Europe’s next steps: Tech ambitions, trade tensions and crisis readiness
In this episode of EU Decoded, we take you to Strasbourg for the latest highlights from the European Parliament’s plenary session. Marking 80 years since the end of WWII in Europe, MEPs reflect on the painful lessons of history and reaffirm their commitment to peace, particularly amid Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine. From just and sustainable peace, trade disputes with the U.S., and innovation policy, the EPP Group outlines key strategies for resilience and growth. We also tackle the EU’s long-term budget priorities, the push for transparency in NGO funding, and new support measures for Europe’s car industry. Finally, a major Iberian blackout prompts urgent calls to strengthen Europe’s energy infrastructure. Don’t miss this!
-------- Â
10:53
The legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, the first Pope from South America, passed away on Easter Monday. In this episode of "EU Decoded", we talk about the legacy he leaves behind, and we remember his visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg in 2014. With our guests Željana Zovko MEP, Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto and Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, we tried to find answers to questions - what kind of Pope do Europe and the world need in the future and what is indeed the extent of Europe's influence on the Catholic Church today? Tune in.
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Europe’s economy, making up 99.8% of all companies and providing millions of jobs across the EU. Yet, too often, they are drowning in red tape instead of focusing on growth and innovation. In this debut episode of the SME Europe podcast, MEPs Jörgen Warborn, Marion Walsmann, Niels Flemming Hansen, Eva Maydell, and Aura Salla delve into the pressing issues facing Europe’s businesses today. Tune in for a frank conversation about what needs to change to let SMEs truly thrive in the EU.
-------- Â
39:58
The battle for European democracy: How to counter hybrid attacks?
For years, authoritarian actors have attempted to manipulate elections, spread disinformation, and divide our societies. To fight back, the European Parliament has set up a Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, focused on tackling cyberattacks, deepfakes, and online manipulation. In this episode MEPs Mika Aaltola, Lena Düpont, and Tomáš Zdechovský discuss how to strengthen the EU’s resilience against hybrid threats while protecting fundamental freedoms - like freedom of speech - in the digital space. Tune in and follow the EPP Group on social media for the latest updates on securing European democracies.
-------- Â
17:33
Europe’s big debates: Security, industry, and the economy at a crossroads
In this episode of EU Decoded, we break down the latest EU policy debates. The Internal Security Strategy is a step forward, but the EPP Group pushes for a European Security Pact to fight cross-border crime. We also cover key industry updates, including flexible CO2 rules for carmakers and support for the European steel industry. Meanwhile, the ‘Stop the Clock’ proposal aims to cut bureaucracy and give businesses breathing space, and trade tensions with the U.S. continue over Trump’s tariffs. Plus, we discuss why Europe needs a Capital Markets Union to keep investments at home. Tune in for all the key takeaways!
Bringing you politics from the heart of the EU.
Please subscribe, rate and review our podcast on your favourite podcast platform.
If you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed, please get in touch via social media.
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/EPPGroup
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/eppgroup
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/eppgroup
For more information about the EPP Group visit: www.eppgroup.eu
South Africa