Can Europe rely on private capital to achieve its goals?
It’s no secret that Europe is facing some of the biggest challenges in its history, from the digital and green transition to climate adaptation and mitigation, along with the need to boost its security and defence resources and enhance its competitiveness.But how does Europe plan to fund its ambitious plans?In this episode, we are joined by Thomas Moller-Nielsen, Euractiv's economy reporter, to understand how the Union plans to fund its projects by turning to private capital in response to public spending constraints.
24 Juli 202412min
Power moves in EU Parliament: Committee claims and chair votes
It’s a busy summer for the European Parliament, with this week seeing the formation of committees and MEPs voting on the committee chairmanship on Tuesday (23 July). The major political groups in Parliament are already staking their claims on committees that align with their policy proposals, and are collaborating to create a cordon sanitaire, ensuring they solidify their power in the legislative meetings of this new mandate. But which committees are the most important, who wants them, and what can we expect in terms of chairmanship? To break down the committees' importance, and the role that is to come with the new mandate, we spoke to Aurélie Pugnet.
23 Juli 202412min
Unpacking the European Commission’s Political Guidelines
As Ursula von der Leyen worked to get re-elected for a second mandate at the European Commission's helm, she offered concessions across the political spectrum and these tactical negotiations have largely shaped the Commission's next mandate. But what does her manifesto entail, and which points will von der Leyen truly prioritise?In this episode, host Giada Santana and politics reporter Magnus Lund Nielsen delve into the next European Commission's political guidelines, informed by exclusive documents reviewed by Euractiv.
22 Juli 202411min
Ursula von der Leyen: round two
Ursula von der Leyen convinced 401 members of the European Parliament to vote in her favour, out of 707. This time, she was re-elected as Commission President with a 41-vote lead, emerging from the first plenary with a stronger mandate.Before the vote, von der Leyen delivered a lengthy speech reaching out to centrist and left-wing parties, while excluding the far-right. She outlined the priorities for her next mandate, appearing more confident than ever, but also raising some questions. To break down what happened during the vote for the President of the European Commission, we are joined by our politics editor Aurélie Pugnet. [Edited by Rajnish Singh]
19 Juli 202414min
UK PM Keir Starmer hosts his first European Political Community Summit
Today (17 July) marks new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's debut on the international political scene as he hosts the European Political Community (EPC) Summit, where 50 leaders from all over the world will discuss a hot list of topics, including rebuilding closer ties between the UK and the EU, four years after Brexit.In this episode, host Giada Santana and Global Europe editor Alexandra Brzozowski look ahead at the EPC's dense program.
18 Juli 202411min
Everything we know about the first Strasbourg plenary
Newly elected and re-elected members of the European Parliament gather in Strasbourg for the first plenary session of the new mandate. Roberta Metsola has been re-elected as President of the European Parliament, but all eyes are on Ursula von der Leyen and her re-election as Commission President. What makes this plenary session so crucial, and what indications does it give us of the upcoming policies and files the new mandate will focus on? To understand the intricacies of this very first plenary, we spoke to our politics editor Aurélie Pugnet.
17 Juli 202411min
Does the EU need a second parliament in Strasbourg?
Exorbitant costs, carbon emissions, and time management are some of the reasons for scrapping the monthly commute of the entire European Parliament to Strasbourg, according to advocates of the idea. However, the dual residency of the institution is deeply rooted in European history and is actively supported by activists in the French city.In this episode, host Giada Santana and activist Troy Davis discuss the pros and cons of the two-parliamentary seat design.
16 Juli 202412min
‘Heat under your feet’ tops Hungarian EU Council presidency’s energy agenda
Although geothermal energy is a small part of the EU’s renewable energy mix, it has significant potential as a stable and local source in the bloc’s quest for energy independence.The issue has now been revived under the Hungarian EU presidency, which began at the start of July, as EU energy ministers meet to discuss this type of energy on Monday (15 July).But how does geothermal energy work, what are the pros and cons, and what could it mean for the EU? We are joined in the studio by our energy and environment reporter, Nathan Canas, to shed some light on the situation.
15 Juli 202413min
