Europe Talks Back

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has returned home being arrested in Tehran on December 19, Sala’s harrowing 3-week detention in the notorious Evin prison took a surprising turn with her release on January 8. With the involvement of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who personally took charge of the diplomatic negotiations, the case turned into a symbolic victory for both Italy and Meloni herself.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

Austria is on the brink of a historic political shift as the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) positions itself to lead the government. Meanwhile, Elon Musk stirs controversy in Germany by using his platform to amplify the far-right AfD ahead of snap elections, raising serious concerns about the influence of Big Tech on European democracy. For now all eyes are on Brussels to enforce the DSA, but why the lack of decisive action?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in collaboration with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram

On our very first episode of the Long Story Short, we dive into the critical crossroads of 2025, where Ukraine's fight for freedom meets Europe’s energy uncertainty. In this episode, we unpack the latest updates from Ukraine, the abrupt halt of Russian gas via Ukraine, and what it all means for EU citizens facing rising energy costs and geopolitical tensions. What’s at stake for Europe, security, and industry as the war continues? And could this be the year Ukraine's war finally ends?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

Long Story Short is Europod's new daily podcast.Host Evi Kiorri breaks down one news story shaping Europe at a time, in just under five minutes, cutting through the noise and bringing you the facts, the context, and what it all means. Whether you’re on your lunch break, grabbing a coffee, or just catching your breath, Long Story Short is your new go-to for staying in the know.Starting January 6th 2025, episodes of Long Story Short will drop by 12.30 PM CET, from Monday to Friday.Long Story Short is produced by Europod in co production with the Sphera Network.

In October this year, the social media giant META, took down a Russian network of social media accounts spreading disinformation on the War on Ukraine. META says it is the largest network of its kind, the company disrupted since the war in Ukraine began. More specifically, identified social media accounts were sharing false information by relaunching fake articles published on 60 websites impersonating legitimate news organisations. Articles published on these websites were shared on social media and messaging apps, such as Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and Twitter. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci interviews Marìa Dios, editor at Europe Talks Back, about the pro-Russian disinformation operation taken down by META and Trisha Meyer, Professor of Digital Governance and Participation at the Brussels School of Governance of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Professor Meyer leads the Research Centre for Digitalisation, Democracy and Innovation, the BA in Communication and Public Relations, and the Jean Monnet Winter and Summer Schools on EU Policy-Making.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: EuropodFollow us on:LinkedInInstagram

In your opinion, can protesting change anything? Many protests have been organized in Europe and the UK to denounce the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Despite the worsening of the situation, these mobilizations don’t seem to have a real impact, as the situation on the ground remains catastrophic.This leads our host Gail Rego to ask whether mobilization makes any difference. She discusses this with our guests Shabbir Lakha and Blackbird!Find the new episode on our website and listening platforms.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: EuropodFollow us on:LinkedInInstagram

In this episode of Europe Talks Back we bring to you the story of Karen from France, who, despite retiring, decided to join Greenpeace. Karen explains why age should not be a barrier to making a difference in societal struggles. As a relatively older activist, Karen also emphasizes the importance of educating people of all ages about the perils of climate change and working together in unity to create a sustainable future. This inspiring story challenges the stereotype that climate activism is only for the young. We can't wait for the younger generations to be in power and hope that they'll change everything - KarenKey moments00:01:28 - The Generational Divide,00:05:13 - Karen's Journey,00:08:38 - Older Activists in Climate Action,00:13:18 - Intergenerational Dialogue,00:15:40 - The Importance of Activism in Retirement,00:16:33 - French Protests Against Pension Reform and Climate Change,00:21:49 - Closing Generational Gaps. Credits and staff The second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios. The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond. Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet. Reporting for this story by Irene Fodaro.The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: EuropodFollow us on:LinkedInInstagram

Over the past few months and years, across Europe, far-right parties have gained electoral support. From recent elections in Italy and Sweden, to France, Germany, Spain, Poland or Hungary: a conservative wind appears to blow over the Old Continent. One narrative all these far-right political forces have in common is a return to traditional gender norms. But why are these narratives so successful? And what does this tell us about the relationship between younger generations, social class and conservative world-views?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: EuropodFollow us on:LinkedInInstagram