Brussels Playbook Podcast — "Are fuel cuts back on the table?"

Date: March 31, 2026
Host: Zoya Sheftalovich (POLITICO’s Chief EU Correspondent)
Guest: Ian Wishart (Senior EU Politics Editor)
Duration: ~14 minutes

Episode Overview

In this brisk, reporting-driven episode, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart dissect Brussels’ urgent warnings on a looming energy crisis — and the European Commission’s advice that citizens should curb their travel and cut fuel use. The team also reports on the symbolic visit of EU foreign ministers to Ukraine to mark the Bucha massacre anniversary, and unpicks an internal spat over expensive new infrastructure at the Committee of the Regions. Lively, conversational, and deeply plugged into the latest EU politics, the episode ties together major geopolitical upheavals and the immediate moves in Brussels and Europe’s capitals.

1. Brussels Prepares for a New Energy Crisis

[00:37 – 05:53]

Key Discussion Points

• Possible Fuel Cuts & Travel Curbs

  • Zoya opens by underscoring the EU’s call for citizens to potentially reduce travel and fuel consumption to prevent running down limited energy reserves.

    “Brussels is basically telling Europeans that they may need to travel less to save money on fuel…” (Zoya, 00:37)

• Background: Why Now?

  • This new crisis is triggered by escalating conflict in Iran, with additional risks tied to Houthi activity threatening the key Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz oil chokepoints.
  • Europe's last major energy emergency (2022-23) stemmed from the war in Ukraine, but the current threat is considered to be even more severe.

    “…the Houthis in Yemen…funded by Iran…[are] taking out potentially the Red Sea crossing point. So that could make the crisis even worse than the choke point in the Strait of Hormuz.” (Zoya, 02:12)

• POLITICO Scoop: Commissioner’s Confidential Letter

  • Ian highlights a leaked letter from EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen, obtained by POLITICO, advising national ministers to “reduce demand” — primarily by targeting transport sectors.
  • The Commission is acting within limits, as it cannot fully manage energy supply or pricing, but aims to coordinate a continent-wide response.

    “This is a letter, by the way, that’s not be made public, has it? We obtained this letter.” (Ian, 02:45) “...there needs to be more action on demand.” (Zoya, 02:56)

• National vs EU Competence

  • Debate centers on whether such actions are for national governments or an appropriate step for the Commission, recalling COVID-era exceptions where the EU acted beyond its normal remit.

    “Is this an EU competence, do you think? Is this not for national governments…?” (Ian, 03:19) “I think what this gives us is an indication that this is probably…a pretty significant crisis and the commission takes over.” (Zoya, 03:38)

  • The measures are voluntary — options, not mandates — but the severity of language signals serious concern.

Notable Quote:

“The message is pretty clear — look, if this conflict drags on, then Europe is going to need to adapt and adjust and we’d best start doing that now.” (Zoya, 05:31)

Memorable Moment

• Ian compares the current crisis prospect to the 1973 oil shock, noting experts now say it could be worse.

  “…experts are saying, actually this time could be worse than that.” (Ian, 05:06)

2. EU Ministers Mark Bucha Massacre in Ukraine

[05:54 – 10:17]

Key Discussion Points

• Foreign Visits & Commemoration

  • Around a dozen EU foreign ministers, plus top diplomats and selected sectoral ministers, are in Ukraine to honor the anniversary of the Bucha massacre, marked by harrowing atrocities during the war’s opening phase.

    “...the fourth anniversary of the Bucha massacre, which was one of the most horrific events of the war in the early days…” (Ian, 06:23)

  • The Bucha massacre saw about 450 civilians killed amid evidence of mass executions, rape, and other crimes.

• Legal Action & Quest for Accountability

  • The ICC and Ukrainian prosecutors opened war crimes investigations, though the ICC’s reach is limited as Russia isn’t a member.

    “...the Criminal Court cannot investigate the crime of aggression because Russia is not a member party to the court.” (Zoya, 07:20)

  • Emphasis on the special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine — with the EU as a founding member and initial funding (€10 million) pledged.
  • Tribunal aims at holding top-level political figures, e.g., Vladimir Putin, accountable, modeled after the Nuremberg Trials.

    “...the difference…is that here they focus on individuals at the political level who launched the war…” (Zoya, 08:00)

Notable Quote:

“It’s a horrible thing to say, but obviously the war in Ukraine is still going on while the world’s attentions have moved away to the Middle East. And, you know, this is just a reminder of that.” (Ian, 08:47)

Memorable Moment

• Discussion of Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts to use Ukraine’s experience in maritime blockades as leverage with Middle Eastern powers.

  “Zelensky was saying…he has offered to his Gulf counterparts…to help them learn from Ukraine’s experience unblocking the Black Sea…” (Zoya, 09:08)

3. The Committee of the Regions’ Expensive Makeover

[10:20 – 12:37]

Key Discussion Points

• What is the Committee of the Regions?

  • An EU body representing local and regional authorities, crucial for administering and influencing cohesive funding across the bloc.

    “Basically, it’s an EU body that represents local and regional authorities. So it’s got mayors, deputy mayors, local politicians.” (Zoya, 10:53)

• Controversial Infrastructure Plans

  • The Committee plans major renovations — €50 million in total — including a new 450-seat plenary (“conference hub”) at €3.6 million.
  • These plans surfaced via POLITICO’s reporting, with staff and unions upset at not being consulted, and some officials labeling the scheme “megalomaniac.”

    “...a lot of the staff and unions are up in arms because they weren’t aware of this plan before now.” (Ian, 11:37) “...it still hasn’t really been explained or explored with the relevant parties, as far as we know…” (Zoya, 11:52)

  • Raises broader questions of EU spending and transparency.

Fun Aside

• Ian plugs an upcoming Committee event on the coexistence of “large carnivores” and humans — Wolves being a recurring EU topic.

  “Event at the Committee of the regions on April 14th…continuing the discussion on the coexistence of large carnivores with humans.” (Ian, 12:20)

4. Brief Lighter Segment: Maltese Freedom Day

[12:51 – End]

• Celebrating Malta’s Freedom Day
  • Marks the 1979 end of British military presence.
  • Hosts joke about famous Maltese people and traditional pastries (“pastizzi”).

    “Pastizzis are so freaking good. I know that we always come back to food on this podcast, but genuinely, all I can think of now is pastizzi.” (Zoya, 13:30)

• Wrap with playful banter and listener engagement.

  “Who’s the most powerful Maltese person in town?” (Zoya, 13:18)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On the Energy Crisis:

  • “Brussels is basically telling Europeans that they may need to travel less to save money on fuel and to essentially not run down the supplies of energy that Europe has.”
    — Zoya, [00:37]

• On EU Competence:

  • “Is this an EU competence, do you think?...It just strikes me as an interesting thing that the commissioners think that they should step into national politics.”
    — Ian, [03:19]

• Historical Echoes:

  • “...experts are saying, actually this time could be worse than [the 1970s oil shock].”
    — Ian, [05:06]

• On Bucha Massacre:

  • “Once those troops were expelled by Ukrainians were truly, I mean, astonishing, astonishing things. So there were mass executions of civilians. Around about 450 civilians were killed…”
    — Zoya, [06:38]

• On Tribunal for Aggression:

  • “...here they focus on individuals at the political level who launched the war on Ukraine.”
    — Zoya, [08:00]

• On the Committee of the Regions Project:

  • “I think one of the officials at the union described it as megalomaniac, these plans.”
    — Ian, [11:37]

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:37 – 05:53: Fuel curbs and the EU’s energy strategy
• 05:54 – 10:17: Foreign ministers in Ukraine, Bucha commemoration, and war crimes accountability
• 10:20 – 12:37: Controversy over Committee of the Regions’ new building plans
• 12:51 – 14:00: Maltese Freedom Day and lighter close

Tone and Style

Conversational but reporting-driven, with real-time analysis balanced by wry humor and personality. Zoya and Ian’s banter keeps even the densest topics lively, while the POLITICO team’s scoops ensure listeners get an inside track on Brussels politics.

In Summary

This episode captures the EU’s rapid preparations for a possible continent-wide fuel crunch, underscores ongoing efforts to ensure accountability for war crimes in Ukraine amid shifting global focus, and puts a spotlight on EU institutional spending behind closed doors. Whether you’re an energy policymaker, foreign affairs follower, or just here for the pastry talk, this episode packs insight with personality.