Europod • News

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned today, Friday, that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine before a peace agreement is signed would be treated as “legitimate targets” by Moscow’s forces. This statement comes hours after 26 of Ukraine’s allies pledged to send troops as part of a so-called “reassurance force”. But what does this “reassurance force” entail, and how does it fit with Putin’s threats?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

On Wednesday evening, Lisbon’s historic Glória funicular derailed on its route between Restauradores Square and the Bairro Alto climb in the city centre. The yellow-and-white tram came off the tracks, crashed into a building and toppled over. The result was catastrophic: at least 15 people were killed, and 18 were injured, including a child. Five are in critical condition. But what led to the horrific accident and why are workers’ unions not convinced by the official explanation?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

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is once again in the spotlight for his closeness to Moscow. Yesterday, Tuesday, he met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing where the Russian leader praised him for pursuing what he called an independent foreign policy. But what does this so-called “independence” really mean for Slovakia, for Ukraine, and for the European Union?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

Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, announced overnight that the country will recognise the state of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly session in New York. But the move comes with conditions. Recognition will only be formalised once Hamas releases all remaining hostages taken on the 7th of October 2023, and once the group no longer has a role in governing Palestine. What other sanctions were decided and what is the reaction so far?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

European capitals are preparing “pretty precise plans” for a multinational troop deployment to Ukraine, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the Financial Times. The plan will be on the table again this week in Paris, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, with leaders including Germany’s Friedrich Merz, the UK’s Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and of course von der Leyen herself. But what exactly do these plans mean for Europe, for Ukraine, and for the future of the war?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

An explicit content website in Italy called Phica, a misspelt slang for female genitalia, was finally shut down on Thursday after it was circulating photos of women without their consent.Among those targeted were some of Italy’s most high-profile figures like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, opposition leader Elly Schlein, European Parliament member Alessandra Moretti and others. The images were often lifted from TV appearances or social media, then altered, sexualised, and accompanied by vulgar captions. But why are sites like this still operating with impunity?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

Denmark’s prime minister Mette Frederiksen and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the prime minister of Greenland apologised officially this Wednesday for the roles of their countries in the historic mistreatment of Greenlandic Indigenous girls and women, including forced contraception under the so-called “Spiral Case.” But can an apology alone deliver justice?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

France is staring down at yet another political crisis. Prime Minister François Bayrou has announced a confidence vote for the 8th of September, a move that could very well bring down his government. Bayrou is pushing through an austerity plan worth 44 billion euros to cut France’s soaring deficit, currently at 5.8% of GDP, nearly double the EU’s target. His proposals include scrapping two public holidays and freezing spending. But, why the gamble and what can happen after September 8th?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

They call it Europe’s backbone: the rural heartlands. Covering more than 80 percent of the EU’s territory but home to less than 30 percent of its population, rural areas are vital for food, biodiversity, and climate resilience, yet face population decline, ageing communities, poor infrastructure, and limited digital access. In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Evi Kiorri explores what life is really like far from the cities, speaking with Emanuele Monaco, who left urban life to build a distillery in rural Puglia, Italy. Through his story, we uncover both the challenges and the opportunities of rural life: from revitalising communities and sustainable farming to attracting young families and new ideas. Join us as we examine how policies, investment, and community effort could shape the future of Europe’s countryside.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