Will Meta's American makeover come to Europe?

Last week, tech giant Meta reached a settlement in a lawsuit with nearly every state in the US over claims that it had knowingly harmed children with its addictive apps. It was a major turn of events in the growing movement to protect kids online – but what does it mean for those of us on this side of the Atlantic? This week, we’re bringing you a fascinating chat with Leanda Barrington-Leach, the executive director at 5Rights, an international NGO that seeks to protect children’s rights and wellbeing on the internet. We’re also unpicking the CIA chief’s visit to Moscow and the surprisingly effective tariff placed on small parcels from China.

This week’s Inspiration Station recommendations are the proposed euro banknote designs and the Polish HBO series Proud.

You can hear more of our conversation with Leanda over on Patreon.

Resources for this episode:

• “China tightens grip on Europe’s car supply chain” – Financial Times, 11 August 2026
• “Chinese imports plunge 30% to 40% after EU tax on small parcels” – Euronews, 27 August 2026
• “CIA chief used Moscow visit to warn Russia against attacks on NATO allies, helping Iran” – Politico, 26 August 2026

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Co-hosts: Dominic Kraemer and Wojciech Oleksiak

Senior producer: Wojciech Oleksiak

Producers: Morgan Childs and Wojciech Oleksiak

Audio editing: Monika Proba

Mixing and mastering: Wojciech Oleksiak

Music: Jim Barne and Mariska Martina

The Europeans is proudly produced using Europe’s own Hindenburg.

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