Politico's Eu Confidential

We analyze the latest from the French presidential campaign and hear Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger's first-hand account of his visit to Ukraine. We also delve into the problems Europe faces in weaning itself off Russian energy. POLITICO’s Andrew Gray, Matthew Karnitschnig and Maïa de La Baume unpack the strategies of Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen as the gloves come off in round two of the French election. We also discuss Ukraine's rebuff of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier amid more German angst over arms deliveries. And we ask what Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer thought he could achieve by visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Our reporter Lili Bayer talks to Slovakian PM Heger about his visit to Ukraine with top EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He describes his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a harrowing visit to the town of Bucha, the scene of atrocities against Ukrainian civilians widely condemned as Russian wa

In this special edition, we unpack the results of the first round of the French presidential election, which saw Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen qualify for a run-off vote on April 24. The show features highlights from an election-night discussion with members of POLITICO's French election crew, broadcast live on Twitter. French Politics Reporter Clea Calcutt explains how the result represents a transformation of the French political landscape and also analyzes the role that Russia's war in Ukraine played in the campaign. POLITICO's Elisa Braün, Maïa de La Baume, Giorgio Leali and Louise Guillot report directly from the election-night events of Macron, Le Pen, far-right upstart Éric Zemmour and left-winger Jean-Luc Mélenchon. And we look ahead to the all-important second round: What could make the difference between victory and defeat for Macron and Le Pen? And how will voters who backed other candidates in the first round influence the result? You can find all our French election coverage here and sign up

We preview this Sunday's presidential vote in France, discuss the latest Western responses to Russia's war in Ukraine and reflect on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's reelection. Our special guest is Transparency International Ukraine's Kateryna Ryzhenko. POLITICO's Elisa Braun in Paris joins Andrew Gray to set up the first round of the French presidential election. She explains the mood in the Macron camp, as the president tries to clinch reelection in the face of headwinds including a lackluster campaign, a strong showing by far-right leader Marine Le Pen and uproar over his government's use of consulting firms to develop policies. POLITICO's Matthew Karnitschnig in Berlin looks at whether the West is moving closer to energy sanctions on Moscow after condemning Russian forces for war crimes over the killings of Ukrainian civilians in the town of Bucha. And POLITICO's Lili Bayer unpacks how Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his right-wing populist Fidesz party managed to clinch such a decisive victory in

We recap Joe Biden's visit to Brussels for a series of summits focused on the war in Ukraine and get you up to speed on Hungary's election this weekend. World Food Programme boss David Beasley joins us to talk about the global food crisis. POLITICO's Andrew Gray, Matthew Karnitschnig and Lili Bayer take stock of last week's meetings of G7, NATO and European Union leaders, all attended by the U.S. president. The team debates whether it's realistic for Europe to achieve military autonomy any time soon and asks how much substance there was behind the symbolism at the summits. Reporting from Budapest, Lili explains the stakes in Sunday's parliamentary election in Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is running for another term. We hear from leading opposition candidate Péter Márki-Zay, Orbán's chief of staff Gergely Gulyás, and MEPs Klára Dobrev and Anna Donáth about the impact the war in Ukraine is having on the campaign. Opposition candidates also explain why they're not competing on a level playing field

We dive into the issues at the center of three Brussels summits dominated by Russia's war in Ukraine, as Joe Biden meets with leaders of NATO, the EU and the G7. Our special guest is Ukrainian novelist and thinker Andriy Kurkov. POLITICO's Andrew Gray is joined by colleagues Matthew Karnitschnig in Berlin and Barbara Moens in Brussels to discuss some of the big questions facing leaders at the summits — such as whether to go further with sanctions on Moscow, including an import ban on Russian energy, and whether the EU should aim to become more autonomous. Our special guest is Ukrainian author Andriy Kurkov. He spoke to POLITICO's David M. Herszenhorn from western Ukraine after being forced to leave his home in Kyiv. Kurkov says Vladimir Putin is waging a war against Ukrainian culture as well as against the country itself and sets out what he thinks the West should offer in terms of support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho

This week we examine China's role in the Ukraine crisis and unpack the latest EU efforts to bring the war to an end. We also hear how organizations like the UN Refugee Agency are supporting Ukrainian refugees. POLITICO's Sarah Wheaton brings us up to speed on the latest news from Europe, including another round of EU sanctions and a visit to Kyiv by the prime ministers of Poland, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. Sarah is joined by POLITICO's EU-China correspondent Stuart Lau who explains the role that China and its leader Xi Jinping are playing in this war — whether China will provide economic or military support to Russia or try to balance its own interests and side with Western demands. And POLITICO's David Herszenhorn joins from Brussels to analyze how EU and European leaders are managing their wartime roles. Our special guest is Sophie Magennis, head of the policy and legal support unit at UNHCR’s (the UN Refugee Agency) representation for EU affairs in Brussels. Magennis explains the work her orgnization

In this episode, we learn how the war in Ukraine is being reported inside Russia and unpack the confusion over whether Poland will supply fighter jets to the Ukrainian government. You'll also hear from Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov and Latvian PM Krišjānis Kariņš. Reflecting on another tumultuous week, POLITICO's Andrew Gray is joined by Moscow correspondent Eva Hartog, who recounts how Russia has changed dramatically in the space of a few weeks with repressive measures such as a fierce crackdown on independent media. She also describes the messaging coming out of the Kremlin and how it's landing with the Russian population. Andrew is also joined by Chief Europe Correspondent Matthew Karnitschnig, who analyzes the dilemma facing the EU over calls to ban Russian energy imports and unpacks the on-again-off-again saga over whether Poland will send fighter jets to Ukraine. Our special guest is Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov. He tells POLITICO's Lili Bayer that Bulgaria should be counted as a full s

In this extended episode, we recap and reflect on the week that changed everything, for Europe and the world, after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. We also hear from scholar Dimitar Bechev on Turkey's potential role in this crisis. We begin with a review of the unprecedented flurry of dramatic measures taken by Europe in the past few days in response to Putin's war. Then POLITICO's Andrew Gray is joined by colleagues David M. Herszenhorn, Matthew Karnitschnig and Lili Bayer to reflect on a momentous week and examine potential repercussions yet to come. David also gives us a personal account of his journey out of Ukraine as the war intensified and tells the story of a Ukrainian businessman risking his life to save both family members and strangers. Our special guest is Dimitar Bechev, a lecturer at the Oxford School of Global & Area Studies and expert on Russia and Turkey. He discusses Turkey's potential role as a peacemaker between Russia and Ukraine, and unpacks the themes of his new book, "Turkey Unde

This episode focuses entirely on Russia's war on Ukraine. We have reporting from inside Ukraine, news of the European response and analysis of the global repercussions. POLITICO's Andrew Gray hears from colleagues David M. Herszenhorn in Ukraine, Matthew Karnitschnig in Berlin and Lili Bayer in Brussels in a conversation broadcast live on Twitter hours after Vladimir Putin launched his massive military attack. POLITICO editor Zoya Sheftalovich joins the podcast to share stories she's hearing from friends and family in Ukraine. Zoya also describes what it was like to handle the news that Putin had declared war on the country in which she spent her childhood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We hear from our reporters in Moscow and Kyiv about the continued tensions over Ukraine. Our special guest is Heather Conley, the new president of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, on transatlantic ties and relations with Russia. POLITICO's Andrew Gray in Brussels and Matthew Karnitschnig in Berlin are joined by Eva Hartog in Moscow, who explains how Vladimir Putin's domestic messaging on Ukraine is wildly different from what we hear in the West. (You can read Eva's latest reporting on the frustrations of anti-war Russians here.) And POLITICO's Hans von der Burchard calls in from Kyiv, where Unity Day, which was supposed to rally Ukrainians around the flag in the face of Russian aggression, was more like any other day. Heather Conley, president of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, explains to POLITICO's David M. Herszenhorn why she thinks it's time for a new relationship between the U.S. and Europe. She also gives her take on why dialogue may not be enough for the West to reconcile w

Macron in Moscow, Scholz in Washington: How did the French and German leaders do in their diplomatic missions in the midst of the Ukraine crisis? We also get the European Parliament's perspective on the crisis from David McAllister, chair of the foreign affairs committee. POLITICO's Andrew Gray and Matthew Karnitschnig unpack Chancellor Olaf Scholz's trip to Washington and debate whether he did enough to convince allies that Germany will be in lockstep with them if Russia launches a new attack on Ukraine. And POLITICO's Clea Caulcutt cuts through the noise around French President Emmanuel Macron's marathon talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Clea also shares her latest reporting on the presidential election in France, having attended a campaign rally of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who's aiming for a second shot at defeating Macron in a run-off vote. David McAllister, chair of the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee, is our special guest. The German Christian Democrat shares his imp

This week, a tale of two (very different) crises: the Partygate scandal threatening Boris Johnson and the continuing tension over Ukraine. We hear from Estonian PM Kaja Kallas on the latter. And our other guest, former European Commissioner Cecilia Malmström, talks geopolitics and trade. POLITICO's Andrew Gray, Annabelle Dickson and Matthew Karnitschnig unpack a brutal week for Boris Johnson after a report about lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street leaves him battling for political survival. The panel also discusses the contrasting approaches of Britain and Germany on Ukraine and previews Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to Washington. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas speaks to POLITICO's Ryan Heath and David M. Herszenhorn about the Ukraine crisis and gives her perspective on Vladimir Putin's real intentions. Former EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström shares her views on the future of big trade deals and has some sharp words of criticism when it comes to how the EU deals with China and Russia. She

We take the temperature in the Baltics amid fears of a Russian attack on Ukraine and unpack how the U.K. is handling the crisis. We also talk to conservative Polish MEP Patryk Jaki about his government's clashes with Brussels. POLITICO's Charlie Duxbury joins the podcast panel from Latvia to report on how people in the Baltic nation are dealing with the prospects of a new war in their neighborhood. He's joined by podcast regulars Andrew Gray and Matthew Karnitschnig to explore whether the tension over Ukraine is moving traditionally neutral Sweden and Finland closer to NATO membership. Our U.K. political correspondent Annabelle Dickson unpacks Boris Johnson's strategy when it comes to Ukraine and how party scandals surrounding the PM may be playing into things. Our special guest is Patryk Jaki, a conservative member of the European Parliament from Poland. Jaki spoke to POLITICO's Jan Cienski about how he got his start in politics, as well as rule-of-law concerns and Poland's approach to climate change. Asked

Roberta Metsola, the new president of the European Parliament, is our special guest. We also unpack French President Emmanuel Macron's appearance in the European Parliament and share suggestions for Angela Merkel's next job. POLITICO's Andrew Gray, Rym Momtaz and Matthew Karnitschnig analyze Macron's big speech and the subsequent debate with MEPs in Strasbourg, which turned into a domestic French political brawl. For a fun alternative take on Macron's speech, you can read this POLITICO piece on what the French president wouldn't say and why. The podcast crew also discusses the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis and Macron's vision for European security. And after Angela Merkel turned down an offer to lead a U.N. advisory board on global public goods, we have other ideas for gigs that the former German chancellor might enjoy. Our special guest is the newly-elected President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. The Maltese MEP spoke to POLITICO's Maïa de La Baume just after the vote on Tuesday. Me

The coronavirus wave engulfing Europe and the West's standoff with Russia over Ukraine both feature in this episode. We also reflect on the legacy of European Parliament President David Sassoli, who died earlier this week. Russian and Western officials held a series of meetings this week to address fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Chief Brussels Correspondent David M. Herszenhorn, who's been in Geneva and at NATO headquarters this week to cover the talks, updates POLITICO's Andrew Gray on what we've learned and where things go from here. We also reflect on the life and political legacy of David Sassoli, president of the European Parliament, who died earlier this week at the age of 65. POLITICO's European Parliament reporter Maïa de La Baume tells us how the Italian social democrat is being remembered as a person and as a politician. She also shares her own memories of covering Sassoli over the years. Our special guest is Walter Ricciardi, professor of public health at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuo

We look at the big stories we expect to shape 2022 and suggest a few New Year’s resolutions for European politicians — and DOT Europe Director General Siada El Ramly talks EU tech policy. POLITICO's Rym Momtaz, Matthew Karnitschnig, Sarah Wheaton and David M. Herszenhorn discuss the stories they believe will drive the European political agenda this year — including political fallout from the pandemic, presidential elections in France and escalating tensions with Russia at the Ukrainian border. Our special guest is DOT Europe's Siada El Ramly who discusses her organization's lobbying efforts on the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to tighten oversight of online content, with POLITICO tech reporter Clothilde Goujard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast crew, Andrew Gray, Rym Momtaz, Matthew Karnitschnig and Cristina Gonzalez, present audio clips that sum up some of the big stories of the year — in a conversation recorded at a (virtual) gathering of EU Confidential listeners, who also feature in the episode. And with Christmas approaching, we look at the role of Jesus in modern politics. POLITICO's Jacopo Barigazzi walks us through his reporting on where Christian values fit in the political landscape and why some politicians are so keen to claim them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Angela Merkel bows out after 16 years, we focus this episode on Germany's new government and its chancellor, Olaf Scholz. We also debate the growing use of "Denglish" — a hybrid of German and English — among politicians. POLITICO's Andrew Gray and Matthew Karnitschnig explore expectations for the new government, particularly on foreign policy. And we feature some highlights from a live Twitter Spaces discussion among POLITICO reporters: Florian Eder and Hans von der Burchard look at how the coalition will tackle big EU issues and reveal some key behind-the-scenes operators in the chancellery. Then we broaden the lens to all of Europe and get the inside scoop from Senior Reporter Joshua Posaner on POLITICO's new list of the 28 most powerful people shaping Europe. You can read the full list here and watch the P28 event, which included interviews with Frans Timmermans, executive vice president for the European Green Deal at the European Commission, and with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World T

This week: the Omicron variant and its impact on Europe's coronavirus response, our editor-in-chief on China's approach to Europe and Amnesty International's boss on EU emergency migration measures. POLITICO's Andrew Gray, Rym Momtaz and Sarah Wheaton break down Europe's response to the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the debate over making vaccines mandatory and the prospects for winter as cases continue to rise. Making his podcast debut is our new Editor-in-Chief, Jamil Anderlini, who spent most of his career in Asia before making the leap to Brussels. He shares fascinating insights into China's view of Europe, the changes to the country he has seen under Xi Jinping and potential future flashpoints between Beijing and the West. Agnès Callamard, the secretary-general of Amnesty International, is our special guest. She spoke with POLITICO's Hans von der Burchard during a trip to Brussels this week, just as the European Commission was unveiling new measures related to the arrival of refugees and migran

Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg, France's Europe minister Clément Beaune and Dutch political theorist and author Luuk van Middelaar all feature in this episode. Plus, we dive into Germany's new government. POLITICO's Matthew Karnitschnig has the details on the coalition agreement struck this week between Germany's Social Democrats, Greens and liberals. Matt also brings us an exclusive interview with Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg about his plans for Europe’s first compulsory coronavirus vaccine law. Also this week, Rym Momtaz and Brussels Playbook co-author Jakob Hanke Vela spoke with Clément Beaune, France's secretary of state for European affairs. In the podcast, Beaune addresses how France will try to balance a presidential election in April with its presidency of the Council of the EU, which begins in January. He also responds to the latest fishing row between the U.K. and the EU. You can watch the full POLITICO Live interview here. We hear too from Luuk van Middelaar, the Dutch pol