Brussels Playbook Podcast

Rym Momtaz, editor-in-chief at Carnegie Europe and Middle East analyst. Mark Leonard, director of the European Council on Foreign Relations and author on geopolitics when rules fail. They discuss how a rising Iran war exposes a world of 'un-order'. Short takes on global ripple effects, energy and defense strains in Europe, shifting strategic mindsets, and what resilience-minded policy looks like.

A bold proposal called reverse enlargement to speed Ukraine toward EU access sparks heated debate. Leaders weigh how the Iran war could reshape regional security and trigger migration pressures. Ministers discuss tougher deportation plans and contingency planning for possible influxes. The Commission experiments with AI tools to forecast policy impacts on future generations. A Berlin dispatch previews German state elections.

Kathryn Carlson, senior finance reporter covering EU economic and financial issues. She walks through the Industrial Accelerator Act and the battle to onshore clean tech manufacturing. They discuss who benefits and who fears protectionism. Conversation also touches on rising energy costs after Iran strikes and a bungled EU translator exam.

The conversation covers how Cyprus was drawn into Middle East violence and what that means for European security. They unpack EU crisis coordination and the fight over who speaks for Europe. Discussion turns to transatlantic diplomacy and Germany’s role in Washington. They also flag how the Middle East flare-up affects Ukraine’s defense and EU enlargement politics.

Nick Vinocur, POLITICO’s chief foreign affairs correspondent, offers sharp analysis of Europe’s frantic diplomatic choreography after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. He explains the split in European reactions and what emergency EU meetings reveal about transatlantic trust. The conversation also touches on wider implications for Ukraine, Macron’s nuclear message, and a Brussels voting rights debate.

Ivo Daalder, former U.S. ambassador to NATO and foreign policy expert. Karl Mathiesen, POLITICO senior correspondent on climate and transatlantic politics. They discuss recent high-profile clashes by American envoys in Europe. Conversations cover public social media spats, breaking ties with lawmakers, limits on access in capitals, and whether actions signal a new U.S. approach to Europe.

A look inside the fast-moving world of EU ambassadors as their meetings become central to decision-making. A tense discussion about the Druzhba pipeline, Hungary’s claims and alternative oil routes. A political showdown over U.S. sanctions tied to Europe’s tech rules and debates about digital sovereignty. Plus a light personal anecdote to close.

A reporter describes Kyiv’s four-year anniversary events, noting which Western leaders were present and which were missing. The mood in the city mixes disappointment with steady resilience. Conversations cover EU friction over Hungary and Slovakia blocking aid, legal routes to unlock a €90bn loan, and calls for a symbolic 2027 EU accession prospect.

On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, European leaders gather in Kyiv to signal unity and solidarity. But back in Brussels, Hungary blocks a new sanctions package against the Kremlin and a €90 billion loan to Ukraine. Host Ian Wishart is joined by senior finance reporter Kathryn Carlson. We also hear from Zoya Sheftalovich on the train to Kyiv with Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, as she describes the mood around the trip — and how Hungary’s veto cast a shadow over the anniversary. Plus: Aging EU buildings are showing their wear — from water problems at DG COMP to the European Parliament’s costly renovation plans. If you work in a crumbling EU building — or have your own Brussels infrastructure horror story — send us a message or a voice note on WhatsApp: +32 491 05 06 29. **A message from Amazon: Across Europe, businesses are growing with the AWS Cloud to build innovative, scalable products. From Europe’s largest enterprises and government agencies to the continent’s fastest growing startups, learn more about how AWS Cloud is helping businesses across Europe grow at AWS.eu.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Vinocur, POLITICO’s chief foreign affairs correspondent who covers diplomacy and sanctions, breaks down Brussels drama. They discuss Hungary threatening to block the 20th Russia sanctions package and the Druzhba pipeline row. Reykjavik’s talk of fast-tracking an EU referendum is examined. Transatlantic trade turbulence after US tariff moves rounds out the conversation.