POLITICO's EU Confidential

Can the EU defend Ukraine (and itself)?

Europe is waking up to the urgent need to strengthen its own defenses — especially as Donald Trump seems poised to capture the Republican nomination and possibly even the White House in November presidential elections.…

EU top jobs kickoff — finding compromise with Viktor Orbán

In this episode we look at the ongoing tug-of-war between Budapest and Brussels in the context of a rather shocking development that could pave the way for Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán — who has won a…

What’s in store for Europe in 2024?

This isn’t just any new year — 2024 in the political calendar means mega elections in Europe, the U.S., the U.K. and beyond. Our EU Confidential crew predicts how these elections could impact pressing issues…

The EU’s report card: Ukraine, Moldova and other aspiring members

The EU made important steps this week toward bringing new members into the bloc — our POLITICO team explains in this episode of EU Confidential. Host Suzanne Lynch is joined by POLITICO’s Barbara Moens and…

From Madrid: How Spain’s election could impact its EU presidency

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. Spain's stint in the rotating chair has been overshadowed by a national…

Europe’s new Marshall Plan: making a bet on Ukraine

Suzanne Lynch comes to you from London, where the Ukraine Recovery Conference has just wrapped up.

From Moldova: The European Political Community is back

EU Confidential - From Moldova: The European Political Community is back. Suzanne Lynch from the EPC summit on prospects for countries like Moldova and Ukraine to join the EU.

EU’s ‘Defence of Democracy’ debate on combatting foreign influence

EU's 'Defence of Democracy' debate on combatting foreign influence. Suzanne Lynch speaks to the European Commission's special adviser on foreign interference, Ivana Karaskova, a Czech academic and expert on Chinese influence

France & Germany on strike – Commission Legal Chief, Daniel Calleja Crespo

The worst strikes and protests in decades bring both France and Germany to a standstill this week. Is this just the beginning of Europe’s cost of living crisis? Special guest is Director General of the…

Das Auto debate — Activist Bill Browder on Russia’s political prisoners

We debate Germany's last-minute effort to derail EU plans to end the sale of combustion engines by 2035. And our special guest is author and activist Bill Browder, discussing how the EU can take a…

New EU-UK chapter — VDL meets the king — Decoding Brussels-speak

This week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met King Charles III at Windsor Castle after a deal was sealed on a long-awaited solution to the post-Brexit trade row over Northern Ireland. Host Suzanne…

2023 crystal ball — Qatargate update — Slovenian PM Robert Golob

Host  Suzanne Lynch1 breaks down the EU's biggest challenges when it comes to climate, technology, energy & trade