Europod • News

Today’s Briefed Special is a longer conversation from our series Europe Talks Back.The European Union is one of the world’s most developed regions; yet deep territorial inequalities persist. According to Eurostat, GDP per capita can vary threefold within the same member state, with capital regions often earning twice as much as the rest of the country.In this episode of Europe Talks Back, produced with ESPON, Léa Marchal explores why many small and medium-sized cities are losing ground — and whether this trend can be reversed.Joined by Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, Professor at the London School of Economics and Chair of the High-Level Group on the Future of EU Cohesion Policy, the discussion looks at demographic decline, policy blind spots, and the limits of current cohesion funding.Are these cities doomed to fall behind - or can smarter investment and stronger local institutions help them thrive again?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.A podcast by Europod, in cooperation with ESPON, an EU-funded programme that bridges research with policies“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.”

“Far-left kills.” That’s how extreme-right protesters have described the death of Quentin Deranque. A formula also used by various political figures in France and abroad to blame far-left and antifascist movements in a broader sense.Can this dramatic event weaken antifascist movements across Europe?Production : By Europod in co-production with the Sphera network.This episode is based on a story written by Enric Bonet for El Salto and another one written by László Szily for 444, and is co-written with Hélène Pillon from Médianes.

In Spain, the Therian community—people who spiritually identify as animals—has been the subject of heated debates on social media and in the press. Yet, the phenomenon exists primarily in the mouths of its detractors. Why has such a minority movement received so much attention in recent days?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedIn • Instagram

Poland isn’t just preparing for war—it’s rewriting the rulebook on how to get ready. The defence training programmes adopted in 2025 should train some 400 000 people this year only.  Meanwhile, the rest of the EU is slowly catching up on defence. What can we learn from Poland’s approach?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram

The U.S. President keeps putting pressure on the EUWhether it’s sanctions against International Criminal Court judges or threats of tariffs, Donald Trump is using coercion to sway European decisions.So what is the EU doing to protect its independence from American pressure?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram

AI can be tricked into saying almost anything. That’s what a BBC journalist recently discovered. He found an easy way to make AI say whatever he wanted.Are authorities doing enough to regulate AI? At the EU level, is the AI Act doing its job?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on: LinkedIn Instagram

In Brussels, several EU member states are angry with the European Commission. These countries did not appreciate that the EU’s executive body attended the first meeting of the “Board of Peace” launched by Donald Trump.What was the alternative for the EU? Should Europeans stay away from this initiative?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on: LinkedIn Instagram

A new negotiation session ended yesterday between Ukraine and Russia, under the leadership of the United States. The EU, once again, did not take part in the peace talks, despite having long asked to do so. Has the EU given up on participating in the peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on: LinkedIn Instagram

In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán could lose the next elections after 10 years in power. And this, despite having the open support of Donald Trump. If Orban were to actually lose the elections, what would this mean for the EU? Could the traditional Hungarian veto become a thing of the past?Production: By Europod, in co-production with the Sphera network.Follow us on: LinkedIn Instagram