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
Can Europe quit American Big Tech?
The European Commission has finally unveiled its long-awaited tech sovereignty package
37 min
2
Is Italy's Giorgia Meloni in trouble?
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces an uphill battle in next year’s Italian election.
14 min
3
The jobs squeeze facing Europe
Today the Commission will publish a report that checks up on EU countries’ economies. But the news isn’t too good.
14 min
4
Who keeps the Russian shadow fleet afloat?
As the EU prepares to target Russia’s shadow fleet in the 21st sanctions package, we’re looking at the system that keeps these ships in business.
15 min
5
Europe’s toughest migration plan yet
The EU is edging closer to one of its most controversial migration policies yet: sending failed asylum seekers to return hubs outside the bloc.
15 min
6
China: the 'abusive' partner the EU just can’t ...
Is the EU finally ready to get serious about China?
38 min
7
The ban threat facing Europe's far right
Europe’s far right is yet again under the microscope.
14 min
8
Kallas, von der Leyen and the rivalry over EU i...
Brussels is beefing up its intelligence machinery.
14 min
9
Should Europe talk to Putin?
Europe is still reeling from the recent drone incursions into Baltic airspace.
14 min
10
From the Baltic to the Balkans: Putin is testin...
32 min
11
Why are drones suddenly terrifying Europe?
With drone alerts, emergency shelters and fighter jets over the Baltics, Europe’s security fears suddenly feel much less theoretical at the GLOBSEC forum in Prague.
15 min
12
Brussels wanted less red tape. It hasn't proved...
Brussels is discovering that cutting red tape may be harder without actual experts in the room.
13 min
13
Budapest and Kyiv break the ice
After years of Viktor Orbán blocking Ukraine’s path to join the EU, Budapest and Kyiv are talking again.
13 min
14
Why Brussels is getting tougher on China
The European Commission is preparing to take a much tougher line on China
14 min
15
Two transatlantic power brokers on why Europe s...
34 min
16
The Commission’s next big overhaul?
One of the Commission’s most powerful departments may be heading for a dramatic overhaul.
15 min
17
Could influencers crash future EU summits?
Ukraine wants Europe more involved in peace efforts with Russia.
14 min
18
French cinema is spooked by the far right
15 min
19
Who’s “European” — and who’s not?
We’re talking identity this week on EU Confidential — in more ways than one.
31 min
20
Field trip to Russia, anyone?
Cracks emerge between the Commission and Hungary’s new leadership.
15 min
21
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
22
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
23
Putin’s ‘window of opportunity’ to test NATO
Europe yet again finds itself on the receiving end of Donald Trump’s ire. 
14 min
24
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
25
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