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.
151
Welcome back, Donald: Seismic shift in Poland a...
In this episode, we analyze what Poland's recent election means for its political future and EU relations — in conversation with journalist and historian Anne Applebaum. We also shed light on a troubling terrorist attack this week in Brussels.
30 min
152
Deadly attacks on Israel and a bitter Polish el...
In this episode of EU Confidential, we discuss the EU’s muddled response to the heinous attack on Israel, and we discuss the general election in Poland this weekend.
35 min
153
Donald Trump 2.0 — is Europe ready?
In this episode of the EU Confidential, we entertain the idea of Donald Trump returning to the White House in 2024 and what that would mean: for the EU, for the war in Ukraine and for transatlantic relations.
37 min
154
Visa-for-bribes scandal rocks Poland — reaction...
In this episode of EU Confidential, we discuss an alleged bribery scheme to hand out Polish visas, which is rocking the country just weeks before general elections.
34 min
155
From the UN General Assembly — world leaders ga...
EU Confidential is in New York for the U.N. General Assembly, where leaders from around the globe are gathering to hash out some of the most pressing issues.
31 min
156
State of the European Union — the big annual sp...
In this bumper episode, we bring you the main takeaways from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's annual State of the European Union address, as well as reactions from members of the European Parliament.
40 min
157
It's back to school in Brussels — Kosovo Presid...
It's “back to school” week here in Brussels, so we're looking ahead to what policies will dominate the news in the coming months. Also, our special guest is Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani.
28 min
158
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg: EU need...
EU Confidential returns from its summer break, bringing you this episode from the European Forum Alpbach in Austria where the theme of a "bold Europe" has prompted discussions about Europe's internal as well as geopolitical challenges.
32 min
159
Brussels summer survival guide
We unpack what to expect in Brussels this August as EU decision making grinds to a halt. Also, we explore how extreme weather in Europe is weighing against tourism demands, and how politicians are responding.
22 min
160
Spanish election aftermath and the watering dow...
We analyze the outcome of the recent elections in Spain and what it means for the country and the EU going forward.
34 min
161
Why Ukraine overshadowed the EU's big summit wi...
In this packed episode, we explain the outcomes of this week's summit with Latin America, we debate whether Americans can hold key roles in EU institutions and discuss the power dynamics of the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen.
35 min
162
Ending an epidemic: innovations to eradicate HIV
To end HIV entirely, we will need to invest in innovation, develop new treatment and prevention options focusing on the needs of individuals and their preferences, new healthcare policies and new approaches to fight the stigma that HIV still carries.
22 min
163
NATO summit wrap-up and the EU's battle over bi...
This week, we bring you the latest from Vilnius as NATO leaders wrap up a crucial meeting of the defense alliance, plus all the news from Strasbourg as MEPs clash over an EU proposal to protect biodiversity.
33 min
164
A cure for HIV: When will Europe get there?
There’s one key weapon that would be a gamechanger in the fight to end HIV transmission in Europe by 2030 – a cure.
20 min
165
From Madrid: How Spain's election could impact ...
This week's EU Confidential comes to you from Madrid as Spain takes over the six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union.
35 min
166
The last bastion of stigma: Criminalizing HIV t...
POLITICO speaks to someone who's experienced the impact of HIV criminalization first-hand, and to those campaigning for change, to understand why legal systems have refused to listen to the evidence.
26 min
167
EU leaders meet in the shadow of failed Wagner ...
Our slightly-later edition of this week's EU Confidential comes to you from on-the-ground at the European Council.
30 min
168
From cell to cell: Eliminating HIV in prisons
In the first episode of our EU Confidential: In Focus mini-series on HIV in Europe, we take you inside a French prison successfully tackling the spread of the disease.
26 min
169
Europe’s new Marshall Plan: making a bet on Ukr...
This week’s EU Confidential episode comes to you from London, where the Ukraine Recovery Conference has just wrapped up.
28 min
170
Artificial intelligence and the EU's attempt to...
This week's episode dives deep into artificial intelligence — and how the EU is responding to this rapidly developing technology.
35 min
171
Polish protests — Hungary's EU role — Sleeper t...
In this bumper edition, we explain what's behind recent large protests in Poland, why some in Brussels want to stymie Hungary in the EU decision-making process and we take you along on a new night train route from Berlin to Brussels.
36 min
172
From Moldova: The European Political Community ...
This week's episode comes to you from the second meeting of the European Political Community in the Moldovan capital of Chișinău.
28 min
173
EU's 'Defence of Democracy' debate on combattin...
This week, we debate the EU's latest attempt to combat foreign influence with its forthcoming "Defence of Democracy package," which some in Brussels claim could result in unintended consequences.
31 min
174
EU commissioner resigns — Bulgaria's breaking p...
This week, we dive into the political upheaval in Bulgaria and the resignation of the country's EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel. And we begin our spotlight series on the European Parliament, as the dates for elections next year are finalized.
35 min
175
The end of Erdoğan? — Turkey's EU accession amb...
This week, the focus is on Turkey and what's at stake in elections happening May 14. We also hear from British writer and scholar Hugh Pope, who has written extensively on modern Turkey and tackles the long-standing issue of EU accession.
32 min