Brussels Playbook Podcast
POLITICO
POLITICO’s daily audio briefing on what’s moving Brussels — and why it matters.
The Brussels Playbook Podcast is the audio extension of the Brussels Playbook newsletter. Hosted by POLITICO's chief EU correspondent, Zoya Sheftalovich, the podcast runs Monday through Thursday, offering a clear, reporting-driven guide to EU politics in under 15 minutes. It’s a perfect companion for your morning coffee.
Each episode takes listeners inside the decisions, power shifts and debates shaping the day in Brussels — and explains how they connect to national capitals across Europe.
Clear, conversational and shaped by reporting from the heart of the EU, the Brussels Playbook Podcast brings context to EU politics as your day begins.
On Fridays, the same feed features a longer episode that goes deeper into the week’s biggest themes, offering context and analysis beyond the daily news cycle — with Sarah Wheaton behind the mic.
The Brussels Playbook Podcast is the audio extension of the Brussels Playbook newsletter. Hosted by POLITICO's chief EU correspondent, Zoya Sheftalovich, the podcast runs Monday through Thursday, offering a clear, reporting-driven guide to EU politics in under 15 minutes. It’s a perfect companion for your morning coffee.
Each episode takes listeners inside the decisions, power shifts and debates shaping the day in Brussels — and explains how they connect to national capitals across Europe.
Clear, conversational and shaped by reporting from the heart of the EU, the Brussels Playbook Podcast brings context to EU politics as your day begins.
On Fridays, the same feed features a longer episode that goes deeper into the week’s biggest themes, offering context and analysis beyond the daily news cycle — with Sarah Wheaton behind the mic.
Episodes
Mentioned books
14 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 18min
Why rich countries want to join the EU
Nick Vinicor, chief foreign affairs correspondent, explains why wealthy countries are suddenly eyeing EU membership for security rather than riches. He discusses NATO doubts, which states are reconsidering ties, and the practical limits and timing of joining. He also traces Viktor Orbán’s political shift and outlines how Russia recruits informants to spy on exiles.
15 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 37min
A reckoning for Europe’s center left
Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, offers geopolitical warnings and economic concerns. James Angelos, Berlin correspondent, explains Germany’s SPD troubles. Clea Caulcutt, Paris correspondent, analyzes French municipal results and left fragmentation. Aitor Hernández-Morales, Iberian correspondent, contrasts Spain’s coalition strategy. They debate the center-left’s identity crisis, migration divides, and whether recovery is possible amid rising right-wing pressure.
18 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 17min
The next refugee crisis
Marilena Raouna, Cyprus' Europe minister, talks leadership during Cyprus' Council presidency and brief security bio. She discusses hosting European leaders amid regional tensions. The conversation also covers looming mass displacement from Sudan and Europe's stakes. Short, timely and focused on crisis management and regional security.
11 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 16min
About those energy bills, Commissioner...
Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, talks energy security, soaring prices and housing affordability. He discusses tools to shield citizens and industry from high bills. He rules out returning to Russian supplies and reflects on EU solidarity and regional tensions. Short, direct takes on the customs agency race and even a light-hearted tree pick.
17 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 15min
More Russian snooping allegations
Allegations swirl over far-right access to confidential EU documents and fears that open systems may create security gaps. Diplomats are curbing candid discussion amid leak concerns. Tight contests in Denmark and Slovenia take center stage. Meloni faces a blow to her authority after a failed referendum. And Europe’s quirky ‘best tree’ competition sparks memes, controversy and heated voting.
19 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 16min
Is Hungary leaking EU secrets? A crisis of trust in Brussels
Nick Vinocur, POLITICO’s chief foreign affairs correspondent, offers sharp analysis on Hungary’s alleged leak of EU discussions and what it means for trust and decision-making in Brussels. He also breaks down Europe’s response as Trump ramps up pressure over Iran. Short takes on the weekend’s political votes in France and Germany round out the conversation.
11 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 36min
High price to pay: EU and UN wrestle with Middle East war
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, warns about de-escalation and attacks on civilian energy infrastructure. Anne McElvoy, POLITICO interviewer, leads the exclusive exchange. Nick Vinocur, POLITICO foreign affairs correspondent, analyzes crisis-driven EU diplomacy. Zoya Sheftalovich, POLITICO chief EU correspondent, explains intra-EU clashes like Hungary’s veto and energy price politics. They focus on war risks, Strait of Hormuz, and EU strategic responses.
6 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 15min
Time for a tense summit
Leaders clash in Brussels over a stalled €90 billion Ukraine loan and Viktor Orbán’s demands. Tensions rise as debates swirl on how Europe should respond to the war in Iran and energy disruptions. Lawmakers face a risky vote on lowering tariffs for U.S. industrial goods amid doubts about transatlantic trust. And Belgium grapples with an unexpected potato surplus and farmer protests.
5 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 15min
Breaking the Orbán deadlock
Ian Wishart, Senior EU politics editor at POLITICO, offers sharp analysis of the Hungary-Ukraine funding standoff and the Druzhba pipeline dispute. He breaks down whether Kyiv’s offer to let the EU inspect and repair the pipeline could unblock the €90 billion loan. He also explores the EU’s bold “28th regime” plan to help startups scale across borders and its political implications.
18 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 15min
Europe rejects Trump’s Iran demands
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.
