EPC Podcast: Recent Episodes
European Policy Centre
Stay up to date with this regular podcast on EU affairs. Sounds dry? Don't worry, we'll be sure to find something to wet your appetite. Stay tuned, stay fresh, stay informed.
Donald Trump once again arrived at a NATO summit under a cloud of controversy, questioning allies' commitments, reviving old grievances, and raising fresh doubts about America's role in European security. Yet the meeting ended with familiar declarations of unity, renewed pledges on defence spending, and promises of a stronger European pillar within the Alliance. So what really changed? Is NATO emerging more resilient from another Trump-induced test, or are deeper fractures becoming harder to ignore?In this episode, Paul Taylor is joined by Jennifer Kavanagh and Iana Maisuradze to unpack the outcomes of the Ankara summit and what they reveal about the future of transatlantic security. From burden-sharing and US military retrenchment to deterrence, Ukraine, and the evolving Russian threat, they examine whether Europe is prepared to shoulder greater responsibility for its own defence. As the Alliance navigates an increasingly uncertain strategic landscape, they also explore whether NATO is entering a new phase of managed adaptation—or facing a more turbulent and unpredictable future
A six-year dialogue between European and Chinese think tanks comes to a close at a moment of rising geopolitical and economic tensions. Bringing together more than 1,000 participants across 36 exchanges, this sustained engagement sought to deepen mutual understanding, explore areas for cooperation, and test the limits of disagreement between the EU and China. But what did these confidential discussions really reveal? Did participants move beyond official narratives, and have the exchanges shaped policy thinking on either side?In this episode, Paul Taylor is joined by Dr Jin Ling and Fabian Zuleeg to reflect on the main themes, insights, and challenges of this unique initiative – from debates on trade, technology and global governance to differing perspectives on security and industrial policy. As EU–China relations enter a more uncertain phase, they also explore whether such dialogue can still play a meaningful role in bridging divides.
Europe’s struggling automotive sector – still the continent’s largest manufacturing employer, accounting for nearly 14 million jobs and 7% of EU GDP – is facing contraction from the green transition, trade tensions and rising Chinese competition just as Europe seeks to rapidly scale up its underdeveloped defence industry. This episode explores how car and truck makers could help address critical defence gaps, from production capacity and skilled labour to advanced technologies and supply chains, while unpacking the structural, regulatory and cultural obstacles that stand in the way of closer cooperation. Drawing on new research, EPC Senior Visiting Fellow Paul Taylor hosts a discussion with Fuensanta Martinez Sans of ACEA and Olaf Pannenbaecker, Chairman of the Board of the European Factories of the Future Research Association, to examine whether a meaningful convergence between the automotive and defence sectors is feasible, what it would take to unlock it, and whether Europe can adapt its peacetime industrial model to today’s mounting security demands.
Can Europe withstand a new China shock?As China’s industrial overcapacity reshapes global trade, Europe faces a difficult question: how can it protect its manufacturing base without accelerating economic fragmentation?Ahead of the EPC’s second Brussels Economic Security Forum, this episode of The Language of Power explores whether Europe is entering a China shock of historic proportions – one driven not only by competitive Chinese technology and lower prices, but also by state-backed industrial policy, subsidies and strategic export power.Host Paul Taylor is joined by Georg Riekeles, EPC's Associate Director, Head of Europe’s Political Economy Programme and Co-Director of the Brussels Economic Security Forum, and Yanmei Xie, Senior Associate Fellow at MERICS, to discuss the risks for European industry, the political pressure for tougher trade tools and how Beijing may respond if the EU moves towards a more assertive economic security agenda.From steel, cars and chemicals to batteries, machinery and electric vehicles, the episode asks what Europe can do to prevent key industries from being swept away – and whether the EU has the political will to confront China’s industrial export wave.
A landmark EU–India Free Trade Agreement and accompanying Security and Defence Partnership, concluded after two decades of negotiations, brings together two major democracies representing a quarter of the world’s population and one-fifth of global GDP, with the ambition to double EU exports to India by 2032 while reshaping both sides’ strategic positioning amid tensions with the US, China and Russia.In this episode of The Language of Power, Paul Taylor is joined by Sonia Prashar and Almut Möller to unpack how the deal goes beyond trade – exploring economic opportunities and persistent barriers, the implications for supply chains, investment, and defence cooperation, and the challenges posed by differing positions on issues such as Ukraine and the global order. The conversation also assesses the feasibility of major connectivity initiatives like the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, asking whether this much‑heralded agreement can deliver a durable partnership in an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape.
Claude-France Arnould, Senior Fellow for European Defence at the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics and Former Director of the European Defence Agency, and Juraj Majcin, Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre, join host Paul Taylor in this episode of The Language of Power to examine France’s proposal to extend its nuclear deterrent to European partners at a moment of growing uncertainty over the reliability of US security guarantees.Drawing on President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of “advanced nuclear deterrence”, the discussion assesses the credibility of France’s nuclear doctrine and arsenal, the reactions of NATO allies and Russia, and the political, military and financial implications of greater European reliance on French nuclear protection.The episode explores whether this initiative represents a genuine strengthening of European deterrence, a stopgap hedge against American unpredictability, or a power play within an evolving European defence landscape.
Herman Portocarero, former Belgian and EU ambassador to Havana, and Iana Maisuradze, policy analyst in the EPC’s Europe in the World programme, join Paul Taylor in this episode of The Language of Power to assess Cuba’s deepening political and humanitarian crisis as the island faces renewed pressure from the United States. Against the backdrop of Washington’s tightening energy blockade, mounting economic collapse and mass emigration, the discussion explores where Cuba may be headed, what any US‑Cuban negotiations might entail, and how President Trump’s revival of a hardline Monroe‑style doctrine could reshape the Caribbean. The conversation examines whether the European Union has any meaningful leverage through diplomacy, humanitarian assistance or international law, or whether Cuba has become a subordinate issue in a transatlantic relationship dominated by US power and European strategic dependence.
Paul Taylor is joined by Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive and Chief Economist of the European Policy Centre, to examine Europe’s divided and uncertain response to the US‑Israeli war against Iran, a conflict that has left the EU sidelined while grappling with surging energy prices, heightened security risks and the prospect of fresh refugee flows. Their conversation explores why European leaders reacted so differently to the outbreak of the war, how the EU is struggling to balance its values with hard strategic interests, and what this means for issues such as reopening the Strait of Hormuz, supporting political change in Iran and addressing accusations of double standards. They also reflect on whether Europe must recalibrate its relationship with the United States and whether a genuinely common European foreign policy is achievable in a rapidly shifting global order.
Paul Taylor explores how Russia is waging a hybrid war across Europe — from cyber attacks and sabotage to disinformation, election meddling, and drone incursions. Joining him are cyber‑security expert Hanna Linderstal and hybrid‑threat specialist Chris Kremidas‑Courtney to unpack the latest trends, Europe’s preparedness, and how countries like Sweden, Moldova and Hungary have been targeted. They also assess China’s role and whether Russia’s efforts to sow mistrust in European societies are gaining ground.
The United States and Israel have launched a war on Iran — killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top advisers — with aims that appear to shift between forcing a nuclear deal and pursuing regime change. Paul Taylor is joined by Sanam Vakil, Director, Middle East and North Africa Programme at the Chatham House, and Mihai Chihaia, Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre, to unpack the war’s unclear objectives, the risks of wider regional escalation (from strikes on Gulf infrastructure to proxy attacks and global terrorism), and the economic shockwaves already hitting Europe through spiking oil and liqufied natural gas (LNG) prices.The conversation also examines how Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have framed the conflict, why the EU and the E3 (Britain, France and Germany) have struggled to hold a consistent line, and what — if anything — Europeans can realistically do now.
In this episode of The Language of Power, host Paul Taylor examines the grim fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine at a moment of intensified attacks. As Moscow pounds Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with waves of drone and missile strikes, talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US in Geneva quickly concluded without a breakthrough. Despite earlier optimism from US envoy Steve Witkoff, both Russia’s chief negotiator and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy describe the talks as “difficult”, with Zelenskyy indicating that further rounds may follow.Ahead of the high-stakes talks, Paul is joined by Elena Davlikanova, fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis in Kyiv, and Amanda Paul, deputy head of the EPC’s Europe in the World programme in Brussels. Together, they discuss the impact of energy attacks on Ukrainian morale, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s position in high-stakes diplomacy, Europe’s growing role in supporting Ukraine, the credibility of proposed security guarantees, and the prospects for Ukraine’s future EU membership.
In this episode of The Language of Power, host Paul Taylor explores US President Donald Trump’s controversial new Board of Peace — a body created to implement his Gaza plan but aiming for a far broader global role. Launched with fanfare in Davos and joined mostly by authoritarian states, the Board raises serious concerns about its ambitions, legitimacy, and potential to sideline the UN.Most EU countries have declined to participate, yet with a UN Security Council resolution assigning the Board a role in Gaza’s reconstruction, Europe risks losing influence by staying out.Paul is joined by Dave Troy, investigative journalist, and Silvia Colombo, researcher at the NATO Defence College, to unpack the Board’s origins, membership, and implications for European diplomacy, the future of Gaza, and the wider international order.
In this episode of The Language of Power, Paul Taylor, Senior Visiting Fellow at the EPC, dives into the escalating transatlantic confrontation over Greenland that is testing the unity of NATO and straining relations between the United States and its European allies.Paul is joined by Professor Peter Fibiger Bang, Professor of History at the University of Copenhagen’s Saxo Institute, and Maria Martisiute, Policy Analyst in the EPC’s Europe in the World programme, former NATO and EU official, and leader of the EPC’s Northern European Platform.Together, they unpack what lies behind Washington’s demands for “complete and total control” over Greenland, assess Europe’s strategic options, and explore how this crisis could reshape Arctic security, transatlantic relations, and the broader geopolitical landscape.
As 2026 begins, Europe faces a sobering reality: great powers are rewriting the rules of global order while the EU struggles to assert itself. In this episode, host Paul Taylor is joined by Steven Everts (EUISS) and Almut Moeller (EPC) to unpack why Europe appears weak, divided, and reactive in the face of mounting geopolitical challenges — from Trump’s transactional diplomacy and Putin’s aggression to Xi’s strategic maneuvers.The discussion explores the EU’s “psychology of weakness,” its failure to leverage frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, and the growing risk of irrelevance in a world dominated by power politics. Can Europe overcome internal divisions, rethink its security architecture, and reclaim influence? Tune in for a candid conversation on what it will take for the EU to stand up for its interests and values in 2026.
In this episode of The Language of Power, Paul Taylor, Senior Visiting Fellow at the European Policy Centre, examines the brutal diplomacy facing Ukraine as it navigates mounting pressure for a ceasefire on terms heavily tilted towards Russia.Paul is joined by Amanda Paul, Deputy Head of EPC’s Europe in the World Programme and lead of the Ukraine project, and Lev Zinchenko, Advocacy Programme Coordinator at Razom for Ukraine.Together, they discuss Ukraine’s limited diplomatic room for manoeuvre as US President Donald Trump pushes peace proposals that risk undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security; the tactics President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is using to resist unacceptable concessions while preserving vital Western support; Europe’s role — and shortcomings — in shaping the negotiations; and whether a ceasefire is likely in the coming weeks or if the war is set to grind on.Recorded as Ukraine faces another winter of war, the episode explores how diplomacy, military pressure and domestic politics intersect at a moment of profound uncertainty for Kyiv — and for Europe.
What happens to liberal democracy when not only institutions, but also social and societal rights come under strain?In a special edition of The Language of Power – recorded live at the margins of the EPC Annual Conference 2025 – Paul Taylor, Senior Visiting Fellow at the European Policy Centre, explores how threats to Europe’s democracy are evolving.After examining global and EU-level democratic backsliding in previous episodes, this conversation turns to the erosion of employment protections, welfare rights, women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights, and the ways in which these pressures are reshaping European politics.Paul is joined by:• Laszlo Andor, former European Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs and Secretary-General of FEPS• Georgia Mourad Brooks, CEO of The Nine and founder of the Fempower InitiativeTogether, they discuss whether liberal democracy is losing its social foundations, and what Europe can do to protect them.
In this episode of The Language of Power, Paul Taylor, Senior Visiting Fellow at the European Policy Centre, explores the dangers facing liberal democracy within the European Union and what can be done to counter them.Last week, we examined the global assault on democracy – from socio-economic and technological forces driving public alienation to the rise of a new authoritarianism, with a few bright spots of democratic renewal. This episode turns the lens to Europe, where “illiberal democracy,” a term coined by Fareed Zakaria in 1997 and later embraced by Viktor Orbán, has spread from Hungary to Poland, Slovakia and EU-candidate Serbia. Elected governments have used majorities to weaken judicial independence, capture media, and roll back women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.Joining Paul to discuss how these trends are reshaping European politics – and how liberal democracy can be defended – are distinguished Professor of Political Science Brigid Laffan and Liza Saris, Policy Analyst and Project Manager of the EPC’s Connecting Europe initiative.This podcast is a part of the European Policy Centre's Europe in the World Programme.
In this episode of The Language of Power, Paul Taylor, Senior Visiting Fellow at the European Policy Centre, explores the global backsliding of liberal democracy and asks whether it is losing its anchor.Once seen as the inevitable “end of history,” democratic progress has stalled and reversed in many countries, including the United States, which now faces internal democratic erosion and a growing embrace of strongman regimes abroad. Joining Paul to discuss these trends and their implications are Amanda Sloat, Professor of International Relations at IE University and former Senior Director for Europe at the U.S. National Security Council, and Richard Youngs, Senior Fellow at Carnegie Europe and co-founder of the European Democracy Hub. Together, they examine the drivers of democratic decline, the role of technology and AI, prospects for resilience, and lessons from the Global South on sustaining democratic norms.
In this week's episode, host Paul Taylor explores how Europe can harness disruptive technologies to modernise its defence capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions.Joined by Chris Kremidas-Courtney and Jonas Singer, the discussion dives into the challenges of integrating civilian innovations into military systems, critiques the outdated “dual-use” concept, and highlights what Europe, especially Germany, must change to stay ahead in defence innovation.
In this episode of Language of Power, Paul Taylor explores the tragic story of over 19,500 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia since the 2022 invasion, with only around 1,600 returned. Featuring insights from Mykola Kuleba, founder of Save Ukraine, and Thordis Kolbrun Gylfadottir, a former Icelandic foreign minister who is the Council of Europe’s Special Envoy on the situation of the children of Ukraine, the discussion highlights the scale of the crisis, the international response — including ICC arrest warrants and Ukraine’s “Bring Kids Back” initiative — and the disturbing findings of a Yale report suggesting up to 35,000 children may have been taken, indoctrinated, and adopted under new identities.The episode also examines Europe’s role in supporting affected children and the diplomatic efforts underway to bring them home.
This week’s episode of The Language of Power explores whether Washington and Europe are on different planets when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Just a day after President Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan, securing Netanyahu’s backing while warning Hamas of annihilation, European countries led by France and the UK joined Saudi Arabia in recognising a Palestinian state. But will either move change realities on the ground, or simply highlight diverging transatlantic approaches?Host Paul Taylor speaks with Aaron David Miller, a veteran US peace negotiator, and Silvia Colombo of the NATO Defence College, about the prospects of a ceasefire in Gaza, Europe’s divided role in the Middle East, and whether recognition of Palestine is meaningful diplomacy or symbolic virtue-signalling.Listen in for insight on what’s at stake for peace, power, and Europe’s influence in the region.
Is lasting peace finally within reach in the South Caucasus—or is the latest deal just another geopolitical powerplay?In this episode of Language of Power, we unpack the US-brokered peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, signed at the White House on 8 August, and explore what it means for the region and the wider world.Host Paul Taylor is joined by Matthew Bryza, former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, and Viktorya Muradyan, Brussels-based public affairs consultant and former co-editor-in-chief of The European Correspondent. Together, they explore why President Trump succeeded where the EU faltered, and what’s at stake for Washington, Moscow, and Tehran.We examine Armenia’s pivot away from Russia, Azerbaijan’s growing leverage despite its authoritarian record, and the prospects for regional transformation. Can Armenia’s government survive the fallout of losing Karabakh? Is EU membership a credible alternative? And how might Russia and Iran respond to losing influence in their own backyard?
In this episode of the Language of Power, Paul Taylor unpacks a turbulent summer of transatlantic diplomacy, shifting alliances, and war fatigue.From Putin’s headline-grabbing summit with Trump in Alaska to Zelenskyy’s tense Washington visit, the episode explores whether diplomatic showmanship can halt Russia’s brutal advance in Ukraine. While Russia escalates attacks and Ukrainians hold their ground, Europe is caught between appeasement and agency—offering concessions to Trump in hopes of securing continued US backing.Together with Jim Townsend and Amanda Paul, the conversation dives into:🔴 Trump’s erratic stance on Russia and missed sanctions deadlines🔴 What Europe gets in return for bending to Washington’s demands🔴 What credible security guarantees for Ukraine could look like🔴 The broader implications for NATO and transatlantic trust
In this episode of The Language of Power, host Paul Taylor, Senior Visiting Fellow at the European Policy Centre, examines the EU’s recent high-level summits with China and Japan.What can we learn from the frosty EU-China meeting in Beijing, which marked a tense 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations? And how does it compare to the broader, more cooperative outcomes of the EU-Japan summit held just a day earlier in Tokyo?Joining the discussion are Ivano di Carlo, Senior Policy Analyst, and Elixabete Arrieta, Junior Policy Analyst, both from the EPC’s Europe in the World Programme. Together, they explore the current state of EU-Asia relations, the impact of the second Trump administration, and whether a distinct European approach in Asia is still possible.
In this episode of The Language of Power, host Paul Taylor explores the high-stakes geopolitical tug-of-war over Moldova, a small country caught between EU integration and Russian interference ahead of its crucial parliamentary elections on 28 September.With insights from Tatiana Cojocari (WatchDog.MD Community) and Anastasia Pociumban (DGAP), the episode unpacks:• Russia’s full-spectrum campaign of disruption in Moldova;• EU and US support for Moldova’s democratic resilience;• The role of Transnistria and recent gas cut-offs;• The dilemma of decoupling Moldova’s EU path from Ukraine’s amid Hungarian opposition;• The emergence of Alternativa and the potential election surprises.The outcome in Moldova could shape the credibility of EU enlargement and the resilience of democracy on Europe’s eastern frontier.This Podcast is part of the EPC's Europe in the World Programme.
The Language of Power – NATO’s summit in The Hague: a turning point or a phoney deal?This week, host Paul Taylor is joined by Jamie Shea and Iana Maisuradze to unpack the outcomes of the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague – the first under President Trump’s return. Was it a moment of renewed unity or a carefully choreographed illusion? From Article 5 ambiguity to the 5% defence spending pledge, the episode explores what the summit means for transatlantic credibility, European rearmament, arms control, and Ukraine’s NATO path.Tune in for sharp insights, critical analysis, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on NATO’s most consequential gathering in years.
In this episode of The Language of Power podcast, host Paul Taylor is joined by Mihai Chihaia, a policy analyst in the EPC’s Europe in the World programme, and Ionela Ciolan, a research officer at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, to unpack how Russia’s war on Ukraine has reshaped security in the Black Sea. From Ukraine’s use of naval drones to Turkey’s control of the straits and NATO’s limited naval presence, the discussion explores the shifting balance at sea, the EU’s new Black Sea Strategy, and what’s next for regional defence.
In this episode, host Paul Taylor explores how cryptocurrency, once seen as fringe “funny money,” is now influencing democracy and financial systems. Paul Taylor is joined by guests Joe Litobarski and Alice Stollmeyer to unpack how crypto works, its regulation or lack thereof, and its political implications, especially under the second Trump administration. Debating whether crypto is empowering citizens or undermining states, this episode shares critical insights into crypto’s risks, benefits, and what Europe should do in response.
In this episode of The Language of Power, the EPC’s Paul Taylor is joined by Amanda Paul and Demir Murat Seyrek to unpack Turkey’s evolving geopolitical role amid US attempts to end Russia’s war on Ukraine. As Turkey’s strategic relevance grows, so does concern over President Erdoğan’s crackdown on the democratic opposition, notably the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The discussion explores the EU’s dilemma: engage Turkey as a vital NATO partner or stand firm on human rights? The episode also sheds light on Turkey’s relations with the US, Russia, and EU, the strength of its civil society and opposition movements, and whether a new EU-Turkey relationship beyond accession is both necessary and possible.
In this episode of The Language of Power, EPC Podcast host and Senior Visiting Fellow Paul Taylor is joined by senior policy analyst Philipp Lausberg and policy analyst Svitlana Taran from the European Policy Centre to question how sanctions can become more impactful and effective in the long run. They also examine the political logic, economic consequences, and strategic dilemmas behind EU sanctions. Why do they persist despite mixed results? What happens when unity among member states starts to fracture? And how should the EU respond if key allies, like the United States, shift their stance?
Senior visiting fellow Chris Kremidas-Courtney joins host Paul Taylor on The Language of Power to discuss how Europe must prepare for defense in an era of mass precision warfare—possibly without U.S. support. With Russia’s military buildup and ongoing aggression in Ukraine, how should Europe invest its growing defense budgets? They debate the relevance of tanks, fighter jets, and aircraft carriers in a world of drones, missiles, and uncrewed systems. They also examine key capabilities Europe has long relied on the U.S. and NATO for—such as command and control, space-based intelligence, logistics, and nuclear deterrence. With over 35 years in military and security, Kremidas-Courtney shares expert insights on adapting to this new era of warfare.
This week's episode of the Language of Power podcast focuses on Russia’s war in Ukraine, the war crimes committed by Putin’s forces, and efforts to hold those responsible accountable. A very special guest, Andriy Kostin, Ukraine’s former prosecutor-general, shares insights on evidence collection and legal action against Putin and his inner circle. As ceasefire negotiations unfold in Saudi Arabia, we’ll explore the role of transitional justice in securing a just and lasting peace.With Paul Taylor, EPC's senior visiting fellow for the Europe in the World programme and podcast host and Andriy Kostin, Ukraine's former prosecutor general.This Podcast is part of the EPC's Europe in the World Programme.
In this week’s episode of The Language of Power podcast, host Paul Taylor sits down with experts Mihai Chihaia and Katarzyna Sidlo to explore the future of the Middle East. They discuss the region’s impact on Europe and consider how the EU can foster peace and stability. Tune in for insightful analysis and thought-provoking perspectives on one of today’s most pressing geopolitical challenges.With Paul Taylor, EPC's senior visiting fellow for the Europe in the World programme and podcast host, Mihai Chihaia, Policy Analyst for the Europe in the World Programme at the EPC and Katarzyna Sidlo, Senior Policy Analyst for the MENA region, EU Institute for Security Studies.This Podcast is part of the EPC's Europe in the World Programme.
Where does Ukraine stand following President Zelenskyy’s disastrous meeting with Trump and Vice-President JD Vance at the White House last week? Having left Washington with no agreement and with US officials calling for his replacement, the Ukrainian leader went on to meet in London with European leaders, who offered him their full support but also encouraged him to mend fences with Trump. EU leaders are holding a special summit this week to discuss support for Ukraine and launching their own defence surge. With Paul Taylor, EPC's senior visiting fellow for the Europe in the World programme and podcast host, Amanda Paul Senior, Policy Analyst and Deputy Head of the Europe in the World Programme at the EPC and Svitlana Taran, Research Fellow at the EPC.This Podcast is part of the EPC's Europe in the World Programme.
Germany is heading to the polls in a high-stakes general election, set against the backdrop of a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. With Europe’s security order facing its second major upheaval since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, the outcome of this vote could have far-reaching consequences for Germany, the EU, and beyond. Join us as we break down the key issues, political dynamics, and global implications of this crucial election.
In this episode of the EPC's foreign affairs and policy podcast 'Language of Power', we discuss the aftermath of the informal retreat on defence that occurred on February 3rd, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in attendance. Crucial questions were addressed, such as Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, which is about to enter its fourth year and threatens Europe’s security, as well as its increasingly covert war against Europe in general.With Paul Taylor, EPC's senior visiting fellow for the Europe in the World programme and podcast host, Juraj Majcin, policy analysts for the Europe in the World programme and Maria Martisiute, policy analyst for the Transnationalisation programme at the EPC.
In this episode of the EPC's foreign affairs and policy podcast 'Language of Power', we discuss what's next for Europe in light of Trump's second presidency regarding security and foreign policy. How can the EU best address Trump's numerous threats and strengthen its defence and security capabilities? How will this impact Ukraine? Will the EU finally step-up and deliver?With Paul Taylor, EPC's senior visiting fellow for the Europe in the World programme and podcast host and Almut Möller, EPC's Director for European and Global Affairs and head of the Europe in the World programme.
The Language of Power: The NATO summit and its implications for transatlantic relations by European Policy Centre
The Language of Power: Defence and Security implications of the French legislative elections by European Policy Centre
On Wednesday 8 November, the Commission published its 2023 Enlargement Package. The Package recommended opening accession negotiations to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, granting candidate status to Georgia, and opening negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, once the necessary degree of compliance is achieved. In this episode of the EPC Podcast, we discuss the Package and its implications, taking a closer look at the situation in Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Bosnia, as well as the EU internally. There’s no doubt enlargement is a ‘geostrategic investment’, but are the EU27 and future members ready for this step?With Olivier Costa, Professor at the College of Europe; Teona Lavrelashvili, EPC’s Policy Analyst and Coordinator of the Task Force on EU Enlargement; and Berta López Domènech, Junior Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre.
Von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech calls for member states to advance efforts in emerging technologies and invest in everything, from microelectronics to quantum computing and AI. But is Europe ambitious and prepared enough to bring forward von der Leyen’s agenda? This episode of the EPC Podcast looks at the rapid development of quantum technologies in Europe and beyond, its implications for cybersecurity and the EU’s role in ensuring safety online. With Andrea G. Rodríguez, EPC’s Lead Digital Analyst, and Jesse Robbers, Quantum Delta NL’s Executive Board Member and Director.Photo credits: CANVA The audio from Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union speech was taken from the Commission's audiovisual service. Credits: European Union, 2023
This episode takes a closer look at the outcome of the NATO Summit in Vilnius and its implications for Russia's war in Ukraine. It also focuses on Turkiye's agreement on Sweden's membership, the future of the Black Sea Initiative and NATO's relations with the Indo-Pacific.
With Jamie Shea, former Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges at NATO and Senior Adviser at the EPC; Amanda Paul, Senior Policy Analyst at the EPC; and Mihai Sebastian Chihaia, Policy Analyst at the EPC.
The episode was moderated by Garvan Walshe, Head of Communications at the European Policy Centre.
With Amanda Paul , Jamie Shea , Mihai Sebastian Chihaia , Garvan Walshe
On 5 May 2023, the European Policy Centre hosted an EPC Talks Geopolitics in-person exchange with Md. Shahriar Alam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and Shada Islam, EPC Senior Adviser. EPC Talks Geopolitics is a signature initiative, which aims to engage globally renowned speakers in an interactive conversation on relevant geopolitical issues. State Minister Md. Shahriar Alam discussed Bangladesh’s foreign policy and geopolitical role in the Indo-Pacific region, EU-Bangladesh relations and Dhaka’s views on the impact of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine on the Global South.
As protests in Israel continue to rise against Netanyahu's government and his judicial reforms, the last part of this EPC podcast series takes a closer look at Israel’s foreign relations. EPC Analyst Mihai Sebastian Chihaia is joined by Azriel Bermant, Maya Sion, and Aaron David Miller to discuss the US stance towards Netanyahu, the significance and purpose of President Herzog’s visit to Brussels, and the new government’s position towards Russia and the war in Ukraine. How will the new leadership affect Israel’s geopolitical agenda? Will the EU support the country’s pro-democracy movements? And will the US be ‘tough on Israel’ if Netanyahu moves forward with his controversial judicial reforms?
The EPC Podcast is back to delve deeper into EU affairs and connect the dots between politics, policies, and people. This new episode forms the first part of a two-part podcast on the new Israeli government and its domestic and foreign agenda. After Benjamin Netanyahu’s election as the new Israeli Prime Minister, the European Policy Centre hosted a Twitter Space to discuss the implications of the election results. EPC Policy Analyst Mihai Sebastian Chihaia was joined by Azriel Bermant, Maya Sion and Aaron David Miller to explore the prospects for Israel’s relations with the EU, the US, and other international actors. What are the key domestic policies that Netanyahu wants to implement? How will its right-wing government influence EU-Israeli relations? And will Netanyahu’s extremist agenda damage the historically positive relationship between the US and Israel?
It has been 3 months since Russia invaded Ukraine. Since then, 6 million people have fled the country. Most of them women and children. Quickly after the start of the war, the EU triggered the Temporary Protection Directive, an exceptional measure intended to give people displaced from Ukraine an automatic right to travel freely throughout Europe, and gain access to social welfare, healthcare, housing and work.
In this episode, we talk about how Ukrainian refugees have fared and how they are integrating in their host countries. And because so many of them are women, we delve deeper into what specific challenges that are facing on the labour market.
With: Lyuba Karpachova, Refugees Department Lead, Promote Ukraine, Lena Detlefsen, Postdoctoral Researcher, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), part of the MEDAM project team; Teresa Hornung, Senior Adviser, BDA Confederation of German Employers' Associations; Katerina Dimitrakopoulou, Head of Sector working on Integration, Legal Migration and Integration Unit, DG HOME; and Silvia Carta, Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre.
This episode is part of the Mercator Dialogue on Migration and Asylum or MEDAM, a research project that develops evidence-based solutions for asylum and immigration policies.
Four months after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the spotlights have dimmed. But as winter sets in and the new regime tightens its grip, what is the state of the country, its people, and the Afghans that have fled and are still looking for safety? In the second part of a two-part episode, we discuss the EU’s tense, knee-jerk response to the crisis back in August and September, and what it has revealed about the EU’s current view and approach to migration policy.
With Jean-Louis De Brouwer, the Director of the European Affairs Program at the Egmont Institute; Silvia Carta, Policy Analyst in the European Migration and Diversity programme at the European Policy Centre; and Helena Hahn, junior policy analyst in the European Migration and Diversity programme at the EPC.
This episode is part of the Mercator Dialogue on Migration and Asylum or MEDAM, a research project that develops evidence-based solutions for asylum and immigration policies.
Four months after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the spotlights have dimmed. But as winter sets in and the new regime tightens its grip, what is the state of the country, its people, and the Afghans that have fled and are still looking for safety? In this two-part episode, we talk about the unfolding humanitarian crisis, how Afghan refugees are faring in neighbouring and other transit countries, and what the EU and the international communicate are doing to address it.
With Abdul Ghafoor Rafiey, founder and director of the Afghanistan Migrants Advice and Support Organization; Rene Taus Hansen, Afghanistan & Pakistan Department at the European External Action Service; and Helena Hahn, junior policy analyst in the European Migration and Diversity programme at the European Policy Centre.
This episode is part of the Mercator Dialogue on Migration and Asylum or MEDAM, a research project that develops evidence-based solutions for asylum and immigration policies.
This episode takes a closer look at the outcome of the NATO summit and the implications for EU-NATO cooperation and the transatlantic relationship, and how the Alliance plans to deal with Russia and China. It also reviews NATO’s plans to help the fight against climate change.
With Jamie Shea, Professor of Strategy and Security at the University of Exeter, former Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges at NATO and senior adviser to the EPC; Katarina Kertysova, Policy Fellow at the European Leadership Network and NATO 2030 Young Leader; and Mihai Sebastian Chihaia, Policy Analyst in the Europe in the World programme at the European Policy Centre.
The upcoming Porto Social Summit hopes to give a much-needed push to the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU’s attempt to add a social dimension to its policies. But without any real power in this area, what concrete results can we expect?
The EPC's Social Europe and Well-Being team looks ahead at the summit and explores the tension between the dream of a social Europe and doing the work of building it.
In this episode, programme assistant Danielle Brady, junior policy analyst Mihai Palimariciuc, policy analysts Laura Rayner and Simona Guagliardo and newly appointed associate director Aileen McLeod explain why EU-wide social policies are worth pursuing and how they could be implemented successfully.
They also cover health care, the potential role of the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility in spurring reforms, and the disproportionate effect COVID-19 has had on women in the workplace.
An EU vaccine passport could help us get back to normal sooner, but at what cost?
Despite lingering disagreement between member states, the Commission will soon present its proposal for an EU vaccine passport. The upcoming 'digital green pass' should make it easier for EU citizens to cross borders in time for the summer holidays.
But not everyone is on board; health experts warn there are still too many unknowns about the effectiveness of the existing vaccines, while others worry about the ethical, social, and privacy implications.
With vaccine certificates becoming a potential ethical, technical and political minefield, the Commission and member state governments will have to think through all possible effects and outcomes: What are the benefits of having an EU vaccine certificate? What are the potential pitfalls? And what could be some of the unforeseen, downstream consequences in the long run?
In this episode, EPC analysts try to answer those questions, covering the health, social, freedom of movement and data privacy dimensions of the debate.
With contributions from Greek Minister of Digital Governance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, and EPC policy analysts Simona Guagliardo, Alberto-Horst Neidhardt and Andreas Aktoudianakis; and Programme Assistant Helena Hahn.
Feminist foreign policy is gaining momentum around the world. But what makes a foreign policy 'feminist'? And why is it important to re-evaluate defence and security policies through a decidedly feminist lens ?
In this episode, I put these and other questions to Nina Bernarding, Director at the Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy, and Shada Islam, Senior Advisor on Asia and Africa to the EPC and well-known commentator in Brussels on EU affairs.
We also talked about intersectionality, the need for broader inclusion in foreign policy, what an EU feminist foreign policy could and should look like and our shared admiration for New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
*The photo depicts a woman holding the feminist movement sign during a demonstration marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in Istanbul on November 25, 2020.
Ahead of the European Commission's Digital Services Act, this podcast explores why it is essential that the new rules on internet governance enable journalists and independent researchers to gain access to data collected by online platforms, and why it is currently so difficult to scrutinise the algorithmic systems that control our online spaces.
You will hear excerpts from a speech by Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age and Competition. She spoke recently at an online webinar where AlgorithmWatch and the EPC presented the outcome and final recommendations of their 'Governing Platforms' project. We also spoke with Tom Dobber, postdoctoral researcher at the Amsterdam School of Communication Research, and Rania Wazir, data scientist and board member of the Vienna Data Science Group. They are two of many researchers who, in the context of AlgorithmWatch's 'Left on Read' campaign, gave an account of their experiences with trying to get access to data on internet platforms.
The Commission has finally launched the New Pact on Migration. After years of gridlock, Commission Vice-President of Schinas and Commissioner Johansson seem confident that this set of proposals can bridge the gap between the member states and deliver real progress on EU migration reform.
Marie De Somer, Head of the EPC's Migration and Diversity programme, Olivia Sundberg Diez, EPC Policy Analyst, and Matthias Lücke, coordinator of the MEDAM project (Mercator Dialogue on Asylum and Migration)assess the New Pact's strengths and weaknesses. What is it that is 'new' about this proposal? What are the chances that it will lead to actual reform? And can the new solidarity mechanism convince the more sceptical member states?
On the occasion of the European Mobility Week, our own Annika Hedberg (Head of the Sustainable Prosperity for Europe programme) and Stefan Sipka (policy analyst) talked to Vice-President Lilyana Pavlova of the European Investment Bank, the lending arm of the European Union, about the future of green mobility in Europe and the Union’s efforts to decarbonise transport in light of the EU Green Deal.
They discussed how making and encouraging the right investment decisions can drive the climate-neutral transformation of transport; the different actions the EU, and the EIB specifically, have already undertaken and what more could and should be done; and the unexpected ways the Coronacrisis has affected mobility on European roads.
In this episode, Jana Puglierin and Ulrike Esther Franke from the European Council on Foreign Relations argue that the EU must get serious about its foreign policy - and explain how France and Germany can lead the way.
Rule-of-law concerns have been plaguing the Union for the better part of the last decade, and don’t appear to be going anywhere.
At a recent EPC Policy Dialogue, organised as part of our Connecting Europe project and in cooperation with Democracy Reporting International, European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová spoke about the current state of rule-law-proceedings and elaborated on the new Commission’s plans to counter democratic backsliding in the member states.
After a marathon Council meeting, EU leaders finally settled on a new leadership team for the bloc, picking German defence minister Ursula von der Leyen as Commission president, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel as president of the Council, IMF’s Christine Lagarde as president of the ECB, and Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell as the new High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy.
In this episode, EPC Director of Studies Janis A. Emmanouilidis lifts the curtain on what was going on behind closed doors at the summit and explains how von der Leyen became the Commission president candidate everyone could get behind (sort of). He also covers what this means for the Spitzenkandidaten process, lessons learnt (introduce transnational lists, pick your Spitzenkandidat carefully, and Parliament, take the initiative!), and what will happen next.
Analysts Janis A. Emmanouilidis, Corina Stratulat and Fabian Zuleeg shared their views on the results of the European Parliament elections at an EPC post-election briefing.
Their in-depth analysis covered, among other things, the implications of the splintering of the European vote, the emergence of a new political alignment that goes beyond the traditional left-right paradigm, the different scenarios for a new coalition agreement in the Parliament, the race for the EU top jobs and what the election results in the UK mean for Brexit.
In our last podcast of 2018, Director of Studies Janis A. Emmanouilidis and Junior Policy Analyst Paul Butcher take stock of where the EU stands after the December summit but also look ahead at what’s in store for Europe in 2019.
Next year promises to be another turbulent year, as a divided and polarised EU will head to the polls in May. The stakes are high. Many analysts predict – or fear is the better word – that Eurosceptic, anti-globalist parties will take over the European Parliament and blow up the Union’s traditional consensus-building politics. Emmanouilidis and Butcher talk about what the growing polarisation means for the upcoming political transition and address the threat of disinformation and fake news ahead of the elections.
Picture by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP
Ahead of the European Policy Centre's conference 'A new blueprint for the EU after 2019', Anand Menon, Director of The UK in a Changing Europe, and Fabian Zuleeg, EPC's chief executive, sat down to discuss the latest in the Brexit negotiations.
The deal between the UK and the EU is 95% done, but the last 5% turns out to be the most difficult. Menon and Zuleeg talked about the Northern-Irish backstop, the extension to the transition period, the probability of a no-deal scenario and whether or not Brexit is still reversible.
Director of Studies Janis A. Emmanouilidis and head of the migration and diversity programme Marie De Somer discuss the latest developments in the Brexit talks, migration and EMU reform.
After the disappointment of the Brexit summit, where do the EU and UK go from here? Will migration continue to dominate the public debate in Europe? Has the window of opportunity for EMU reform been closed indefinitely? And what does it all mean with the 2019 European Parliament elections on the horizon?