Why the EU is divided over the Mercosur trade deal
The EU and four Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) finalised a historic trade agreement on Friday (6 December) after 25 years of talks. First proposed in 1999, the deal will establish one of the world's largest free trade zones – but not everyone seems to be happy about it. The deal has drawn sharp criticism in the Union over environmental and political concerns. So, what does the South American trade pact entail, and why has it created such deep divisions within the EU?In this episode, host Giada Santana and agrifood reporter Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro unpack the EU-Mercosur deal and the controversies it has sparked.
9 Des 202417min
Europe holds its breath as Romania heads to the polls one last time
Brussels is on tenterhooks as Romania heads to the polls on Sunday (8 December) to choose between pro-Moscow TikTok star Călin Georgescu and pro-European hopeful Elena Lasconi in the final round of the presidential elections.In a country where one in three citizens trust the government, the semi-presidential system could grant far-right candidate Georgescu significant power to challenge parliamentary majorities and potentially shift the country's stance on Moscow.In this episode, host Giada Santana and Euractiv's senior editor Georgi Gotev break down the elections in Romania and assess the situation as the country prepares for its next chapter.
6 Des 202414min
The ceasefire in Lebanon and Europe's waning role in the Middle East
The number of violations of the US-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon has surpassed 100 since the ceasefire agreement took effect last Wednesday, casting doubts on hopes for peace between Hezbollah and Israel. Besides condemning the breaches, the EU's absence from the negotiating table during these tense moments raises questions about its relevance in the Middle East.In this episode, host Giada Santana talks to Middle East experts Bilal Saab and Julien Barnes-Dacey about the terms of the shaky ceasefire agreement amidst Washington and Brussels’s diplomatic efforts in the region.
5 Des 202419min
Explaining Europe's campaign to roll back the protection of wolves
Wolf protection is back on the table for EU lawmakers as they must now reopen talks on the EU's Habitats Directive, a cornerstone of EU biodiversity policy. The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention decided to back a European Commission proposal weakening the protection of wolves on Tuesday (3 December), meaning MEPs must now reconsider one of the EU's flagship biodiversity policies. But why is the European Commission waging a crusade against wolves? And how does it align with the union's environmental pledges? In this episode, host Giada Santana and Euractiv's Energy, Environment and Transport reporter Barbara Machado reflect on the political motives behind lowering the protection status of wolves and its wider implications for biodiversity.
4 Des 202411min
Why Michel Barnier’s young government might fall
The current French government might be the shortest-lived in the history of the fifth Republic as opposition parties announced the possibility of a vote of no-confidence on Monday (2 December). Ongoing tense negotiations over financial cuts and taxes have kept the government at risk of falling for the past two months. Why are budget talks threatening a political crisis in France? In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Thèo Bourgery-Gonse chat about the controversies around the French budgetary package and the looming threat on Barnier’s head.
3 Des 202413min
The real cost of Europe's new competitiveness agenda
When voters cast their ballots in recent European elections, the economy topped their long list of concerns. Shortly after, Commission President von der Leyen assumed office with a clear mission: make Europe more competitive to keep pace with the US and China. But the push for global competitiveness seems to sideline labour and social policies, which have long been seen as hallmarks of Europe’s economic model. So, how does the Commission plan to make the Union wealthier? And who is at risk of being left behind? In this episode, host Giada Santana chats with economics editor Anna Brunetti about the wind of change sweeping European economic policy.
2 Des 202416min
Operation Interflex – BTS from Ukrainian soldiers’ training abroad
In the past two weeks, Russian forces have achieved the fastest breakthrough in eastern Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion. As the Ukrainian army is in dire need of new recruits and equipment, hundreds of soldiers are under special training as part of Operation Interflex, aimed at providing them with vital skills to manage death-threatening situations.What is the operation like? How can this training impact Ukrainian troops’ success on the frontlines? In this episode, host Giada Santana hears from defence reporter Aurélie Pugnet about what she discovered during a trip on the ground.
29 Nov 202417min
Parliament’s winners and losers: A conversation with Greens and right-wing ECR
On Wednesday (27 November), the new college of commissioners was approved with 370 votes to 282 against – marking the lowest majority in history. The mandate is filled with uncertainties, except one: the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) enjoys free rein in Parliament negotiations, with master strategist Manfred Weber cosying up and forging alliances outside the centrist majority. How do non-coalition groups view this new, secretive, and unpredictable European Parliament? In this episode, host Giada Santana talks about the rationale behind the vote with two MEPs: Daniel Freund of the Greens and Carlo Fidanza of the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).
28 Nov 202423min
