Brussels Playbook Podcast

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.

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.

Brussels sends a commissioner to observe Donald Trump’s new Board of Peace while keeping formal distance. Nine EU countries urge the Commission to explore a voluntary fund to support cross-border abortion access. The Commission proposes speeding trade deals by approving English drafts first to cut translation delays.

Discussion of a European Commission plan to boost investment and security in regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. A look at Germany expanding its foreign intelligence powers and budget. Examination of a poll showing about one in five Europeans sometimes preferring dictatorship. A lighter segment on rising coffee prices and listener tips for cheaper lattes.

Ian Wishart, senior European politics editor known for sharp EU maneuvering analysis. He breaks down the early power jockeying in Parliament and talk of a possible third presidency term. They explore far-right bids for committee influence and how trans rights debates are spreading through Brussels and echoing transatlantic culture wars. Plus a quick detour into Brexit impacts on artists and rising coffee prices.

Nick Vinocur, POLITICO’s chief foreign affairs correspondent, offers sharp analysis of shifting transatlantic tones and rising EU coalitions. He discusses the softer U.S. messaging in Munich and Europe's wary response. He explains the E6 informal pact among big economies and the debate over a multi-speed Europe. He also touches on Brussels finally getting a new regional government after a long stalemate.

Aitor Hernández-Morales, Iberian affairs reporter covering Portugal’s presidential drama. Carlo Martuscelli, trade and economics reporter decoding EU competitiveness politics. Marianne Gros, sustainability reporter unpacking Green Deal and lawmaking risks. Zia Weisse, climate reporter on industry lobbying and ETS fights. They discuss industry calls for deregulation, simplification controversies, ETS pressure, political fault lines and Portugal’s turbulent vote.

Ebba Busch, Sweden’s deputy prime minister and energy minister known for leading the Christian Democrats, advocates a tougher stance on Russia and faster European action. She warns EU bureaucracy slows sovereignty. She pushes for stronger defense, stricter migration rules, and nuclear energy as reliable baseload.