Podcast Selection

Too centralised? Unattractive? The new European Commission needs change | Radio Schuman

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her plans for the new top team at the European Commission last week, but the reactions were mixed. Many politicians argued that the portfolios were too broad…

Macron’s new government and its impact on the EU

On Saturday, Michel Barnier, France's newly appointed prime minister and former EU Brexit negotiator, unveiled his government, which is dominated by conservatives and centrists from French president Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party. Among the most contentious…

The climate ambitions of the next EU Commission

All eyes are on Teresa Ribera, after President von der Leyen tasked the Spanish politician with steering Europe’s green transition while ensuring its competitiveness. Despite the prestige attached to the role, Ribera sits as one of the few socialists…

Von der Leyen’s bold move: Is Austria the fix for EU migration policy? | Radio Schuman

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's decision to assign the migration and home affairs portfolio to Austrian nominee Magnus Brunner was one of her most unexpected choices when deciding on the portfolios for her…

Von der Leyen’s Commission roll call stirs mixed reactions

The European Parliament in Strasbourg was again divided — this time, it was the MEPs' opinions that were split after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced her new batch of Commissioners. Radio Schuman…

Breton out, Séjourné in: What triggered the resignation?

Thierry Breton, the EU’s Internal Market Commissioner, announced his resignation from the European Commission on 16 September, citing tensions with President Ursula von der Leyen. In a public letter, Breton accused von der Leyen of…

Ukraine seeks Western ammunition as Putin threatens NATO-Russia war

NATO’s Military Committee met in Prague on Friday and Saturday to discuss stepping up NATO’s support package for Ukraine, after Russia warned NATO that a strike with Western-made missiles would be considered an act of…

France’s looming deadline

Apple launches the iPhone 16 with generative AI features, and France’s new PM needs more time to submit the country’s debt plans. Kamala Harris is under pressure to perform in tonight’s debate against Donald Trump.…

Draghi: The EU to consider report’s proposals or face ‘slow agony’

Mario Draghi handed his highly anticipated report on European competitiveness to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, outlining the urgent need to boost productivity to achieve the EU’s political and economic goals. Without significant…

All the President’s Women: the candidates competing for the next EU Commission

As Brussels raises concerns about the next European Commission resembling a ‘men’s club’, President Ursula von der Leyen stands firm on the need for gender balance among the nominees. While nine women have been proposed…

Why Macron chose Barnier as France’s new prime minister

After months of political deadlock, French President Emmanuel Macron appointed former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as France’s new prime minister on Thursday (5 September). Barnier faces the challenge of forming a government in a fractured…

Malta’s and Hungary’s Commission nominees face ‘tough’ grilling in Parliament – EPP

Will the European Parliament approve the list of Commission nominees that von der Leyen will present next week? According to veteran German MEP Peter Liese (CDU/EPP), some nominees will struggle to secure their spot, with…