Briefed - Your Daily European Podcast

Thirty billion euros. That’s how much the EU wants to mobilise to build data centres. But this ambition might run up against an obstacle. In recent years, protests against data centres have been emerging across the European Union.Can local residents influence the AI race? And can Europe make progress on this issue without the support of local communities?By Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network.This episode is based on an article written by Alberto Mesas for El Salto and an article written by Tommaso Proverbio for 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.

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we look at the share of renewable energy production in the EU and how it could be expanded, with insights from Flore Belin, Energy Policy Coordinator at Climate Action Network Europe.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.Follow us on:LinkedIn • Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday 29th August,, Icelanders will go to the polls to answer this question: Should Iceland restart the EU accession process?The country could match the EU criteria quite quickly, but is it willing to do so? And what would this mean for Europeans and Icelanders?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Armenia could soon take another step towards closer ties with the European Union. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Monday, August 24th, that his country could soon submit its official application to join the EU.Why does Armenia want to move closer to Europe now? And what could this mean for its relations with Russia?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.

All migrants, including minors, who arrived in Ceuta on July 30 are supposed to return to Morocco, according to the European Commission. But Spain recently announced it would transfer 500 unaccompanied minors from Ceuta to mainland Spain.So what happened to the tens of thousands of migrants who entered the Spanish enclave in July?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 UK has a new Prime Minister: Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Manchester. Last year, he went as far as saying that he would like to see the UK rejoin the European Union in his lifetime. Since then, he has scaled back his ambitions: Burnham acknowledged a few weeks ago, that this was not the right time to reopen the debate over possible EU membership.What should Europeans expect from Prime Minister Andy Burnham? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In some of Europe's most popular destinations, excessive noise has become so common that residents are now demanding what they call a "right to peace and quiet."How do we keep our cities vibrant without making them unbearable for the people who live there?Production: By Europod in co-production with the Sphera Network.This episode is based on an article written by Alexandra Lelito for Krytyka Polityczna and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes.--Additional sound at the beginning: Joseph SARDIN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everywhere in Europe, various territories are facing growing challenges to maintain access to basic services or general interest services. We are talking about care, mobility, education… The ageing population, coupled with skills gaps and territorial inequalities, is putting pressure on a lot of regions.Which are the most vulnerable territories? How to guarantee equal access to these services across the EU? And what role does the EU have to play?To answer those questions, we receive Solène Molard, head of social affairs at Eurocities.This episode was broadcast by Euradio on July 9. It was produced by Europod, in cooperation with ESPON, a European Union-funded program that links research and policy.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Union is one of the world’s most developed regions; yet deep territorial inequalities persist. According to Eurostat, GDP per capita can vary threefold within the same member state, with capital regions often earning twice as much as the rest of the country.In this episode of Europe Talks Back, produced with ESPON, Léa Marchal explores why many small and medium-sized cities are losing ground — and whether this trend can be reversed.Joined by Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, Professor at the London School of Economics and Chair of the High-Level Group on the Future of EU Cohesion Policy, the discussion looks at demographic decline, policy blind spots, and the limits of current cohesion funding.Are these cities doomed to fall behind - or can smarter investment and stronger local institutions help them thrive again?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.A podcast by Europod, in cooperation with ESPON, an EU-funded programme that bridges research with policies“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.

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we take a close look at working conditions across the EU. Are they evolving homogeneously? What are the obstacles to fair working conditions?To answer these questions, we welcome Agnes Parent-Thirion, Senior Research Manager at Eurofound.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.”Follow us on:LinkedIn• Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After five episodes focusing on Santorini, I now take a step back and take a look at overtourism on a European scale.Dr. Antonio Paolo Russo shares his expertise on the problem, telling us that there is still a long way to go before effective policies are put into place at the European level.So, could we do anything to solve the problem, as European citizens who love to travel? I invited my friends Lea & Melissa to share their points of view.A podcast by Maëlle Julou for Sphera, available on the European podcast platform Europod and all listening platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we talk about responsibility. Who should act to save Santorini? What are politicians doing? Who even cares?When activists are doing most of the work voluntarily and without much resources, when municipalities are blocked by national governments, when investors are still building hotels in protected areas and individuals think saving Santorini is a lost battle, the island is certainly in need of a strong and collective movement to guarantee its sustainability.A podcast by Maëlle Julou for Sphera, available on the European podcast platform EuroPod and all listening platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happened to authenticity? When people start comparing some areas of Santorini with Disneyland, it is not a good sign.This episode is about the impact that overtourism has on the local culture of Santorini. Locals highlight how important is to share with tourists the true richness of the island, for them to learn about its culture, its past, its traditions, its arts and crafts, its music, its essence. We also learn about the damage tourism has on the social fabric of Santorini, and how locals try to keep a sense of belonging to the island.A podcast for the Sphera project, available on the European podcast platform EuroPod and all listening platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the actual impact of over-tourism on the environment of Santorini? In this episode, activists, politicians and locals sound the alarm on the disaster created with the progressive loss of natural land and the pollution of its waters. The endless growth of Santorini is stretching the island’s capacity and resources far beyond their limits. A podcast by Maëlle Julou for Sphera, available on the European podcast platform EuroPod, and all listening platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Everyone will get something from her, but no one will love her.” As tourist arrivals keep growing and attain dramatic numbers, the quality of life on the island is negatively impacted. How do inhabitants deal with the presence of tourists on a daily basis? Is there even a choice, now that the tourism industry is what feeds the whole island?A podcast by Maëlle Julou for Sphera, available on the european podcast platform EuroPod, and all listening platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Santorini get here? How did this once small and quiet island become the host of millions of tourists every year?Sharing their archives and memories, locals tell us about the rapid transformation that Santorini experiences, and how the focus on tourists might have become a bit excessive.A podcast by Maëlle Julou for Sphera, available on the European podcast platform EuroPod, and all listening platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ReuploadHypertourismos is a documentary podcast series created by Maëlle Julou that explores overtourism on the Greek island of Santorini and across Europe. It features local voices discussing how massive crowds affect the environment, local life, and the economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reupload of the series Disconnected in 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.In Episode 10, Ezra is definitely taking the plunge. Grounded hacks Infinity. The resistance begins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reupload of the series Disconnected in 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.In Episode 9, Ezra doesn't find Cy but meets up with Adrien and a group of disconnected people in a hidden bar for what looks like the beginnings of the resistance to Infinity.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reupload of the series Disconnected in 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.In Episode 8, Ezra, who is becoming less and less comfortable with her situation, leaves her house for the first time without her Infinity devices. She then goes in search of Cy, before an unexpected announcement is made.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reupload of the series Disconnected 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.In Episode 7, Ezra tries going back to her normal life, but she can’t stop thinking about what she just learned. She knows too much and must hide her knowledge from Jyn and her friends that are connected to Infinity. What will Ezra do with all of this information? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reupload of the series Disconnected in 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.In Episode 6, Adrien's story changes Ezra's worldview. Ezra enters her very distinctive rabbit hole. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reupload of the series Disconnected in 2050.It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.In Episode 5, Ezra starts to see the thin web of lies that has been in front of her the whole time. As Adrien begins telling his story, everything that Ezra has ever seen and believed starts slowly falling apart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reupload of the series Disconnected in 2050.It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.In Episode 4, Ezra takes a step forward into the unknown. She leaves her house for only the second time in months, determined to find out who Adrien is and what happened to him. Is she prepared for what awaits her?(Piano played by Alan Ozkan.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

REUPLOAD of the series Disconnected in 2050 It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.In Episode 3, Driving deeper into the rabbit hole, Ezra begins to understand who exactly is behind the mystery. While Ezra tries to find answers, she finds new information that disrupts everything she’s ever known.(Bass played by Charles Dujardin and Piano played by Alan Ozkan.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

REUPLOAD of the series Disconnected in 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.In Episode 2, Ezra gets her new Infinity glasses and Jyn is ready to guide her through life as usual, but Ezra can’t shake the feeling that something is not quite right. Following her feelings of curiosity and uneasiness, she makes another important discovery. And although she doesn’t know it at the time, things will never be the same. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

REUPLOAD of the series Disconnected in 2050It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.In episode 1, Ezra's day starts off normal in the dystopian future of 2050. As usual, her artificially intelligent virtual assistant named Jyn guides Ezra through another day connected to the metaverse, Infinity. But when Ezra's Infinity glasses break, she finds something that will set her on a life-altering journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Commission announced yesterday, 23 July, that it is fining Google €890 million. The American tech giant has been found to be in breach of the EU's competition rules. A decision that is likely to irritate U.S. President Donald Trump.So, what should Europeans expect in return?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 2021, the EU set itself targets to reduce poverty and improve social protection by 2030. They are part of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Five years on, some areas have seen progress, but others remain far from meeting their targets. This is particularly true when it comes to reducing poverty and inequalities.Why are some European countries struggling to reduce poverty?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.

Like France and Italy, Spain will hold a general election in 2027. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to run for another term. But at home, his reputation has been damaged by a series of corruption scandals involving people close to him.So, what are his chances of staying in power?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.

Reuploaded episode from 6 March.Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is standing up to Donald Trump. He condemned the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and denied the Americans access to Spanish military bases. In retaliation, Washington has vowed to cut trade ties with Madrid.How far can Pedro Sánchez oppose the United States?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reuploaded episode originally published on 24 February -The U.S. President keeps putting pressure on the EU Whether it’s sanctions against International Criminal Court judges or threats of tariffs, Donald Trump is using coercion to sway European decisions.So what is the EU doing to protect its independence from American pressure?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 stepping up support for drone production for Ukraine's war effort. Last week, Donald Trump also authorized Kyiv to manufacture Patriot missiles. Meanwhile, Russia seems to be getting prepared for a no-victory scenario.So where does Ukraine stand in its war against Russia these past few weeks?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.

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.