Brussels Playbook Podcast
Episode 1: The Plan to Get Ukraine into the EU
Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Zoya Sheftalovich (Chief EU Correspondent, POLITICO)
Guest: Ian Wishart (Senior EU Politics Editor)
Episode Overview
The debut of the Brussels Playbook Podcast kicks off with an energetic and reporting-driven guide to what’s driving EU politics. The central theme today is the European Union’s behind-the-scenes maneuvers to fast-track Ukraine’s accession, despite political roadblocks—most notably, Hungary’s opposition. The episode also covers the looming competitiveness debate among EU leaders and a lighter, culturally relevant note on the vanishing Irish pubs in Brussels.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Fast-Tracked Plan to Get Ukraine into the EU
Context
- There has been no new country joining the EU since Croatia in 2013, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has radically shifted the conversation about enlargement.
- Ukraine applied for EU membership in February 2022; it is one of nine current candidate countries.
- EU leaders are under pressure to present tangible progress to Ukraine before a potential peace deal referendum.
The Five-Point Plan (01:46)
- Getting Ukraine Ready: Ukraine must complete all required reforms and "homework."
“No one’s talking about shortcuts or not meeting the benchmarks… They want Ukraine to do the homework.” – Zoya (01:46)
- EU Membership Light: Introducing an interim “membership-light” phase—enables Ukraine to participate in Council summits and discussions without full membership.
- Wait for the Hungarian Election: Scheduled for April 2026. Viktor Orban’s opposition is a key obstacle.
- Trump’s Potential Pressure: If Orban wins, team Zelensky is considering if Donald Trump might nudge Orban due to their relationship.
- Stripping Hungary’s Voting Rights: As a last resort, if Hungary continues to block, there is talk of invoking Article 7 to suspend Hungary’s EU voting rights.
Reverse Enlargement & Lowering the Bar?
- Ursula von der Leyen discussed “reverse enlargement”: letting countries enter the bloc if they’ve completed almost all reforms, even while some are pending (03:22).
- Zoya clarifies:
“I don’t think anyone is talking about lowering the bar per se... They want to give Zelensky something for his people to see as progress.” (04:03)
Political Urgency
- Ukrainian President Zelensky needs concrete promises of EU membership to win domestic support for a potential peace deal, which may require territorial concessions (04:25).
- There’s fear that without such an incentive, Ukrainians might reject any peace plan in a referendum, making the war intractable.
The Hungary Problem (05:09)
- Orban’s categorical opposition (“He will never allow Ukraine to join the EU” – Zoya) is a major hurdle.
- Since EU enlargement requires unanimity, Hungary’s “no” can block Ukraine indefinitely.
Options for Addressing Hungary’s Blockade
- Diplomatic persuasion and, if needed, external leverage (notably speculation about Trump’s involvement).
- Article 7 is not an explicit threat tied to the Ukraine question, but is a tool due to Hungary’s ongoing rule-of-law violations (06:22).
2. Competitiveness Back on the EU Table (07:16)
Upcoming Informal Leaders’ Retreat
- EU leaders are gathering at Alden Bisson, Belgium, to address competitiveness and the bloc’s strategic vulnerabilities.
Ursula von der Leyen’s Letter (07:34)
- Eight-page call to arms:
“The world is being increasingly shaped by raw power, strategic rivalry and the weaponization of dependencies.” – Ian, quoting von der Leyen (07:34)
- Zoya explains the “weaponization of dependencies” refers to external pressures from China (rare earths) and the US (tariffs).
Divided Approaches
- Germany advocates for deregulation and SME-friendly policies.
- France pushes for state subsidies for defense, technology, and infrastructure (09:00).
“We all agree on the disease, we just don’t agree on the cure.” – Zoya, citing diplomats (09:23)
Prospects for Progress
- Little expectation for a breakthrough at the retreat, but Zoya sees it as a likely turning point, with ripple effects expected in following weeks (10:19).
3. Where Have All the Irish Pubs Gone? (11:15)
Dwindling Social Hubs for Brussels Politicos
- Iconic venues like De Valeras closed on New Year’s Eve; Kitty O’Shea’s has gone dark due to a gas leak but promises to return.
- These establishments are unofficial extensions of diplomatic life, frequented by officials and journalists:
“It really was a place where the higher echelons of the European Commission would go in and have conversations…” – Ian (12:15)
Personal & Institutional Impact
- Zoya recounts being locked out of Kitty O’Shea’s, joined by diplomats “looking for a cheeky drink.”
- Soliciting audience suggestions for their next after-work haunt (12:53).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the purpose of the new approach to enlargement:
“We need to give Volodymyr Zelensky… something that he can take to his people next year in 2027, which will allow them to see progress on this membership bid.” – Zoya (04:03)
- On EU leaders’ challenge with competitiveness:
“The problem...is that we all agree on the disease, we just don’t agree on the cure for it.” – Zoya (09:23)
- On the culture of Brussels Irish pubs:
“Often you see it [Kitty O’Shea’s] as an extension of where business gets done, where diplomats and senior officials go in to talk business.” – Ian (11:30)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Ukraine’s Five-Point EU Accession Plan: 01:27 – 06:51
- Enlargement Process & “Reverse Enlargement” Detailed: 03:05 – 04:21
- Hungary’s Blockade and Article 7: 05:09 – 06:51
- Competitiveness Debate Intro & von der Leyen’s Letter: 07:16 – 09:00
- Divisions on Economic Policy: 09:00 – 10:19
- Significance of Leaders’ Retreat: 10:19 – 10:59
- Irish Pub Closures in Brussels: 11:15 – 13:11
Conclusion
Episode 1 of the Brussels Playbook Podcast delivers a concise but deep look at the high-stakes questions animating Brussels: how to get Ukraine into the EU despite entrenched opposition, how to keep Europe competitive in a turbulent geopolitical landscape, and—on the lighter side—how the character of political Brussels is shaped by its cultural institutions, even its pubs.
Tone: Breezy, conversational, with a distinctly pragmatic and well-informed perspective thanks to Zoya and Ian’s lively, peer-level rapport.
Stay Tuned
- Next episode: More key insights from Brussels politics, with the same reporting-driven, energetic tone.
- Listener engagement: Share your Brussels pub stories or tips with the POLITICO team.