Europod • News

More than half a million people have signed a petition demanding an independent investigation into whether Serbian security forces deployed a sonic weapon or a sound cannon to disperse protesters in Belgrade on March 15. The petition, addressed to the UN and the Council of Europe, calls for accountability, arguing that the use of illegal means against civilians is a serious violation of constitutional and international rights.But what is a sound cannon and what is the government's response to the allegations?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

So, EU leaders have now gathered in Brussels, as they often do, to discuss Ukraine, Europe’s defense strategy, and economic competitiveness. For this summit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will join via video link possibly in an attempt to convince Europeans to approve faster the next help package of 40 billion euros, proposed by EU’s high representative Kaja Kallas. But will everyone be on board and what else is on today’s agenda? 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

So, Vladimir Putin has agreed to a limited ceasefire, which basically means he’ll stop bombing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, for now. This comes after a high-stakes phone call with US president Donald Trump, who is apparently in his own bubble seeing this as a successful diplomatic move.But what does this so-called ceasefire really mean for Ukraine? And what are Putin's conditions for abiding by it?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

In a historic vote, German lawmakers are set to decide on amendments to the country's Basic Law, their constitution. This amendment would unlock billions in funding for defense, infrastructure, and climate initiatives. Leading the charge is Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz, along with his conservative CDU party, who have joined forces with the Social Democrats and the Greens to push through a €500 billion special fund. But will this ambitious plan secure enough support? And what impact will it have on Germany’s and Europe’s political and economic landscape?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

A night out turned into a nightmare in North Macedonia. On Sunday morning a fire ripped through a packed nightclub in the town of Kočani, killing at least 59 people and injuring over 150. The cause of this tragedy is a mix of reckless decisions, negligence, and corruption, an all-too-familiar pattern in the Balkans. But is this another wake up call? And will anyone actually be held accountable?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

In the last episode, we look at the future of the transport sector. How will goods be moved in the coming years? Which role will artificial intelligence play? And most importantly, will truck drivers still be needed or will they be replaced by machines? To answer these questions, we went to Intermodal Europe, the congress that brings together industry professionals in Rotterdam each year to discuss the future of the transport sectorTruck Drivers is a podcast co-produced by Europod and Ser Podcast. This podcast is part of WePod, a collaborative project funded by the Creative Europe program of the European Commission.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.Subscribe to Europod • English for more podcasts, and find us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

“Absolutely forbidden to open this door” signs are plastered with blue and white police tape on doors of European Parliament offices. And all this feels like a depressing déjà vu! Just a few years after the Qatargate bribery scandal rocked the EU’s only directly elected institution, accusations of cash-for-favors are once again casting a shadow on current and former European lawmakers. The “alleged bribery” would have benefited China’s tech giant Huawei, the Belgian prosecutor’s office said on Thursday. But who is involved and what is the parliament doing to fight corruption?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

So the latest diplomatic gymnastics around Ukraine are all about the proposed 30 day ceasefire between the two countries. President Donald Trump has suggested that he might target Russia financially if Moscow refuses to accept it. This ceasefire was brokered in Saudi Arabia between the U.S. and Ukraine, and now the world is waiting for Russia’s response. Will Vladimir Putin say “nyet” to Trump or will he accept the 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.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram

This is the third time in three years Portugal is heading for a snap election. The political instability is more evident than ever for the country and analysts are worried if it will have a domino effect on the already vulnerable Portuguese economy. But why is political instability becoming the norm in a country that, until recently, was seen as one of Europe’s most stable democracies? What happened this time and what implications can this have on a European level? 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