Brussels Playbook Podcast

European leaders are descending on Montreal in a bid to forge closer ties with Canada.

On today's show, host Zoya Sheftalovich catches up with Sarah Wheaton, who's on the ground at the EU-Canada summit. They unpack what the talks could actually deliver — from defense and critical raw materials to space and AI — and the Trump-shaped shadow hanging over it all.

Next, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen may be here in Montreal, but back in Brussels, questions remain about her role in the EU's Covid vaccine deal with Pfizer.

Finally: Eurovision has revealed its 2027 lineup — but the row over Israel's participation is far from over.

Questions, comments? Please write in! Find us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Articles mentioned in this episode:

Our EU-Canada summit live blog.

⁠EU and Canada eye golden window to Trump-proof their ties.

Eurovision confirms candidates for 2027 — but 2 EU countries are still on the fence.

EU Public Prosecutor’s Office will be ‘killed softly for doing its job,’ says outgoing chief.

This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar.
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Europe's united front on Ukraine is showing cracks.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre have opened a direct line to Vladimir Putin, drawing criticism from some fellow European leaders — even as Ukraine backs their efforts. Nicholas Vinocur and Paul Dallison examine the fallout and the growing scramble over who gets to speak for Europe in peace talks.

Also on the pod: Brussels unveils a sweeping overhaul of Frontex, giving the EU border agency a much bigger role in deportations, new powers to monitor social media and plans for a major expansion.

And after a summer of devastating heatwaves and wildfires, the European Commission wants governments to prepare for a world that's three degrees hotter than preindustrial levels.

Finally, you can see the ghostly turnip that freaked Nick out here. And if you have someone spooky in mind for Paul's story on the figures haunting the EU bubble, please write in! Find us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Articles mentioned in this episode:

Leaders of Finland and Norway hold direct talks with Putin.

EU prepares for a grim future with new climate-proofing law.

Frontex gets power to track migration talk on social media.

Frontex set for new powers to deport beyond EU borders in latest overhaul.

This summer’s heat was Europe’s deadliest on record, scientists say.

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Ursula von der Leyen’s plan to slim down and reorganize the European Commission moves a step closer, with outside advisers calling for a stronger center, fewer bureaucratic silos and potentially far-reaching changes to some of Brussels’ most powerful departments. Then, after Aleksandar Vučić’s defeat in Serbia, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur ask whether a new government can revive the country’s stalled EU path — and whether Brussels has some lessons to learn. Plus, tobacco lobbying in the European Parliament has surged just as the EU rewrites its smoking and nicotine rules.

Finally, are you on team pumpkin decoration or team pumpkin carving? Nick has strong feelings; let us know yours! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Articles mentioned in this episode:

"Von der Leyen’s big Commission shake-up moves a step closer."

"How Big Tobacco lobbies EU lawmakers."

"Belgium postpones terrace smoking ban."

This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada and the EU want a much closer relationship — but they still disagree over what that relationship actually is.

Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur look ahead to this week’s EU-Canada summit in Montreal, where leaders are still negotiating the language, the label and the practical deliverables.

Then, Ukraine’s growing financing needs are colliding with the fight over the EU’s next seven-year budget, as some countries resist taking part in another common loan.

And finally, Brussels’ battle over meat-related names takes an unexpected turn — with bacon-flavoured crisps caught in the crossfire.

If you have a question or comment, don’t hesitate! Message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.
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U.S. President Donald Trump has the world’s war crimes court in his crosshairs.

By sanctioning the entire International Criminal Court, his administration is threatening its ability to function. Europe has rushed to the court’s defense — but can it actually protect it from American financial power? And how far is the European Union willing to go to confront Washington when it still relies so heavily on the U.S. for its own security?

Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by European Parliament lawmaker Dirk Gotink and Atlantic Council sanctions expert Lize de Kruijf to discuss Europe’s options, its dependence on the U.S. dollar and American technology and whether the EU can stand up for international justice.

If you have any questions or comments, send us a message on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

This episode was produced by Dionis Sturis and Saga Ringmar
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices