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Brussels Playbook Podcast

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

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

PublishesDailyEpisodes640Founded9 years ago
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Latest Episodes

The old global order is breaking down. Ursula von der Leyen thinks Europe may have to start building something new around it.

In her State of the European Union speech, she floated closer ties with Canada — even “associate membership” — and a new Eu... more

YouTube

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney takes the stage in Strasbourg after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen surprised EU capitals by floating “associate membership” for Canada — a status that doesn’t actually exist, and that Ottawa itself seems... more

YouTube

In this special episode from Strasbourg, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart give their first take on the State of the European Union speech delivered by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They look at the push for a more independent Europe — f... more

YouTube

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is giving her State of the European Union address this morning ... her biggest set-piece speech of the year.

Host Zoya Sheftalovich is at the European Parliament in Strasbourg with her ears to the ground, tr... more

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Recent Guests

Dan Jørgensen
Housing Commissioner
European Commission
Episode: Behind Trump's push to break the International Criminal Court
Simrit Mamar
Head of the Israeli Space Agency
Israel
Episode: The EU’s Israel dilemma
Hans von der Burchard
Berlin-based political journalist
POLITICO
Episode: Germany's far-right bombshell
Josef Forster
BILD politics editor
BILD
Episode: What do Spain's migrant crisis and Germany's knife-edge election mean for Europe?
Ulrich Siegmund
Candidate for Saxony-Anhalt, leading AfD campaign appearances
AfD
Episode: What do Spain's migrant crisis and Germany's knife-edge election mean for Europe?
János Bóka
Leader of Fidesz in the Hungarian parliament, former minister for European affairs
Fidesz (Hungary)
Episode: Could Orbán lead Hungary again?
Laurens Cerulus
Politico Deputy Tech Editor
Politico
Episode: Week Ender archives: Can Europe quit American Big Tech?
Guy Verhofstadt
Former prime minister of Belgium and former MEP, author of Defeating Trumpism
Former Belgian Prime Minister; author
Episode: Week Ender: Verhofstadt on "Trumpism", plus summer must-reads
Dubravka Šuica
European Commissioner for the Mediterranean
European Commission
Episode: Europe's Palantir problem

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 1.6k ratings
  • 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
    a month 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
    Irelanda month ago
  • Great podcast

    Uk/Aussie. Listening from Australia, love hearing what’s up in the EU. Love Zoya (a fellow Aussie).

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Seb L-M
    Australiaa month ago
  • Bravo and thank you

    Thanks for bringing us this short episode every morning. I listen to you religiously every day! Have a great very well deserved holiday!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cfbxl22
    Belgiuma month 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
#246
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#102
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#127
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#249
United Kingdom/News
Apple Podcasts
#230
Italy/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#10
Italy/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
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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 Economics Show

How many episodes of Brussels Playbook Podcast are there?

Brussels Playbook Podcast launched 9 years ago and published 640 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. Dan Jørgensen
2. Simrit Mamar
3. Hans von der Burchard
4. Josef Forster
5. Ulrich Siegmund
6. János Bóka
7. Laurens Cerulus
8. Guy Verhofstadt

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