Briefed - Your Daily European Podcast

Yesterday, the French National Assembly gave its final approval to the country's assisted dying law. France now joins five other European countries that already allow the practice.So, is this a growing trend across Europe?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time, the European Commission is warning that demographic change is becoming one of the biggest challenges to the EU's competitiveness and welfare systems.Can Europe remain prosperous with a rapidly ageing population?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most Europeans are worried about the risks social media poses to children. That's according to a new Eurobarometer survey published on Monday, July 13. On the same day, a panel of experts recommended banning social media for children under the age of 13.Will the EU introduce such a measure, and how would it work?Production : Europod et Sphera. Suivez-nous sur :LinkedIn•Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the ceasefire signed in October 2025 between Israel and Hamas, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the local health ministry. The EU hopes that Hamas stepping down from the Palestinian government will pave the way for an end to the hostilities.But will that be enough for Israel to stop its attacks on the people of Gaza?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn • Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three months after the election of Peter Magyar in Hungary, how Hungarians are experiencing this shift in power? Are they feeling a big difference, and are they confident that Magyar will hold his promises to restore the rule of law and the press freedom in particular?Kata Olah, editorial manager at 444, a Hungarian independent media, answers to my questions in this special episode of Briefed.Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Union is investing tens of billions of euros to make our homes more energy efficient. Yet, according to a new report, much of that money is delivering only limited results.So why isn't EU funding having the impact it was supposed to?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode of Briefed is a conversation with Ioannis Tsioulis, journalist for the Greek independent media Popaganda, to talk about the comeback of Alexis Tsipras in Greece ahead of next years general elections. What does Tsipras propose, and does he stand a chance to win the election? Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In March, the EU’s top court ruled in favour of a Bulgarian transgender woman who wanted to correct the gender and name recorded in her civil registry. Some say this is a landmark decision for trans rights in Europe. But what is actually the state of transgender rights in Europe?This episode was co-written with Emma Belmonte.Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn•Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Remigration". Born within the Belgian far right and later embraced in France and Austria, this concept refers to the forced or voluntary return of foreign nationals, but also legal migrants and even naturalised citizens, to their countries of origin. And it is becoming increasingly popular among right-wing forces across Europe.Is this racial, and xenophobic, policy really realistic and feasible? What impact would it have on European economies and societies?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.This episode is based on a story written by VD News and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty years ago, Scotland was one of the most violent places in the developed world. Today, it has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.How did Scotland turn things around, and what lessons can the rest of Europe learn from this success story?Check the BBC story about the Scottish case.Listen to the episode about the prison system in Europe. Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn •. Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran and the United States signed an interim agreement two weeks ago. Yet hostilities between the two countries have not completely stopped. Ships have started sailing through the Strait of Hormuz again, but a big share of the usual traffic is still on hold.So starting the summer holidays, what should we expect for oil and gas prices?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn•. Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you sometimes order products from Temu, Shein or AliExpress, your next order might soon cost a little more. Because from today onwards, the European Union is introducing a new €3 customs duty on low-value parcels entering the bloc from outside the EU.Who will benefit from this tax?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn•Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 27 EU member states all agree on one thing: Europe needs new solutions to withstand China's growing economic pressure. But when it comes to taking concrete and far-reaching action, that unity quickly disappears.So what can the EU actually do to push back against the Chinese giant?Listen to the episode about China's own strategic goals: https://pod.link/1633500456/episode/NjlkZmU0NWE5MDdlNWE3Y2MyMTZiZDhi?view=apps&sort=popularityProduction: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Commission wants to extend unconditional protection for Ukrainians fleeing the war for another year — but not for men of fighting age. That's what European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner announced on Friday 26 June.Where does this decision come from, and what could it mean for both Ukraine and the European Union?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we explore why Europe's digital divide persists in Europe, from infrastructure and connectivity to digital skills and AI adoption, with insights from researcher Dr. Cora Van Leeuwen of the VUB university in Brussels.Production by Europod, in cooperation with ESPON, an EU-funded programme that bridges research and policy.This podcast series is cofunded by ESPON. However, the opinions and views expressed are solely those of the authors. ESPON can't be held responsible for them.Music at the start of the podcast: © European Union, 2021.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Within the EU, Giorgia Meloni has proven to be a much easier partner than many had expected. In Italy, she also enjoys an image of stability that reassures at least part of the business community.Can the Italian experience strengthen other far right movements in Europe, such as the National Rally in France?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

School closures, free access to museums… Across Europe, authorities are taking exceptional measures to cope with the current heatwave.But what is being done on a larger scale to adapt buildings to rising temperatures? Can the EU contribute to that effort, and how?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten years after voting to leave the European Union, 57% of Brits now believe Brexit was a mistake.But what if the United Kingdom eventually wanted to rejoin the EU? Is that actually a realistic possibility?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn•Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not only do several EU member states want to build deportation centres, or 'return hubs' in third countries, but they also hope to have them financed by the European Union.Which countries support these return hubs, which oppose them, and what are they likely to get?Listen to the previous episode about the 'return regulation': https://open.spotify.com/episode/26PUqeVGLhEp2cd8D33JAY?si=kZTgcV6zQJSMpqUXIocLXAProduction: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has it ever happened to you to discover, after months of working in your role, that your colleague is receiving a higher salary for the same job? If you’re a woman, there is a high chance the answer is yes. But don’t worry, the European Union is changing that thanks to the Pay Transparency Directive, which just became mandatory everywhere in Europe.Is it for real? What will truly change in your country?Production: By Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network.This episode is based on an article written by Yago Alvarez Barba for El Salto and an article from VD News and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes.Follow us on:LinkedIn•Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday, the new social media platform W launched its beta version. It is said to already have 55,000 users worldwide, and it is already backed by 80 European investors.What does W offer that existing platforms don't?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since March, Ukrainians benefiting from temporary protection in Poland no longer enjoy the same rights as before. Free collective accommodation is no longer available to everyone. And neither are family benefits.Why has Poland tightened the rules, and what does it mean for Ukrainian refugees?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday, Donald Trump threatened France with a 100% tariff on French wine unless it scrapped its digital services tax.More than a year after Donald Trump's tariff revolution, where do things stand? What tariffs are currently applied to European goods?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn •. Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A few hours after the announcement of an agreement between the United States and Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the EU, said they wanted to play a role in the discussions that are expected to follow.What could that role be? And why do Europeans want a seat at the table?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn•Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 27 EU heads of state or government will gather in Brussels on Thursday 17 June for what promises to be an intense meeting. They're expected to make key decisions on the future budget of the European Union. So far, the signals coming out of the negotiations have been overwhelmingly negative when it comes to the prospects of a deal.So what are the possible outcomes for the EU's next long-term budget?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the United States, inflation is just as high as it is in the European Union—if not higher. Yet it seems to be hurting the American economy much less, according to a report published on Monday by the Peterson Institute for International Economics. So why are Europeans feeling the pain more intensely, and how much higher could prices still go?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is now banned from entering France. The sanction is largely symbolic, but it matters.Why aren't other European Union countries sanctioning members of the Israeli government?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The aviation industry will probably miss its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. That’s what Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association, recently acknowledged.So if aviation can’t go green, does that mean that we, as consumers, should stop flying?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.This episode is based on a story written by Sara Plaza Casares for El Salto and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes.Follow us on:LinkedIn •Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A meeting is indeed being planned between European Commission officials and representatives of Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, in Brussels.Why is the EU negotiating with a regime it does not even consider legitimate?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn •. Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany and France believe that joining the European Union has become too slow a process, often taking decades. Their solution? A more gradual path to integration, including a partial participation to meetings in Brussels.What do candidate countries think about it? Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The French Parliament is examining a bill aiming at decriminalising sex work in the country. For the first time, the text was co-drafted with sex workers. It reignites a debate that regularly resurfaces in France and many European countries. Why so? How are European countries regulating sex work, with wat effect?Production: By Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network.This episode is based on an article written by Romane Lizée for StreetPress and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the tech sector, Europeans no longer want to be naïve. They are increasingly willing to restrict access for American tech giants in certain strategic areas.Why should Americans worry about the new EU tech sovereignty package?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A group of French doctors are raising concerns about the contamination of drinking water by pesticides, PFAS, and microplastics. Yet at the same time, the European Commission is considering loosening some water quality rules to make it easier to develop new mining projects.So what’s the connection between drinking water and mining? And what can we realistically expect for the quality of our tap water?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is not the first time Russian drones have entered Romanian airspace. But this time, the incursion that occured on Friday 29 May caused a fire and injured two people in the city of Galați.So why can't Europeans shoot down Russian drones when they enter their airspace?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are seven months left for European countries to reach an agreement on the EU budget. That is the timeline currently envisioned for the next Multiannual Financial Framework to begin in 2028. But negotiations are moving very slowly.So what is at stake for Europeans?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Europeans are struggling to align on China. But hoes does China view Europeans? What are China’s strategic objectives when it comes to the EU?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network. This episode was co-written with Emma Belmonte.Follow us on:LinkedIn • Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bundibugyo variant of the Ebola virus is spreading faster than ever before. The outbreak currently hitting the Democratic Republic of the Congo is being fueled by armed conflict — but also, and perhaps above all, by the global decline in humanitarian aid.Do Europeans have a role to play?Check the article from El Salto, our partner within the Sphera network, which inspired this episode.Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, hopes to seal a deal this week, to unfreeze 10 billion euros in EU funding.To achieve that, Magyar needs to present reforms that are acceptable to the EU. Is it possible, and what would these reforms mean for Hungarians?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn • Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2003, the EU promised the Western Balkans that they would one day become members. More than two decades have passed, and they are still out.Why are they still waiting? And will that day ever come?This episode was co-written with Emma Belmonte. Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn • Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Briefed is taking a long weekend, so there’s no fresh episode. But I invite you to listen to the episode published on 26 March about the possibilities for the EU to reduce its gas consumption.Would it be possible to get rid of gas, and if so, when?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European countries need to become more self-sufficient in medication production in troubled times, but is it possible at all? Six years after the Covid 19 pandemic, the EU will soon adopt its Critical medicines act to tackle medicines shortages in Europe. Production: By Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network.This episode is based on an article written by Paweł Jędral for Krytyka Polityczna and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It will soon become easier to detain and deport irregular migrants. That is the spirit of the future European Return Regulation, which is being negotiated. How far is the EU willing to go to deport irregular migrants?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why should defence spending benefit from budget flexibility, but not energy crisis spending? That’s the question Giorgia Meloni is asking the European Commission. The Italian Prime Minister wants authorization to increase Italy’s public deficit in order to fund additional energy-related spending.What would that mean in practice? And is it a realistic option?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Moscow was hit by 600 Ukrainian drones overnight from Saturday to Sunday. This comes after a May 9 Victory Day parade on Red Square that was noticeably scaled back.Is Russia starting to lose momentum in its war against Ukraine?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is incredibly difficult to link European capitals by train. That is the observation Enrico Letta made, while he presented his report on the EU Single market. Last week, the European Commission made proposals for easier cross-border transport with its passenger package.What is it, and can it really improve cross-border mobility?A podcast by Europod, in cooperation with ESPON, an EU-funded programme that bridges research with policiesLink to the ESPON Governance mechanisms for cross-border functional areas: https://www.espon.eu/projects/crossgov-governance-mechanisms-cross-border-functional-areas“This podcast series is cofunded by ESPON. However, the opinions and views expressed are solely those of the authors. ESPON can't be held responsible for them.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Only two weeks after the EU/Mercosur trade agreement provisionally entered into force, Brazil, the biggest partner in the Mercosur bloc, has just been banned from exporting meat to the EU as of September because it uses antimicrobials to promote animal growth.What can we learn from this decision?Episode about the expected impact of the EU/Mercosur trade agreement : https://open.spotify.com/episode/5OEOW3cBHbokwNHdpB62g9?si=TLjQBIjgT6ODLItV1A_EagProduction: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In France, the National Assembly will debate in June a new bill aimed at reducing the maximum cadmium content in phosphate fertilizers.In a previous episode of Briefed, I explained why the French are more exposed to cadmium than the rest of Europeans, why it is a public health issue, and how it can be addressed.Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United States is gradually scaling back its presence in Europe. Donald Trump threatened to remove troops in Germany and possibly elsewhere in Europe. But without American support, Europe’s current military forces would not be sufficient to face a potential Russian attack.A permanent European army, intergovernmental cooperation—what ideas are being discussed, and which ones actually stand a chance of becoming reality?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.To listen to the podcast 'Decoding the Ocean' : https://open.spotify.com/show/3YD6J6GEaVc2ka03PVmkqf?si=b423cdb90f534367 Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world recorded its highest burned area ever for the period between January and April this year, according to compiled data. The area burned by wildfires literally doubled compared to the recent average for this period. Can we live on a planet with more and more burned areas?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years after adopting its landmark AI Act, the EU is already preparing to simplify it. Co-legislators in Brussels agreed on Thursday 7 May to revise the regulation. Does this mean Europeans are scaling back their regulatory ambitions on AI?To listen to the previous episode of Briefed about the AI Act: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0OlVVMedWdPXjGLYcinAwq?si=764c46484e2d4246Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn•Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.