environmental, social, health, and labour protections.  Guest: Kenneth Haar is a researcher and campaigner at Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO). His freely downloadable book, A Europe of Capital, details how corporate lobbyists got to the core of the European project. Corporate Europe Observatory is an advocacy and investigative research group. Their many reports, articles, and infographics on corporate lobbying in the EU are available on the CEO website. You can download their alternative tourist guide to Bussels here: “Lobby Planet – Brussels”. CEO's podcast EU Watchdog Radio is also highly recommended! Presenter: Licia Cianetti is Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham and Founding Deputy Director of CEDAR. The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Brussels is full of lobbyists. Over decades, big companies have been using their financial might not only to influence EU policies but even to shape how EU institutions are designed and what their key goals are. Host Licia Cianetti talks to Kenneth Haar, who for almost two decades has been conducting research on corporate lobbying in the EU for Corporate Europe Observatory. Kenneth explains how corporate lobbying works, what lobbyists want, and how a sketchily defined “competitiveness” agenda is driving a far-reaching deregulation drive by the European Commission, which endangers hard fought for environmental, social, health, and labour protections.  Guest: Kenneth Haar is a researcher and campaigner at Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO). His freely downloadable book, A Europe of Capital, details how corporate lobbyists got to the core of the European project. Corporate Europe Observatory is an advocacy and investigative research group. Their many reports, articles, and infographics on corporate lobbying in the EU are available on the CEO website. You can download their alternative tourist guide to Bussels here: “Lobby Planet – Brussels”. CEO's podcast EU Watchdog Radio is also highly recommended! Presenter: Licia Cianetti is Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham and Founding Deputy Director of CEDAR. The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen says that the ambition is for “one Europe, one market” by 2027. We discuss the fine line that leaders have to walk to stay both competitive and open.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The exact cause of the country's biggest ever fish kill incident on the Blackwater River near Mallow last August could not be established, according to an independent report from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. To tell us more about this our Environment Correspondent George Lee.

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau, a leadership expert who blends corporate acumen with spiritual and emotional intelligence. Originally from Germany, Sylvia has navigated through various European cultures, refining her expertise in leadership and organizational change over decades. Together, they explore the transformation in leadership styles, shifting from traditional command-and-control models to more holistic, human-centered approaches. Mary and Sylvia dive into the core themes of Sylvia's book, "Who's in Charge?," examining the interconnectedness of personal well-being, leadership, and effective team dynamics. The conversation highlights the evolution of corporate structures towards enhancing individual health as a pathway to greater organizational success. Sylvia shares her insights on being a 'possibilist,' encouraging leaders to embrace change and unlock their potential. They also discuss the practice of meditation and its pivotal role in aligning leaders with their purpose, ultimately leading to a more meaningful and impactful life. About the Guest: Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau is a renowned leadership coach and author, known for her profound insights into leadership development and organizational health. With an international background, she has lived and worked across Europe, bringing a wealth of diverse cultural and professional perspectives. Sylvia holds a PhD and has extensive experience in consulting, career advising, and leadership development, having worked with esteemed organizations like the European Commission and the European Investment Bank. She is an advocate for integrating mindfulness and self-leadership into corporate structures, evidenced by her book, "Who's in Charge?" Key Takearies: • The shift from traditional leadership to modern, holistic approaches focuses on individual well-being as a foundation for organizational success. • Embracing the concept of 'possibilism' empowers leaders to pursue ambitious goals and create meaningful change. • The integration of spiritual energy in leadership fosters a sense of interconnectedness and purpose-driven actions. • Meditation and mindfulness are essential for leaders to maintain focus, manage their energy, and facilitate personal and professional growth. • Legacy is about creating value not just through achievements but also through meaningful contributions to others' lives. Resources: • Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau Website (https://www.smartpowermethod.com/) • "Who's in Charge?" by Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau (Available on Amazon) (https://www.amazon.com/Whos-Charge-Create-Impact-Chaotic/dp/1068844248) Discover the profound insights shared by Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau by tuning into the full episode, and learn how to craft a meaningful life through self-leadership and mindfulness. Stay connected for more inspiring conversations with thought leaders from around the world.

Patch Tuesday. Preliminary findings from the European Commission come down on TikTok. Switzerland's military cancels its contract with Palantir. Social engineering leads to payroll fraud. Google hands over extensive personal data on a British student activist. Researchers unearth a global espionage operation called “The Shadow Campaigns.” Notepad's newest features could lead to remote code execution. Our guest is Hazel Cerra, Resident Agent in Charge of the Atlantic City Office for the United States Secret Service. Ring says it's all about dogs, but critics hear the whistle. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today, we're joined by Hazel Cerra, Resident Agent in Charge of the Atlantic City Office for the United States Secret Service, as she discusses the evolution of the Secret Service's investigative mission—from its early focus on financial crimes such as counterfeit currency and credit card fraud to the growing challenges posed by cryptocurrency-related crime. Selected Reading Microsoft February 2026 Patch Tuesday Fixes 58 Vulnerabilities, Six actively Exploited Flaws (Beyond Machines) Adobe Releases February 2026 Patches for Multiple Products (Beyond Machines) ICS Patch Tuesday: Vulnerabilities Addressed by Siemens, Schneider, Aveva, Phoenix Contact (SecurityWeek) Chipmaker Patch Tuesday: Over 80 Vulnerabilities Addressed by Intel and AMD (SecurityWeek) Commission preliminarily finds TikTok's addictive design in breach of the Digital Services Act (European Commission) Palantir's Swiss Exit Highlights Global Data Sovereignty Challenge (NewsCase) Payroll pirates conned the help desk, stole employee's pay (The Register) Google Fulfilled ICE Subpoena Demanding Student Journalist's Bank and Credit Card Numbers (The Intercept) The Shadow Campaigns: Uncovering Global Espionage (Palo Alto Networks Unit 42) Notepad's new Markdown powers served with a side of RCE (The Register) With Ring, American Consumers Built a Surveillance Dragnet (404 Media) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a textIra Chaleff is an author, speaker, and executive coach in the greater Washington, DC, area. His extensive experience with the US federal government includes directing and chairing the nonpartisan Congressional Management Foundation, where he is now Chair Emeritus. Ira co-authored the original handbook for newly elected Members of Congress, now in its fifteenth edition, and has facilitated over a hundred retreats for congressional offices. He has led and participated in Democracy strengthening programs in Asia and West Africa and consulted for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Eastern Europe.He has been an adjunct faculty member at the Federal Executive Institute and a visiting leadership scholar at Churchill College, Cambridge University in England. Ira served two terms on the Board of Directors of the International Leadership Association and is the founder of its Followership Community.Ira speaks on courageous followership and intelligent disobedience at a wide variety of institutions, including the US Department of State, the US Naval Academy, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the European Commission of the EU, and many others.Quotes From This Episode“Sometimes it's courageous to conform. Discernment matters as much as courage.”“Followers are as responsible for bringing out the best in leaders as leaders are for bringing out the best in followers.”“If followership education only teaches compliance, should we be surprised when adults conform to poor leadership?”Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBook: The Courageous Follower by ChaleffBook: Intelligent Disobedience by ChaleffBook: To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers by ChaleffAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. AllenWebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to HostingThe views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.

With talk of an early UK election swirling, Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice joins Merryn Somerset Webb to make the case that his party is ready to govern. Tice argues that Reform UK, which is leading in the polls, is gearing up policy “working groups” and road-testing power in local councils. He claims day-one moves like serving notice to leave the European Commission on Human Rights, scrapping the Human Rights Act and abandoning a net-zero approach to global warming would help cut energy bills—while he hints at a broader reset for UK markets, pensions, regulation and crypto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Commission wants to stop Meta blocking WhatsApp 3rd-party AI assistants, Google rolls out paywall for YouTube Music lyrics, SpaceX shifts focus from Mars to “self-growing city” on the Moon. MP3 Please SUBSCRIBE HERE for free or get DTNS Live ad-free. A special thanks to all our supporters–without you, none of this would beContinue reading "Discord Will Roll Out Global Age Verification – DTH"

With TikTok being told by the EU to change what it believes is an 'addictive design' or face fines, we speak to cyber-psychologist Dr Sarah Hodge, and France's ambassador for digital affairs and AI, Clara Chappaz, on whether the continent is set to follow Australia's lead and ban children below the 16-years-old from using social media. Will Grant reports on the latest as the critical fuel crisis in Cuba worsens and Havana's fuel pumps run dry. Elsewhere, we look to Japan as the nation heads to the polls this weekend, and Ed Butler hears from Professor Maria Rodas on what it takes to make the perfect Superbowl commercial. Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Europe, Latin America and the USA.(Picture: A TikTok logo is seen in front of the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium. Credit: Olivier Hoslet / EPA / Shutterstock.)

CISA cracks down on aging edge devices. Congress looks to sure up energy sector security. DHS facial recognition software may fall short. Romania's national oil pipeline operator suffers a cyberattack. The European Commission may fine TikTok for being addictive. DKnife is a China-linked threat actor operating a long-running adversary-in-the-middle framework. Researchers say OpenClaw is being abused at scale. Our guest is Mike Carr, Field CTO at Xona, talking about how Italy should be thinking about protecting the 2026 Winter Olympics. A BASE jumper attempts a daring AI alibi. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today we are joined by Mike Carr, Field CTO at Xona, talking about how Italy should be thinking about protecting the 2026 Winter Olympics. Selected Reading CISA: Remove EOL edge kit before cybercriminals strike (The Register) 5 Bills to Boost Energy Sector Cyber Defenses Clear House Panel (SecurityWeek) ICE and CBP's Face-Recognition App Can't Actually Verify Who People Are (WIRED) Romania's oil pipeline operator confirms cyberattack as hackers claim data theft (The Record)  Flickr discloses potential data breach exposing users' names, emails (Bleeping Computer) 17% of 3rd-Party Add-Ons for OpenClaw Used in Crypto Theft and macOS Malware (Hackread) EU says TikTok faces large fine over "addictive design" (Bleeping Computer) 'DKnife' Implant Used by Chinese Threat Actor for Adversary-in-the-Middle Attacks (SecurityWeek) All gas, no brakes: Time to come to AI church (Talos Intelligence)  Man who videotaped himself BASE jumping in Yosemite arrested, federal officials say. He says it was AI (LA Times) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After concerns that honey from overseas is being watered down with cheap rice and corn syrups, Sheila Dillon investigates the scale of global honey fraud. It's a story of complex international supply chains with the world's food security at its heart. In 2023, the European Commission found that 46 per cent of the honey it sampled was suspected to be fraudulent. Just last year at the World Beekeeping Awards the prize for Best Honey had to be cancelled after fears that adulterated honey might be entered. The fake version can be very difficult to detect and beekeepers warn that it is forcing down the price of honey, potentially driving them out of business.So how serious an issue has international honey fraud become and how concerned should consumers in the UK be? Sheila visits Bermondsey Street bees in Essex in search of answers and speaks to the UK's two biggest honey producers - Rowse and Hilltop Honey. Food fraud expert Professor Chris Elliott from Queen's University Belfast analyses the situation and Robin Markwell reports from Copenhagen where the world's largest convention of beekeepers was recently held. Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Robin Markwell

This week we talk about the European Union, India, and tariffs.We also discuss trade barriers, free trade, and dumping.Recommended Book: The Kill Chain by Christian BroseTranscriptA free trade agreement, sometimes called a free trade treaty, is a law that reduces the cost and regulatory burden of trading between two or more states.There are many theories as to the ideal way to do international trade, with some economists and politicians positing that complete free and open trade is the way to go, because it allows goods and services to cross borders completely unencumbered, which in turn allows businesses in different countries to really lean into whatever they're good at, selling their cars to countries that are less good at making cars, while that recipient country produces soy beans or computer chips or whatever they're good at making, and sending those in the other direction, likewise unburdened by stiff tariffs or regulatory hurdles. Each country can thus produce the best product cheapest and sell it to the market where their products are in high-demand, while they, in turn, benefit from the same when it comes to other products and services.This theory leans on the idea that everyone is better off when everyone does what they're best at, rather than trying to do everything—specialization. But those who oppose this conception of international trade argue that this creates and reinforces asymmetries between different nations and businesses: a country that's really good at producing soybeans may be at a substantial disadvantage if the country that makes cars ever decides to go to war, because they won't have the existing infrastructure to build tanks or drones or whatever else, while the country that specializes in computer chips might hold all the cards when it comes to generating economic pressure against its enemies or would-be enemies, because such chips are in everything these days, from military hardware to kitchen appliances.This also creates potential frailties for countries that specialize in, say, buggy whips, only to have a new technology like the automobile come around and put a significant chunk of their total economy out of business.This theory may also leave local businesses that don't lean into a regional strength kind of in the lurch. If a country with a decent-sized automobile industry decides leaves their borders completely open to international competition, there's a chance that could light a fire under those local producers, forcing them to become more competitive, but there's also a chance it could collapse the market for local offerings—their cars might no longer be desirable, because the international stuff flooding across the borders from a nation that has heavily prioritized making cars are just so much better and cheaper, whether naturally or artificially, because of subsidies by that foreign government meant to help them take out international competition.This is why most nations have all sorts of tariffs, regulations, and other trade barriers erected between them and their trading partners, and why those trade barriers are ultra-specific, different for every single possible trade partner. The goal is to make international options less appealing by making them more expensive, or making it trickier for foreign competition to smoothly and quickly get their products on your shelves, while still making those things available in a volume that aligns with local consumer demands. And then ideally making it easier and cheaper for your stuff to get on their shelves.The negotiation of all this is massively complicated because Country A might want to favor their soybean farmers, who are an important voting bloc, and Country B might want to do the same for their car industry, because tax income from that industry is vital, and these two governments will thus do what they can to ensure their favored local industries and businesses have the biggest leg-up possible in as many foreign markets as possible, without giving away so much to their trade partners that they create worse situations for other industries and businesses (and the people who run them) on the home-front, as a consequence.What I'd like to talk about today is a recent, massive and potentially quite vital trade deal that was struck in early 2026, and what it might mean for global trade.—At the tail-end of January 2026, the European Commission announced that they had struck what they called “the mother of all deals” with India, this deal the culmination of two decades worth of negotiation, its tenets impacting about 2 billion people and around a quarter of the world's total GDP.The agreement, as is the case with most such agreements, is fairly complex. But in essence it reduces or eliminates tariffs on 96.6% of all EU goods exported to India, which means about 4 billion euros of annual duties that would have otherwise been paid on European products in India will disappear—a savings for Indian consumers, and a boon for European producers whose products will now be cheaper in India.This is expected to be especially beneficial for European automakers like Volkswagen, Renault, and BMW, which have long been weighed down by a 110% tariff in India; that tariff will be reduced to as little as 10% on the first 250,000 vehicles sold, following this agreement. Lower priced vehicles will still face higher tariffs, to help protect India's local carmakers, but electric vehicles will benefit from a five-year grace period, as India has been focusing on allowing as many cheap, renewable energy assets and infrastructure into the country as possible, regardless of where they come from.Tariffs on machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals coming from the EU will be almost entirely eliminated, down from tariff rates of 44, 22, and 11%, respectively. Wine, which has long been tariffed at a rate of 150%, will be cut to between 20-30% for many varieties, and spirits from the EU coming into India will see 150% tariffs cut to 40%.On the other side of this deal, the EU will also open its market to Indian goods, reducing tariffs on about 99.5% of all such goods, including seafood, textiles, gems and jewelry, leather goods, plastic products, and toys. Several of these categories, like Indian seafood, textile-making, and other labor-intensive industries, have had a rough time of late, because of high US tariffs enforced by President Trump's second administration, so this is being seen as a significant win for them in particular.Interestingly, while the reduction in trade barriers is substantial here, and the number of people and industries, and amount of money that's involved is massive, this deal doesn't include, and in some cases explicitly excludes, any agreements related to labor rights, climate commitment, or environmental standards.This means that while the European Union has thus far been pretty strict in terms of ensuring incoming products align with their policies and values regarding things like carbon emissions and ensuring goods aren't produced by people laboring in slave-like conditions, this deal falls short of such enforcements, allowing India to operate with relative impunity, with regards to those issues, at least, and still sell with dramatically reduced barriers, on the European market. That's a big deal, and is perhaps the biggest indicator of just how badly the EU wanted to make this deal work.The EU was also able to keep significant protections in place for important local sectors like beef and chicken, dairy, rice, and sugar—all industries in which India would have liked to compete in the EU, but which, because of those maintained barriers, they practically can't. That would likely have been a feverishly negotiated topic, and it's likely an indicator of how much India wanted this to work, too.On that note, both India and the EU were apparently especially interested in making this multi-decade deal work, now, because of increasing pressure from China on one side and the US on the other.China has been rerouting many of its cheap products that would have previously gone to the US market, elsewhere, engaging in what's often called ‘dumping' which slowly but surely puts businesses that produce comparable products at a profit in those local target markets out of business, at which point these Chinese companies can then ratchet up their prices and profits, operating without real competition.The EU and India have both been targeted by Chinese companies taking this approach, because they're still producing at a feverish pace and because of US tariffs and the general unpredictability and irregularity of US policy overall under the second Trump administration, they've been firing that cheap product cannon more intensely at other large markets, instead—and India and the EU are the next two big markets in line right now, after the US and China.On the US side of things, those same tariffs have been hurting companies in both the EU and India that would otherwise been shipping their goods to the rich and spendy US market, and in many cases these tariffs have been fine-tuned to hurt important local industries as much as possible, because that's one of Trump's main negotiating tactics: lead with pain and then negotiate to take some of the pain away.This deal, then, serves multiple purposes in that it creates a valuable, newly polished trade relationship between a rich and powerful existing bloc and the newly most-populous country on the planet, which is also rapidly expanding economically and geopolitically.One last point to note, here, though, is that the European Union has been trying to create these sorts of mutually beneficial deals with non-US partners for a while, now, and the two most recent wins, trade deals with a South American trade bloc and with Indonesia, in early January 2026 and in September of 2025, respectively, have borne mixed results.The deal with Indonesia seems to be moving forward apace, and while it's a heck of a lot smaller than the India deal, only worth about 27 billion euros, that's still important, as Indonesia is increasingly important, both economically and geopolitically, especially in a Southeast Asia that's slowly reinforcing itself against China's economically and potentially militarily expansionist tendencies.The deal with that South American bloc, however, was referred to the EU Court of Justice in mid-January for legal review due to its lack of alignment with other EU treaties, and that could delay or prevent its ratification.This new mother of all deals with India could likewise face holdups, or could fizzle before being implemented—though most analysts who are keeping eyes on this are seeing it not just as an economic agreement, but a gesture of solidarity at a moment in which China and the US are signaling their intent to carve up the world into hemispheric hegemonies, when those who might otherwise be forced into subordinate positions are scrambling to figure out who they can team up with and create counter-balancing forces capable of standing up against current and future aggression and coercion.There's a chance that even if politics and propriety threaten to get in the way, then, India and the EU will figure out a way to work together, on this and potentially other matters of global import, as well.Show Noteshttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jan/27/eu-and-india-sign-free-trade-agreementhttps://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/eu-india-trade-deal-leaves-blocs-carbon-border-tariff-intact-2026-01-27/https://archive.is/20260127162349/https://www.ft.com/content/b03b1344-7e92-4d0d-b85e-5ed92fc8f550https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_trade_agreementhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_barrierhttps://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_184https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/en/ip_26_184/IP_26_184_EN.pdfhttps://www.ndtv.com/world-news/how-indias-mother-of-all-deals-with-eu-wipes-out-pakistans-trade-advantage-10921011https://theconversation.com/what-the-mother-of-all-deals-between-india-and-the-eu-means-for-global-trade-274515https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/economic-impact-us-tariff-hikes-significance-trade-diversion-effectshttps://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20260116IPR32450/eu-mercosur-meps-demand-a-legal-opinion-on-its-conformity-with-the-eu-treatieshttps://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/1/27/mother-of-all-deals-how-india-eu-trade-deal-creates-27-trillion-markethttps://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/27/trump-reaction-eu-india-trade-deal-fta.htmlhttps://www.atlanticcouncil.org/content-series/inflection-points/the-mother-of-all-trade-deals-in-the-time-of-trump/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/with-mother-of-all-deals-in-bag-minister-piyush-goyal-says-mother-will-be-compassionate-fair-to-all-28-children/articleshow/127821015.cmshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India%E2%80%93European_Union_Free_Trade_Agreementhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India%E2%80%93European_Union_relations This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton! If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too. Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Going After Greenland Reaction to the College Football National Championship, where Indiana defeated Miami in a game Clay Travis and Buck Sexton attended in person alongside President Donald Trump. The hosts describe the atmosphere as overwhelmingly pro‑Indiana despite Miami hosting, highlight Trump’s appearance during the national anthem, and reflect on what they characterize as a renewed sense of public patriotism at major American sporting events. A deep dive into President Trump’s escalating push to acquire Greenland, which Clay and Buck frame as one of the most consequential and unexpected foreign‑policy stories of the moment. They analyze Trump’s comments asserting that Denmark cannot adequately defend the territory, his insistence that the U.S. “has to have it” for national security reasons, and prediction‑market odds placing roughly a 50‑50 chance on American control of at least part of Greenland in the near future. The hosts connect the potential acquisition to U.S. military strategy, Arctic dominance, rare‑earth minerals, long‑term resource access, and historical precedents like the Louisiana Purchase and the Alaska deal. Exploring the U.S. military presence at Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) and NATO reactions, including symbolic European military drills. Clay and Buck argue these gestures have not deterred Trump, who has elevated Greenland as a headline issue ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos. They discuss Trump’s negotiating style—starting with seemingly outrageous positions to force concessions—and speculate on territorial status, sovereignty questions, and whether Greenland’s small population could eventually vote to become a U.S. territory under existing American territorial law. Trump 2.0 An evaluation of President Donald Trump’s first year in his second term, marking the one‑year anniversary of Trump’s return to office and the official start of Trump 2.0 Year Two. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton frame this hour as a turning point—from executing the campaign agenda to actively selling Trump’s record ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, which the hosts describe as the final national referendum on Trump’s presidency. Clay outlines eight major accomplishments of Trump’s second term so far, led by the most secure southern border in U.S. history, followed by record‑high stock prices, strong GDP growth, declining inflation despite tariffs, historic murder declines, collapsing fentanyl overdose deaths, falling mortgage rates, and four‑year‑low gas prices. Clay and Buck argue these metrics reflect decisive leadership and policy execution, even as they acknowledge lingering economic frustration among voters due to residual inflation from prior administrations. Listener polls and talkbacks show overwhelming support from Trump voters, with most grading the president’s first year an “A.” Oppression Narratives A major cultural segment in Hour 2 examines what Clay and Buck describe as modern left‑wing victimhood narratives, sparked by comments made on The View by actress Pam Grier claiming she witnessed lynchings as a child in Ohio. The hosts dissect historical data showing the claim is impossible given Grier’s birth year and Ohio’s documented history. They argue the story reflects a broader media failure to challenge false narratives that reinforce ideological grievance politics, highlighting how such claims go unchallenged on mainstream television. This discussion expands into a deeper breakdown of historical lynching data, including distinctions between frontier justice, mob violence, and formal definitions used by organizations like the NAACP. Buck emphasizes that lynching history is often misrepresented for political impact, while Clay argues objective reality and historical context must matter in public discourse. Why Greenland Matters A detailed discussion of Greenland and geopolitics, which Clay and Buck describe as one of the most important foreign‑policy themes emerging ahead of Davos. They respond to statements from European leaders, including the European Commission and Danish officials, rejecting any U.S. claim to Greenland. Clay and Buck outline Trump’s strategic rationale, focusing on Arctic security, resource access, emerging shipping lanes, and historical precedents such as the U.S. purchase of Alaska and the U.S. Virgin Islands from Denmark. They argue Trump envisions a negotiated, voluntary territorial arrangement rather than military action, potentially involving direct payments and a referendum among Greenland’s population. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck: https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton on Social Media: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Commission President says that the EU stands in "full solidarity" with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark - adding that their sovereignty is "non-negotiable". Ursula von der Leyen warned there would be an "unflinching" and "united" response to the US threat to take over the island. Also: Donald Trump has condemned Britain's decision to give away the Chagos Islands as an "act of great stupidity;" The British government has given approval for China to build a super-embassy in central London, despite concerns it could be used for spying; Israeli demolition teams have begun to tear down the east Jerusalem headquarters of the UN relief agency for Gaza; rescue teams in Spain are using cranes and other heavy machinery to access the trains which crashed on Sunday. Vietnam's ruling Communist Party is meeting to pick new leaders and set key targets for the young, fast-growing economy; research in Antarctica has found that penguins are breeding up to two weeks earlier because of climate change; and the Beckham family feud has finally exploded into the spotlight.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk