Jan Cienski

Zoya Sheftalovich, POLITICO's new chief EU correspondent, discusses a shocking fraud probe into senior EU diplomats and its implications for Ursula von der Leyen. The panel, featuring defense editor Jan Cienski and trade expert Doug Busvine, evaluates von der Leyen’s first year, highlighting the Commission's shift towards defense amid the Ukraine war and critiques of the US-EU tariff deal. Senior climate correspondent Karl Mathiesen adds insights on the EU's climate performance amid global challenges. Together, they assess the risks to public trust in EU institutions.

Join Nick Vinocur, an Editor at large for Politico, Jan Cienski, Defense Editor at Politico, and Clea Caulcutt, senior correspondent in Paris, as they delve into Europe’s political tumult. They analyze the tight presidential race in Poland and the impact of far-right candidates on the youth. Tensions rise over Hungary’s ban on pride parades as Brussels confronts LGBTQ+ issues, while France faces backlash over its diplomacy with Hungary. Plus, discussions on the EU’s shifting stance on Israel and implications in Gaza create a charged atmosphere.

Karl Mathiesen, a senior climate correspondent, and Jan Cienski, a defense and mobility editor, dive into how Trump's first 100 days impacted Europe. They discuss the EU's uncertain response to Trump's unpredictable policies and its implications for NATO and trade relationships. The guests also explore the fallout from the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, revealing Europe's chances to lead on climate action. Additionally, they touch on the recent blackout in Iberia and its political consequences, highlighting issues of accountability amidst crisis.

In this discussion, Chris Lunday, a POLITICO reporter in Berlin, delves into the complexities of the upcoming German elections and the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany party. Jan Cienski provides a deep dive into Europe’s evolving defense policies amid shifting global dynamics, particularly regarding Ukraine. Joanna Roberts highlights the tension between the EU's green goals and the need to support struggling industries. Together, they illuminate Europe's urgent quest for resilience against external pressures and internal challenges.

Katarína Mathernová, EU ambassador in Kyiv, talks life under bombardment, diplomatic work amid blackouts, resilience and even Nordic walking. Jan Cienski, POLITICO defense editor, explores Europe’s shifting deterrence debate, France’s nuclear posture and the costs of a European deterrent. Short, human stories meet big security questions in multiple candid conversations.