Podcast
EU Decoded
Hosted by EPP Group · EN
Bringing you politics from the heart of the EU.
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14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Kremlin’s Secret Lists: How Russia Targets Europe
2w ago00:31:44Tap to summarizeWhat happens when journalists, politicians, and activists become targets of a foreign authoritarian regime? In this episode of “EU Decoded,” we explore Russia’s use of ‘blacklists’ and intimidation against European voices that support democracy, freedom and Ukraine. The discussion goes beyond individual cases and examines the broader challenge of foreign interference, hybrid threats and the need for Europe to strengthen its democratic resilience in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.Tune in!
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The New Frontlines: Drone Threats, Trade Deals and Algorithms
3w ago00:14:00Tap to summarizeThe European Parliament has wrapped up another plenary week in Strasbourg, marked by major debates on trade, security, migration and the digital future. In this episode of “EU Decoded”, we look at the EU-US Turnberry Deal, Europe's economic relationship with China, Russian provocations along the EU's borders, and new migration rules designed to improve the returns of those with no legal right to stay in the EU. We also discuss the growing impact of social media on children, the recruitment of minors by organised crime networks, and efforts to simplify Europe's AI rules while maintaining strong safeguards. Finally, the episode features the inspiring visit of Sakharov Prize laureate Andrzej Poczobut, whose story remains a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom, democracy, and resilience. Listen now for the key takeaways from Strasbourg.
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Europe needs 10 million more homes. What's the plan?
Jun 500:39:32Tap to summarizeHousing costs are rising, supply is falling behind, and millions of Europeans are struggling to find an affordable home. In this episode of “EU Decoded”, we discuss the EU’s first housing crisis report, the need for 10 million new homes, and the reforms, investments, and innovations that could make housing more accessible for young people, families, and workers across Europe. Our guests include MEPs Borja Giménez Larraz and Nikolina Brnjac, joined by Bianca Faragau Tavares, Policy Officer at the European Investment Bank. Tune in!
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Europe Acts: Trade, the Single Market, and the AI threat
May 2200:08:39Tap to summarizeThe European Parliament has wrapped up another plenary week in Strasbourg. In this episode of “EU Decoded,” we cover the new EU-US Framework Agreement, the push for a stronger and less bureaucratic Single Market, and Europe’s growing cybersecurity and AI challenges. We also look at the first-ever European Order of Merit, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to European integration and to European values. Tune in for all the latest news from Strasbourg!
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Are your cheap Temu orders safe? Here’s what you need to know
May 600:07:15Tap to summarizeEurope is facing a surge of unsafe and non-compliant products entering its market - many of them sold through major online platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress. With billions of parcels arriving each year, concerns are growing over consumer safety and unfair competition. In this episode of “EU Decoded,” Members of the European Parliament Dirk Gotink and Andreas Schwab share insights from a recent mission to China, revealing the true scale of the issue and what’s being done to address it. From new EU customs rules to holding platforms accountable, we break down how Europe plans to protect its consumers and safeguard the Single Market. Is the EU doing enough? What will it take to restore balance? Tune in to find out.
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Europe's Children, Europe's Budget, Europe's War
May 100:09:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of “EU Decoded,” we break down the key outcomes of the European Parliament’s latest plenary session in Strasbourg. Topics include new efforts to combat cyberbullying and protect children online, proposals to increase the EU’s long-term budget, and energy security challenges linked to the Middle East. We also discuss calls for a common EU definition of rape based on consent and steps towards holding Russia accountable for its war in Ukraine through an international compensation mechanism. Tune in!
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Hybrid war and hostage diplomacy: What’s next for Belarus?
Mar 2300:20:36Tap to summarizeIn the latest episode of “EU Decoded”, we unpack the political developments in Belarus. At the turn of 2025-2026, the United States partly lifted and eased some of its sanctions on Belarusian exports, a key source of revenue for the regime. Shortly after, President Aliaksandr Lukashenka released 123* political prisoners, including prominent opposition figures Viktar Babaryka, Maria Kalesnikava and Ales Bialiatski. What does this mean for the European Union’s policy towards Minsk? Should sanctions pressure continue while hundreds of political prisoners remain behind bars? In this episode, we also examine Belarus’ ongoing alignment with Vladimir Putin’s Russia in the war against Ukraine, and the use of migration pressure at the EU’s borders as a hybrid warfare tactic. Our guests: EPP Group MEPs Andrzej Halicki and Paulius Saudargas and Anna Krasulina, Deputy Chairperson of the United Civil Party of Belarus 🎙️ Listen to the latest episode of “EU Decoded” to understand what these developments mean for Europe. * This episode was recorded before Belarusian authorities released another 250 prisoners on 19 March.
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Iran, ‘Coco’s Law’, and securing the EU online and offline
Mar 1300:13:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of “EU Decoded”, we bring you this past week’s plenary session in a nutshell. From strengthening Europe’s defence to tackling cyberbullying and improving the housing situation, the main goal is to make Europe safer and more prosperous. We also discuss child protection, focusing on the steps to take to make the online space safer for everyone. Tune in!
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Gender equality: Why are we still talking about it?
Mar 500:27:31Tap to summarizeTo mark International Women’s Day 2026, in our new episode of “EU Decoded” we ask: Gender equality - why are we still talking about it? We look at the concrete steps Europe has taken in recent years, from pay transparency rules to help close the gender pay gap to stronger parental and carers’ rights, binding targets for women on corporate boards, and the first-ever EU Directive to Combat Violence Against Women. Our guest are MEPs Liesbet Sommen and Maria Walsh.Tune in!
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Protecting Europe: From Battlefields to Phone Screens
Feb 1300:10:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of “EU Decoded”, we bring you a wrap up of the latest Plenary session and explore how the European Parliament is addressing the defining challenges of our time. From strengthening Europe’s defence to reforming migration procedures and supporting Ukraine with a €90 billion package, the focus is on security, unity, and resilience. We also discuss Europe’s economic competitiveness, with calls to deepen the Single Market and reduce barriers to growth. Finally, we turn to online safety, as we call for criminalising cyberbullying across the EU and better protecting children in the digital age. Tune in!
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