Briefed - Your Daily European Podcast

The Competitive Compass is the Commission’s roadmap for strengthening the EU’s economy in a rapidly changing global market. It focuses on key priorities like reducing regulatory burdens, increasing investment in innovation, and helping European businesses compete with their U.S. and Chinese counterparts.  And so far so good, but what does this mean for the EU’s environmental goals? Is the Com...

Fast fashion is responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions, more than aviation and shipping combined, and its environmental toll continues to rise. The industry thrives on overproduction and overconsumption, flooding the market with cheap, disposable clothing that drives a growing textile waste crisis. Across Europe, millions of tonnes of textiles are incinerated, dumped in landfills, or exp...

A critical undersea cable connecting Sweden and Latvia was damaged in Swedish waters. This isn't just a technical hiccup, it’s a geopolitical flashpoint. Was it an innocent accident caused by bad weather? Or is there a more sinister force at play? Sweden’s coastguard seized a Bulgarian-owned tanker, NATO stepped up patrols under its Baltic Sentry mission, and suspicions of sabotage are hanging hea...

Nearly two years after Greece’s worst railway disaster, tens of thousands took to the streets demanding accountability for the 57 lives lost.  In this episode, we take a look into the Tempe train tragedy, unpack the damning evidence of missing CCTV footage, the undisclosed presence of flammable materials, and the alleged cover-ups that have surrounded the case. Why is this case more than just...

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s conservative CDU party, is tipped to become the next chancellor. His party is leading the polls by a wide margin ahead of the February 23 election. If elected, Merz would replace Olaf Scholz and bring a decisive shift in both foreign and domestic policies. But what is his vision for Germany’s and Europe’s future and what can we expect after February 23rd? Jo...

"There is no choice." That’s how Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk laid it out yesterday in the European Parliament, while outlining the priorities of Poland during its EU rotating presidency. His message? Europe must arm itself, not just to survive but to thrive in a world where reliance on the U.S. for security is increasingly precarious.  Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative echoed...

Global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos are sounding the alarm, Europe is losing ground. With the world charging ahead, Europe risks being left behind, tangled in over-regulation and a lack of innovation. Former European Council President Charles Michel is calling for bold action, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggests Europe is prioritising red tape over progress.&nbs...

Europe Talks Back is a journalistic podcast that unpacks the social, political, environmental, and cultural events and trends shaping Europe today. Combining the sharp expertise of guests from the field of politics, economy, and NGOs with unique insights based on on-the-ground reporting of independent media, Europe Talks Back offers a fresh perspective on European matters, which goes beyond the he...

In today’s episode of Long Story Short , we explore how President Donald Trump’s return to the global stage shakes Europe’s delicate balance. From his bold calls for NATO allies to spend 5% of GDP on defense to promises of cheap American LNG that could replace Russian energy, Trump’s policies pose tough choices for European leaders. Meanwhile, fears of a looming trade war add to the pressure as Eu...

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is facing sharp criticism from 155 mental health professionals, who’ve signed an open letter accusing him of authoritarian tendencies, divisive rhetoric, and policies that undermine Slovakia’s position in the EU and NATO.  How has the government reacted, and what are the public’s fears? Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European contine...

Description:   Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki is under fire for his pandemic-era push for a mail-in election that cost millions and broke the rules. In today’s episode of Long Story Short , we unpack why prosecutors want to lift Morawiecki’s parliamentary immunity, what this case means for Poland and Europe’s democracies, and what’s next for the former PM and other key player...

Today on Long Story Short, we focus on the political drama unfolding in France as Prime Minister François Bayrou faces a no-confidence vote in parliament. With a divided government, mounting public discontent over pension reforms, and wavering Socialist support, Bayrou’s ability to lead hangs in the balance. Will his last-minute concessions be enough to keep his fragile coalition intact? And what...

In today’s episode of Long Story Short, we look into the potential ceasefire in Gaza and the high-stakes negotiations surrounding the release of Israeli hostages. With over 46,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis killed, the toll of this conflict is staggering. What could this agreement mean for peace, Europe’s role in global diplomacy, and regional stability?  Join us on our journey through t...

Forever chemicals, the toxic, indestructible substances hiding in our everyday lives are threatening Europe’s environment and public health. From their staggering cleanup costs to the plastics industry’s relentless lobbying to block a ban, this episode unpacks the high stakes of PFAS pollution. Why should Europeans care? Because these chemicals don’t just stay in factories, they seep into our wate...

Zoran Milanović has been re-elected as Croatia’s president in a landslide victory, but what does this mean for Croatia and Europe? Join Evi Kiorri as she unpacks the political tensions, the EU skepticism, and the rising frustrations driving change in the Balkans. From corruption scandals to soaring inflation, we explore what’s next for Milanović, Croatia, and the European Union. Join us on our jou...

Elon Musk had a chaotic livestream with Alice Weidel, co-chair of Germany's far-right AfD party, ahead of Germany's 2025 election. From awkward moments to bizarre claims about Martian saviours and historical blunders, Musk's endorsement of Weidel raises serious questions about tech influence on European politics and had the opposite effects of boosting AfD. The conversation also highlights potenti...

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has returned home being arrested in Tehran on December 19, Sala’s harrowing 3-week detention in the notorious Evin prison took a surprising turn with her release on January 8. With the involvement of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who personally took charge of the diplomatic negotiations, the case turned into a symbolic victory for both Italy and Meloni hers...

Greenland, a remote island with a population of just 60,000, has become the unexpected focus of a global power struggle. U.S. President Donald Trump’s audacious idea to buy the territory has stirred debates about sovereignty and self-determination, while exposing the Arctic as a strategic chessboard for world powers. Why does this matter to Europeans? Greenland holds 25 of the 34 critical raw mate...

Austria is on the brink of a historic political shift as the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) positions itself to lead the government. Meanwhile, Elon Musk stirs controversy in Germany by using his platform to amplify the far-right AfD ahead of snap elections, raising serious concerns about the influence of Big Tech on European democracy. For now all eyes are on Brussels to enforce the DSA, but why t...

On our very first episode of the Long Story Short , we dive into the critical crossroads of 2025, where Ukraine's fight for freedom meets Europe’s energy uncertainty. In this episode, we unpack the latest updates from Ukraine, the abrupt halt of Russian gas via Ukraine, and what it all means for EU citizens facing rising energy costs and geopolitical tensions. What’s at stake for Europe, security,...

In October this year, the social media giant META, took down a Russian network of social media accounts spreading disinformation on the War on Ukraine.  META says it is the largest network of its kind, the company disrupted since the war in Ukraine began. More specifically, identified social media accounts were sharing false information by relaunching fake articles published on 60 websit...

In your opinion, can protesting change anything?  Many protests have been organized in Europe and the UK to denounce the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Despite the worsening of the situation, these mobilizations don’t seem to have a real impact, as the situation on the ground remains catastrophic. This leads our host Gail Rego to ask whether mobilization makes any difference.  She discu...

In this episode of Europe Talks Back we bring to you the story of Karen from France, who, despite retiring, decided to join Greenpeace. Karen explains why age should not be a barrier to making a difference in societal struggles. As a relatively older activist, Karen also emphasizes the importance of educating people of all ages about the perils of climate change and working together in unity to cr...

Over the past few months and years, across Europe, far-right parties have gained electoral support. From recent elections in Italy and Sweden, to France, Germany, Spain, Poland or Hungary: a conservative wind appears to blow over the Old Continent. One narrative all these far-right political forces have in common is a return to traditional gender norms. But why are these narratives so su...

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we travel to Greece, where renowned musician Dimitris Mystakidis ignites deserted Greek villages with the power of music, as he resolutely strives to bring life and community back to these abandoned spaces, despite political interference and the challenges of revitalisation. Reporting for this episode by Jenny Tsiropoulou. Music cannot fix the structural issue...