Brussels Playbook Podcast

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. 


News
Politics
News Commentary
1
The Commission’s next big overhaul?
One of the Commission’s most powerful departments may be heading for a dramatic overhaul.
15 min
2
Could influencers crash future EU summits?
Ukraine wants Europe more involved in peace efforts with Russia.
14 min
3
French cinema is spooked by the far right
15 min
4
Who’s “European” — and who’s not?
We’re talking identity this week on EU Confidential — in more ways than one.
31 min
5
Field trip to Russia, anyone?
Cracks emerge between the Commission and Hungary’s new leadership.
15 min
6
Why the EU is freaked out about a new AI model
The Commission is unveiling its new anti-poverty strategy. But it doesn’t include any new cash.
14 min
7
The Parliament’s misspent €1.5 million
Political parties in the European Parliament are misspending their cash, while the public is left in the dark.
12 min
8
Putin’s ‘window of opportunity’ to test NATO
Europe yet again finds itself on the receiving end of Donald Trump’s ire. 
14 min
9
Why the ECB is in a tricky spot
The ECB will meet today and make a decision that depends heavily on events far away.
14 min
10
The Hungary reset: Magyar in Brussels chasing E...
The power shift in Budapest hasn’t happened yet — but Brussels is already engaging with what comes next.
13 min
11
The €1.8 trillion standoff
Today on the pod, we’re talking money, money, money.
14 min
12
Berlin turns up the heat
Europe is staring down a familiar and unwelcome set of circumstances: rising energy prices, slowing growth and growing political pressure.
14 min
13
Don't aggravate Trump on Iran: Veteran US ambas...
31 min
14
Too many crises for one summit?
Ian is in Cyprus for a high-stakes gathering of EU leaders.
12 min
15
The clock is ticking on the EU’s next budget
Brussels faces a narrowing window to strike a deal on its next long-term budget.
12 min
16
No Orbán, no excuses
EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today, and this meeting feels ... different.
12 min
17
SPONSORED EPISODE: Energy, security and the new...
Europe, in efforts to disentangle itself from Russian gas, has become increasingly aware of the vulnerability of its web of pipelines, subsea cables and offshore installations to hybrid attacks.
15 min
18
The Board of Peace, EU edition
This week is brimming with high-level meetings on foreign affairs. Let's get started.
12 min
19
What Orbán’s ouster means for MAGA, Le Pen and ...
Election night in Hungary was an emotional one ... but now, the work begins.
36 min
20
Can an ex-fighter-jet pilot run Bulgaria?
Viktor Orbán may be out — but his man in Brussels is not.
13 min
21
The rise of the centrist dads
When EU leaders meet in Cyprus next week, geopolitical crises are likely to dominate the agenda.
14 min
22
Inside Magyar’s grand bargain with the EU
The EU may be saying goodbye to Viktor Orbán, but problems he’s left behind aren’t going anywhere.
14 min
23
After 16 years, Viktor Orbán loses
It’s the end of an era: Hungary’s Viktor Orbán is on the way out.
14 min
24
Inside the campaign to unseat Orbán
Hungarians may be voting on Sunday, but all EU citizens might feel the effects.
36 min
25
Hungary’s election enters crucial final days
It’s three days until the Hungarian election and things are starting to ramp up.
12 min