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78. Georgia’s presidential election: another test for the country’s EU relations ?
15:43||Season 2, Ep. 78Georgia has recently experienced weeks of protests following parliamentary elections that secured a win for the ruling Georgian Dream party. In the aftermath, the party announced plans to suspend efforts to join the European Union.On Saturday, the country faces presidential elections, a development that could further destabilise the nation of 3.7 million people and potentially accelerate the government’s distancing from the EU.Although the presidency in Georgia is largely ceremonial, this election is significant as it marks the first time since the 2017 constitutional reforms that the president will be chosen by parliament rather than by popular vote. The current president, Salome Zourabichvili, represents the pro-EU opposition and has consistently criticised Georgian Dream for its increasingly authoritarian, anti-Western, and pro-Russian policies. Recently, Zourabichvili declared she does not recognise the results of the parliamentary elections and pledged to remain in office until new elections are held.Georgian Dream has nominated Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former soccer player with Eurosceptic views, as its presidential candidate.To gain deeper insight into the stakes of Saturday’s election and the current situation in Georgia, Radio Schuman spoke with Nuka Kekelia, our Euronews correspondent in Tbilisi.In the second segment of the podcast, we had a look at some details of a vote on human trafficking among EU ministers.In the last part of the show, Radio Schuman brings you the new code of conduct of the upcoming Eurovision.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas.
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77. Has Europe politicised the right to asylum?
16:41||Season 2, Ep. 77Right to asylum should not be considered as a 'value' but rather a principle of international law, Olivia Sundberg, migration expert from Amnesty International told Euronews in an interview featured in Radio Schuman today.Yesterday, the European Commission presented a communication focusing on measures against countries such as Russia and Belarus, which are accused of facilitating entry of migrants into EU territory.This phenomenon is described as a ‘hybrid threat', and the European Commission is supporting EU states in addressing it by temporarily limiting access to migrants.Yesterday’s communication also included a greenlight by the EU executive to suspend the rights to access asylum if it is proportionate, temporary and limited to what is "strictly necessary". However, NGOs such as Amnesty have raised concerns about the political narrative.Today Radio Schuman analyses the situation together with Sundberg.In the second segment of the podcast, we took a look at an important EU ministerial gathering in Brussels. Can you guess the topic?In the last part of the show, Radio Schuman brings you data on the dearest and the cheapest ferry prices for 2025.Today's Radio Schuman is hosted by Sasha Vakulina and produced by the journalist Eleonora Vasques. Audio editing by David Brodheim and Zacharia Vigneron. Music by Alexandre Jas.
76. EU should focus on Syria’s political transition, not migration, says expert
22:41||Season 2, Ep. 76The European Union should prioritise establishing a viable political process in Syria, while the situation in the country and the prospects for refugees remain uncertain, a senior Middle East expert at the Italian think tank Istituto Affari Internazionali told Euronews in an interview with Radio Schuman.Since the fall of Bashar al Assad's regime, the EU has carefully calibrated its reactions to developments in Syria, avoiding triumphalism or pessimism. Since 2011, the EU has imposed sanctions on members of Assad's regime, including asset freezes and travel bans, while remaining the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Syria. However, the bloc now faces challenges in responding to the volatile situation involving a new coalition it considers a terrorist group. Some EU countries, such as Austria, have suspended asylum claims for Syrians and even proposed deportations. The Italian institute's Maria Luisa Fantappiè said these actions are premature.In the second part of the program, we took a quick look at the Brussels agenda, highlighting key discussions among newly elected European Commissioners and an upcoming vote by EU diplomats.In the last segment of the show, Radio Schuman reveals what the busiest airport in Europe - spoiler alert: a non-EU capital leads the ranking...Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas.
75. The real work on MERCOSUR deal starts now, says French liberal MEP
19:33||Season 2, Ep. 75With French opposition remaining to the EU-Mercosur deal struck last week by the EU, the real work on the deal starts now, French liberal MEP Marie-Pierre Vedrenne tells the Radio Schuman podcast today.Last week, the EU finalised the contentious Mercosur agreement with some South Amercan countries, a deal that follows on-and-off negotiations that began in 1999.However, France—one of the largest EU member states—along with several other countries with sizeable dairy and beef industries, opposes the agreement. They argue it could expose local farmers to unfair competition and heighten environmental risks.To block the deal, France is attempting to form a coalition of like-minded member states. Under EU rules, it would need the support of at least three other countries representing 35% of the bloc's population. Additionally, the agreement must gain approval from the European Parliament.In the second segment of the podcast, we look at EU ministers discussions with the Commission on the economic plans for their countries. Are they performing well?On the last part of the show, Radio Schuman reveals which airlines are using more sustainable form of fuel.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas.
74. Montenegro's president speaks out about "momentum" on EU membership
21:26||Season 2, Ep. 74Montenegro's President told Euronews he's optimistic about the country's progress to EU accession by 2028 in an interview we feature on Radio Schuman today.Jakov Milatović, elected on a pro-EU, anti-corruption platform, has pushed for reforms to meet accession criteria. The country has opened 33 negotiation chapters, with three are provisionally closed. The country also joined NATO in 2017.Challenges remain, including press freedom, judicial independence, and reducing Russian influence, he said in the interview with Euronews' Shona Murray.In the second segment of the podcast, we look at the agriculture and fisheries council today, where EU ministers are set to make significant decisions on fish quotas on the Atlantic and Mediterranean sea.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas.
73. EU must decide what it wants from Georgia, says ex-Ambassador
21:17||Season 2, Ep. 73The European Union must decide what it really wants from Georgia, former head of Georgian mission to the EU Natalie Sabanadze told Radio Schuman in an interview.According to Sabanadze, currently senior research fellow at the International Affairs think tank Chatham House, EU should react to the recently re-elected Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend EU accession talks.Last week, thousands of Georgians protested in the capital, Tbilisi, after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that his government would suspend EU membership talks until the end of 2028 and reject EU funds. The demonstrations turned violent, with police detaining and beating many protesters.Tbilisi has been in turmoil since the ruling Georgian Dream party took control of parliament following the contested October 26 election, which the opposition deemed rigged. Kobakhidze’s announcement sparked renewed unrest, though the EU reacted cautiously.EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed regret over Kobakhidze’s decision, condemned the police violence, and warned of “direct consequences” for Georgia. While sanctions are being discussed, the EU has not yet announced any specific retaliatory measures.The bloc had already frozen Georgia’s accession process after the country enacted two controversial laws, including the so-called Russian law.In the second segment of the podcast, we had a look at Romanian elections second round that will take place this weekend. Who are the contenders?Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas.
72. Can France block the Mercosur agreement ?
08:22||Season 2, Ep. 72Will France manage to kill off the Mercosur agreement? Today and tomorrow, 5 and 6 December, crucial negotiations to finalise the EU-Mercosur agreement take place in Uruguay. If approved, the trade deal involving the EU and the South American bloc, comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, would become the EU’s largest trade agreement in terms of population and trade volume. But France continues to oppose it, leaving no room for compromise.Today Radio Schuman analyses the situation before the starting of the negotiations with Euronews reporter Peggy Colin.In the second bloc of the podcast, we had a look at former European Commissioner Didier Ryenders's case and at an agenda item at the transport council where EU ministers are set to make some decisions on driving license rules.On the last segment of the show, Radio Schuman look at what is the European country where buying a house is so expensive - spoiler alert, the country leading the ranking has a good reputation for certain type of beers...Today's Radio Schuman is hosted by Shona Murray and produced by journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques. Audio editing by David Brodheim and music by Alexandre Jas.