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Brussels Playbook Podcast

Brussels Playbook Podcast

Written by: POLITICO
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About this listen

 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.POLITICO Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Field trip to Russia, anyone?

    Field trip to Russia, anyone?
    May 7 2026
    Péter Magyar promised a full reset between Hungary and Brussels after Viktor Orbán’s defeat — but the EU may be ready to unlock only part of Hungary’s frozen billions. Zoya Sheftalovich, dialing in from Madrid, and Sarah Wheaton unpack the first possible tensions emerging between Brussels and post-Orbán Hungary. Then: a right-wing MEP is planning a trip to Russia — and inviting fellow lawmakers along. We discuss the controversy surrounding the proposed Moscow visit and the broader sensitivities regarding Russian influence in Brussels. And finally, from Madrid, Zoya brings us what Spanish politicians and officials are saying about Pedro Sánchez, Donald Trump and Spain’s growing political gridlock at home. We’d also love to hear from you: What does European identity mean to you? What makes you feel European — or not? Send a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    16 mins
  • Why the EU is freaked out about a new AI model

    Why the EU is freaked out about a new AI model
    May 6 2026
    The European Commission is unveiling its new anti-poverty strategy today. The only problem is ... it doesn’t include any new cash. On the pod, Zoya and Ryan discuss how the EU executive is justifying the lack of new funding in this plan. They also look at how likely the bloc is to reach its target of eradicating poverty by 2050 (spoiler alert: not very likely). That’s not the only strategy on the agenda today. The Commission will also present its guidelines on addressing homelessness. To better understand the housing crisis, Zoya speaks with the President of the Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő, who is in Brussels for a plenary session. She explains why consulting with cities and local governments is key to tackling the issue. And finally: We’re talking about Mythos, Anthropic’s new AI model that has everyone bent out of shape. We explain why the EU is particularly on edge. Do you have thoughts on the EU’s need for AI regulation? Send a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    15 mins
  • The Parliament’s misspent €1.5 million

    The Parliament’s misspent €1.5 million
    May 5 2026
    Political parties are misspending their cash, while the public is left in the dark about what’s going on. The European Parliament’s department of finance found political parties and foundations had misspent €1.5 million during the 2024 EU election campaign. Zoya and Ian discuss which parties are the biggest offenders. They also explain how the Parliament — with the help of complex bureaucratic processes — helps these parties avoid broader scrutiny. Also on the pod, EU finance ministers are meeting today to discuss getting financial support for Ukraine from countries outside the bloc. While we’re on the topic of geopolitics, Zoya and Ian have some breaking news about a major personnel change at the EU’s foreign policy arm, the European External Action Service. Finally, a Spanish MEP was outraged when an inauthentic Galician octopus dish was served at the Parliament’s canteen. We take a look at some other institutional food fights. Do you have insider info on any big job moves happening in Brussels — or elsewhere? We’d love to hear them! Send a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    13 mins
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