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
Apr 3, 2026 • 23min
Can Britain and the EU get a Brexit reset deal over the line?
Nick Thomas-Symonds, UK Cabinet Office Minister leading the post-Brexit reset and expert on security and EU relations. He discusses progress on security and sector deals, the timeline for alignment legislation, negotiations over a youth mobility scheme, and the political hurdles from EU member states and domestic constraints.
Apr 2, 2026 • 14min
How secure are the Commission’s group chats?
Ian Wishart, Senior EU politics editor at POLITICO, offers quick takes on EU elections, cybersecurity and Brussels politics. They cover Bulgaria asking the EU for help against Russian disinformation. They describe a Signal group being shut down amid suspected phishing and a wider wave of cyberattacks on Commission communications. They close with the political fallout from Italy’s World Cup failure.
12 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 13min
Preparing for a Covid-style crisis
Ian Wishart, Senior EU politics editor at POLITICO, offers quick, informed analysis of EU affairs. They discuss a looming supply-driven energy shock and why pandemic-style joint purchasing and coordination are being considered. They cover the possibility of an emergency leaders meeting and proposed demand-cutting measures. The conversation also touches on Hungary’s tricky electoral landscape and soaring World Cup ticket prices.
8 snips
Mar 31, 2026 • 15min
Are fuel cuts back on the table?
Ian Wishart, POLITICO’s senior EU politics editor, offers sharp analysis of looming European fuel cuts and why Brussels is urging reduced transport demand. He discusses the legal and political limits of EU action. Conversation also covers EU ministers marking the Bucha anniversary and plans for a special tribunal, plus controversy over a €3.6 million Committee of the Regions renovation.
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.
