Today in the EU

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her proposed team of European Commissioners, highlighting significant leadership changes. Six executive vice presidents, including Finland's Henna Virkkunen and Italy's Raffaele Fitto, will oversee key policy areas.Von der Leyen emphasised gender parity, increasing female representation to 40%. But who are the new names, what are the newly created roles and what happens if the team fails to achieve parliamentary confirmation before taking office?To break down what this means for the new College of Commissioners and their portfolios, Evi Kiorri talks to politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta.

18 Syys 202414min

Thierry Breton, the EU's Internal Market Commissioner, announced his resignation from the European Commission on 16 September, citing tensions with President Ursula von der Leyen. In a public letter, Breton accused von der Leyen of requesting that France replace him in a political trade-off for a more influential portfolio, and criticised her "questionable governance".Just hours later, President Emmanuel Macron nominated Stéphane Séjourné as France’s new Commissioner. But does the new French commissioner-designate have what it takes for the job, and when can we expect the full list of portfolios?To look into these questions, we’re joined by our Defence Editor, Aurélie Pugnet.

17 Syys 202412min

NATO's Military Committee met in Prague on Friday and Saturday to discuss stepping up NATO's support package for Ukraine, after Russia warned NATO that a strike with Western-made missiles would be considered an act of war.Among other security issues, Allies discussed the establishment of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and launching the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre (JATEC) as part of NATO's support package to Ukraine.Despite the urgent need for the West to provide Ukraine with ammunition, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned NATO just before the Prague meeting that allowing Ukraine to use longer-range Western missiles to strike inside Russia would be considered an act of war.Meanwhile, as the situation in Ukraine unfolds, the realities of war and the need for a strong defence remain at the centre of domestic discussions.To get an insight into the situation on the ground, host Evi Kiorri spoke to Lev Zinchenko, Programme Assistant in the Europe in the World Programme at the European Policy Centre.[Edited by Daniel Eck]

16 Syys 202412min

EU farmers must comply with strict production standards, and so should third-country producers if they want to export to the EU, according to the latest vote by Parliament's Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). On Thursday (12 September), ENVI members rejected the European Commission's proposal to lower the maximum residue levels for certain pesticides and fungicides in imported food. The committee turned down the draft because these agricultural chemicals are not authorised within the EU, and, as such, imported products containing their residues should also be prohibited from entering the EU market. Does this approach signal the start of a new, more protectionist agricultural policy? In this episode, host Giada Santana and Agrifood Hub Editor Angelo di Mambro explore the growing politicisation of agriculture in the EU and its potential impact on consumers.

13 Syys 202411min

EU antitrust head Margrethe Vestager is wrapping up her tenure at the European Commission with two major victories as the European court of Justice ruled against Apple’s Irish tax arrangements and Google’s anti-competitive practices.These decisions reward her close-to-decade-long battles to tackle Big Tech’s dominance in Europe, marking a significant win for tax justice and fair competition.But can these rulings influence future EU policy as the current Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age and Competition prepares to leave office in November?To look into those two key court rulings, host Evi Kiorri is joined by our technology reporter, Théophane Hartmann.[Edited by Daniel Eck]

12 Syys 202413min

Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening (5 September) for their first – and likely their only – confrontation before the presidential election. With eight weeks to go, polls show candidates are running a neck-and-neck race that could easily swing both ways. Where do Trump and Harris stand on key policy files? In this episode, host Giada Santana comments on the debate with Dr Liana Fix, political scientist and fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington.

11 Syys 202413min

Mario Draghi handed his highly anticipated report on European competitiveness to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, outlining the urgent need to boost productivity to achieve the EU’s political and economic goals.Without significant progress, Europe risks falling further behind global competitors, particularly in the tech sector. The report highlights the importance of a well-coordinated transition to climate neutrality, ensuring that decarbonisation also supports growth. With calls for stronger EU regulation and investment in tech innovation and clean energy, Draghi outlines a path to secure Europe’s future on the global stage.To break down the Draghi report, we are joined by our economy reporter, Thomas Moller-Nielsen.

10 Syys 202420min

As Brussels raises concerns about the next European Commission resembling a 'men's club', President Ursula von der Leyen stands firm on the need for gender balance among the nominees.While nine women have been proposed so far, von der Leyen suggested last week that the final count has reached double digits.Who are the remaining candidates, and which portfolios are female commissioners aiming for?In this episode, host Giada Santana speaks with Georgie Bradley, spokesperson for the European Institute for Gender Equality, and political Reporter Nicoletta Ionta on how gender equality may shape the upcoming College of Commissioners.

9 Syys 202416min