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Brussels Playbook Podcast

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

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

PublishesDailyEpisodes669Founded9 years ago
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PoliticsNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for Brussels Playbook Podcast

Latest Episodes

Europe's united front on Ukraine is showing cracks.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre have opened a direct line to Vladimir Putin, drawing criticism from some fellow European leaders — even as Ukraine ba... more

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Ursula von der Leyen’s plan to slim down and reorganize the European Commission moves a step closer, with outside advisers calling for a stronger center, fewer bureaucratic silos and potentially far-reaching changes to some of Brussels’ most powerful... more

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Canada and the EU want a much closer relationship — but they still disagree over what that relationship actually is.

Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur look ahead to this week’s EU-Canada summit in Montreal, where leaders are still negotiating the l... more

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U.S. President Donald Trump has the world’s war crimes court in his crosshairs.

By sanctioning the entire International Criminal Court, his administration is threatening its ability to function. Europe has rushed to the court’s defense — but can it ... more

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Recent Guests

Zoya Sheftalovich
POLITICO chief EU correspondent
POLITICO
Episode: EU summit runs out of gas
Gregorio Sorgi
POLITICO financial services reporter
POLITICO
Episode: EU summit runs out of gas
Tim Ross
POLITICO chief political correspondent in Europe and the U.K.
POLITICO
Episode: EU summit runs out of gas
Andrius Kubilius
European Commissioner for Defence and Space
European Commission
Episode: EU leaders face off over the budget
Magnus Brunner
European Commissioner for Migration
European Commission
Episode: The EU budget battle just got nastier
Helen Collis
Health editor at Politico
Politico
Episode: Is the EU ready for the next pandemic?
Michel Kazatchkine
Former head of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; pandemics expert
Global Health Expert
Episode: Is the EU ready for the next pandemic?
Nick Vinegar
Colleague, journalist
POLITICO
Episode: Behind closed doors, Europe braces for a deadly attack
Hamish Falconer
Britain's new Brexit Minister
UK Government
Episode: Behind closed doors, Europe braces for a deadly attack

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
    Belgium2 months 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
    Belgium2 months 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 Kingdom2 months 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
#247
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#75
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#115
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#192
United Kingdom/News
Apple Podcasts
#6
Italy/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#53
France/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The EU budget battle just got nastier
Q: Where are we at on that proposal? Is there broad support and are you going ahead with it?
Brunner says the Commission is developing a European Emergency Response Framework to give member states more flexibility when mass migration movements are engineered or weaponized.
The EU budget battle just got nastier
Q: Can you talk a little bit about what you hope to achieve there?
Magnus Brunner says the EU is visiting Bangladesh to address a dangerous migration route from Bangladesh and Pakistan through the Gulf, Egypt and Libya, and to discuss border protection and possible legal pathways to Europe.
Europe's development aid dilemma
Q: Why does the EU seem uninterested in Andy Burnham's suggestion that the U.K. could rejoin the EU?
EU officials are not treating rejoining as imminent, in part because similar discussion has happened before and because they believe the U.K. had favorable membership terms but still chose to leave. The hosts also note that some governments miss the U.K.'s influence in EU budget debates.
Europe's development aid dilemma
Q: What is the EU's argument for not cutting development aid?
The Commission and some national officials argue that reducing aid can worsen conditions in developing countries and contribute to future migration, which could create additional costs for Europe. Ian Wishart notes that the evidence for a direct link is disputed and that the Commission also has an institutional reason to defend a larger budget.
EU leaders face off over the budget
Q: Is Europe's proposal for a security protocol or security council about weakening NATO?
Kubilius says the proposal is intended to strengthen NATO's European pillar, not weaken NATO or encroach on its role.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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Age Range
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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 Intelligence from The Economist
5. Today in Focus

How many episodes of Brussels Playbook Podcast are there?

Brussels Playbook Podcast launched 9 years ago and published 669 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. Zoya Sheftalovich
2. Gregorio Sorgi
3. Tim Ross
4. Andrius Kubilius
5. Magnus Brunner
6. Helen Collis
7. Michel Kazatchkine
8. Nick Vinegar

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