Europe Talks Back

Since Donald Trump’s reelection or even before that Washington’s foreign policy has been shifting from soft power to hard power. Translation? More tanks, fewer textbooks. More weapons, less humanitarian aid. The EU, which has long relied on the U.S. for global development efforts, is now looking at a major funding vacuum as USAID, America’s premier development agency, freezes nearly $40 billion in foreign aid.So what was USAID funding exactly, and who is expected to cover the gaps now?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram

When WhatsApp alerts you that military-grade spyware hacked your phone, it’s not just paranoia, it’s reality. At least seven people in Italy, including journalists and activists, and another 83 people in more than 24 countries were targeted using Israeli-made spyware. The Italian government denies involvement, but questions remain: Who ordered the hacks? And what does this mean for press freedom and privacy in Europe?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram

Legal experts from the European Commission, the European External Action Service, the Council of Europe, Ukraine, and representatives from 37 countries agreed on the legal framework for a special tribunal to try Vladimir Putin and his officials for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.The experts finalized the so-called ‘Schuman draft Statute’, the core legal text governing the tribunal’s functioning.But, will this tribunal really bring justice? Will Putin ever pay for what he has done in Ukraine?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram

Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US will “definitely” impose tariffs on the EU, citing concerns over the US trade deficit with Europe. While Trump has previously made threats without following through, some of his recent tariff measures, particularly on Canada and China, have been implemented stressing European leaders.  But is Trump really going to impose tariffs on the EU, and if so what would the impact be?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels today, Monday, to discuss defense spending, without committing to real investments. This follows weeks of debate on the issue, fueled by growing concerns that Russia could test and destabilize Europe’s defenses at any moment. But instead of concrete funding plans, the focus of this meeting will be on identifying the EU’s priorities, securing necessary financial resources, and reinforcing existing partnerships.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram

Truck Drivers is the story of an indispensable profession, but also of an economic and logistical system under strain. It’s a story of exploitation, fierce competition, and an equilibrium that has spiraled out of control. Every day, thousands of trucks crisscross Europe’s roads to deliver the products we consume without a second thought. This immense and often invisible supply chain is, nonetheless, essential to our daily lives. But this vital sector is in crisis: already, 230,000 drivers are missing across Europe, a number that could exceed 700,000 in the coming years. Embark on a truck journey across Europe and discover the stories of those whose work connects us every day. A profession that, on its own, has the power to paralyze all of Europe.Subscribe to "Europod • English" to follow the series! A new episode drops every Thursday 9 AM!Truck Drivers is a podcast co-produced by Europod and Ser Podcast.This podcast is part of WePod, a collaborative project funded by the European Commission's Creative Europe program.Hosting and Narration: Alexander Damiano RicciField reporting and research: Manu Tomillo and Futura D'AprileEditor-in-chief of the French and English version: Alexander Damiano RicciSound design and editing: Jeremy BoquetOriginal visual design by: Agencia PlayerVisual adaptation for the French version by: Watermelon CollectiveProducer: Futura D’AprileExecutive producer: Ana RiberaProduction coordinator: Alexander Damiano RicciThis co-production is funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the authority that funded this work can be held responsible for these views and opinions.

Angela Merkel has spoken, and she’s not happy. Three years after stepping down as Germany’s chancellor, she’s publicly criticizing her successor, CDU leader Friedrich Merz, for breaking a long-standing taboo: relying on far-right AfD votes to pass an anti-immigration motion in parliament. With Germany’s elections just weeks away, Merkel’s intervention has ignited a fierce debate over whether the firewall against the far-right is crumbling for good. What does this mean for Germany, Europe, and the future of mainstream conservatism? Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram

Donald Trump is once again saying Greenland should belong to the U.S., but Denmark, and the EU, aren’t having it. European Council President António Costa reminded everyone that Europe doesn’t take kindly to territorial threats and European leaders have rallied behind Denmark, making it clear that Greenland is not for sale or for the taking. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has been securing support across Europe, while Greenland’s government firmly rejects any U.S. takeover. Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co-production with Sphera Network.

The Competitive Compass is the Commission’s roadmap for strengthening the EU’s economy in a rapidly changing global market. It focuses on key priorities like reducing regulatory burdens, increasing investment in innovation, and helping European businesses compete with their U.S. and Chinese counterparts. And so far so good, but what does this mean for the EU’s environmental goals? Is the Competitive Compass the beginning of the end for the Green Deal?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.