Europod • News

Two ships have been hit by drones in Bulgarian waters in the Black Sea on Monday. Several other ships have been targeted in recent weeks, at a time when Russia is intensifying its attacks on Ukraine.So, at what point does a hybrid attack become an attack on NATO?

The United States has imposed new sanctions on the International Criminal Court, this time targeting the institution itself. While the EU insists on its firm support for the ICC, it is still not using the one tool designed for this kind of situation: the blocking statute.So, why is the EU holding back?

European gas storage levels are unusually low for this time of year, reaching their lowest autumn level since 2011.With Russian gas imports set to end in 2027, could Europe face a tougher challenge in the months ahead?

Spain is heading for early elections, after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a snap vote last week. According to current polls, the conservative People's Party, or PP, is ahead of Sánchez's Socialists, while Vox is also making significant gains.So, what would happen if the PP and Vox decided to govern together? And what would that mean for Europe?

France has been seeing growing protests by high school and university students in recent weeks. The movement is continuing today with a fourth day of mobilisation. According to the government, the far-left opposition party is fuelling the protests. For Donald Trump, the movement is the result of mass migration and the presence of Islam.But what are young people actually protesting about?

Chinese carmakers are taking an increasing share of the European car market, particularly when it comes to electric vehicles.Why are some European carmakers now opening their factories to their Chinese competitors?

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we talk about the 'Right to Stay,' a concept that aims at making outmigration within the EU, a choice, rather than a necessity. Léa Marchal speaks with Eleonora Peruffo, researcher at Eurofound, who is working on a new Freedom to Stay index, and Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca and member of the European Committee of the Regions. Together, they discuss regional disparities, shrinking areas, access to services and the role of place-based policies in helping people stay and thrive where they live.Production by Europod, in cooperation with ESPON, an EU-funded programme that bridges research and policy.This podcast series is cofunded by ESPON. However, the opinions and views expressed are solely those of the authors. ESPON can't be held responsible for them.

The EU wants to bring new countries on board faster.But after years of waiting, will the Commission’s new proposals actually make enlargement easier?

Germany shut down its last nuclear power plants in 2023, bringing Angela Merkel’s nuclear exit policy to its conclusion. But now, nuclear power is making a strong comeback everywhere in Europe. Will Germany return to nuclear policy?