United Citizens of Europe Podcast

In this episode, our host Luca sat down with Christos Floros, founder of Monnett, an algorithm-free social network built entirely in Europe. Christos walks us through his unusual path from architecture to politics to building a social platform, and why he sees digital spaces as the next frontier for someone who has spent his life designing places for people to connect. We talk about why he chose t...

In this episode of United Citizens of Europe, our host Luca sat down with Damian Boeselager, Member of the European Parliament and co-founder of Volt Europa, for a deep dive into the future of Europe's digital sovereignty. Damian walks us through what it would actually take for the EU to free itself from technological dependence on the United States, from building sovereign cloud infrastructur...

For the main Pride Month episode, our podcast host Luca sits down with Priscilla, drag queen, activist, and host of Drag Race Italia, for an open and wide-ranging conversation about what it means to be queer in Europe today. From her many years on stage to her Dragtivism Tour, Priscilla has built a political practice out of performance. In this episode, she reflects on why drag has always been mor...

In this Pride Month episode, Luca sits down with scholar and LGBTQI advocate Alessandro Marcia to unpack the current landscape of LGBTQI+ rights across Europe. Alessandro breaks down why the European Commission's new LGBTQI+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030 represents a step back from its bolder 2020 predecessor, what the over one million signatures on the European Citizens' Initiative against...

To start Pride Month, Luca sits down with Isha, a 21-year-old Portuguese-Indian communications expert and aspiring humanitarian worker, to explore gender identity, feminism, and their deep connection to Pride Month. The conversation dives into how a simple childhood passion for playing football sparked Isha's awareness of old-fashioned gender standards and cultural stigmas within her community...

How can Europe move toward a human-centered migration management system? In this episode, human rights expert Clara Zaffino explores the shifting landscape of EU migration policy and the role of social media advocacy in modern humanitarian efforts. We also touch on the impact of AI and biometric tools on border management , the role of Frontex and the legal concerns surrounding the outsourcing of...

What does it mean to build a life across continents, and what happens when you finally decide to return? In this episode, we sit down with digital storyteller Enrico Beyond Borders to unpack his 8-year journey living abroad. From his first steps as a European Solidarity Corps volunteer in Lithuania to speaking at the European Commission, and from working holidays in Australia to launching a freela...

In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, Luca sits down with Alonso de Llanes, Director of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform at the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Alonso shares his journey from practicing law to leading a global initiative that translates Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical into concrete institutional change. We explore how the platform...

In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, we sit down with JM Dieke, a London-based data analyst and fashion enthusiast who self-taught his way into the tech world. JM explores the intersection of his Afro-Italian roots and his professional life in the UK, explaining how he uses his creative background to build unique and curated data dashboards. This conversation dives into the pr...

Welcome back to a brand new season of United Citizens of Europe Podcast! For our first episode, Luca sits down with Francesca Romana D'Antuono, the Co-President of Volt Europa, to explore the evolution of pan-European politics and the future of our continent. Francesca shares her unique trajectory, moving from a career in the pharmaceutical industry to the front lines of European activism. Tog...

💘 Love Across Borders | Valentine’s Special In this Valentine’s Day episode of United Citizens of Europe , we welcome back Dr. Jupiter Wang for a thought-provoking and lively conversation on cross-border marriage and dating in the Global South. What happens when love moves across borders? How do migration, cultural expectations, gender norms, and global inequalities shape intimate relationships?...

In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, host Luca De Cristofaro interviews Ken Krell, a digital nomad and founder of PrideNomad. They discuss Ken's journey as a traveler and entrepreneur, the unique challenges and experiences of LGBTQ digital nomads, and the importance of community and connection while traveling. Ken shares insights on navigating relationships, the creation of th...

What happens when China invests in Africa? Beyond economic growth and geopolitical influence, what happens when a Chinese worker falls in love with an Ethiopian colleague? What do everyday encounters tell us about power, culture, and globalization? In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe Podcast, we explore the human side of China–Africa relations with Dr. Wei Wang (Jupiter), postdoctoral...

In this inspiring episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, host Luca De Cristofaro sits down with Kasia Kowalewska to unpack the realities of life and work inside the so-called EU bubble . With nearly a decade of experience across EU institutions, Kasia brings a refreshingly honest perspective on what it really means to build a career in Brussels. Kasia’s journey is anything but linear. F...

In this episode of United Citizens of Europe , host Luca De Cristofaro speaks with MEP Lukas Sieper, one of the youngest Members of the European Parliament, about what it truly means to navigate European politics at just 28 years old. Lukas Sieper recounts the emotional rollercoaster of his election night, when uncertainty gave way to unexpected victory, revealing the unpredictability and intensit...

In a world where activism, volunteering, and creative work often come with emotional and physical exhaustion, how do we stay energized without burning out? In this episode, Luca sits down with Joseph Redsure — singer-songwriter, activist, and lifelong community-builder — to explore what it truly takes to maintain energy, passion, and purpose in challenging times. Joseph shares powerful tips that h...

In this episode, we speak with Angelos Pastras, civil and environmental engineer and a veteran COP participant, who joins us to unpack the key outcomes of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. From the Amazon’s unprecedented role as host to the creation of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility and the agreement on the Global Goal on Adaptation indicators, Angelos explains why this year’s conference felt more urg...

In this COP30 special, Luca speaks with Paolo Destilo, climate activist representing United for Climate Justice and Debt for Climate in Belém, Brazil. Paolo shares how his journey - from Dutch-Italian student to frontline climate organizer - led him to COP30.From the sudden pavilion fire that forced thousands to evacuate, to the political tensions around the Belem Declaration on phasing out fossil...

Uncensored Queer Inclusion Behind the Divine Queer Film Festival In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, host Luca De Cristofaro interviews Murat Cinar, co-founder of the Divine Queer Film Festival. This isn't just any film festival; it's a vibrant platform dedicated to promoting an anti-racist vision hand-in-hand with crucial LGBTQI issues. Murat shares how the festival's unique...

Join us on our new United Citizens of Europe podcast episode as we sit down with Rémy Bonny, executive director of Forbidden Colours, for a crucial conversation on the state of LGBTQI rights across Europe. The discussion doesn't shy away from the hard truths, as Rémy critically examines the European Commission's perceived inaction and the European Parliament's limited legislative power when it com...

In this episode, we sat down with MEP Benedetta Scuderi,  a dynamic young Member of the European Parliament, to discuss the critical role of youth in shaping the future of Europe. We asked about MEP Scuderi's personal journey, exploring the experiences and influences that shaped her political views and inspired their career in public service. We explore the key priorities for the new European...

In this episode, we discuss the complex issue of overtourism with Carmine Urciuoli, sociologist and researcher. We explore the definition and characteristics of overtourism, discussing the key principles of sustainable tourism and how local communities can benefit from responsible tourism practices. Carmine shares insights on factors that might have contributed to the rise of overtourism and explo...

We decided it was time to have a trailer that would introduce United Citizens of Europe to the world. Join a community of curious minds as we explore the complexities of European society, culture, and politics. This podcast is for anyone who wants to understand Europe better. You can reach out to us on our social media, or via email: - podcast[at]unitedcitizensofeurope.com - info[at]unitedcitizens...

In this episode, we talk about the often-overlooked experiences of queer individuals within the prison system. We speak with Dr. Carmine Ferrara, a leading expert on the topic at hand, to explore the unique challenges, discrimination, and violence faced by queer prisoners. From the impact of prison culture to the mental health implications of incarceration, we uncover the harsh realities of life b...

In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, we explore the exciting world of Smart Cities with Alberto Bortolotti, a renowned architect and urbanist. We explore the crucial role of citizen involvement in shaping the future of our cities, discussing how technology can be harnessed to improve urban living while prioritizing human needs and social equity. We also discussed the "Mil...