Radio Schuman

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her plans for the new top team at the European Commission last week, but the reactions were mixed. Many politicians argued that the portfolios were too broad and overlapped each other.The fear is that the upcoming commissioners will constantly step on each other's toes, as many did in the previous mandate.But the underlying question might actually be: why do we need 27 Commissioners? What would have to change at the political and administrative level to make the institution more efficient from a recruitment point of view?Today, the president of one of the EU's major trade unions, Renouveau & Démocratie, Cristiano Sebastiani, talks to Radio Schuman about the main recruitment problems the EU executive is facing.On a lighter note, we explore Albania's plan to establish a new microstate, set to become the smallest in the world.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas.has context menu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen chose Lithuania's former Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius as the EU’s first defence commissioner.The EU does not have strong army and is not responsible for each member state's armed forces. Yet, defence has become a crucial issue in Europe, especially since Russia's war in Ukraine highlighted the bloc’s weak and fragmented defence industry.Will the position of defence Commissioner be powerful and independent enough to achieve an EU defence alliance and boost Europe’s military capabilities? How can the EU catch up with military powers like the US and China?Today Radio Schuman answers these questions with Maria Martisiute, a defence expert at the Brussels-based European Policy Centre think tank.Also, the General Affairs Council is meeting today, where EU ministers are set to prepare for the upcoming summit: has the agenda been drafted? Diplomats share their insights with us.On a lighter note, would you consume less alcohol if a label showing the calories was attached to the bottle?Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday, Michel Barnier, France's newly appointed prime minister and former EU Brexit negotiator, unveiled his government, which is dominated by conservatives and centrists from French president Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party.Among the most contentious appointments is Bruno Retailleau as interior minister, a staunch conservative who has consistently opposed same-sex marriage and voted against enshrining abortion rights in the French constitution.Barnier faced the challenging task of assembling this cabinet in the wake of elections that left the French National Assembly without a clear majority.What would such a government mean for Brussels?Today Radio Schuman answer this question with Euronews's French reporter in Brussels Gregoire Lory.A quick overview of today's Brussels agenda, highlighting the main appointments not to miss.In the last part of the show, we talk about new restrictions Instagram has put in place to protect minors.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is EU policy on equality going to take a backseat in the upcoming mandate of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen?Back in 2019, von der Leyen named Malta's Helena Dalli the EU's Commissioner in charge of equality. But last week, when she announced her proposal for the new team of European Commissioners, von der Leyen ditched the equality portfolio, combining it instead with "preparedness and crisis management".Many NGOs defending women's rights reacted to what they saw as von der Leyen's worrying lack of consideration for the issue at a time when far-right parties — which oppose the idea that gender issues are crucial — are entering the government all over Europe.What happened to the equality portfolio? What should we expect from the EU Commission on this issue?Today, Radio Schuman talks about the subject with MEP Lina Gálvez (Spain/S&D), who presides over the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality, aka FEMM.We also offer a quick look at the agenda today, with von der Leyen's trip to Kyiv taking centre stage and particular paradoxes plaguing new Commissioner portfolios.On a different note, we end the show with an overview of the strongest passports in the world: how are Europeans performing?Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's decision to assign the migration and home affairs portfolio to Austrian nominee Magnus Brunner was one of her most unexpected choices when deciding on the portfolios for her new College.Vienna's recent tougher stance on EU migration policy, as well as Brunner's own background, sprung to the fore.Austria was behind a long-standing veto against Bulgaria and Romania's entry into the Schengen Area, and Vienna also voted against and abstained from some key laws in the migration pact passed at the end of the previous mandate.Furthermore, Brunner, a former finance minister, has no significant experience or track record in migration policy.Today, Radio Schuman spoke with Spanish Socialist MEP Juan Fernando López Aguilar, who was the rapporteur for the legislative file — the Crisis Management Regulation — that Austria opposed.We also bring you a brief overview of the agenda for today, including an important meeting between the Commissioner in charge of trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, and China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. EU's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles are expected to be the main topic of conversation.And finally, are you a non-smoker who is bothered by others smoking or vaping around you?In that case, there's good news from Brussels: the European Commission has recommended that EU countries ban outdoor smoking in places like café and restaurant terraces, bus stops and zoos. Will member states adopt these guidelines, or will they still allow people to light one up?Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Parliament in Strasbourg was again divided — this time, it was the MEPs' opinions that were split after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced her new batch of Commissioners.Radio Schuman gathered different reactions from the MEPs Peter Liese, Christel Schaldemose, Moritz Körner, and Sergey Lagodinsky on the entire affair, including the fitness of individual Commissioners for their new tasks, big jobs that went to Eastern European and Baltic countries and the meme-inspiring animal welfare portfolio that went to a certain Olivér Várhelyi.We also bring you a brief overview of the key issues set to dominate Wednesday's plenary session in Strasbourg, along with a timeline outlining the European Parliament's scrutiny and approval process for the newly announced Commissioner nominees.Finally, we explore Europe's best and worst metro systems — spoiler alert: Brussels did not perform very well.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thierry Breton's surprisingly public last-minute resignation as France's European Commission nominee was the talk of the town on Monday.While Paris quickly replaced the outgoing Commissioner with former MEP and Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Séjourné, Breton's final salvo aimed at Commission President Ursula von der Leyen further made sure her new mandate was off to a rocky start.Will von der Leyen weather the storm, and is she really as opposed to critical voices among her Commissioners as Breton insinuated?Today, Radio Schuman asks Elvire Fabry, a senior researcher at the Institut Jacques Delors, to comment on the Commission's fiery start to the week.We also glance at the agenda for today's Parliament's Strasburg plenary session. Notably, a few last-minute changes occurred, with floods preventing Hungary's Prime MInister Viktor Orbán from making an appearance.On a lighter note, we'll tell you which country in Europe has the best work-sleep balance and why.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in July, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that she would appoint a Commissioner for housing and launch the union's first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan. The announcement was part of a favour made to the European Parliament's centre-left S&D group, which had asked the Commission to include the lack of affordable housing and the rising cost of living as one of its top priorities. But what does the job of housing Commissioner consist of? And how can the EU really act on an issue often seen as a matter of national policy? Today, Radio Schuman answers these questions with David Rinaldi, the director of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies. We also take a quick look at this week’s Strasburg plenary session: what are the most important events not to miss? Hint: both Viktor Orbán and Mario Draghi are featured. On a different note, we explore how much is enough and what could make a good salary in Europe. Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The leader of the Slovene European People's Party (EPP) delegation in the Parliament, Romana Tomc, has told Euronews that the country's new Commissioner pick Marta Kos is "unacceptable".Slovenia's opposition, led by the conservative SDS party of former Prime Minister Janez Janša, has criticised liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob for yielding to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen by replacing male nominee Tomaž Vesel with Kos without proper consultation.As a result, SDS MP Franc Breznik, chair of the parliamentary committee responsible for confirming Kos, has refused to schedule a confirmation hearing until he receives von der Leyen's letter requesting Vesel's withdrawal.Today Radio Schuman explored the issue with Euronews editor Aleksandar Brezar.We take a snapshot of the ongoing Budapest-Brussels standoff. Hungary is expected to tell the European Commission today whether it has implemented new measures to stop the unlawful treatment of asylum seekers. Will Hungary comply or continue to defy the EU?On a different note, Radio Schuman explores how the pandemic lockdown badly impacted teenagers' brain development.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heated discussions are set to start next week as MEPs vote in Strasbourg on the EU 2025 budget.The European Parliament and European Commission are likely to fight back against cuts — including to the Erasmus+ programme — agreed by the Council before the three institutions are set to wrangle the 2025 budget in November.The Council proposed reducing Erasmus+ by almost €295 million each year when setting its own position in June, making way for priorities including Russia's war in Ukraine, the migration crisis and post-pandemic recovery.Today Radio Schuman discusses the issue with French MEP Emma Rafowicz (S&D). We take a quick look at key debates on the Brussels agenda and examine how EU member states nominate their candidates for the Commission.On a different note, discover how Copenhagen is becoming more and more resilient to floods.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the real reasons underlying European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen delaying announcing the portfolios for her executive?The official reason for the delay is that Slovenia has changed its nominee and the country’s parliament needs to ratify the new name. But the path to nominate commissioners is often turbulent, what else is afoot?Today Radio Schuman looks for answers with Euronews journalist Gerardo Fortuna.The German government's decision to reintroduce border controls at all its borders raises important questions about the future of the Schengen area. Is the restriction of free movement becoming the new normal in Europe? We also examine the European Commission's response.On a different note, did you know that overexposure to fitness videos promoting idealised, super-fit bodies can be harmful to teens? YouTube is introducing new rules to protect young users.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A key and controversial recommendation of former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi's competitiveness report was for Europe to have recourse to common debt instruments to keep the pace with competitors such as the US and China.But what happens when Draghi's recommendations come face to face with political reality in the EU?My colleague Vincenzo Genovese found out from Guntram Wolff, from the Brussels-based European economic think tank Bruegel.We make a brief overview of the two major court judgments cases due today involving Apple and Google: will the final rulings alter how the EU handles state aid cases (in the Apple case) and shape competition in the digital market (in the Google case)?On a lighter note, have you heard about the latest trend in tourism, the sleepcation?Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen presents her list of Commissioners to the European Parliament this week, the legal affairs parliamentary committee will assess whether any conflict of interest would make them unable to carry out their duties.In 2019, von der Leyen asked Hungary and Romania to present new candidates for the European Commission after the legal committee found out that the nominees could not carry out their task in full transparency.The unofficial list of commission nominees that has already circulated in the media show that Italy, Hungary and Malta among others could face hurdles to getting their nominees confirmed.What can we expect this time around? How will MEPs treat Raffaele Fitto, the potential Italian nominee whose party voted against the re-election of von der Leyen? Will MEPs reject the incumbent Hungarian candidate, Oliver Varhelyi? What will be their approach with any of Viktor Orban’s candidates?This Monday, Radio Schuman answers these questions in conversation with the Green German MEP Daniel Freund.A quick look at Mario Draghi's report, which will be presented on Monday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Draghi himself: are there any controversial points that might generate heated discussions with EU member states?In good news from science, a new AI model for cancer diagnosis could greatly change how the disease is detected and understood.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the European Parliament approve the list of Commission nominees that von der Leyen will present next week?According to veteran German MEP Peter Liese, some nominees will struggle to secure their spot, with the Maltese and Hungarian choices most imperilled.Euronews has seen a list of 25 commissioners-designate doing the rounds of Ursula von der Leyen's own European People's Party which earmarks their potential portfolios. It may not reflect what the Commission President finally decides on September 11, but Radio Schuman can give you a peek at the latest on which names will slot into the portfolios.We also take a quick look at the newly elected prime minister in France: Michel Barnier is very well known in EU Brussels circles, as two-time European Commissioner and chief negotiator of the Brexit deal. Will he be able to keep all political sides of France's divided National Assembly together however?On a lighter note, did you know that you can now buy Spaghetti Carbonara out of a tin in the UK? As you can imagine, that doesn't set Italian taste buds tingling...Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Changing the rules on subsidising farmers is at the heart of a 100-page report on the future of agriculture set to feed a vision document due in the first 100 days of the Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s second mandate.A significant overhaul of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to make subsidies based on farmers’ income rather than farm size is among changes proposed in a report on the future of agriculture presented to Ursula von der Leyen.Today’s Radio Schuman looks at this report – launched in response to widespread anger from farmers protesting in EU capitals – which also pledges a shift to plant-based diets and a temporary just transition fund outside the CAP to help farmers transition towards more sustainable practices.Will this blueprint make Europe’s farmers’ lives easier? Environmental NGO Greenpeace seems to think so. Euronews’s Aida Sanchez spoke to Marco Contiero, the organization’s EU agricultural policy director.We also take a quick look at the ongoing saga surrounding the appointment of European commissioners saga: what is the latest timeline?There’s also some good science news: did you know that sleeping some extra hours during the weekends can save your life? Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday, Roxana Mînzatu was presented by the Romanian government as the next European Commissioner for the country, withdrawing the previous nomination of Victor Negrescu, to comply with Ursula von der Leyen's gender criteria.Minzatu, who is 44, is a former Secretary of State for European funds, and later for public procurement. She spoke to Euronews journalist Shona Murray hours after her nomination about her recent job interview with von der Leyen, the importance of implementing EU law in Europe, and her concerns over the EU’s backsliding on gender balance. A quick look at the gruesome report from Human Rights Watch on forced returns of Syrian refugees by the Cypriot and Lebanese authorities. The NGO claims that the financial help from the EU to Lebanon on border management has never been conditional on the respect of human rights. How much does it cost to go back to school? Today Radio Schuman talks about the average spending of the top European five economies on school supplies- spoiler alert: those spending more are not very rich. Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From regret for the outcome tax state aid cases, to optimism for the future of European AI - outgoing Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager sat down with Radio Schuman.The EU’s outgoing digital and competition supremo regretted the outcome of landmark tax state aid cases and expressed optimism for the future of European AI in an exclusive sit down with Radio Schuman.“It would have been better” if the Commission had won the controversial tax state aid cases – successfully challenged by Ireland and Luxembourg in respect of so-called sweetheart deals with Apple and Engie - Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager told us.However the woman at the forefront of shaping the EU's competition and digital policies for nearly a decade was content that global tax policies had adapted over the same period, and she expressed optimism that the conditions for investment and ethical development of AI have paved the way for a European AI model that can compete in a fierce global contest.Vestager also defended her track record, and criticised gender imbalance in the nominations for the next EU commissioners.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Radio Schuman, we discuss Ukraine's urgent plea to lift EU restrictions on long-range weapons for better defense against Russia, featuring insights from Ukraine expert Sasha Vakulina.We also touch on Putin's recent trip to Mongolia and explore a quirky new dating trend in Spain's supermarkets.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode of Radio Schuman, we dive into the tangled web of Belgian politics as the country faces the challenge of naming a European Commissioner while still negotiating a new government.With Didier Reynders as the only official candidate just before the deadline, we explore Belgium's political landscape and the pressures from the European Union.We’ll hear from top journalist Wouter Vershelden, who shares the behind-the-scenes story.We also discuss the EU's divided response to Josep Borrell’s proposal to sanction Israeli ministers and explore the surprising launch of a Barbie-themed phone aimed at helping young people detox from digital devices.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just one day left to nominate the next EU commissioner, Italy, Belgium, and Bulgaria are still undecided.We explore why Italy is holding back and what this means for its relationship with Ursula von der Leyen.Plus, we cover Macron’s strategic visit to Serbia, Sanchez's trip to West Africa, and Sicily’s move to ban Mafia-themed souvenirs.Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and music by Alexandre Jas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.