Brussels Playbook Podcast

Episode: Von der Leyen accused of overreach

Date: March 9, 2026
Host: Zoya Sheftalovich
Guest: Nick Vinicour, POLITICO’s Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent

Episode Overview

This episode of the Brussels Playbook Podcast examines rising frustration in Brussels over European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s perceived overreach during the ongoing Iran conflict and in EU enlargement discussions. The episode also covers the EU’s growing housing crisis and recent disruptions to public transportation in Brussels, offering listeners in-depth context, political nuance, and a touch of the hosts' signature humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Von der Leyen’s “Overreach” in EU Foreign Policy

[01:33 – 08:24]

The Iran Conflict and Diplomatic Tensions

• The Iran conflict has entered its second week, with notable escalations, including the appointment of a new Iranian Supreme Leader, Mujtaba Khamenei, following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israeli strike.
• The European Council President (António Costa) and Commission President (von der Leyen) are convening a video conference with Middle Eastern leaders.
• EU focus: Expressing solidarity, supporting EU citizens abroad, and managing diplomatic relationships with Gulf countries.

Frustration with Ursula von der Leyen

• Increasing irritation among diplomats, EU officials, and lawmakers over von der Leyen’s proactive role in foreign policy.

• Complaints include her:

  • Holding independent calls with Gulf leaders.
  • Sending Commissioners to high-level meetings (like the Board of Peace).
  • Taking an “activist” stance on enlargement, beyond her perceived mandate.

• Key Quote:

  “They’re saying, well, you know, this really is not her mandate to conduct foreign policy on behalf of the EU states, and we need to have a bit of a reckoning about who does what in the EU.”
  — Nick Vinicour [03:02]

• Normally, EU foreign policy is the purview of the High Representative (currently Kaja Kallas) and/or the Council President (António Costa).

Member States’ Response

• Some diplomats, especially from smaller and larger states alike, are rallying behind High Representative Kaja Kallas, defending the slow, consensus-driven approach (“27 member states”) to foreign policy.

• There is confusion about what von der Leyen might be promising external leaders in her conversations—and on whose behalf those commitments are being made.

• Von der Leyen’s controversial statement about “transition in Iran” was interpreted by some as EU endorsement of regime change, which was not an agreed position.

• Key Quote:

  “When you say such things, who are you speaking on behalf of? And there isn’t really a great answer to that question.”
  — Nick Vinicour [05:41]

2. EU Enlargement Debate

[05:52 – 08:02]

• Ursula von der Leyen has been pushing to open the EU to new members, which has irked more conservative member states who want a slower approach.

• Recent discussions and leaks from the Commission have led to the perception that Ukraine could become a full member by 2027—a timeline most capitals reject.

• The idea of a “reverse enlargement,” where Ukraine could have limited membership benefits before full accession, is in play.

• These debates reflect broader concerns about process, pace, and the need for unanimous member state support.

• Key Quote:

  “The idea of them becoming a full member state in 2027 is just not going to fly with anyone.”
  — Nick Vinicour [06:50]

3. Brussels Ambassadors Conference & Institutional Tensions

[08:02 – 08:24]

• The annual Ambassadors Conference in Brussels features both Kaja Kallas and Ursula von der Leyen as speakers, with institutional tensions expected on the sidelines.
• Concerns over the downgrading and resource-stripping of the EEAS (European External Action Service) will be a theme.

4. EU Housing Crisis

[08:24 – 11:46]

• Ministers are meeting in Brussels for informal discussions on housing, followed by a European Parliament debate.

• The housing crisis is political dynamite — linking housing unaffordability to the rise of far-right and fringe parties.

  • Statistic:
    “Between 2010 and the second quarter of 2025, house prices in the EU increased by 60%, and rents by 29%.”
    — Zoya Sheftalovich [09:58]

• In some cities, rents exceed average incomes (Lisbon: 116% of average salary spent on rent).

• Rapidly rising rents in Brussels: €1,300/month for apartments, €900/month for studios.

  • Especially tough on EU interns and trainees.

• The EU’s first affordable housing plan was presented (by Commissioner Dan Jorgensen), warning leaders that inaction would empower populists.

• Policy ideas include better tracking of speculation, and more powers for regional/local governments to restrict short-term lets (e.g., Airbnb).

• Key Quote:

  “In places like Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, families spend over 70% of their income on rent. In Lisbon, it’s 116%, Nick. That’s higher rents than average salaries!”
  — Zoya Sheftalovich [10:21]
  “It doesn’t work.”
  — Nick Vinicour [10:40]

5. Brussels Public Transport Woes

[11:46 – 13:59]

• Reconstruction of Schuman Roundabout is nearing completion, favoring pedestrians and cyclists at the expense of bus access.

• Permanent bus route deviations are likely, causing inconvenience.

• Plans for a €13-million steel canopy at Schuman are scrapped due to budget constraints.

• Extended train strike underway through Wednesday, with a general strike affecting all public transport scheduled for Thursday.

• Memorable Exchange:

  “I like to take the bus… walking through [Schuman] is a bit of a nightmare at the moment. But… the way that they’ve redesigned the roundabout… it’s not going to be accessible for buses. So the deviations… are here to stay forever.”
  — Zoya Sheftalovich [11:52]
  “Terrible news for bus riders. Or is it?”
  — Nick Vinicour [12:22]

6. Lighthearted Closing: Idioms and Listener Engagement

[13:59 – 15:37]

• Zoya shares the Aussie idiom “not here to put socks on a centipede” (not wanting to waste time).

• Nick shares equivalents (“let’s not split hairs”; French and Swedish variants), and Zoya adds “don’t put pasta on my ears” (Ukrainian; meaning don’t bamboozle me).

• Listeners are invited to share their own regional, non-translatable idioms via WhatsApp.

• Memorable Moment:

  “Apparently it’s an Aussie-ism. Nick, do you know what it means?”
  — Zoya Sheftalovich [14:27]
  “Literally never heard that before in my life.”
  — Nick Vinicour [14:28]

Important Timestamps

• Von der Leyen’s overreach in foreign policy: [02:43 – 05:52]
• EU Enlargement and Ukraine debate: [05:52 – 08:02]
• Ambassadors Conference & EEAS resources: [08:02 – 08:24]
• EU Housing crisis stats and debate: [08:24 – 11:41]
• Public transport issues in Brussels: [11:46 – 13:59]
• Idioms and cultural sign-off: [13:59 – 15:37]

Tone & Notable Quotes

• The dialogue is lively, colloquial, and grounded in candid political observations.
• Zoya Sheftalovich’s humor shines (commiserating about moving and rent, playful idiom chat).
• Nick Vinicour’s reporting brings behind-the-scenes color from diplomatic sources.

For First-Time Listeners

This episode delivers a concise and punchy guide to the hottest debates in Brussels, with reporting from the ground. The show weaves together high-level political disputes with relatable anecdotes, making it highly accessible—and engaging—for newcomers and policy insiders alike.