Europe Today

With French opposition remaining to the EU-Mercosur deal struck last week by the EU, the real work on the deal starts now, French liberal MEP Marie-Pierre Vedrenne tells the Radio Schuman podcast today.Last week, the EU finalised the contentious Mercosur agreement with some South Amercan countries, a deal that follows on-and-off negotiations that began in 1999.However, France—one of the largest EU member states—along with several other countries with sizeable dairy and beef industries, opposes the agreement. They argue it could expose local farmers to unfair competition and heighten environmental risks.To block the deal, France is attempting to form a coalition of like-minded member states. Under EU rules, it would need the support of at least three other countries representing 35% of the bloc's population. Additionally, the agreement must gain approval from the European Parliament.In the second segment of the podcast, we look at EU ministers discussions with the Commission on the economic plans for their countries. Are they performing well?On the last part of the show, Radio Schuman reveals which airlines are using more sustainable form of fuel.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas.Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Montenegro's President told Euronews he's optimistic about the country's progress to EU accession by 2028 in an interview we feature on Radio Schuman today.Jakov Milatović, elected on a pro-EU, anti-corruption platform, has pushed for reforms to meet accession criteria. The country has opened 33 negotiation chapters, with three are provisionally closed. The country also joined NATO in 2017.Challenges remain, including press freedom, judicial independence, and reducing Russian influence, he said in the interview with Euronews' Shona Murray.In the second segment of the podcast, we look at the agriculture and fisheries council today, where EU ministers are set to make significant decisions on fish quotas on the Atlantic and Mediterranean sea.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas.Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Union must decide what it really wants from Georgia, former head of Georgian mission to the EU Natalie Sabanadze told Radio Schuman in an interview.According to Sabanadze, currently senior research fellow at the International Affairs think tank Chatham House, EU should react to the recently re-elected Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend EU accession talks.Last week, thousands of Georgians protested in the capital, Tbilisi, after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that his government would suspend EU membership talks until the end of 2028 and reject EU funds. The demonstrations turned violent, with police detaining and beating many protesters.Tbilisi has been in turmoil since the ruling Georgian Dream party took control of parliament following the contested October 26 election, which the opposition deemed rigged. Kobakhidze’s announcement sparked renewed unrest, though the EU reacted cautiously.EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed regret over Kobakhidze’s decision, condemned the police violence, and warned of “direct consequences” for Georgia. While sanctions are being discussed, the EU has not yet announced any specific retaliatory measures.The bloc had already frozen Georgia’s accession process after the country enacted two controversial laws, including the so-called Russian law.In the second segment of the podcast, we had a look at Romanian elections second round that will take place this weekend. Who are the contenders?Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas.Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will France manage to kill off the Mercosur agreement? Today and tomorrow, 5 and 6 December, crucial negotiations to finalise the EU-Mercosur agreement take place in Uruguay. If approved, the trade deal involving the EU and the South American bloc, comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, would become the EU’s largest trade agreement in terms of population and trade volume. But France continues to oppose it, leaving no room for compromise.Today Radio Schuman analyses the situation before the starting of the negotiations with Euronews reporter Peggy Colin.In the second bloc of the podcast, we had a look at former European Commissioner Didier Ryenders's case and at an agenda item at the transport council where EU ministers are set to make some decisions on driving license rules.On the last segment of the show, Radio Schuman look at what is the European country where buying a house is so expensive - spoiler alert, the country leading the ranking has a good reputation for certain type of beers...Today's Radio Schuman is hosted by Shona Murray and produced by journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques. Audio editing by David Brodheim and music by Alexandre Jas.Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How France's political instability will hit Brussels is today's topic for Radio Schuman, which talked with Euronews reporter Gregoire Lory.If a vote of no-confidence surrounding the budget succeeds, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier will be forced to step down, leaving a caretaker government in charge. This political turmoil further weakens President Emmanuel Macron, who may face pressure to resign or appoint a new Prime Minister.Meanwhile, despite gaining concessions on the budget, far-right leader Marine Le Pen faces challenges to her presidential ambitions due to a recent indictment for allegedly embezzling EU funds.In the second segment of the podcast, we take a quick look at an Italian ruling on those countries deemed safe for migrant returns, which is relevant for Brussels.In the last part of the show, Radio Schuman looks at companies profiting from wars.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas.Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the role of TikTok in the Romanian presidential elections prove a test for Brussels’ enforcement of social media? The video playing app played a significant role in the rise of Calin Georgescu, a previously little-known candidate who won the first round of Romania's national elections.However, TikTok refutes its impact on the poll, citing its strict guidelines banning political ads and combating covert influence operations.The platform is also bound to follow transparency rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which entered into force in 2023.Today Radio Schuman dives into the topic with Richard Woods, International Policy Director at the Global Disinformation Index.On the second segment of the podcast, we take a look at significant parliamentary committee meetings and recommendations by EU health ministers.In the last part of the show, Radio Schuman looks at the 2024 Oxford Word of the year - spoiler alert: it involves social media platforms.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas.Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How will the new President of the European Council differ from his predecessor, Charles Michel? What are his main challenges, and how does he plan to reshape the Council, representing the 27 member states? Radio Schuman focuses on António Costa today.Costa is widely recognised for his bridge-building abilities, extensive political experience—as former Prime Minister of Portugal, Mayor of Lisbon, and Member of Parliament—and seniority.He is expected to get along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU leaders, avoiding controversies like "sofagate" - von der Leyen's infamous side-lining during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.However, uniting the bloc—a key responsibility of the European Council President—will not be without difficulties.We dive into the issue with Euronews journalist Jorge Liboreiro.In the second part of the program, we take a look at today's Employment and Social Policy Council, where EU ministers are set to approve an action plan, including a section on labour migration.In the final part of the show, Radio Schuman examined the best and worst European countries for smoke-free homes.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Georgios Leivaditis and Brodheim, David. Music by Alexandre Jas.Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Romania has never been pro-Russian and politicians backed by Russia rarely present themselves as such, Romanian centre-right MEP Siegfried Muresan told Radio Schuman in today's episode.Muresan said this applied to Calin Georgescu, the little-known far-right populist and TikTok personality who unexpectedly won the first round of Romania's presidential election, adding that he had put forth an ''anti-European stance, seeking to undermine Europe, its values, and the rule of law."Georgescu was projected to secure less than 10% of the vote. He will now face liberal candidate Elena Lasconi in a December 8 run-off—unless Romania’s criminal court intervenes to annul the second round of elections.This election outcome highlights a broader regional trend, with Romania potentially joining countries like Georgia and Moldova in pivotal political battles between democratic, pro-Western values and nationalist, pro-Moscow forces. The stakes are particularly high for Romania, an EU member that shares a border with Ukraine and serves as a key NATO military base.Questions remain about Georgescu’s unexpected success, Romania’s ties to Russia, and how pro-EU forces in Bucharest and Brussels plan to counter his rise if the runoff proceeds.In the second segment of this program, we take a brief look at the latest polls for today's Irish election.Radio Schuman also explores the underlying causes of mental health conditions among workers in certain European countries.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron, Georgios Leivaditis and Brodheim, David. Music by Alexandre Jas.Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newly elected European Commissioner Teresa Ribera criticised the public outcry she received from the European People's Party, which almost brought down her candidacy for the position as executive vice-president for the Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, speaking to Radio Schuman in Strasbourg.She lamented domestic politics being infused into the EU debate and criticised climate deniers among the centre-right European People's Party (EPP).Yesterday, EPP leaders, including chair Manfred Weber, refused to applaud Ribera when European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen congratulated her in plenary in Strasbourg. This gesture was the culmination of a campaign led by the Spanish Partido Popular (PP) aimed at undermining Ribera, who until recently served as Spain’s Minister for Ecological Transition and was responsible for responding to the recent floods in Valencia. Ribera defended herself, stating that the regional government—controlled by the PP in Valencia—was responsible for managing disasters.Eventually, von der Leyen received final approval for her new Commission, which will begin its five-year legislative term on December 1st.However, with 370 votes in favour, this marked the narrowest majority in history for a new Commission. The outcome reflects a deeply fragmented European Parliament, which grants the leading EPP even greater flexibility in forming shifting alliances—either with the traditional socialist-liberal bloc, or with the right-wing European and Conservatives and Reformists group (ECR) and the far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE).Following the vote on Wednesday, there were clear concerns among socialists, greens, and other left-wing parties. They feared that the EPP had legitimised the far-right, particularly with von der Leyen's decision to appoint a far-right commissioner, Raffaele Fitto, for the first time in its history. There were also worries that a right-wing coalition could paralyse or derail critical legislation, such as the Green Deal or migration reforms.Besides Ribera, Radio Schuman today featured criticism from other MEPs, such as Marie Toussaint, a French Green MEP, who called the new von der Leyen's team as the “worst-elected Commission”.In the second segment of the podcast, we take a quick look at the Competitiveness Council meeting happening today, where EU ministers are expected to approve conclusions on a crucial topic. Guess what that might be?Radio Schuman wraps up with a ranking of countries most prepared to go cashless - spoiler alert: the top contenders are chilly climes!Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron, Georgios Leivaditis and David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas.Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe.   Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter in Europe today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.