Podcasts about European Commissioner

This morning on Europe Today, we head to Madrid, where Spain celebrated its 1-0 World Cup final victory over Argentina. Barcelona striker Ferran Torres scored the winner in the 106th minute after Argentina were reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernández's red card.We also look at the European Commission's proposals to boost the competitiveness of European banks, as our correspondent Sasha Vakulina speaks to European Commissioner for Financial Services Maria Luís Albuquerque.Europe Today is Euronews' daily podcast, hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon and Mared Gwyn, broadcasting from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.Every morning, we bring you the top stories and exclusive reporting shaping the European Union and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Europe Today is Euronews' daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe. Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop sits down with Violeta Bulc, former European Commissioner for Transport and coordinator of the book Leadership Challenged, featuring 24 authors from around the world. They explore the dangers of transhumanism, the misuse of artificial intelligence, and how Silicon Valley has lost its authority to lead on technology ethics. Drawing from her background as a computer engineer who worked in Silicon Valley, Bulc argues for creating global AI infrastructure with democratically agreed-upon standards—similar to how the early Internet was built. The conversation covers the manipulation of public consciousness, the importance of middle-class agency in social change, and why humanity needs to reclaim ownership of its collective knowledge before private enterprises consolidate total control. Bulc's book is available for free download at ecocivilization.earth.Timestamps00:00 Stewart introduces Violeta Bulc and her book Leadership Challenged, coordinated with 24 global authors discussing humanity's chance through better leadership approaches.05:00 Violeta explains her technology background and critiques artificial intelligence naming, arguing these are powerful data-processing tools without true intelligence, emphasizing unknown ethical standards embedded in AI systems.10:00 Discussion of transhumanism as investment buzzword serving elite agendas, comparing to previous Silicon Valley bubble while emphasizing humanity's unexplored relational, spiritual and energetic dimensions beyond industrial development.15:00 Stewart discusses mainstream culture's fragmentation since 2008, Silicon Valley's dystopian vision, and personal strategies for reducing dependency on AI tools through diversification and stepping back from reliance.20:00 Violeta explains historical civilization patterns and middle class destruction, expressing hope that emerging thoughts worldwide will eventually converge to shift current power dynamics and technological obsessions.25:00 Technology as tool versus misuse, emphasizing builders' responsibility and ethical frameworks needed, comparing AI regulation needs to automotive safety standards that weren't implemented early enough.30:00 Edward Bernays discussion revealing manipulation through public relations and psychological operations, leading to modern sock puppet armies used by nation states for narrative control online.35:00 Internet described as most democratic technological tool ever built, maintained by responsible groups preserving equality and inclusion principles through decentralized infrastructure and IP address accessibility.40:00 Proposal for global AI infrastructure with agreed rules treating applications as interfaces, questioning private enterprise ownership of humanity-generated data and advocating collective management with usage fees.45:00 Technology evolution patterns from mainframes to personal computing back to centralized cloud computing, emphasizing need to prevent domination while preserving entrepreneurship and collective decision rights.50:00 Quantum physics principles applied to human connection and responsibility, discussing EU ethical committees reviewing AI projects post-approval, emphasizing caring hearts over short-term quarterly corporate thinking.55:00 Violeta shares company transformation experiences moving away from competition models toward serving genuine market needs, concluding with book availability at ecocivilization.earth for free download.Key Insights1. Violeta Bulc argues that artificial intelligence is fundamentally misnamed because there is no actual intelligence within these systems. They are powerful computational tools capable of processing massive amounts of data and identifying patterns, but they lack genuine intelligence. What concerns her most is that this technology has owners with embedded interests and unknown ethical standards, yet society increasingly wants to build everything on these applications and even allow them to make decisions for us. She emphasizes that as someone with decades of experience in high-tech engineering, including work in Silicon Valley, she understands the architecture behind these systems and believes we must recognize them as tools rather than intelligent entities.2. During her time as European Commissioner, Bulc helped write the first European strategy on artificial intelligence, which included three critical elements she was proud of. First, there must always be a red button to switch off any application or technology when it causes harm. Second, there must be a responsible person behind every app who can be held accountable for its consequences. Third, there should be an ethical committee evaluating powerful applications to understand their potential consequences. Though these principles have been somewhat diluted over time, they represent an important framework for responsible technology development that prioritizes human oversight and accountability.3. Bulc observes that throughout human history, great civilizations have risen across all continents, not just in Europe or the Americas, and most brought themselves down through decadence, self-centeredness, and arrogance before being finished off by external forces. She believes Western civilization is currently at this point, having become accustomed to obtaining resources through force and authority while constantly readjusting moral standards to serve elite interests. The industrial revolution initially improved conditions for people because industry needed workers, which led to the emergence of a powerful middle class. However, the elite recognized that the middle class was the only segment of society truly interested in change, so they systematically worked to destroy it over the past twenty to thirty years.4. The Internet represents the most progressive democratic tool ever built in human society, according to Bulc. Its fundamental architecture, based on TCP IP protocol and packet switching, was designed to be non-hierarchical, allowing any computer with an IP address to be seen on the same level as powerful global corporations. The maintenance of Internet tables remains in the hands of people with high levels of awareness and responsibility who are faithful to its initial democratic mission. She had hoped this technology would bring the world together as the closest tool humanity has invented to support equality and inclusion, and despite the problems with applications built on top of it, the underlying infrastructure still maintains these democratic principles.5. Bulc proposes creating a global AI infrastructure with globally agreed rules and standards, similar to how the Internet functions. She argues that many AI tools currently claim ownership of humanity's knowledge, wisdom, and heritage without permission, manipulating data that rightfully belongs to all of humanity. Instead of allowing private enterprises to capture this data first and then charge people to access it, she envisions putting all of humanity's data into a commonly managed infrastructure with clear rules about who can use it, under what conditions, and with fees paid back to humanity. This approach would challenge the current fragmented network of privately owned data centers and restore collective ownership of human knowledge.6. The transhumanism movement represents an obsession rather than a thoughtful application of technology, in Bulc's view. She distinguishes between using transhumanism as a tool for exploring the universe under extreme conditions where humans cannot survive versus implementing it on Earth as a replacement for humanity. The fundamental problem is that the human characters building these machines and applications have questionable ethical models, and they will not allow the rest of humanity to coexist peacefully on the planet. She advocates for transhumanism to be used for space exploration while preserving Earth for humans who want to live as relational, spiritual, and social beings connected to the natural ecosystem.7. Bulc emphasizes that we must move beyond the competition model and think carefully about the consequences of our actions because humanity is too connected and interdependent to simply do things because we can. She applies three basic laws of quantum physics to everyday life: we are all connected and influence each other, the same ideas can emerge simultaneously around the world through entanglement, and the observer always makes a difference in any situation. The current rush to develop technology without pausing to assess consequences is a deliberate tool to prevent thinking, driven by fear of competition. However, her fourteen years of experience helping companies recover from financial trouble demonstrated that moving away from competition models and focusing on genuinely serving market needs creates sustainable, prominent players who work together with customers and local communities.

In today's Daily Fix:Gamers are doing all they can to stop PlayStation from killing physical media, including appealing to the European Union. But according to the European Commissioner for Consumer Protection, the EU can't step in due to "commercial and contractual freedoms." Basically, Sony getting rid of games on discs in 2028 does not violate any member nation's laws or the EU's laws. In happier news, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced sold two million units in a single day, and had the best concurrents of any AC title on Steam. And finally, Disney's latest live-action remake, Moana, barely tread water in its opening weekend. The movie brought in a global total of $100 million and is unlikely to break even against its reported $250 million budget.

Our guest this week is Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism. 

China and the European Union have agreed to hold one or two ministerial-level meetings each year under the newly established China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism, a move that market watchers said would help stabilize bilateral economic relations and contribute to global stability.中欧双方商定，依托新设立的中欧贸易投资磋商机制，每年举办一至两次部长级会议。市场观察人士表示，此举有助于稳定双边经贸关系，助力全球经济稳定。Addressing a news conference on Thursday, He Yadong, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, said that Beijing has invited European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency Maros Sefcovic to visit China this autumn for the second meeting under the mechanism.商务部发言人何亚东周四在记者会上表示，中方已邀请欧盟负责贸易、经济安全、机构间关系与透明度事务的委员马罗什·谢夫乔维奇于今年秋季访华，出席该机制第二次会议。During the inaugural meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, earlier this week, the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and the green transition, tap the potential of trade in services and address trade concerns through market access consultations, he said. The two sides also agreed on a new positioning for China-EU economic and trade relations, viewing each other as stable and balanced key trading partners, the spokesman said.他介绍，本周早些时候在比利时布鲁塞尔举办的机制首次会议上，双方同意深化人工智能、绿色转型等新兴领域合作，挖掘服务贸易潜力，并通过市场准入磋商化解贸易关切。双方还敲定中欧经贸关系新定位，认定彼此是稳定、均衡的核心贸易伙伴。He added that the new mechanism is expected to improve business confidence on both sides, as well as inject greater certainty and positive momentum into Chinese, European and global economies.何亚东补充，这一新机制有望提振双方企业信心，为中国、欧洲乃至全球经济注入更强确定性与积极动能。Zhao Chen, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of European Studies, said the inaugural meeting delivered a constructive start, indicating that both sides should remain committed to dialogue and avoid confrontation.中国社会科学院欧洲研究所研究员赵晨表示，本次首次会议开了建设性的好头，说明双方应当坚持对话，摒弃对抗。Deep-rooted trade issues are unlikely to be resolved quickly, with frictions and negotiations expected to coexist as both sides gradually narrow their differences through sustained dialogue, Zhao said.赵晨称，根深蒂固的贸易矛盾难以一蹴而就，摩擦与磋商或将长期并存，双方需通过持续对话逐步缩小分歧。He Weiwen, a senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization in Beijing, said that while making joint efforts to stabilize the current bilateral business relationship, China and the EU should also explore new areas of cooperation to advance mutual benefit.北京全球化智库高级研究员何伟文提出，中欧在携手稳定现有双边经贸往来的同时，还应开拓全新合作领域，实现互利共赢。"The world is entering a historic period of the fourth industrial revolution, marked by AI, big data, quantum computing and the green transition, all of which promise profound impacts on future generations," he said.他表示：“全球正迈入第四次工业革命的历史性阶段，人工智能、大数据、量子计算、绿色转型是时代标志，这些领域都将对后世产生深远影响。”China and the EU are each other's second-largest trading partners, with highly complementary economies and deeply integrated industrial and supply chains. Together, they account for over one-third of global GDP.中欧互为对方第二大贸易伙伴，双方经济互补性极强，产业链、供应链深度融合，经济体量合计占全球国内生产总值三分之一以上。At Thursday's news briefing, He, the ministry's spokesman, also provided updates on the latest economic and trade consultations between China and the United States. He said the two countries have set guiding objectives for expanding two-way agricultural trade and agreed in principle to include relevant agricultural products under a reciprocal tariff reduction framework.在周四的发布会上，商务部发言人何亚东还通报了中美经贸磋商最新进展。他表示，两国已确立扩大双边农产品贸易的指导性目标，原则同意将相关农产品纳入对等降税框架。Companies will make trading decisions based on market principles, actual demand and market conditions, he said, adding that China is willing to work with the US to create favorable conditions for expanding two-way agricultural trade.他指出，企业将依据市场规律、实际需求与行情自主开展贸易，中方愿同美方共同营造有利环境，扩大双边农产品贸易规模。Jim Sutter, CEO of the US Soybean Export Council, called the recent announcement related to tariff reductions a positive signal, and said that the US soybean industry looks forward to seeing those commitments translated into concrete policy measures.美国大豆出口协会首席执行官吉姆·萨特称，近期有关降税的消息释放积极信号，美国大豆行业期待相关承诺落地为具体政策举措。"Stability in the bilateral trade environment benefits both sides, and we are confident in the long-term direction," he said.他表示：“稳定的双边贸易环境惠及双方，我们对长期发展前景抱有信心。”consultation /ˌkɒnslˈteɪʃn/磋商；协商；咨询inaugural /ɪˈnɔːɡjərəl/首次的；开幕的；创始的complementary /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentri/互补的；相辅相成的reciprocal /rɪˈsɪprəkl/对等的；互惠的；相互的tariff /ˈtærɪf/关税；关税税率momentum /məˈmentəm/动能；发展势头；推动力

The launch of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism is expected to provide a regular platform for dialogue to address bilateral economic differences, said market watchers and business leaders.市场观察人士与企业负责人表示，中欧经贸投资磋商机制的设立，有望搭建常态化对话平台，化解双边经贸分歧。While trade frictions between China and the European Union may persist in the near term, the new mechanism could help prevent disputes from escalating and keep bilateral economic relations on a more predictable track, they added.他们补充称，短期内中欧贸易摩擦或将持续，但这一新机制能够避免争端升级，让双边经贸关系发展更具可预期性。According to a joint statement issued on Tuesday, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency Maros Sefcovic identified four initial work streams during the inaugural meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism in Brussels on Monday.周二发布的联合声明显示，周一在布鲁塞尔举行的中欧经贸投资磋商机制首次会议上，中国商务部部长王文涛与欧盟贸易、经济安全、机构间关系及透明度专员马罗什・谢夫乔维奇确定了四项首批工作议题。The work streams cover trade and investment balancing, export controls, intellectual property rights and World Trade Organization reform, the statement said.声明指出，相关议题涵盖贸易投资平衡、出口管制、知识产权以及世界贸易组织改革四大领域。Zhao Yongsheng, a professor of European studies at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that the mechanism comes at a time when both sides continue to face structural differences over trade and industrial policies.对外经济贸易大学欧洲问题研究教授赵永升表示，当前中欧双方在贸易、产业政策方面仍存在结构性分歧，该机制的设立恰逢其时。Huang Yiping, dean of Peking University's National School of Development, said those differences reflect broader questions about whether traditional industrial powers can adapt as China's competitiveness expands into sectors long regarded as their technological strongholds.北京大学国家发展研究院院长黄益平表示，这些分歧背后是一个更深层次的问题：随着中国竞争力不断延伸至传统工业强国长期占据技术优势的领域，后者能否适应这一变化。"Those structural differences are unlikely to disappear, but dialogue can keep competition manageable and preserve space for cooperation where interests continue to overlap," he said.他说：“这类结构性分歧难以彻底消除，但对话能够管控竞争，并在双方利益契合的领域保留合作空间。”Business leaders noted that China and the EU remain important trading partners, as robust trade flows continue to demonstrate the resilience of bilateral economic ties.企业界人士指出，中欧互为重要贸易伙伴，旺盛的贸易往来充分体现双边经贸关系具备强大韧性。According to data from the General Administration of Customs, the value of China-EU trade increased 10.3 percent year-on-year to 2.53 trillion yuan ($373 billion) in the first five months of this year, while China's imports from the EU grew 5.2 percent.海关总署数据显示，今年前五个月，中欧贸易额达 2.53 万亿元人民币（折合 3730 亿美元），同比增长 10.3%，其中中国自欧盟进口同比增长 5.2%。Speaking at a monthly news briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Wang Yifei, a spokeswoman for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said Chinese businesses hope that China and the EU will resolve trade issues through dialogue, while ensuring a fair, transparent and nondiscriminatory business environment.周二，中国贸促会新闻发言人王叶菲在北京月度例行发布会上表示，中国企业希望中欧通过对话解决贸易分歧，共同营造公平、透明、非歧视的营商环境。For businesses in the EU, maintaining communications has become more important than ever because both economies remain deeply intertwined, especially in the manufacturing, investment and technology sectors.对欧盟企业而言，保持沟通比以往任何时候都更为关键，中欧两大经济体深度交融，制造业、投资、科技领域联系尤为紧密。Speaking to China Daily during a recent interview, Michael Schumann, chairman of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, said: "Europe cannot be (economically) independent from the United States, and it cannot be independent from China. Our economies, technologies, supply chains and security structures are far too deeply interconnected."德国联邦经济发展和对外贸易协会主席米夏埃尔・舒曼近日接受《中国日报》采访时表示：“欧洲经济既无法脱离美国，也离不开中国。双方的经济、技术、供应链与安全体系深度交织，密不可分。”Businesses can translate political consensus into practical cooperation through investment, trade and industrial partnerships, he added.他补充道，企业可通过投资、贸易、产业合作，将双方达成的政治共识转化为实实在在的合作成果。Christophe Lauras, president of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, said that France and China have a highly complementary relationship in sectors such as aerospace, advanced engineering, luxury goods, agriculture, energy transition and healthcare.法国工商会中国区主席克里斯托夫・洛拉斯表示，中法在航空航天、高端工程、奢侈品、农业、能源转型、医疗健康等领域互补性极强。"Many French companies plan to establish research and development centers in China, while Chinese companies are expanding globally by strengthening their presence in France. The next stage requires deeper integration to achieve mutually beneficial cooperation," Lauras said.洛拉斯称：“不少法国企业计划在华设立研发中心，同时中国企业也通过深耕法国市场拓展全球布局。下一阶段，双方需要深化产业融合，实现互利共赢。”The commitment is also reflected in fresh investment. German chemical manufacturer Covestro announced on Tuesday that it will build a new production line for methylene diphenyl diisocyanate at its integrated site in Shanghai, with an annual capacity of 660,000 metric tons. Operations are expected to begin around 2030. MDI is a synthetic chemical used primarily to manufacture polyurethane foams and coatings.双方的合作诚意也体现在新增投资项目上。德国化工企业科思创周二宣布，将在上海一体化生产基地新建一条二苯基甲烷二异氰酸酯生产线，年产能 66 万吨，预计 2030 年前后投产。二苯基甲烷二异氰酸酯是一种合成化工原料，主要用于生产聚氨酯泡沫与涂料。Holly Lei, president of Covestro China, said the move underscores the company's long-term commitment to China and leverages the country's integrated industrial ecosystem, innovation capabilities and talent base to strengthen MDI supply for customers in China and the Asia-Pacific region.科思创中国区总裁雷焕丽表示，该项目彰显企业深耕中国市场的长期决心，依托中国完备的产业生态、创新实力与人才储备，为中国及亚太客户稳定供应二苯基甲烷二异氰酸酯产品。consultation /ˌkɒnslˈteɪʃn/n. 磋商；协商bilateral /ˌbaɪˈlætərəl/adj. 双边的complementary /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentri/adj. 互补的resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/n. 韧性；恢复力

The European Commission wants to extend unconditional protection for Ukrainians fleeing the war for another year — but not for men of fighting age. That's what European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner announced on Friday 26 June.Where does this decision come from, and what could it mean for both Ukraine and the European Union?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topic: Why does the EU find it so difficult to find a common position regarding Israel?

Topic: Why does the EU find it so difficult to find a common position regarding Israel?

In just three years, Ukraine scaled its annual defence production from roughly one billion euros to 50 billion euros. The EU Commissioner for Defence and Space argues that a combination of digital talent, demand-side doctrinal change and civil society mobilisation drove that transformation, and that the EU has not yet matched this model and therefore needs to bring Ukraine into its defence thinking. At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk on 26 June 2026, Visegrad Insight editor-in-chief Wojciech Przybylski sat down with European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius for a wide-ranging conversation on what Europe can – and must – learn from Ukraine's military-industrial transformation.YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@visegradinsight⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/visegrad-insight-podcast/id1515725435Substack: ⁠https://visegradinsight.substack.com/podcast⁠Subscribe to Visegrad Insight for access to all our content, live and online events: ⁠visegradinsight.eu⁠. Use code VISEGRAD35 for 35 per cent off a yearly subscription:⁠https://visegradinsight.eu/membership-account/membership-levels/⁠Visegrad Insight is powered by the Res Publica Foundation, Warsaw.

“I don't want to give any lessons to British people, and it's difficult for us to receive lessons from outside, because nobody is able to give lessons to others... But we also have to take into account what happens around us in Europe, Russia and Ukraine, and outside the world in the Middle East. The world is more and more dangerous, unstable and fragile - and in facing this world, we need to be together.”Katya Adler speaks to Michel Barnier who served as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, on the 10th anniversary of the highly consequential referendum.On 23 June 2016, the British public went to the polls to decide its future with the European Union. An unusually high number of people voted, and by 52% to 48%, the decision was to leave the bloc.Barnier, then a European Commissioner who had served as a minister in a number of French governments, represented the EU at negotiations to help agree the terms of the UK's departure and future relationship.It was a long, hard process, with the UK seeing three different prime ministers from 10 Downing Street before formally leaving the Union in January 2020.Monsieur Barnier reflects on the UK's decision and how both European and international politics have changed since. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño, and Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Katya Adler Producers: Ben Cooper and Kathy Long Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Michel Barnier. Credit: PA.)

With the UK and Europe sweltering in yet another record-breaking heatwave, will we ever actually reach net zero? How close are we to a “lights out” scenario due to the Iran war, and how did we become so dependent on Russian oil? Is North Sea drilling for oil and gas a matter of national security, or an environmentally reckless fantasy? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more in this week's edition of Question Time, with the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen. __________ Enjoy Rory and Alastair's interview with Steve Rosenberg by searching ‘Leading' on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. Go deeper into the world of The Rest Is Politics by signing up for our free newsletter HERE, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis and weekend reads from Alastair and Rory. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus. Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair's miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, exclusive newsletters, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. Stop overpaying for energy. Switch at fuseenergy.com/politics and get a free TRIP+ subscription. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30 day money back guarantee ✅ __________ Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video Editor: Josh Smith, Bruno Di Castri Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Producer: Evan Green Exec Producer: Chris Sawyer General Manager: Tom Whiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At FIA's International Derivatives Expo in London, Mairéad McGuinness, former European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, and David Wright, Chairman of Eurofi, joined Walt Lukken to assess Europe's competitiveness challenge. Both warned that a more hostile global environment is exposing structural weaknesses, and that Europe must move beyond incremental reform to unlock capital, scale markets and accelerate decision-making. They argued that mobilising investment and delivering faster political action will be critical to strengthening growth and resilience.

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, is responsible for the Global Gateway, the EU's strategy for stronger partnerships, and sustainable development. With Ireland's 2026 EU Council Presidency about to begin, this event will explore how Irish businesses, policymakers, and civil society can engage with EU-backed financing while adjusting to ongoing geopolitical shifts and aligning with partnering countries' priorities. Commissioner Síkela gives an insight on how the EU reacts to global geopolitical changes, how the Global Gateway is implemented in practice, how the EU works to build mutually beneficial partnerships, and what it means for Ireland's role in shaping the EU's future external engagement. Commissioner Síkela also addresses the role of the EU as the world's largest ODA donor, as well as the proposed Global Europe instrument and how it can advance the EU's engagement globally on international partnerships and development cooperation. Jozef Síkela, is the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, a role he was appointed to in 2024 by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. A Czech politician and former investment banker, his career experience includes leadership roles in Creditanstalt, Česká spořitelna, and Erste Group. In 2021, he became the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, from where he led the EU's energy crisis response after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and played an important role during the successful Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU. As Commissioner for International Partnerships, Síkela serves as a global dealmaker, fostering international collaboration focused on sustainability, human development, and economic security. This event is part of the Development Matters series, which is kindly supported by Irish Aid.

On today's show, our trade reporter Peggy Corlin brings us insider insights from late-night talks in Brussels on implementing the EU's embattled trade deal with the US. EU lawmakers and ambassadors failed to get the agreement over the line, further testing the patience of the White House. We have interviews with the US's former ambassador to NATO, Kurt Volker, and the European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib. Our health reporter Marta Iraola also brings us up to speed on the hantavirus-hit cruise ship, which is sailing towards Spain's Canary islands.Europe Today is Euronews' daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe. Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allen covers WindEurope Madrid, the ten-point Call to Action, Vestas CEO Andersen’s mission impossible warning, Siemens Gamesa’s narrowing losses, and CNC Onsite’s deals in Asia. Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly newsletter on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard’s StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on YouTube, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary’s “Engineering with Rosie” YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us! Good Monday, everyone. This past week… some big things happened in Madrid. Fifteen thousand wind energy people from every corner of the world walked into the same room. They came to talk. They came to listen. They came to ask for help. And they came to warn. The WindEurope Annual Event opened on Tuesday, the twenty-first of April, with six hundred twenty exhibitors and four hundred speakers across three days. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez gave the opening address. Fourteen national ministers stood on the stages, alongside European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera and European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jorgensen. And the message coming out of Madrid… was a single piece of paper. They called it the Madrid Call to Action. Ten points. Ten things European governments need to do… right now. Fast-track permitting, and treat wind as overriding public interest. Award at least eighty percent of wind auction bids… no more artificial scarcity. Repower aging wind farms and triple their output with fewer turbines. Multiply EU grid funding by five. Zero VAT on heat pumps and electric vehicles. And permanently cut taxes on electricity… because homegrown power should be the cheapest power. The framing was simple. From crisis… to confidence… in a decade. But while the speeches were polite… the panels were not. On Thursday afternoon, Vestas chief executive Henrik Andersen took the microphone, and he did not mince words. Andersen called it mission impossible. He told politicians to stop submitting wish lists for new auctions. He pointed at Denmark’s recent failed offshore auction… an auction that no developer would even bid on. And he pointed at countries trying to build a three-dimensional CSRD into the next tender. Then he delivered the line that quieted the room. If we don’t get this under control… we’ll be sitting here in five years… begging to keep the lights on. Now… while the warnings were echoing through Madrid… something quieter was happening on a balance sheet in Munich. Siemens Energy released preliminary second-quarter results on Wednesday, and then raised their full-year outlook. Group orders for the quarter came in at seventeen point seven billion euros… up almost thirty percent year on year. Net income for the full year is now expected to be around four billion euros, with Grid Technologies orders alone up forty-one percent. And the wind unit… Siemens Gamesa… their losses narrowed to forty-four million euros. A year ago, that number was two hundred forty-nine million. Still in the red. Still operating at a margin of negative one point seven percent. But the trend is clear. The Spanish wind unit is closing in on break-even. After years of crisis… after billions of euros in impairments… Siemens Gamesa is healing. Now back to Madrid. Because last Thursday, WindEurope published a different kind of paper. Not about money. Not about megawatts. About sabotage. Across Europe’s seas, energy infrastructure has become a target. Cables, substations, offshore platforms… spread across thousands of square kilometers of open ocean… difficult to protect. WindEurope Chief Executive Tinne Van Der Straeten said it plainly. The physical security of Europe’s wind turbines must be treated as an integral part of energy security… not as an afterthought. The policy paper calls for civilian protection, not military. Risk-based and proportionate, with clear cost allocation between government and industry. Wind farms now generate twenty percent of Europe’s electricity, and the North Sea countries have pledged three hundred gigawatts of offshore wind by twenty fifty. That is a lot of critical infrastructure… sitting in the open ocean. But here is where Madrid got uncomfortable. Vestas’ senior vice president stood on a panel Wednesday afternoon and offered a reality check. The EU has set a goal of twenty-two gigawatts of new wind installation every year through twenty thirty. What is the reality? The EU installed fifteen gigawatts in twenty twenty-five. Sixteen the year before. There is a gap… between political will, goals, and promises… and the reality we see in the market. The Madrid Call to Action wants to close that gap. The paper exists. The politicians have been told. Now… we wait. And while the speeches were happening in Madrid… a small Danish company was quietly opening doors in Asia. CNC Onsite… a wind sector subsupplier… signed two deals this month. One with Dutch firm WE4CE for Thai customer Cewa Plus, a deal that opens twelve Asian countries. The technology? A specialized machine that drills out the steel bushings holding a wind turbine blade to the hub, so they can be replaced without scrapping the blade. Repair on site. Save the blade. Extend its life. The second deal… a CNC milling machine sold into Japan for offshore monopile and foundation work. CEO Soren Kellenberger says the combined opportunity could deliver up to fifty million Danish kroner in revenue… roughly six point seven million euros. Not big numbers. Not yet. But while everyone in Madrid was talking about politicians… CNC Onsite was signing contracts in Bangkok and Tokyo. The number of wind turbines reaching the age where their blades need replacing… Kellenberger calls it… huge. So let us step back. In Madrid, fifteen thousand people gathered. A ten-point plan was published. A CEO warned of mission impossible. A trade association said the offshore turbines need physical protection from sabotage. In Munich, a balance sheet showed the wind business is healing… slowly, quietly, quarter by quarter. And in Bangkok, a Danish technician was teaching a Thai partner how to drill out a steel bushing. Six stories. One week. The wind industry showed up… asked for what it needed… and put the numbers on the table. The financial proof is starting to come. The political follow-through… we wait. And that is the state of the wind industry for the 27th of April… 2026. Join us for the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast tomorrow.

Valdis Dombrovskis is a Latvian politician serving as European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, and Commissioner for Implementation and Simplification. He discusses Europe's economic outlook with the Iran war still in motion and affecting global supply chains. He speaks with Bloomberg's Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A top EU official has warned that rising Middle East tensions are driving up energy prices, raising the risk of stagflation across the bloc.

Glenn Micallef, the European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, talks to Paul Adamson about intergenerational fairness in EU policy making and cyber bullying.

Live from Morgan Stanley's European Financials Conference, our Head of European Banks Alvaro Serrano and European Equity Research Banks Analyst Giulia Aurora Miotto discuss how geopolitics, private credit risk and AI are testing how resilient banks really are.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Alvaro Serrano: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Alvaro Serrano, Head of European Banks.Giulia Aurora Miotto: And I'm Giulia Aurora Miotto, European Equity Research Banks Analyst.Alvaro Serrano: Today we're at our annual European Financials Conference.It's Thursday, March 19th at 1:30pm, London.We're at our European Financials conference. Attendance is up almost at record levels, a great deal of engagement with both investors and companies – with three main topics dominating the debate: geopolitics, private credit, and AI. I think, on the Middle East, clearly a lot of focus during the whole three days. I think the message from banks has been about the resilience of the business model, acknowledging the loan growth could be weaker. Some of the investment decisions could be delayed, given the uncertainty. And of course, fees could also be affected as a result. On the flip side, there's an acknowledgement that during stress, savings rates go up. Deposit growth could be better, and with a steeper curve that could be better monetized. So, the message from the banks is about the resilience of the pre-provision profit outlook. Some banks have been talking about top-up of provisions if the situation persists in a IFRS9 world. But we do believe the overall outlook for earnings is of a resilient picture. However, we acknowledge the positioning of the sector is much richer than it was this time last year. The positioning; that means if stress continues, we could see the multiple suffering. And that, to be honest, is what we see the biggest channel of contagion to the sector is – is multiple de-rating if the stress continues, in what otherwise looks like a pretty resilient earnings picture. Giulia, what did you learn on private credit? Giulia Aurora Miotto: Yes, private credit was definitely another area of big focus and worrying from investors. From a bank's perspective, all the banks that are involved in private credit highlighted a couple of things. First of all, they tend to be senior when they lend to B2Cs. Secondly, they are over collateralized by hundreds, if not thousands of loans. And then thirdly, most investment banks have been doing this for a decade or more, and they tend to partner only with prime sponsors. So overall, the message was actually rather reassuring. Alvaro, AI was the other big topic at the conference. What did you learn there? Alvaro Serrano: It's even a bigger topic than last year. And obviously some of the volatility we've seen year-to-date contributed to that. I think overall the banks are seen as net beneficiaries of AI from an operational perspective. There's an acknowledgement that in an AI world, competition might increase, deposit competition has come up. Some fee products has also come up. But you have banks guiding to 9 percentage points improvement in cost income ratio in the next three years. So, the operational savings from productivity are seeing them more than offsetting any potential increase in competition. I think the known-unknown is employment; consequences of the improved productivity further down the line. But the message in Europe is relatively reassuring considering that over 20 percent of the workforce in Europe is expected to retire [in] the next 10 years. So, overall, seen as net beneficiaries.There's also discussions around regulation Giulia… Giulia Aurora Miotto: Yes, we had Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner in charge of the Savings and Investment Union project. This was one of the most attended sessions. And we heard on one side definitely determination to deliver on the project of the savings and investment union and deepen European capital markets. And mobilize savings towards more productive investments. On the other side, investors were rather skeptical and are really in wait and see mode. Some banks highlighted that they expect the progress on some of the key packages like securitization or market integration package as soon as May. So, we think this is a key area to monitor over the coming months – from a European competitiveness standpoint, Alvaro Serrano: I think that's a great place to wrap it up. And to our audience, thanks for listening. If you enjoy listening to Thoughts on the Market, do let us know wherever you listen and share the podcast with friends and a colleague today.

Humanity is going back to the Moon, and Europe is already playing a critical role in making it happen. This week, Planetary Radio brings you voices straight from the 18th European Space Conference in Brussels, Belgium, where more than 2,000 of the world’s top space leaders gathered to shape the future of European space exploration. We begin with conference co-organizer Tomas Dimitrov of Logos and Business Bridge Europe, who sets the stage for the conversations ahead. From there, we hear from European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad, and Germany’s Federal Space Minister Dorothee Bär. We also take you inside the Moonlight Initiative panel, bringing you the full conversation as scientists and engineers from ESA, NASA, and industry lay out their vision for building GPS and communications infrastructure around the Moon, and wrestle with what it will really take to support a permanent human presence there. Then, Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins us for What’s Up to tackle one of the most fascinating and unexpected challenges of lunar exploration: what time is it on the Moon? Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-european-space-conference See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strategy, Resilience and Growth: Canada–EU Trade Next Steps under CETACanada and the European Union are no longer just trading partners—they are strategic allies in a world where supply chains, security, and climate policy are increasingly intertwined and driven by shifting geopolitics. Two‑way trade in goods and services has surged to more than €123 billion (about $162 billion CAD) a year, a more than 70% increase since CETA's provisional application, underscoring how central the EU has become to Canada's diversification strategy. At Davos, Prime Minister Mark Carney set a new bar for that strategy, calling for Canada to “double our non‑U.S. exports” and to “move from reliance to resilience” by building a denser web of partnerships that are economically and politically sustainable.On March 5, join The Empire Club of Canada for an evening conversation at the heart of this pivot. The program featured remarks from Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade, and The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada's Minister of International Trade, each offering their perspective on the future of Canada–EU cooperation under CETA. Their speeches will be followed by a joint fireside chat that examines how the two partners can secure critical supply chains, respond to geopolitical shocks, align climate and trade policies and keep markets open while protecting Canadian and European workers.   The fireside chat was moderated by Arlene Dickinson, General Managing Partner, District Venture Capital — legendary entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and “Dragon” on CBC's Dragon's Den.The evening asked what a mature, strategic Canada–EU partnership should look like and what it will take to turn today's $162‑billion‑plus relationship into a resilient platform for the next decade—one that strengthens democratic alliances, and keeps both economies competitive in an era when, as Prime Minister Carney warned, “the old order is not coming back.” Join us for an Empire Nights program that brings the strategic choices and critical next steps for a future-oriented Canada-EU trade partnership into sharp focus.

On Europe Today, your daily Euronews podcast, presented by Méabh Mc Mahon we speak in an exclusive interview with European Parliament president Roberta Metsola at the Belgian castle where EU leaders met yesterday. We also speak with European Commissioner for Sports, Glenn Micallef, about the disqualification of an Ukranian athlete at the Winter Olympics over a helmet picturing dead ukranian athletes. We also travel to Munich to our EU news editor Maria Tadeo ahead of the Munich Security Conference.Europe Today is Euronews' daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe. Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Europe Today, your daily Euronews podcast, presented by Méabh McMahon, we speak to Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade, who is in India getting the EU ready to sign an EU–India Free Trade Deal that has been in the making for more than a decade. Our EU editor, Maria Tadeo, is also in Delhi with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. We are also joined by Thomas Byrne, the Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, for his view on attempts to end the war in Ukraine. Our correspondent Sasha Vakulina brings us the latest on the two-day talks on Ukraine, which have just come to an end in Abu Dhabi.Europe Today is Euronews' daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe. Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A free trade agreement between the European Union and the South American trade bloc is approved, but some countries aren't happy. We speak to a European Commissioner for Trade about the deal.And there's another big deal brewing - this time in the mining sector, as Glencore and Rio Tinto are in preliminary talks about a takeover worth two hundred and seven billion dollars. A mining analyst gives us his take on what it could mean for the industry.And how has news of that deal affected markets? We'll be finding out.

Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, outlines his key targets ahead of his appearance before the Oireachtas EU Affairs Committee later today.

A conference organised by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties in Dublin today will hear that democracy is coming under increasing threat at home and abroad. We heard from Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer and is a keynote speaker at the event.

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan is due to meet the European Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner today. The meeting comes as reports of immigration rule changes may mean some refugees claiming social welfare payments might not be able to get citizenship.Jonothan discusses this in more detail with Sean Defoe Newstalk Political Correspondent and Host of Let Me Explain podcast.

Today's episode takes on a special format. We will be sharing with our listeners a recording of the 2025 Anna Lindh Lecture as it was delivered. The Anna Lindh Lecture is an annual public event co-organized by the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, the Anna Lindh Memorial Foundation, Lund University and Lund University Association of Foreign Affairs. It commemorates the late Anna Lindh, a Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs who was assassinated in 2003. The 2025 Anna Lindh Lecture was delivered by Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Management.

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has chosen the winning consortium that will lead EIT Water, the new Knowledge and Innovation Community in the Water, Marine and Maritime sectors and ecosystems. This marks a major step towards securing the continent's water future, and to deliver innovations that can respond to environmental, economic and social pressures of Europe's water systems. The EIT's tenth Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) will apply an integrated approach across freshwater, marine and maritime sectors and ecosystems to solve water-related challenges. EIT Water will support entrepreneurial education and skills development, innovation projects as well as business creation by connecting innovators, researchers, and educators to Europe's largest innovation network. EIT Water Launched Building on the EIT's proven model of powering innovation, talent, and entrepreneurship, this new KIC will contribute directly to the EU's priorities for a greener, more digital, and more resilient Europe - turning local potential into European impact. With an on-the-ground presence in all EU Member States, the EIT ensures that new technologies and innovative solutions are developed and rapidly deployed where they are needed most. The KIC will focus on the following areas: water scarcity, drought, and floods; marine and freshwater ecosystem degradation; the circular and sustainable blue economy. Meet the Winning Team Behind EIT Water The winning team, Allwaters consists of 50 partners from 24 countries, including leading industry partners, universities, research organisations, ports, non-governmental organisations, SMEs, amongst others. Independent experts reviewed the proposals, and the top teams presented to the EIT Governing Board before the final selection. Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, said: 'Water connects all parts of our society and economy - from food and energy to industry and biodiversity. With EIT Water, Europe is strengthening its ability to manage and protect this shared resource more sustainably and innovatively. This new community will play an important role in the implementation of the Water Resilience Strategy and the building of a water-smart economy in Europe. A water-smart economy that works for people, nature, and our competitiveness.' Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, said: 'A healthy ocean and resilient freshwater systems are two sides of the same coin. EIT Water will help us bridge the gap between blue and green innovation by empowering local communities, businesses, and researchers. Supporting the delivery of the European Ocean Pact, it will contribute to restoring ecosystems, protecting marine life and securing a sustainable future for Europe's water and maritime sectors.' Stefan Dobrev, Chairperson, EIT Governing Board said: 'We are proud to welcome EIT Water to the EIT Community, which will be a platform for collaborative innovation, bringing together business, research, and education with strong industry involvement to deliver real solutions for Europe's water challenges. By combining the EIT's proven innovation model with Europe's leading water experts and industries, we can turn today's pressing water crisis into an opportunity for sustainable growth, resilience, and global leadership.' Michelle Williams, Coordinator, Aarhus University (Allwaters consortium), said: "We are truly honoured to lead EIT Water and to help shape Europe's response to one of its most pressing challenges. Water is life - and safeguarding it requires innovation, collaboration, and commitment. Together with the EIT and our partners across Europe, we look forward to developing solutions that make our water systems more resilient, circular, and sustainable for generations to come." NEXT STEPS To facilitate EIT Water's establishment, the EIT will provide the KIC with a startup grant of up to €5 million ...

The Nitrates Directive is an EU law for farms that puts limits on the amount of fertiliser, including slurry, that farmers can use on their land and effectively the number of livestock that they can have, to protect water from pollution by agriculture

Pascal Lamy, former Director General of the World Trade Organisation and former European Commissioner for Trade, talks to Paul Adamson about Trump, tariffs and the weaponisation of interdependence.

He may have described himself as a ‘fighter not a quitter', but even Peter Mandelson couldn't survive new and lurid revelations about his relationship with convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. The ultimate political animal, Mandelson was no stranger to scandal – having twice been forced to resign from Tony Blair's Cabinet. But brought back into the Labour fold by Gordon Brown after a successful stint as European Commissioner, the former spin doctor went on to enjoy a career renaissance – which eventually took him to Washington as the UK's ambassador to the United States. However, Mandelson was summoned home from DC in disgrace, following the publication of a cache of embarrassing emails and other communications between himself and Epstein.  Was his downfall inevitable? And should Sir Keir Starmer have known better than to entrust one of the biggest diplomatic roles in the world to a man with a track record of self-destruction? Niall is joined by former ambassador and National Security Advisor, Lord Ricketts, and Sky News' former political editor, Adam Boulton. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill 

On Tuesday 17th November the Rt. Hon. Professor Shirley Williams delivered the 2009 Alcuin lecture at the Law Faculty, discussing the future of the European Union after the Lisbon Treaty.Shirley Williams, Baroness Williams of Crosby, was one of the 'Gang of Four' moderate Labour politicians who in 1981 founded the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which merged with the Liberal Party in 1988 to form the Liberal Democrats.Baroness Williams was first elected as an MP in the 1964 General Election to represent the Labour Party in the constituency of Hitchin, Hertfordshire. She rapidly rose to a junior ministerial position and subsequently served as Shadow Home Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection, Secretary of State for Education, and Paymaster General until she lost her seat in the general election of 1979.In 1981 she resigned from the Labour Party to form the SDP, along with Roy Jenkins, David Owen and Bill Rodgers. Later that year she won the by-election for Crosby in Merseyside to become the first elected SDP MP. After losing her seat in 1983 she became a familiar face as a broadcaster on In conversation with Shirley Williams and has appeared on the BBC's Question Time more than any other panellist.n 1988, Williams moved to the USA as Professor of Elective Politics at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government until 2001. She helped draft constitutions in Russia, Ukraine and South Africa, served as a UN Special Representative to the former Yugoslavia, and has been President of Chatham House, the Royal Institute for International Affairs. With Amartya Sen, she is a director of the US-based Nuclear Threat Initiative, which seeks to reduce the risk of use of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons; and in 2007 was appointed by the Prime Minister as an independent advisor on nuclear proliferation.The Alcuin lectures are named after the 8th century scholar Alcuin of York, who was a key advisor to the Emperor Charlemagne and a central figure in the Carolingian Renaissance. The lectures were established in 1999 with a benefaction from Lord Brittan, himself a former European Commissioner. The theme for the lecture must be some aspect of the relationship between Britain and the European Institutions. Previous speakers have included Lord Patten, Lord Hannay and Dr Carl Bildt.

Where else would one of the most important trade deals on the globe be conducted but on a golf course? Later today in Turnberry, Scotland, Donald Trump will meet with Ursula von der Leyen to sign off on an EU-US trade agreement. We hear from Michael McGrath, European Commissioner, shortly but first a report from London Correspondent Tommy Meskill.

David Murphy, Economics and Public Affairs Editor, explains what needs to happen in the next fortnight in order for the EU and US to agree a trade deal. Michael McGrath, European Commissioner, reacts to President Trump's proposed 30% tariffs on EU goods.

Dans ce vingtième épisode de Tour de Table, Frédéric Mérand et Jennifer Welsh sont rejoints par Pierre Moscovici, Premier président de la Cour des comptes et ancien commissaire européen, pour discuter des défis auxquels fait face l'Union européenne ainsi que de sa relation avec le Canada et les États-Unis. In this twentieth episode of Tour de Table, Frérédic Mérand and Jennifer Welsh are joined by Pierre Moscovici, the First President of the French Cour des comptes and former European Commissioner to discuss the challenges facing the European Union as well as its relationship with Canada and the United States.   Producer: Kareem Faraj   Theme music: Mat Large/ High Drama/ Courtesy of www.epidemic sound.com   Tour de Table est enregistré à Montréal/Tiohtià:ke, sur des terres qui ont longtemps servi de lieu de rencontre et d'échange entre les peuples autochtones, y compris les nations Haudenosaunee et Anishinabeg. Nous remercions les diverses nations autochtones et les reconnaissons comme intendantes des terres et des eaux sur lesquelles nous radiodiffusions.   Tour de Table is recorded in Montreal/Tiohtià:ke, on land which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst Indigenous peoples, including the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabeg nations. We acknowledge and thank the diverse Indigenous peoples whose presence marks the territory from which we broadcast.

How to stop our needless overconsumption of cheaper and cheaper clothes that pollute the planet? France's senate passed a bill to curb advertising and tax pollution on fast fashion, with lawmakers even talking up the distinction of ultra fast fashion - garments made in a hurry - more and more using polyester and other polluting plastics, shipped at warp speed by plane and which fall apart after only a few washes.  Has the bill been partially stripped bare though? The new version seems to include a carve-out for European giants that peddle cheap clothes with the focus mostly now on China.  In fact, Europeans like the Trump administration are working to close the tax loophole on the kind of small parcels that go out by the millions from small garment factories in China. And while the likes of Shein and Temu enroll big names to lobby, including a former European Commissioner and a former interior minister of Emmanuel Macron, we asked who's winning the hearts and minds of consumers in this battle over an industry that represents up to ten percent of humanity's carbon footprint.    Produced by Rebecca Gniganti, Aurore Laborie and Ilayda Habip.

Pascal Lamy, former Director-General of the World Trade Organization and European Commissioner for Trade, discusses the impact of US tariffs on global trade.

Mairead McGuinness, former European Commissioner and MEP, discusses the impact on Europe of a 20% tariff on EU goods exported to the United States.

Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, breaks down the EC's new work programme, and how's it's been received so far.

How is the European Commission rethinking its approach to competition policy and enforcement as new leadership takes the helm, including the appointment of Spain's Teresa Ribera as the European Commissioner for Competition? Alicia Downey and Subrata Bhattacharjee talk to John Davies, Senior Advisor at the Brunswick Group, about the changing landscape of EU competition policy and its implications for merger investigations and other proceedings. Listen to this episode to hear what effect these policy changes may have on firms in and outside the EU, and why the Scarlets are John's favorite Welsh rugby team. With special guest: John Davies, Senior Advisor, Brunswick Group LLP Related Links: John Davies et al., EU Merger Control - A New Era? (Brunswick Group Nov. 2024) - Upload attached article Ursula von der Leyen, Mission Letter addressed to Teresa Ribera Rodriguez (EC Sept. 17, 2024) Mario Draghi, The future of European competitiveness Part A, A competitiveness strategy for Europe (EC Sept. 2024) Mario Draghi, The future of European competitiveness Part B, In-depth analysis and recommendations (EC Sept. 2024) Hosted by: Alicia Downey, Downey Law LLC and Subrata Bhattacharjee, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Lord Peter Mandelson, born on October 21, 1953, is a prominent British politician and former Member of Parliament (MP). He is widely known for his active involvement in the Labour Party and his influential role within the UK government during the New Labour era.Mandelson first gained recognition as a key strategist and close ally of Labour leader Tony Blair. He played a crucial part in rebranding the Labour Party as "New Labour" and contributing to their electoral successes in the late 1990s and early 2000s.He was instrumental in shaping the party's policy agenda, focusing on modernization, economic reform, and closer ties with the business community.In 1997, Mandelson was appointed as the Minister without Portfolio, becoming one of the most powerful figures in the government. He later held several high-profile positions, including Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, and Skills. Mandelson played a significant role in shaping UK trade policy and promoting international business relations during his tenure.Despite his success, Mandelson faced controversy during his political career. He resigned twice from government positions. The first instance was in 1998, known as the "Lobbygate" scandal, which involved allegations of impropriety and influence-peddling. The second resignation occurred in 2001, following the "Hinduja passport affair," where he was accused of helping an Indian billionaire obtain British citizenship.After leaving front-line politics, Mandelson continued to be involved in public life. He served as the European Commissioner for Trade from 2004 to 2008, playing a vital role in European Union trade negotiations and advocating for global trade liberalization. Upon his return to the UK, he was appointed as a life peer in the House of Lords, taking the title of Baron Mandelson.Prince Andrew, born on February 19, 1960, is a member of the British royal family and the third child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He holds the title of Duke of York and has been involved in various public duties and charitable endeavors throughout his life.Prince Andrew served in the British Royal Navy and had a successful military career.However, he retired from active service in 2001. Since then, he has primarily focused on his royal duties and engagements, representing the Queen both domestically and internationally.Throughout his life, Prince Andrew has been associated with numerous charitable organizations and initiatives, particularly in the fields of entrepreneurship, science, technology, and education. He has played an active role in supporting and promoting these causes, often engaging with young entrepreneurs and advocating for their development and success.However, Prince Andrew's reputation has been marred by his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender who faced numerous allegations of sex trafficking and abuse. Prince Andrew's close relationship with Epstein came under intense scrutiny, and he faced allegations of sexual misconduct himself. In 2019, Prince Andrew announced his decision to step back from public duties and royal engagements indefinitely due to the controversy surrounding his association with Epstein.Since then, Prince Andrew has remained largely out of the public eye, with his official role within the royal family significantly reduced. The legal proceedings and investigations related to his involvement with Epstein are ongoing, and he has faced numerous legal challenges and requests for cooperation from authorities.In this episode, we hear how both men were offered advisors roles with Epstein, according to the email's revealed by the WSJ. (commercial at 7:39)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Epstein plan to make Andrew and 'Petie' Mandelson 'star advisers' in a new consultancy business | Daily Mail Online

Europe is facing a critical challenge. When it comes to advanced technology innovation, labor productivity, and affordable energy, it's not keeping up with the U.S. and China. At least that's the take from Mario Draghi, former European Central Bank president, in his European Commission report last month titled, “The Future of European Competitiveness.” The last five years for the European Union have been tumultuous – from the pandemic to an energy crisis sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, to the European Green Deal. How Europe moves forward in the face of these challenges will directly impact its short and long-term energy security, and the pace of its transition to clean energy. And it's all playing out against the backdrop of an ever-worsening climate crisis.  This week, host Jason Bordoff talks with Kadri Simson. Kadri has been the European Commissioner for Energy since 2019. Before that, she was the Estonian minister for economic affairs, and held various other positions in the Estonian government.  Kadri visited the Columbia campus during Climate Week in New York City. They discussed the impact of Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Europe's progress in weaning itself off Russian gas, and member states' attitudes toward nuclear power, among other topics.

Over the last decade, the European Union has been the vanguard regulating Big Tech, and the push has been led by Margrethe Vestager. As she steps down, Vestager is looking both back at the battles she's fought, and how the fight will continue.  Guest: Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition. the European Commission's Executive Vice President on a Europe Fit for the Digital Age. Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last decade, the European Union has been the vanguard regulating Big Tech, and the push has been led by Margrethe Vestager. As she steps down, Vestager is looking both back at the battles she's fought, and how the fight will continue.  Guest: Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition. the European Commission's Executive Vice President on a Europe Fit for the Digital Age. Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last decade, the European Union has been the vanguard regulating Big Tech, and the push has been led by Margrethe Vestager. As she steps down, Vestager is looking both back at the battles she's fought, and how the fight will continue.  Guest: Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition. the European Commission's Executive Vice President on a Europe Fit for the Digital Age. Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last decade, the European Union has been the vanguard regulating Big Tech, and the push has been led by Margrethe Vestager. As she steps down, Vestager is looking both back at the battles she's fought, and how the fight will continue.  Guest: Margrethe Vestager, European Commissioner for Competition. the European Commission's Executive Vice President on a Europe Fit for the Digital Age. Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World-renowned law professor Jonathan Turley named the “European Digital Services Act (DSA) as one of the greatest assaults on free speech in history” after European Commissioner for Internal Markets and Services Thierry Breton (“one of the notorious figures in an anti-free speech movement”) threatened to censor X because of Elon Musk's live interview of Donald Trump. In 2022, the EU and Thierry Breton also threatened to ban X (formerly Twitter) entirely if Musk restored protections of free speech. “Under the DSA, users are 'empowered to report illegal content online and online platforms will have to act quickly.' This includes speech that is viewed not only as ‘disinformation' but also ‘incitement.' Jonathan Turley is a law professor at George Washington University, holding the Shapiro Chair for Public Interest Law since 1998. He has served as counsel in high-profile cases, represented members of Congress, and testified before Congress over 100 times, including during the impeachments of Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. He has written for major newspapers and worked as a legal analyst for the world's top news organizations. A study by Judge Richard Posner ranked Turley as the second most cited law professor among public intellectuals. Find more at https://jonathanturley.org and follow him at https://x.com/jonathanturley Read Jonathan Turley's new book “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage” at https://amzn.to/3X13dmx Dr. Darshan Shah is the founder of Next Health, the world's first and largest Health Optimization and Longevity clinic. A board-certified surgeon and Longevity Medicine specialist, Dr. Shah has performed over 20,000 surgical procedures. He earned his medical degree at 21, trained at the Mayo Clinic, and holds alumni status at Harvard Business School and Singularity University. Dr. Shah has authored a book, published papers, patented medical devices, and given over 100 speeches on longevity and health. Find more at https://next-health.com and follow him at https://x.com/darshanshahMD 「 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 」 Find out more about the brands that make this show possible and get special discounts on Dr. Drew's favorite products at https://drdrew.com/sponsors  • FATTY15 – The future of essential fatty acids is here! Strengthen your cells against age-related breakdown with Fatty15. Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit Subscription at https://drdrew.com/fatty15 • CAPSADYN - Get pain relief with the power of capsaicin from chili peppers – without the burning! Capsadyn's proprietary formulation for joint & muscle pain contains no NSAIDs, opioids, anesthetics, or steroids. Try it for 15% off at https://drdrew.com/capsadyn • PALEOVALLEY - "Paleovalley has a wide variety of extraordinary products that are both healthful and delicious,” says Dr. Drew. "I am a huge fan of this brand and know you'll love it too!” Get 15% off your first order at https://drdrew.com/paleovalley • TRU NIAGEN - For almost a decade, Dr. Drew has been taking a healthy-aging supplement called Tru Niagen, which uses a patented form of Nicotinamide Riboside to boost NAD levels. Use code DREW for 20% off at https://drdrew.com/truniagen • THE WELLNESS COMPANY - Counteract harmful spike proteins with TWC's Signature Series Spike Support Formula containing nattokinase and selenium. Learn more about TWC's supplements at https://twc.health/drew 「 MEDICAL NOTE 」 Portions of this program may examine countervailing views on important medical issues. Always consult your physician before making any decisions about your health. 「 ABOUT THE SHOW 」 Ask Dr. Drew is produced by Kaleb Nation (https://kalebnation.com) and Susan Pinsky (https://twitter.com/firstladyoflove). This show is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Europe wants clean energy, but it's struggling to compete with the low cost of China's green technology. The E.U. just announced it's investigating the subsidies received by Chinese wind turbine suppliers, which play a part in those low costs. On today's episode, we speak with Margrethe Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition, about how the E.U. is trying to build and maintain a competitive green tech industry in the face of low-price Chinese imports. And we ask how the U.S.'s climate industrial policy fits into all this action.Related Episodes:The surprising leader in EVs (Apple / Spotify) Industrial policy, the debate! (Apple / Spotify) Why offshore wind is facing headwinds (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy