Just two weeks after the EU-Mercosur trade agreement took effect, the EU announced a September ban on Brazilian meat imports over the use of antimicrobials for animal growth. Is this ban permanent, and what does it reveal about the limits of the agreement?
As the US pivots away, Europe faces a critical defence gap against Russia. While leaders debate a 100,000-strong common army or increased GDP spending, the path forward remains blocked by concerns over national sovereignty and the risk of undermining Nato.
Record-breaking wildfires have already burned vast areas worldwide this year, fueled by droughts, heatwaves and climate change. Beyond destroying ecosystems and releasing massive CO2 emissions, fires threaten long-term environmental recovery. Is there a way we can adapt to this new reality?
Two years after adopting its AI Act, the EU is already preparing to simplify it. Does this mean Europeans are scaling back their regulatory ambitions on AI?
In this episode, Léa Marchal explores the return of austerity across Europe, focusing on Belgium’s 2025 spending cuts under prime minister Bart De Wever. It highlights reductions in welfare and pensions, public backlash, EU deficit rules driving reforms, and concerns that austerity weakens public services while failing to solve long-term economic problems.
The European Union has set a goal of eradicating poverty by 2050. Is that realistic?
In this episode, Léa Marchal explores how EU Green Deal laws face “simplification” pressures to boost economic competitiveness. While the Commission maintains some standards, key climate and due diligence regulations are being delayed or weakened to appease member states and industry lobbyists.
A few days ago, Donald Trump threatened Europeans with new tariffs on cars. This time around, will the EU show some teeth?
After taking office in May 2025, following a snap election, Friedrich Merz has steered Germany through a period of significant geopolitical and economic transition. One year in, Merz faces record unpopularity — so what can we make of his record so far?
The EU has relaunched contact with Syria after years of frozen relations.
But what does it mean for Syrians in Europe?
The European Commission is doubling down on clean energy to solve the price crisis. But since the transition won’t happen overnight, what’s the plan?
Fifteen years after the push for liberalisation began, progress on Europe’s railways is being made — but there’s still a long way to go. Some long-distance train journeys are 26 times more expensive than flying.
Can we really force platforms to follow our rules? We have powerful legal tools, like the DSA. But it’s also political. It’s part of a broader, complex relationship between Europe and the United States—one that has grown more strained since Donald Trump took office.
Emmanuel Macron is slowly reaching the end of his two terms as president of the French Republic. But who will succeed him?
In Bulgaria, the well-established right-wing party GERB could be beaten in the legislative elections this Sunday. Just like in Hungary last week, it’s not an outsider challenging the established government, but a familiar figure: the former president of the country, Rumen Radev.
Italy is suspending its defence agreement with Israel. The reason? Concerns over Israel’s conduct in the Middle East conflict— especially in Lebanon.
At the current pace, it would take Russia 229 years to conquer all of Ukraine. But at the same time, Ukraine hasn’t been able to retake occupied territories either. What’s next?
Hungary is unlikely to undergo a complete shift in the months ahead. It will however be interesting to see what changes occur — if any — as voters have removed Viktor Orbán from power.
Hungary is waking up to a new leader this morning — one who is almost 20 years younger than Viktor Orbán, but not an outsider (nor someone entirely politically opposed to the previous leadership.)
Between March 28 and April 5, no fewer than five boats sank in the Mediterranean, carrying migrants trying to reach Greece or Italy. At least 180 people died trying to reach Europe in just over a week. What are Europeans’ responsibilities in this regard?