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Brussels Playbook Podcast

POLITICO
European Union
Ukraine
Russia
NATO
Hungary
Ursula Von Der Leyen
Donald Trump
Brussels
China
Viktor Orbán
Germany
European Parliament
European Commission
Iran
EU Politics
United States
France
Poland
Artificial Intelligence
European Union Budget

POLITICO’s daily audio briefing on what’s moving Brussels — and why it matters. The Brussels Playbook Podcast is the audio extension of the Brussels Playbook newsletter. Hosted by POLITICO's chief EU correspondent, Zoya Sheftalovich, the podcast runs Monday through Thursday, offering a clear, reporting-driven guide to EU politics in under 15 minutes. It’s a perfect companion for your morning coffe... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes656Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
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Artwork for Brussels Playbook Podcast

Latest Episodes

Five years after the height of the Covid pandemic, how much better prepared is the EU for the next health crisis?

Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by POLITICO health reporter Helen Collis and global health expert Michel Kazatchkine to discuss the myster... more

YouTube

Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is kicking off his visit to China today — and the stakes are high.

On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton discuss the most important topic on the agenda: Europe’s trade deficit with China. France and G... more

YouTube

Russia’s hybrid attacks across Europe — cyberattacks, sabotage, drone incursions — have been ramping up in recent months. But European governments are quietly preparing for something much worse.

On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart dis... more

YouTube

Spain’s snap election is poised to upend not just domestic politics ... but EU politics, too.

On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart break down all the far-reaching impact the tumult in Madrid could have for the bloc — from effects on t... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Elizabeth Bra
Security expert, author of The Undersea War
Independent security analyst / author
Episode: The €865 billion brainstorming session
Ekaterina Stoyanova
Senior Policy Advisor at Recycling Europe
Recycling Europe
Episode: SPONSORED EPISODE: What is polyester worth?
Cveta Majtanovic
Sustainability Director at Rematrix
Rematrix
Episode: SPONSORED EPISODE: What is polyester worth?
Patrik Frisk
CEO of Reju
Reju
Episode: SPONSORED EPISODE: What is polyester worth?
Cardinal Michael Czerny
Head of the Vatican Inter-Dicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence
Vatican
Episode: The Pope is fretting about frontier AI — what’s the EU’s answer?
Axel Voss
Member of the European Parliament, European People's Party
European Parliament
Episode: The Pope is fretting about frontier AI — what’s the EU’s answer?
Mary Eccles
Colleague reporting on EU politics
POLITICO
Episode: A power struggle in Brussels — and our big reveal
Marion Sollety
Chief Europe Correspondent in Paris
POLITICO
Episode: A power struggle in Brussels — and our big reveal
James Angelos
Editor in Berlin
POLITICO
Episode: A power struggle in Brussels — and our big reveal

Hosts

Zoya Sheftalovich
Host with POLITICO's Brussels bureau; specializes in EU politics and policy coverage.
Ian Wishart
Senior EU politics editor; co-host on some episodes; provides deep policy analysis.
Sarah Wheaton
Policy Editor; hosts weekend and longer-format episodes; brings broader policy context.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 1.7k ratings
  • Disappointing

    Lots of speculations, hardly backed by meaningful facts or understanding of institutional roles or processes.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    myboxbg
    Belgiuma month ago
  • 5-star infotainment for EU!

    Bite-sized stories to whet your appetite for the pressing issues facing the Brussels bubble, so engagingly presented that I miss it on weekends. It’s just that good.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AudreyAF
    Belgiuma month ago
  • Quickfire fun brilliance!

    Really strong news and analysis of what’s happening and what matters -perfect

    Length for overview and excellent focus on the real top issue and Anshan’s and insight into it - and fun, fast moving and super well informed!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    roseyits
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Zoya and Ian - I am glad your back - the the day starts better with the Brussels Playbook

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Schweizer_Ausländer
    2 months ago
  • The Perfect 15 Minute European News Catch Up

    I love the Brussels Playbook podcast. I find it’s very informative and up to date. It’s gives you everything you need to know in a short, easy-to-digest episode in about 15 minutes.

    I love listening to it while driving, and by the time I arrive, I feel completely caught up on what’s happening.

    Definitely one of my favourite ways to keep up with European news and politics.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tom Kinane
    Ireland2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Well-produced and timely, but some listeners crave deeper economic analysis.
Clear, concise EU briefing with practical takeaways for decision-makers.
Very informative daily dose for Brussels watchers and global policy audiences.
Occasional strong opinions noted; some praise the host's approachable delivery.
Insightful guest mix and sharp banter keep complex topics engaging.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#226
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#79
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#173
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#194
United Kingdom/News
Apple Podcasts
#9
Italy/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#45
France/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Could Orbán lead Hungary again?
Q: So, does he want to cast off an ousted strongman's shadow, or might Viktor Orbán still be seeking to find a way back?
The guest suggests that although Orbán's influence remains central, the current framework legally bars him from running; any return would require a constitutional majority and potential changes to the rules, with emphasis on restoring constitutional normativity rather than nostalgia.
Week Ender: Verhofstadt on "Trumpism", plus summer must-reads
Q: What inspired you to write Defeating Trumpism and how do you see populism reshaping liberal democracy?
Verhofstadt argues that populism thrives on revenge and fear rather than a constructive future, and that liberal democracies must reclaim ideological ground by offering a clear, hopeful vision and concrete reforms, including new economic models and stronger European integration.
Week Ender archives: Can Europe quit American Big Tech?
Q: Is the push for European tech sovereignty primarily about market competitiveness or also political signaling to the US?
Laurens Cerulus explains that it is both: reducing dependency and shaping a pragmatic, less confrontational strategy with the US while building a competitive European tech ecosystem.
Week Ender archives: Can Europe quit American Big Tech?
Q: What was the tipping point moment when bridging conversations wasn't enough anymore?
Marietje Schaake argues Europe must act in its own self-interest and move beyond bridge-building, pushing for Europe-first strategies and stronger political leadership to redefine tech sovereignty.
Will Europe warm to Britain's new Prime Minister?
Q: What is the realistic path for the UK to reconnect with the EU under the new government?
The panelists suggest pursuing pragmatic, incremental steps rather than a full-scale reversion to membership talks, focusing on concrete policy areas and maintaining a long-term direction toward closer cooperation while acknowledging political constraints on both sides.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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Frequently Asked Questions About Brussels Playbook Podcast

What is Brussels Playbook Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A brisk, reporting-driven daily briefing on European Union politics, aimed at professionals who need to understand what's moving Brussels and why it matters. Episodes typically run under 15 minutes and deliver concise updates on policy shifts, institutional dynamics, and key events, with a Friday deeper-dive that adds broader context. Frequent topics include EU governance, migration, digital policy, energy, and geopolitics, often featuring insider perspectives from Brussels insiders and occasional expert guests. The show is known for clear explanations, practical relevance for decision-makers, and a light, engaging tone that keeps complex policy accessible. A standout strength is its tight turnaround and its blend of hard reporting with app... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Brussels Playbook Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Brussels Playbook Podcast:

1. Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes
2. The Rachman Review
3. Inside Europe
4. The Foreign Affairs Interview
5. The Intelligence from The Economist

How many episodes of Brussels Playbook Podcast are there?

Brussels Playbook Podcast launched 9 years ago and published 656 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Brussels Playbook Podcast?

Recent guests on Brussels Playbook Podcast include:

1. Elizabeth Bra
2. Ekaterina Stoyanova
3. Cveta Majtanovic
4. Patrik Frisk
5. Cardinal Michael Czerny
6. Axel Voss
7. Mary Eccles
8. Marion Sollety

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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