Brussels Playbook Podcast Europe rejects Trump’s Iran demands
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Mar 17, 2026 Nick Vinocur, POLITICO’s chief foreign affairs correspondent known for covering international security and EU foreign policy, unpacks Brussels’ high-stakes week. He discusses EU accession moves for Ukraine, Moldova and Montenegro. He covers the rebuff to calls for naval action in the Strait of Hormuz and growing transatlantic strains. He also touches on World Cup safety worries as geopolitics meets sport.
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Summit Pivot From Competitiveness To Energy Crisis
- EU leaders planned a competitiveness-focused summit but Iran-related energy shocks forced a pivot to managing rising energy prices.
- Zoya Sheftalovich says sudden Trump statements repeatedly upend EU agendas, shifting focus to short-term energy relief ahead of Thursday's summit.
Front Loading Accession Homework For Ukraine And Moldova
- The EU is 'front loading' negotiating clusters so Ukraine and Moldova can start reform work despite Hungary's blocking of formal talks.
- Zoya explains this gives both countries their 'homework' even while Viktor Orban prevents official progress.
EU Moves To Allow Proxy Voting For Pregnant MEPs
- The European Parliament plans proxy voting for pregnant MEPs from three months before birth to six months after, normalized from national practices.
- Zoya notes this aims to prevent lost votes for maternity absences starting with the 2029 mandate.