Brussels Playbook Podcast

The jet lag has barely worn off, but Brussels is already grappling with what its new relationship with Canada could actually look like.

After the 48-hour whirlwind EU-Canada summit in Montreal, Prime Minister Mark Carney has given the EU six months to hash out what “associate membership” actually means. On the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur unpack the deals struck at the summit and what lies ahead for the relations between the two powers.

Next, after last month's unwieldy European Council summit drew criticism of its president, Antonio Costa, he's doubling down on his push to secure a budget by 2027. This week, his head of cabinet Pedro Lourtie will be holding so-called “confessionals” with national governments to get a sense of where they stand.

And finally, Europe’s coffin makers are afraid Chinese competitors could be the death of their business.

Questions, comments? Please write in! Find us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Articles mentioned in this episode:

EU and Canada’s 6-month test of commitment.

8 things we learned at the EU-Canada summit.

Europe’s coffin-makers warn Chinese imports could be death knell for industry.

This episode was produced by Saga Ringmar.
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In this special edition, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sits down with POLITICO's chief EU correspondent Zoya and Ottawa bureau chief Nick Taylor-Vaisey for an exclusive interview.

With Canada and the European Union exploring a much closer partnership, Carney discusses his vision for Canada's place in a changing world, the future of transatlantic relations and what it would take to build a lasting alliance with Europe. And with Donald Trump reshaping relations between traditional allies, how far is Canada prepared to go in charting a new course?

If you have a question or comment, don’t hesitate! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.
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America is heading to the polls for the midterm elections — and Europe is watching closely. With the outcome set to have consequences far beyond Washington, from trade to defense, we're bringing you a special episode of The Conversation, hosted by POLITICO's Dasha Burns.

Dasha sits down with two political strategists working behind the scenes in some of America's most consequential races: Republican T.W. Arrighi and Democrat Lis Smith. They take stock of the race, reveal what goes into running a high-stakes campaign and explore what's shaping the battle for American voters.

If you have a question or comment, don’t hesitate! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.
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European leaders are descending on Montreal in a bid to forge closer ties with Canada.

On today's show, host Zoya Sheftalovich catches up with Sarah Wheaton, who's on the ground at the EU-Canada summit. They unpack what the talks could actually deliver — from defense and critical raw materials to space and AI — and the Trump-shaped shadow hanging over it all.

Next, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen may be here in Montreal, but back in Brussels, questions remain about her role in the EU's Covid vaccine deal with Pfizer.

Finally: Eurovision has revealed its 2027 lineup — but the row over Israel's participation is far from over.

Questions, comments? Please write in! Find us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Articles mentioned in this episode:

Our EU-Canada summit live blog.

⁠EU and Canada eye golden window to Trump-proof their ties.

Eurovision confirms candidates for 2027 — but 2 EU countries are still on the fence.

EU Public Prosecutor’s Office will be ‘killed softly for doing its job,’ says outgoing chief.

This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar.
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Europe's united front on Ukraine is showing cracks.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre have opened a direct line to Vladimir Putin, drawing criticism from some fellow European leaders — even as Ukraine backs their efforts. Nicholas Vinocur and Paul Dallison examine the fallout and the growing scramble over who gets to speak for Europe in peace talks.

Also on the pod: Brussels unveils a sweeping overhaul of Frontex, giving the EU border agency a much bigger role in deportations, new powers to monitor social media and plans for a major expansion.

And after a summer of devastating heatwaves and wildfires, the European Commission wants governments to prepare for a world that's three degrees hotter than preindustrial levels.

Finally, you can see the ghostly turnip that freaked Nick out here. And if you have someone spooky in mind for Paul's story on the figures haunting the EU bubble, please write in! Find us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Articles mentioned in this episode:

Leaders of Finland and Norway hold direct talks with Putin.

EU prepares for a grim future with new climate-proofing law.

Frontex gets power to track migration talk on social media.

Frontex set for new powers to deport beyond EU borders in latest overhaul.

This summer’s heat was Europe’s deadliest on record, scientists say.

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