Strasbourg special: EU Parliament’s most burning vote of the year
After weeks of political manoeuvring and backroom deals, MEPs are set to vote today (27 November) on Von der Leyen's next College of Commissioners. While the EP’s greenlight seems certain after EPP, Renew, and S&D struck a platform agreement last week, the incoming College might be sworn in with the narrowest support in recent history. So, where do the different political groups stand? And what effect will the vote have on Parliament's future powerplays? In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporters Nicoletta Ionta and Magnus Lund Nielsen talk numbers, alliances and behind-the-scenes buzz from Strasbourg's corridors.
27 Nov 202415min
Draghi report, competitiveness and EU corporate reporting requirements facing backlash
European businesses are increasingly concerned about the EU's growing regulatory and reporting requirements, which they say hamper competitiveness and productivity.The combination of high energy prices (well above those in the US) and stringent sustainability and compliance requirements is putting pressure on several industries, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular.While the European Union aims to reduce reporting obligations by 25%, the challenge is to balance simplification with maintaining the core objectives of its laws, such as climate and human rights standards. These concerns echo key findings of the Draghi report, which highlighted the EU's struggles with productivity and global competition.To dig deeper, host Evi Kiorri was joined by Euractiv's Berlin-based economy reporter Jonathan Packroff.[Edited by Daniel Eck]
26 Nov 202414min
ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas commander – what now?
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Both Israel and Hamas have dismissed the allegations, giving predictably polarised responses. The Israeli government condemned the ICC’s decision as “antisemitic,” while Hamas called the warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant an “important historical precedent.” But what do these arrest warrants mean, and can the Court's 124 member states – none of which include Israel or the US – enforce this decision? To answer these questions, host Evi Kiorri spoke with ICC correspondent and host of the Hague-based Asymmetrical Haircuts podcast, Janet Anderson.
25 Nov 202417min
What we expect from the last day of COP29
As the global climate summit is expected to wrap up today (22 November) in Baku, Azerbaijan, country ministers have already started tough negotiations around the implementation of the final treaty. All eyes are on the final sum allocated to the new climate finance goal (NCQG), which will determine how many resources developed countries will provide to the global south to limit greenhouse gas emissions. But the discrepancy in ambition and timeline between the two parties has so far locked talks in a standstill. Where are the COP29 climate talks headed? And where does the EU stand in these negotiations? Join host Giada Santana and energy & environment reporter Niko Kurmayer as they outline COP29's trajectory and possible scenarios for its last day. The European University Institute's head of delegation, professor Simone Borghesi, dials in from Baku.
22 Nov 202416min
EU-US trade: what EU economy ministers fear about second Trump term
EU economy ministers will meet today (November 21) to discuss the future of EU-US trade relations although the prospect of a possible protectionist and pro-tariff Trump administration looks set to make for difficult talks.With key industries such as Germany’s automotive sector already under significant pressure and the risk of a wider trade war on the horizon, how is Europe preparing to adapt to a shifting US trade agenda?To find out, host Evi Kiorri speaks to Euractiv's economy reporter Thomas Nielsen Moeller.
21 Nov 202417min
How the European Commission's deadlock might finally break
The European Parliament is on the brink of finalising the new College of Commissioners after weeks of negotiations, according to a draft seen by Euractiv.Spain’s Teresa Ribera fell under scrutiny after October's devastating Valencia floods, and faced fierce opposition from the Spanish wing of the European People's Party (EPP). The political deadlock threatened not only her nomination as vice-president of the European Commission but also the approval of the whole College. But negotiations between parliamentary groups in Brussels appear to have finally ended.What fueled the EPP’s resistance, and how was an agreement reached?Join host Giada Santana and reporter Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro as they analyse the fallout from the Valencia disaster and its ripple effects on the Commission’s formation.
20 Nov 202417min
Can the EU help Ukraine as North Korea sends troops to Russia?
Today marks 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The recent deployment of North Korean troops to Russia's Kursk region, entered by Ukrainian forces in August, signals a major shift in the conflict. North Korea’s involvement, previously seen in arms supplies and meetings between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, now includes sending troops to the border.This move provides Russia with added manpower, posing greater challenges for Ukraine’s strained military resources and increasing its need for ammunition. The effectiveness of North Korean troops is uncertain due to their limited combat experience. EU ministers are concerned but limited in action due to North Korea’s isolation, as they gather in Brussels amid pressure to strengthen military support, especially with future U.S. aid uncertain. To look into this topic host Evi Kiorri is joined by security and defence editor Aurélie Pugnet.
19 Nov 202414min
How Musk’s White House appointment could test the EU
Billionaire Elon Musk’s recent appointment to lead the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is expected to send shockwaves across the Atlantic, testing the EU’s regulatory clout in the digital sphere.The European Union and Musk have clashed repeatedly, especially since his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter - now known as X.On 23 December 2023, the European Commission launched an investigation into X for violating the Digital Services Act (DSA), including content moderation issues. Meanwhile, Musk’s image as a staunch defender of free speech has energized Europe’s far-right, who increasingly see him as an ideological ally.But where does the EU stand in this escalating dispute, and how might Brussels respond to Musk’s new role?Join host Giada Santana and Euractiv tech editor Eliza Gritski as they unpack the EU’s probe into X, the controversial DOGE commission, and Musk’s growing influence on both sides of the Atlantic.
18 Nov 202416min
