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.
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Ep 187, presented by Equinor: Borrell Russia ru...
EU-Russia tensions and a first look at next year's French presidential race are on the menu this week.
30 min
327
Ep 186, presented by Equinor: Vaccine export fi...
The fallout from a botched European Commission attempt to impose export controls on coronavirus vaccines tops the agenda this week. We also hear directly from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and talk to Steven Van Gucht, a top Belgian virologist
33 min
328
Ep 185, presented by BP: Europe's vaccine blame...
We break down the EU's vaccine struggles — what's gone wrong, what went right, what the repercussions are, and who's responsible. We also dive deeper into a documentary about the people working the "Brussels bubble" and what it takes to thrive personally
34 min
329
Ep 184: Europe reacts to Biden's inauguration —...
We bring you reaction from around Europe to the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden, and get you up to speed on the outcome of the CDU leadership race in Germany. Our special guest is American Academy in Berlin President Daniel Benjamin.
28 min
330
Ep 183: CDU contenders — Platforms and politici...
We have your guide to the candidates vying to lead Germany's governing CDU party. We debate how social media platforms are handling the fallout from the storming of the U.S. Capitol. And we talk to British author Simon Anholt about his formula for what it
36 min
331
Ep 182: Vaccine vexation — EU-UK deal — Preview...
We look back on the big news of the holiday period and forward to the stories we expect to shape 2021 in another bumper podcast panel edition of EU Confidential.
42 min
332
Ep 181, presented by Google: Reflecting on 2020
It's a bumper end-of-year review edition! But don't worry if 2020 is the year you're already trying to forget — we want to reflect on key moments and themes, rather than relive the trauma.
42 min
333
Ep 180, presented by Shell: EU deals on climate...
In their final meeting of 2020, EU leaders made key decisions on the bloc's long-term budget and recovery fund, emissions targets, and foreign affairs. We delayed this week's episode to bring you a must-listen analysis of what happened and what it all mea
39 min
334
Ep 179, presented by Equinor: Von der Leyen's f...
One year on from Ursula von der Leyen taking office as Commission president, we take stock of how she has performed. And Manfred Weber, leader of the largest group in the European Parliament, shares his thoughts on her first year in office.
39 min
335
Ep 178: Europe's new US BFFs — Biden calling — ...
They like America's traditional allies! They talk about multilateralism! Some of them even speak French! U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's foreign policy team has drawn rave reviews in Europe. We debate how much the hype is justified. And we look at the in
40 min
336
Ep 177 In Focus: Energy, presented by Shell: Bu...
Hungary and Poland's block on the EU's budget and recovery package and a Franco-German clash over European strategy autonomy are up for debate in this episode. And we take a deep dive into climate diplomacy, looking at some new pledges and the impact of t
35 min
337
Ep 176, presented by Equinor: Vaccine hopes — B...
The prospect of a coronavirus vaccine, European reaction to Joe Biden's victory in the US presidential race and a breakthrough on the EU's €1.8 trillion budget — it's all up for debate in this episode, featuring renowned virus expert Peter Piot.
35 min
338
Campaign Confidential #13, presented by Huawei:...
In the final episode of our pop-up series on the US elections, we share the key takeaways, looking at what we heard over the past 3 months and how it explains where we ended up. We also look ahead to looming Senate runoff races in Georgia, with the balanc
27 min
339
Ep 175: Biden, Trump and what the US elections ...
In this special extended episode, we debate and dissect the U.S. presidential vote, looking at its implications for America, transatlantic ties and European politics.
44 min
340
Campaign Confidential #12, presented by Huawei:...
In this episode of our pop-up series on the US elections, hosted by Ryan Heath, we give you all the details you need to follow the big night like a seasoned DC insider — including what to look out for, where to keep a close eye on and what the polls are
21 min
341
Ep 174: Team Macron turmoil — Minimum wage push...
Trouble in French President Emmanuel Macron's inner circle, the European Commission's move to boost minimum wages, and the battle to lead the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development all feature in this episode.
37 min
342
Campaign Confidential #11: Top debate drama and...
In this episode of our pop-up series on the U.S. elections, hosted by Ryan Heath, we dive into the top debate moments of this campaign season — and explain how they've impacted the election.
18 min
343
Ep 173, presented by the European Commission: P...
Political activity in a pandemic, transatlantic turbulence, the EU's farming future and what the hospitality industry wants from politicians to weather the coronavirus crisis are all up for debate in this episode of EU Confidential.
34 min
344
Campaign Confidential #10: Trump's suburban tro...
In this episode of our pop-up series on the U.S. elections, hosted by Ryan Heath, we explain what is happening in America's suburbs — a crucial voting block for Donald Trump in 2016 — and particularly, suburban women.
23 min
345
Ep 172: Coronavirus scramble — Estonia's presid...
The coronavirus is top of mind as we dig into the state of the pandemic in the EU, and ask whether leaders' handling of its resurgence threatens the bond of trust between governments and citizens. Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid is our special guest t
37 min
346
Campaign Confidential #9: America's election li...
In this episode of our pop-up series on the U.S. elections, hosted by Ryan Heath, we dive into the myriad of lawsuits and legal issues surrounding November's elections.
25 min
347
Ep 171, presented by Shell: Commissioner Reynde...
Rule of law in the EU, mounting coronavirus concerns and Brexit brinksmanship are all up for debate on the latest episode of EU Confidential. Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders is our special guest to discuss the Commission's new rule-of-law audit of al
27 min
348
Campaign Confidential #8: What's at stake for E...
In this episode of our pop-up series on the U.S. elections, guest hosted by David M. Herszenhorn, we look at what's at stake for Europe and the impact on transatlantic relations.
26 min
349
Ep 170: EU leaders talk Turkey and Russia — Cha...
As EU leaders meet in Brussels, we hold our own mini-summit to debate issues on the table in the European Council building — including tension in the Eastern Mediterranean and the EU's relations with Russia. Our special guest is Norbert Röttgen, who's cam
38 min
350
Campaign Confidential #7: How the fight for rac...
In this episode of our pop-up series on the U.S. elections, hosted by Ryan Heath, we talk about America's battle for racial justice and how it's translating into political action.
23 min