Orbán's relations with Brussels at boiling point
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had a tense exchange at the Strasbourg plenary on 9 October, after Orbán outlined his country's EU Council Presidency initiatives.Orbán stressed the need for stricter migration controls, questioning the EU's approach to Ukraine. Von der Leyen responded with a strong defence of Europe’s military and financial support to Kyiv. The clash highlighted deepening divisions within the EU, as Orbán called for Commission neutrality, while von der Leyen criticised Hungary’s border control policies and its stance on the Ukraine conflict.To take a deep dive into this topic, host Evi Kiorri spoke with László Andor, secretary general of FEPS and former Hungarian EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion, along with our politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta.[Edited by Rajnish Singh]
10 Loka 202416min
EU ministers' not-so-subtle rightward shift on migration
Thursday’s Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting has laid bare the stark shift in EU member states' approach to migration, as right-wing politics gain ground across the bloc.While ministers are due to discuss issues related to Schengen and security, the focal point will be a working lunch where ministers will explore new migration deals with third countries and how to make the return of irregular migrants more efficient.The obvious harder line that is being taken on both asylum and irregular migration comes as member states face increasing pressure at the EU's external borders, pushing for the adoption of tougher measures and possible deals with new countries.To break this down host Evi Kiorri spoke with our Paris-based reporter, Théo Bourgery-Gonse.
9 Loka 202413min
European countries change course over their military support to Israel
One year into the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, European countries remain divided over their military support for Israel. Despite international efforts to broker peace, arms exports have continued to play a critical role in the conflict, with major suppliers like the US and Germany providing significant military aid.However, countries like Italy and Spain have halted arms deals, citing concerns over the humanitarian crisis and potential violations of international law. As tensions rise in the region, particularly with Lebanon being hit and Iran's involvement, European nations face growing pressure to reassess their arms export policies while navigating complex geopolitical alliances.To look into this topic, host Evi Kiori is joined by Euractiv's Defence Editor Aurélie Pugnet.
8 Loka 202412min
The environmental cost of Europe's hunt for lithium
As the European Union accelerates its push for net-zero emissions, it is looking to boost lithium production across various member states. This essential mineral, crucial for electric vehicle batteries, has sparked interest in mining projects not just in Serbia, but across Portugal, Spain and France.While lithium is a key component of the EU's green transition, concerns are rising over the environmental impact of increased mining activities. Experts warn of water pollution, biodiversity loss, and heightened carbon emissions, raising questions about the sustainability of this green push.Can Europe meet its ambitious climate goals without compromising the environment?In this episode, host Giada Santana sits down with Energy and Environment reporter Nathan Canas to explore the continent's expanding lithium production plans, the challenges that accompany them, and the broader implications for Europe’s sustainability efforts. Join us for a critical look at this pressing issue.
7 Loka 202415min
Let the grilling of the commissioner-nominees begin
The Legal Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (JURI) met on Thursday (3 October) to start the vetting of commissioners-designate to see who is fit to join the Commission's new line-up. Although the vetting process is based on the nominees providing the necessary information, the JURI Committee has a crucial role in scrutinising financial declarations to identify potential conflicts of interest.Which are the commissioners-designate that are already raising concerns due to their business and political connections? To look into this topic host Evi Kiorri is joined by Euractiv's Politics journalist Magnus Lund Nielsen.
4 Loka 202411min
EU eyes migration routes as humanitarian crisis in Lebanon unfolds
EU foreign ministers this week discussed the possibility of incoming migrant flows to the bloc amid concerns over Israel's ground offensive in southern Lebanon, the European Commission told Euractiv.In Lebanon, more than one million people have been displaced so far, with around one in 10 having fled to Syria. To cope with the unfolding humanitarian emergency, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Bikati has appealed for $400 million in aid. In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta look into what the humanitarian crisis looks like on the ground with IOM Middle East spokesperson Joe Lowry and Relief International's country director Giacomo Baldini in Beirut.
3 Loka 202414min
Starmer’s first shot at resetting ties with Brussels
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is meeting with the European Commission in Brussels today, for the first time since he won a landslide victory in the UK general elections, last July. He promised to rekindle the relationship with Brussels after the Tories focused on delivering Brexit at all costs.Starmer has, however, been handed a list of leftover issues that he may need to settle on the UK's divorce from the bloc before his reset can fully take shape.In this episode of 'Today in the EU', Giada Santana talks with Owen Morgan about Brexit's unresolved issues and the future of the EU-UK relationship.
2 Loka 202413min
Challenges and high expectations as Rutte starts first day as NATO chief
Former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte will assume the role of NATO Secretary-General on Tuesday (1 October), marking the start of a new chapter for the North Atlantic Alliance as he takes over from Jens Stoltenberg.A seasoned leader with over a decade of experience, Rutte is expected to face significant challenges and manage high expectations in his new role.NATO allies, while grateful for Stoltenberg’s steady leadership during turbulent times, are eager for change and look to Rutte for guidance on critical issues.To shed some light on the challenges and expectations, we spoke to our defence and security reporter, Aurélie Pugnet.
1 Loka 202414min
