EU Decoded

Europe’s strength and readiness are being tested - economically, geopolitically and in its ability to defend its interests. At home and globally. In this episode of ‘EU Decoded,’ we take you through this week’s plenary session.We look at what Europe can learn from Portugal’s economic success story and what it takes to remain competitive and resilient in a changing world.We also explore Europe’s relationship with China, the debate over the EU’s next long-term budget, new efforts to accelerate defence innovation and Russia’s latest sham elections.Tune in!

When much of the world’s attention is focused on the USA, China, and Russia, the EPP Group asks: what about Africa? Right now, Africa's population accounts for 19% of the world's population. In ten years, that number will climb to 28%. Its population is young, lives in urban areas, and is technically well educated, so it’s safe to assume that the African economy will be the one to watch in the future. In this episode of 'EU Decoded,' we sat down with MEP Ingeborg Ter Laak and Dr Koen Dekeyser to discuss current and future relations between Europe and Africa and how both continents can benefit from a more balanced partnership based on equality. Tune in!

The European Parliament is back in Strasbourg, and the new political season is already making headlines. From Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the European Union speech to the visit of Canadian Prime Minister, migration and Russia’s hybrid threats, we decode the key debates shaping Europe’s return from the summer break. Tune in!

Europe has the talent, ideas and ambition to create the next generation of successful companies, but can it provide the right conditions for them to grow? In this episode of EU Decoded, we take you inside the EPP Group’s Start-up and Scale-up Summit, where entrepreneurs, investors and MEPs discuss Europe’s biggest challenges: market fragmentation, regulation, access to capital, talent retention and the need for a stronger innovation culture. The EPP Group is committed to delivering solutions that help EU companies thrive. Tune in to hear more!

Protecting children online cannot wait. In this episode, we look at the European Parliament's latest step towards strengthening the fight against child sexual abuse online. While important progress has been made, there is still an urgent need to close the current legal gap and ensure children remain protected. We'll also unpack what happened last week in the European Parliament, why these decisions matter, and what's at stake if action is delayed. We'll explore the ongoing efforts to build a permanent, effective legal framework that protects children online while addressing the broader policy and legal challenges involved.Tune in!*This episode was recording through two separate conversations. One with MEP Jeroen Lenaers and child protection advocate Scharliina Eräpuro, and another one with MEP Lena Düpont.