Radio Schuman

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As EU leaders gather in Brussels today for a one-day summit, Radio Schuman previews expectations for leaders' discussions with Euronews journalist Jorge Liboreiro.Key topics on the agenda include the current state of EU support for Ukraine, the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the White House in January, and the EU's next steps in addressing Syria's fragile political landscape following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.Today is also the António Costa’s inaugural summit as European Council President and the first time French President Emmanuel Macron has missed the gathering, as he attends to the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Chido on the French island of Mayotte.We also examine a new study on jobs that may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Radio Schuman talks all things Syria with Adam Coogle, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Division at Human Rights Watch. What should the EU's approach be to the new regime in Syria? Should the EU lift sanctions in the country and start a dialogue with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which is defined as a terrorist organisation by the EU?Radio Schuman also examines the next steps in the European Commission's investigation into TikTok, and a European Court of Auditors report on the Commission's performance in enforcing EU law.We also look at how Europe is performing on the gender pay gap in the workplace.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did French President Emmanuel Macron choose Francois Bayrou as Prime Minister and how might he approach the role differently from his predecessor Michel Barnier? Today Radio Schuman dives into the issue in conversation with Euronews reporter Gregoire Lory.Bayrou, a former minister and three-time presidential candidate, leads the centrist Democratic Movement (MoDem), which he founded in 2007. Currently, Bayrou is holding preliminary talks with France’s political parties, including the far-right National Rally, to discuss the 2025 budget and the shape of the next government.Like his predecessor Michel Barnier, Bayrou faces the challenge of forming a government that can hold together, in the face of growing pressure from Brussels for France to reduce its debt, projected to reach 6% of GDP this year.Today we also look at European Commission Ursula von der Leyen's trip to Turkey and some significant votes at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.Also today, Radio Schuman explores which countries in Europe enjoy the cleanest air, and where the air quality is worst.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Radio Schuman chews over the confidence vote in Germany, expected to hand a clear lead to the SPD’s conservative rivals, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian counterpart, the Christian Social Union (CSU), with Olivia Stroud, Euronews Berlin correspondent.Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s political future is precarious. His coalition government of Social Democrats and Greens has lacked a majority since the liberal FDP exited.On the international stage, Germany faces mounting challenges. The war in Ukraine continues unabated, Syria’s new coalition government is fragile, and Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency presents significant issues for Germany, the EU’s largest nation. Meanwhile, unprecedented political instability in France has left the Franco-German alliance—the engine of European integration—effectively stalled.What lies ahead for Germany? Why are conservatives poised to reclaim power, and what coalition could take shape?In the second segment of the podcast we look at the most important issues under discussion at today's foreign affairs council.In the last part of the show, Radio Schuman reveals the side jobs of some members of the European Parliament.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Georgia has recently experienced weeks of protests following parliamentary elections that secured a win for the ruling Georgian Dream party. In the aftermath, the party announced plans to suspend efforts to join the European Union.On Saturday, the country faces presidential elections, a development that could further destabilise the nation of 3.7 million people and potentially accelerate the government’s distancing from the EU.Although the presidency in Georgia is largely ceremonial, this election is significant as it marks the first time since the 2017 constitutional reforms that the president will be chosen by parliament rather than by popular vote. The current president, Salome Zourabichvili, represents the pro-EU opposition and has consistently criticised Georgian Dream for its increasingly authoritarian, anti-Western, and pro-Russian policies. Recently, Zourabichvili declared she does not recognise the results of the parliamentary elections and pledged to remain in office until new elections are held.Georgian Dream has nominated Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former soccer player with Eurosceptic views, as its presidential candidate.To gain deeper insight into the stakes of Saturday’s election and the current situation in Georgia, Radio Schuman spoke with Nuka Kekelia, our Euronews correspondent in Tbilisi.In the second segment of the podcast, we had a look at some details of a vote on human trafficking among EU ministers.In the last part of the show, Radio Schuman brings you the new code of conduct of the upcoming Eurovision.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Right to asylum should not be considered as a 'value' but rather a principle of international law, Olivia Sundberg, migration expert from Amnesty International told Euronews in an interview featured in Radio Schuman today.Yesterday, the European Commission presented a communication focusing on measures against countries such as Russia and Belarus, which are accused of facilitating entry of migrants into EU territory.This phenomenon is described as a ‘hybrid threat', and the European Commission is supporting EU states in addressing it by temporarily limiting access to migrants.Yesterday’s communication also included a greenlight by the EU executive to suspend the rights to access asylum if it is proportionate, temporary and limited to what is "strictly necessary". However, NGOs such as Amnesty have raised concerns about the political narrative.Today Radio Schuman analyses the situation together with Sundberg.In the second segment of the podcast, we took a look at an important EU ministerial gathering in Brussels. Can you guess the topic?In the last part of the show, Radio Schuman brings you data on the dearest and the cheapest ferry prices for 2025.Today's Radio Schuman is hosted by Sasha Vakulina and produced by the journalist Eleonora Vasques. Audio editing by David Brodheim and Zacharia Vigneron. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Union should prioritise establishing a viable political process in Syria, while the situation in the country and the prospects for refugees remain uncertain, a senior Middle East expert at the Italian think tank Istituto Affari Internazionali told Euronews in an interview with Radio Schuman.Since the fall of Bashar al Assad's regime, the EU has carefully calibrated its reactions to developments in Syria, avoiding triumphalism or pessimism. Since 2011, the EU has imposed sanctions on members of Assad's regime, including asset freezes and travel bans, while remaining the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Syria. However, the bloc now faces challenges in responding to the volatile situation involving a new coalition it considers a terrorist group. Some EU countries, such as Austria, have suspended asylum claims for Syrians and even proposed deportations. The Italian institute's Maria Luisa Fantappiè said these actions are premature.In the second part of the program, we took a quick look at the Brussels agenda, highlighting key discussions among newly elected European Commissioners and an upcoming vote by EU diplomats.In the last segment of the show, Radio Schuman reveals what the busiest airport in Europe - spoiler alert: a non-EU capital leads the ranking...Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With French opposition remaining to the EU-Mercosur deal struck last week by the EU, the real work on the deal starts now, French liberal MEP Marie-Pierre Vedrenne tells the Radio Schuman podcast today.Last week, the EU finalised the contentious Mercosur agreement with some South Amercan countries, a deal that follows on-and-off negotiations that began in 1999.However, France—one of the largest EU member states—along with several other countries with sizeable dairy and beef industries, opposes the agreement. They argue it could expose local farmers to unfair competition and heighten environmental risks.To block the deal, France is attempting to form a coalition of like-minded member states. Under EU rules, it would need the support of at least three other countries representing 35% of the bloc's population. Additionally, the agreement must gain approval from the European Parliament.In the second segment of the podcast, we look at EU ministers discussions with the Commission on the economic plans for their countries. Are they performing well?On the last part of the show, Radio Schuman reveals which airlines are using more sustainable form of fuel.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Montenegro's President told Euronews he's optimistic about the country's progress to EU accession by 2028 in an interview we feature on Radio Schuman today.Jakov Milatović, elected on a pro-EU, anti-corruption platform, has pushed for reforms to meet accession criteria. The country has opened 33 negotiation chapters, with three are provisionally closed. The country also joined NATO in 2017.Challenges remain, including press freedom, judicial independence, and reducing Russian influence, he said in the interview with Euronews' Shona Murray.In the second segment of the podcast, we look at the agriculture and fisheries council today, where EU ministers are set to make significant decisions on fish quotas on the Atlantic and Mediterranean sea.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Union must decide what it really wants from Georgia, former head of Georgian mission to the EU Natalie Sabanadze told Radio Schuman in an interview.According to Sabanadze, currently senior research fellow at the International Affairs think tank Chatham House, EU should react to the recently re-elected Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend EU accession talks.Last week, thousands of Georgians protested in the capital, Tbilisi, after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that his government would suspend EU membership talks until the end of 2028 and reject EU funds. The demonstrations turned violent, with police detaining and beating many protesters.Tbilisi has been in turmoil since the ruling Georgian Dream party took control of parliament following the contested October 26 election, which the opposition deemed rigged. Kobakhidze’s announcement sparked renewed unrest, though the EU reacted cautiously.EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed regret over Kobakhidze’s decision, condemned the police violence, and warned of “direct consequences” for Georgia. While sanctions are being discussed, the EU has not yet announced any specific retaliatory measures.The bloc had already frozen Georgia’s accession process after the country enacted two controversial laws, including the so-called Russian law.In the second segment of the podcast, we had a look at Romanian elections second round that will take place this weekend. Who are the contenders?Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will France manage to kill off the Mercosur agreement? Today and tomorrow, 5 and 6 December, crucial negotiations to finalise the EU-Mercosur agreement take place in Uruguay. If approved, the trade deal involving the EU and the South American bloc, comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, would become the EU’s largest trade agreement in terms of population and trade volume. But France continues to oppose it, leaving no room for compromise.Today Radio Schuman analyses the situation before the starting of the negotiations with Euronews reporter Peggy Colin.In the second bloc of the podcast, we had a look at former European Commissioner Didier Ryenders's case and at an agenda item at the transport council where EU ministers are set to make some decisions on driving license rules.On the last segment of the show, Radio Schuman look at what is the European country where buying a house is so expensive - spoiler alert, the country leading the ranking has a good reputation for certain type of beers...Today's Radio Schuman is hosted by Shona Murray and produced by journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques. Audio editing by David Brodheim and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How France's political instability will hit Brussels is today's topic for Radio Schuman, which talked with Euronews reporter Gregoire Lory.If a vote of no-confidence surrounding the budget succeeds, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier will be forced to step down, leaving a caretaker government in charge. This political turmoil further weakens President Emmanuel Macron, who may face pressure to resign or appoint a new Prime Minister.Meanwhile, despite gaining concessions on the budget, far-right leader Marine Le Pen faces challenges to her presidential ambitions due to a recent indictment for allegedly embezzling EU funds.In the second segment of the podcast, we take a quick look at an Italian ruling on those countries deemed safe for migrant returns, which is relevant for Brussels.In the last part of the show, Radio Schuman looks at companies profiting from wars.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the role of TikTok in the Romanian presidential elections prove a test for Brussels’ enforcement of social media? The video playing app played a significant role in the rise of Calin Georgescu, a previously little-known candidate who won the first round of Romania's national elections.However, TikTok refutes its impact on the poll, citing its strict guidelines banning political ads and combating covert influence operations.The platform is also bound to follow transparency rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which entered into force in 2023.Today Radio Schuman dives into the topic with Richard Woods, International Policy Director at the Global Disinformation Index.On the second segment of the podcast, we take a look at significant parliamentary committee meetings and recommendations by EU health ministers.In the last part of the show, Radio Schuman looks at the 2024 Oxford Word of the year - spoiler alert: it involves social media platforms.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How will the new President of the European Council differ from his predecessor, Charles Michel? What are his main challenges, and how does he plan to reshape the Council, representing the 27 member states? Radio Schuman focuses on António Costa today.Costa is widely recognised for his bridge-building abilities, extensive political experience—as former Prime Minister of Portugal, Mayor of Lisbon, and Member of Parliament—and seniority.He is expected to get along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU leaders, avoiding controversies like "sofagate" - von der Leyen's infamous side-lining during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.However, uniting the bloc—a key responsibility of the European Council President—will not be without difficulties.We dive into the issue with Euronews journalist Jorge Liboreiro.In the second part of the program, we take a look at today's Employment and Social Policy Council, where EU ministers are set to approve an action plan, including a section on labour migration.In the final part of the show, Radio Schuman examined the best and worst European countries for smoke-free homes.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Georgios Leivaditis and Brodheim, David. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Romania has never been pro-Russian and politicians backed by Russia rarely present themselves as such, Romanian centre-right MEP Siegfried Muresan told Radio Schuman in today's episode.Muresan said this applied to Calin Georgescu, the little-known far-right populist and TikTok personality who unexpectedly won the first round of Romania's presidential election, adding that he had put forth an ''anti-European stance, seeking to undermine Europe, its values, and the rule of law."Georgescu was projected to secure less than 10% of the vote. He will now face liberal candidate Elena Lasconi in a December 8 run-off—unless Romania’s criminal court intervenes to annul the second round of elections.This election outcome highlights a broader regional trend, with Romania potentially joining countries like Georgia and Moldova in pivotal political battles between democratic, pro-Western values and nationalist, pro-Moscow forces. The stakes are particularly high for Romania, an EU member that shares a border with Ukraine and serves as a key NATO military base.Questions remain about Georgescu’s unexpected success, Romania’s ties to Russia, and how pro-EU forces in Bucharest and Brussels plan to counter his rise if the runoff proceeds.In the second segment of this program, we take a brief look at the latest polls for today's Irish election.Radio Schuman also explores the underlying causes of mental health conditions among workers in certain European countries.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron, Georgios Leivaditis and Brodheim, David. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newly elected European Commissioner Teresa Ribera criticised the public outcry she received from the European People's Party, which almost brought down her candidacy for the position as executive vice-president for the Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, speaking to Radio Schuman in Strasbourg.She lamented domestic politics being infused into the EU debate and criticised climate deniers among the centre-right European People's Party (EPP).Yesterday, EPP leaders, including chair Manfred Weber, refused to applaud Ribera when European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen congratulated her in plenary in Strasbourg. This gesture was the culmination of a campaign led by the Spanish Partido Popular (PP) aimed at undermining Ribera, who until recently served as Spain’s Minister for Ecological Transition and was responsible for responding to the recent floods in Valencia. Ribera defended herself, stating that the regional government—controlled by the PP in Valencia—was responsible for managing disasters.Eventually, von der Leyen received final approval for her new Commission, which will begin its five-year legislative term on December 1st.However, with 370 votes in favour, this marked the narrowest majority in history for a new Commission. The outcome reflects a deeply fragmented European Parliament, which grants the leading EPP even greater flexibility in forming shifting alliances—either with the traditional socialist-liberal bloc, or with the right-wing European and Conservatives and Reformists group (ECR) and the far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE).Following the vote on Wednesday, there were clear concerns among socialists, greens, and other left-wing parties. They feared that the EPP had legitimised the far-right, particularly with von der Leyen's decision to appoint a far-right commissioner, Raffaele Fitto, for the first time in its history. There were also worries that a right-wing coalition could paralyse or derail critical legislation, such as the Green Deal or migration reforms.Besides Ribera, Radio Schuman today featured criticism from other MEPs, such as Marie Toussaint, a French Green MEP, who called the new von der Leyen's team as the “worst-elected Commission”.In the second segment of the podcast, we take a quick look at the Competitiveness Council meeting happening today, where EU ministers are expected to approve conclusions on a crucial topic. Guess what that might be?Radio Schuman wraps up with a ranking of countries most prepared to go cashless - spoiler alert: the top contenders are chilly climes!Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron, Georgios Leivaditis and David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Financial sanctions remain the EU's best tool for combatting rule-of-law abuses, the outgoing European justice commissioner told Euronews' Shona Murray in an exclusive interview we feature on Radio Schuman today.Věra Jourová acknowledged that while court proceedings take time, financial sanctions have proven to be the most effective mechanism based on her experience.In Brussels, Jourová is known for her sharp tongue and has played a prominent role in the EU’s efforts to uphold media freedom and address rule-of-law violations.When Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called for her resignation over the measures applied against Hungary, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen 'stood firmly behind' her, the outgoing commissioner said.On the second segment of this podcast, we look at the Mercosur vote at the French parliament today and why the French government opposed the trade deal, which is about to be finalised.In the last part of the show, Radio Schuman look at the best AI start-ups in Europe - spoiler alert: the country where they are sited in Europe is a very small one.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The chair of the European Parliament's committee of trade tells Radio Schuman how the EU can counter Donald Trump's trade tariffs today.While there’s concern in Brussels about Trump’s call to slap tariffs on EU goods of at least 10 percent, officials have been scratching their heads on how to handle Trump. Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed to replace Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports with those from the US.Socialist MEP Bernd Lange told us how the EU could strike back on Trump’s tariffs, drawing on the experience of the former US president's first mandate in 2018.Lange also shared his concerns about Trump’s nomination of Howard Lutnik as the US’s future commerce secretaryIn the second segment of the podcast, we offer a quick overview at the most important votes of the upcoming plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.In the last part of the show, Radio Schuman reveals the greatest fear of parents when their children go online.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.