Podcast Summary: Brussels Playbook Podcast

Episode: The EU’s plan to revive its frontline regions
Host: Zoya Sheftalovich (POLITICO’s chief EU correspondent)
Guest: Ian Wishart (Senior European Politics Editor)
Release Date: February 18, 2026
Duration: ~15 minutes

Overview

This episode focuses on the European Commission’s new plan to help the EU’s eastern border regions, which have suffered economically and demographically due to Russia’s war in Ukraine and the resulting cut-off in cross-border trade and tourism. Beyond economic recovery, the episode explores the geopolitical and security implications of depopulation in these areas, the threat of disinformation, and political extremism. Other key topics include Germany's push to overhaul its intelligence capabilities, concern about democratic disillusionment in Europe, and a few lighter stories on Brussels coffee and listener feedback.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The EU's Plan to Revive Eastern Frontier Regions

Segment Start: [00:48]

• Situation Overview:

  • Border regions in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and parts of Finland have been economically devastated by the cessation of trade and tourism with Russia due to the war in Ukraine ([00:54]–[01:40]).
  • Residents have lost jobs connected to tourism and trade, and banks are now reluctant to support new businesses in “risky” border locales ([02:06]).

• EU's Response:

  • No fresh funding is available since the EU is at the end of its seven-year budget cycle ([02:39]).
  • The new Commission plan, led by Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Rafael Fito, focuses on:
    • Cheaper loans for border region businesses from the European and Nordic Investment Banks.
    • Allowing countries to use EU cohesion funds as guarantees for local businesses ([02:39]–[03:17]).

• More Than Economy – Security & Stability Concern:

  • It’s “no surprise that people want to flee,” but the real EU concern is regions becoming vulnerable to Russian disinformation and extremism ([03:17]).
  • “If people move out of these areas, you've got to remember that it's important to have people there to defend those areas.” – Zoya ([04:16])
  • Reference to Ukrainian farmers slowing Russian forces in the 2022 invasion:
    • “It was farmers who were defending the territory ... they slowed down those advancing Russian forces ... it was incredible.” – Zoya ([04:33])

• EU Motivation:

  • “The Commission is very keen to show people exactly the benefits of EU membership ... these businesses are being supported by EU money.” – Zoya ([05:15])
  • Commissioner Fito was moved by visiting a Finnish town that lost 1.8 million Russian visitors per year ([05:27]).
  • Solution is not to re-engage with Russia but to keep these towns viable ([06:06]).

2. Germany’s Intelligence Overhaul

Segment Start: [06:27]

• Background:

  • Germany’s spies are strictly limited by post-WW2 taboos after the Gestapo and then East Germany's Stasi ([07:01]).
  • Traditionally, Germany relied on allies—especially the US—for intelligence but feels it can't afford to be as dependent anymore ([07:36]).

• What's Changing:

  • The new plan (130+ pages) going through parliament:
    • Increases funding for the BND (foreign intelligence agency)
    • Seeks to legalize foreign sabotage, digital hacking, and longer digital data retention ([08:20]).

• Geopolitical Context:

  • “It’s talking about not being able to trust Trump and the kind of intelligence that's coming from there ... we need to be much more independent.” – Ian ([07:36])
  • Also mentions France considering sharing its nuclear umbrella with Germany and the rest of Europe ([08:00]).

3. EU Headlines: Meloni’s Referendum & AI Summit

Segment Start: [09:13]

• Italy:

  • PM Giorgia Meloni calls a risky referendum on judicial reform (March 22–23): “It could either cement her grip on power or it could backfire.” – Zoya ([09:13])

• India:

  • Global Artificial Intelligence Summit in New Delhi has grown explosively, with a focus on AI safeguards ([09:44]).

4. Democracy Fatigue in Europe

Segment Start: [09:58]

• Polling Results:

  • Survey across Greece, France, Sweden, Britain, Romania shows waning faith in democracy ([10:10]).
  • “Roughly one in five respondents ... said that in some cases a dictatorship can be preferable to democracy.” – Zoya ([10:25])
  • Detail: Dissatisfaction with democracy – Greece (76%), France (67%), Romania (66%), Britain (41%), Sweden (32%) ([10:58]).

• Factors:

  • Institutional fatigue, anger at elites, fallout from tragedies (e.g., Greek train disaster), and constant government changes in Sweden expedite the disillusionment ([11:29]).

• Russian and Chinese Disinformation:

  • “Undermining faith in democracy is something that Russia does, it’s something that China does ... it’s part of the plan.” – Zoya ([12:17])

5. Brussels Coffee Saga & Listener Input

Segment Start: [12:54]

• Listener Angie bemoans high coffee prices; recommends MIA Concept Store for vegan pastries.
• Listener Villa suggests a better value at United Tastes on Rue Caroly ([13:10]).
• Fun fact: Coffee prices are rising globally due to extreme weather, according to Climate Central ([13:44]).
• Lighthearted banter on €5 lattes and secret “spy” skills ([14:01]–[14:35]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On border region depopulation and security:

  • “If you leave those areas unprotected... it’s easier for Russia to invade an area where there's hardly any people living than... a big thriving city.”
    — Ian Wishart ([04:22])

• On demonstrating EU value:

  • “The Commission is very keen to show people exactly the benefits of EU membership: ‘Look, we’ve built this road, we’ve built this school, these businesses are being supported by EU money.’”
    — Zoya Sheftilovich ([05:15])

• On Germany’s changing security posture:

  • "We can't guarantee who our allies are in the future. And therefore we need to be much more independent."
    — Ian Wishart ([07:36])

• On democracy skepticism:

  • “Roughly one in five respondents have said that in some cases a dictatorship can be preferable to democracy.”
    — Zoya Sheftilovich ([10:25])

• On disinformation and democracy:

  • “Undermining faith in democracy is something that Russia does, it’s something that China does. ... it’s part of the plan essentially to cast doubt on the democratic systems.”
    — Zoya Sheftilovich ([12:17])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• EU border regions economic & security crisis: [00:48] – [06:27]
• Germany’s intelligence reform debate: [06:27] – [09:10]
• Italy’s referendum, India’s AI Summit: [09:13] – [09:58]
• Waning faith in democracy in Europe: [09:58] – [12:52]
• Brussels coffee & listener feedback: [12:54] – [14:35]

Takeaway

This episode spotlights the deep interconnection between economic resilience and geopolitical security in Europe’s eastern borderlands, underlining the EU’s challenge to keep these regions vibrant in the face of Russian aggression. Elsewhere, the changing face of German intelligence and the rising tide of democratic disaffection reveal an EU that is adapting—sometimes reluctantly—to a more precarious world. The duo's mix of sharp political insight and offbeat Brussels banter makes even complex policy shifts and societal malaise feel accessible and urgent.