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The Europe Conversation
EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra | EU 'should be more radical' to achieve energy independence
Season 1, Ep. 20
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His role has become increasingly challenging as Brussels looks to balance competitiveness and climate.
European Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra joins The Europe Conversation to discuss the EU's uphill battle to ensure energy independence, the challenges of weaning Europe off oil, and what goes on behind closed doors at multilateral climate discussions.
A series of long-form interviews with top-tier movers and shakers from Brussels and EU capitals on the challenges facing Europe—and the solutions shaping its future. Tune in and hear the story behind the story.
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19. Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič | EU will stand ground amid China trade threats
20:52||Season 1, Ep. 19European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič joins The Europe Conversation days after Beijing threatened countermeasures unless the EU softens its plans to bolster its industrial base. He discusses concerns surrounding the EU-US trade deal, why trade talks with China are vital, and with which countries the EU wants closer ties.18. Estonian President Alar Karis | EU should be involved in talks with Russia
12:38||Season 1, Ep. 18On the fringes of the World Government Summit, Estonian President Alar Karis joined The Europe Conversation to discuss calls for a special European envoy to re-engage with the Kremlin, the need to bolster EU defence capabilities and what he calls the bloc's excessive bureaucracy.17. European Council President António Costa | 'Essential to engage in cooperation instead of confrontation'
12:43||Season 1, Ep. 17After the EU's signing of a trade deal with India, European Council President António Costa joined The Europe Conversation to discuss the global implications of the agreement, the need for predictability and plans to bolster EU competitiveness.16. EU Commissioner for Technological Sovereignty Henna Virkkunen | Banning social media for youngsters?
20:30||Season 1, Ep. 16EU Commissioner for Technological Sovereignty Henna Virkkunen joins The Europe Conversation to discuss concerns that AI will replace workers, the newly launched Commissioner investigation into Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok, and what is needed to enforce social media bans.15. EU Defence Commissioner Kubilius | EU response to Russian provocations is 'insufficient'
20:43||Season 1, Ep. 15The ongoing invasion of Ukraine and increased Russian provocations spurred the creation of his role last year.The EU's defence tsar, Andrius Kubilius, joins the Europe Conversation to discuss what the bloc can bring to the military table, Trump's push to stop the war in Ukraine and his wish for a "more normal" Russia.14. EU Housing Commissioner Jørgensen | Housing emergency requires action from Brussels
20:26||Season 1, Ep. 1413. EU Migration Commissioner Brunner | EU must engage with Taliban
20:37||Season 1, Ep. 13He is touted as having the toughest job in Brussels, and dreams of playing tennis with the pope.EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, joins the Europe Conversation to discuss why the Commission supports engaging with the Taliban, the EU's role in negotiating return hubs and more.12. Montenegrin PM Spajić | A bridge to candidate countries?
20:46||Season 1, Ep. 12He is one of the youngest heads of government in the world. He aims to harness this vitality in the final spurt to make his country the 28th EU member by 2028.Montenegro's Prime Minister Milojko Spajić joins The Europe Conversation to discuss the upcoming crucial years for enlargement, visa restrictions for Russians and how Japan influenced the politician in him.