Listen Now

What did Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson mean by a "greener, safer, freer" EU when outlining his goals whilst presiding over the European Council in the first half of 2023?  EPP Group MEPs Tomas Tobé, Anna-Michelle Asimakapoulou and Paulo Rangel give their take on the tasks ahead. These include the war in Ukraine, the rising cost of living, jobs, migration, the green transition, trade, making Europe more competitive and critical raw materials, among others. All these issues need close cooperation between the Council and the European Parliament.    Don't miss our latest episode!   And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media.   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup   Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup 

More than 300.000 people crossed European borders illegally in 2022. Only on the Balkan route did we see an increase of almost 170%. These are the highest numbers since 2016.  The reception capacities in Member States are at their limits, and serious action is needed.  In our latest episode, we discussed this new potential migration crisis with MEPs Tomas Tobé and Jeroen Lenaers.  Don't miss it!  And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup  Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup 

In our latest episode, we tackled the topic of the future of agriculture. More precisely - how to make farming more attractive to younger generations.   Ahead of the European Congress of Young Farmers, we talked to two of our MEPs - Michaela Šojdrová and Herbert Dorfmann - and Bram Van Hecke, President of the Flemish Groene Kring organisation.   Is food production stable? How can we get young people interested in farming?   What do young farmers want from EU legislation?   Tune in to our latest episode!   And if you have a topic you want to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media.   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup   Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup   For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup.eu. 

As we witness the unprovoked brutality of the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine, we increasingly realise that Russia’s aggression will only end if Ukraine wins this war and Russia itself undergoes a fundamental transformation.  In this episode, we talk with MEP Rasa Juknevičienė and a prominent Russian-American historian, Yuri Felshtinsky.  Don't miss it! And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup  Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup  For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup

A resolution in the European Parliament calls on the EU to brand Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. In this EPP Group podcast, we talk with MEPs Radosław Sikorski of Poland and Michael Gahler of Germany on the potential impact, such as redirecting frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine ravaged by the Russian invasion. It can also further isolate Russia in the world and send a warning to other countries engaging in terrorist acts. Don't miss this episode! And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup  Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup  For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup

In the week following the US midterm elections, we discuss two significant threats facing modern democracies - disinformation and authoritarianism.     For this episode, Chris Burns sat down with MEP Vladimír Bilčík and Trygve Olson from the Washington-based Lincoln Project. They covered everything from the admitted Russian disinformation campaign regarding the US midterms to the Digital Services Act and Elon Musk taking over Twitter.   Don't miss it! And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup  Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup  For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup

As of today, 15 November, many women in the EU will work for free until the end of the year - if we compare their salaries to their male colleagues doing the same job. The gender pay gap is still 13% - on average - and EU Equal Pay Day aims to raise awareness of this inequality that jeopardises women's economic independence. Anna Gumbau talked to Maria Walsh MEP, Sirpa Pietikäinen MEP and Mary Collins from the European Women's Lobby about the root causes of this inequality and what direction needs to be taken to tackle this persistent problem in our societies. And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup  Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup  For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup 

For the past 24 years, the EPP Group has had an active Working Group on Intercultural and Religious Dialogue. It’s the only Group within the European Parliament to have this.  From understanding different cultures and religions to building trust and ultimately bringing people closer together – that is where the importance of this Working Group lies.  In our latest podcast episode, Chris Burns talked to the co-Chairs of this Working Group, MEPs György Hölvényi and Jan Olbrycht.  Don’t miss it!  And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup  Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup 

We are only a few days away from COP27 - the United Nations Climate Conference which will be held this year in Sharm el-Sheikh. And since last year's COP in Glasgow, the circumstances have changed significantly. We are witnessing a war, we are witnessing an energy crisis, and ultimately the rising cost of life and cost of doing business. Throughout 2022, the EU has been dealing with its Fit For 55 package which defines Union's climate goals and aims to put them into practice. Cutting carbon emissions, establishing social climate fund, raising the target for renewables... These are just some of the elements covered by the Fit For 55 package, but what is happening in the other regions of the world? Clearly, the EU cannot act on climate change alone, and that's why this COP will be so important. To discuss what we can expect from this year's Conference, in our new podcast episode Anna Gumbau had a talk with MEP Lidia Pereira, a member of the European Parliament's delegation to this year's COP. Don't miss it! And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup

It all started in 1993. with four basic freedoms - the free movement of goods, people, services and capital. And next year we are celebrating 30th anniversary of the EU's Single Market. In 2019 there was a study that showed that that GDP across the EU is nearly 10% higher because of this Single Market. So what are the concrete benefits that it brings us, all of us across the EU27? For our latest podcast episode, Chris Burns had a talk with three of our MEPs, all in the IMCO Committee - Arba Kokalari, Andreas Schwab and Tomislav Sokol. Don't miss it! And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup

What is Cohesion Policy? The simplest answer to this question would be - it's billions of euros in funding that the EU provides to develop regions, to correct imbalances and to make sure every part of the EU27 is developing. But since we're talking about billions of euros, given the current geopolitical situation and rising energy prices, we must ask - what can Cohesion Policy do in the context of the energy crisis? For this episode of our podcast, Chris Burns talked to MEPs Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Pascal Arimont and Franc Bogovič, all three are Members of the European Parliament's Committee on Regional Development. Don't miss it! And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed in this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup.eu.

The news of mobilisation order in Russia caused strong reactions around the world. Just as annexation of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. So how can Russia's annexation of four Ukrainian territories change the situation on the ground? What should EU countries do with Russians that want to escape mobilisation?  In this week's episode, Chris Burns sat down with our MEPs Andrius Kubilius and Michael Gahler to ask some questions that many are wondering. Tune in! And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed on this podcast, please get in touch via social media.    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup   Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup   For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup.eu 

European industry provides 35 million jobs and our priority as the EPP Group is to protect them. We have to think about how the energy crisis impacts industry and businesses across Europe? How are they adapting? How can the EU help them? How can we achieve balance in the current context of the green transition? We are discussing these issues in the new podcast episode with MEPs Tom Berendsen of the Netherlands, Christian Ehler of Germany, and Maria da Graça Carvalho of Portugal.   Tune in! And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed on this podcast, please get in touch via social media.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup  Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup  For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup.eu.  

For this episode of our podcast, Chris Burns sat down for a talk with MEP Željana Zovko, the shadow rapporteur on the New European Bauhaus in the CULT Committee.    This European Commission's initiative comes as a call for a sustainable future in line with the digital and green goals.   The idea is to connect the world of culture and art with the world of technology and science to create pleasant, accessible, sustainable and energy-efficient living spaces.  But, without the safety component, it just won't be enough.  And the safety component is exactly what MEP Željana Zovko, our guest for this episode, has insisted to be included in the New European Bauhaus.  Tune in!  And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed on this podcast, please get in touch via social media.    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup   Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup   For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup.eu 

The EPP Group podcast is back and ready to bring you closer to the European Union. In this first episode after the summer break, we focus on youth: what they need, what they expect from the EU and how they can help us build a better and forward-looking Europe in this changing world.   Climate change, jobs, health, preserving peace and innovation are some of the topics Jack Parrock will walk us through, with testimonies from young Europeans.  Contributions from the Chairman of the EPP Group Manfred Weber and MEPs Lidia Pereira, Sabine Verheyen, Tom Vandenkendelaere and Eva Maydell will give us some insights into making the European Year of Youth a game-changer for the younger generations.   Tune in to our latest episode!  And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed on this podcast, please get in touch via social media.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup  Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup  For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup.eu. 

The goal of the Paris Climate Accord was clear - to reduce CO2 emissions. The course was set on renewables. Russia’s unjustified war against Ukraine has accelerated the need for the EU to become independent from Russian fossil fuels.   The EPP Group wants to move away from Russian oil and gas, while committing to climate goals and de-carbonising the economy.  So how do we now reorient towards making and storing our energy?  To get some answers, Chris Burns spoke to MEP Markus Pieper, the Rapporteur on the Renewable Energy Directive.  Tune in to our latest episode!  And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed on this podcast, please get in touch via social media.    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup   Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup   For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup.eu.   

With the inflation rate reaching a decades-record high, soaring heating and fuel costs, the cost of living is now a headache for everyone. What can we do to relieve citizens and businesses in Europe?     With high energy prices, disrupted supply chains and the transition towards climate neutrality, how can our businesses endure these developments? And how do we make sure they do not endanger jobs in Europe?   Chris Burns discussed these issues with MEPs Christian Ehler, Markus Ferber and Siegfried Mureşan.   Tune in! And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed on this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup.eu.

Last week's plenary vote on the "Fit for 55" package showed that there are differences between the different political Groups within the European Parliament on how to achieve the goal stated in the Climate Law. But the goal itself was never in question - to reduce CO2 emissions by 55% by 2035. During that same plenary week, Chris Burns talked to a number of EPP Group MEPs involved in shaping this package, seeking a way to make it a win-win for people, the planet, jobs and businesses. Don't miss it! And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed on this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup.eu.

In this week's episode, we will turn a few pages of a new book written by EPP Group Vice-Chair MEP Paulo Rangel. The book is called “On Parliament,” and it traces the history of the UK Parliament to tell a story about how an institution that virtually used to have no powers became one of the most powerful institutions.  Which lesson can the European Parliament learn from this history?   Which similarities can we find in these two parallel stories?  Mr. Rangel was joined at his book launch by the President of European Parliament, Ms. Roberta Metsola, and RENEW MEP Guy Verhofstadt.  This episode was originally a live event hosted by Anna Gumbau in the European Parliament in Brussels.  Tune in! And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed on this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup.eu.

Thousands of EU citizens, local, national, European representatives, civil society and social partners’ organisations have spent the past year in discussions during the Conference on the Future of Europe. The result was a resolution that was this week adopted in the European Parliament. This resolution outlines most important changes, that people of EU want to see, as well as measures to achieve those changes. People have expressed that they want a stronger democracy, a true health union, better cybersecurity, more energy security, more ambitious climate policies... And much more than that. This podcast episode was recorded on the eve of the last Conference on the Future of Europe Plenary, as a conversation between EPP Group's Chairman Manfred Weber, and Georgina Wright, Director of Europe Program at Paris-based think-tank Institut Montaigne. They discussed the outcomes of the Conference, its impact on the future and the future steps of the EU Institutions. Don't miss it! And if you have a topic that you would like to hear discussed on this podcast, please get in touch via social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPPGroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eppgroup Twitter: https://twitter.com/eppgroup For more information about the EPP Group visit: https://www.eppgroup.eu.