The Commission is grappling with two goals that may be counterproductive: cutting migration and slashing development aid.

The EU executive’s argument is that a slash in development funding will likely result in people showing up at European borders in search of a better life. And that’s a problem for the bloc, since it’s looking to decrease migration numbers. On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart explain how the dilemma will be unpacked at the upcoming European Council this week.

Next, a shooting near the European Parliament in Brussels has EU officials — and everyone else, for that matter — on edge.

Finally, the U.K. under Andy Burnham is at a big inflection point when it comes to redefining its relationship to the EU. But the bloc doesn’t even seem to care.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

As the United States looks towards Russia for diesel, European leaders are doubling down on their support for Ukraine.

On the show, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart unpack all the ways the EU plans to put its money where its mouth is and help Kyiv. Expect it to be the talk of the town at this week’s meeting of leaders at the European Council summit.

Next, exclusive polling coming out of Spain shows that 58% of Spaniards fear tensions with Morocco over Ceuta and Melilla could spiral into an armed conflict in the next 10 years. We discuss what this means for a country that’s heading into a snap election at the end of next month.

Speaking of Spain, we’re launching Madrid Playbook today! For our Spanish-speaking listeners, subscribe why don’t you?

Finally, Ursula von der Leyen may have been smiling in influencer videos filmed after her State of the Union speech, but behind closed doors, her comms teams was furious.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Articles mentioned in this episode:

• “Poll: Spaniards say Ceuta crisis could spark armed conflict with Morocco.”
• “Ukraine’s FM: Russia’s war budget makes the case for using frozen assets now.”
• “EU approves biggest Russia sanctions package since invasion began.”
  

Russia’s hybrid attacks across Europe — cyberattacks, sabotage, drone incursions — have been ramping up in recent months. But European governments are quietly preparing for something much worse.

On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart discuss how EU ambassadors have been meeting in recent weeks to discuss what to do if a potential Russian hybrid attack were to result in mass casualties.

Next, Britain’s minister in charge of relations with Europe, Hamish Falconer, is making his first official visit to the European Parliament. Zoya was able to catch him on the phone to ask him more about EU-U.K. relations under PM Andy Burnham and a potential deal on farming, among other things, currently in the works.

Finally, what may sound like the plot of a spy novel is in fact real news coming out of Berlin where Germany’s former spy chief has been arrested on suspicion of espionage.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Articles mentioned in this episode:

• “EU quietly braces for nightmare scenario of multiple-casualty hybrid attack.”
• “Former German spy chief arrested for treason and espionage.”

Spain’s snap election is poised to upend not just domestic politics … but EU politics, too.

On today’s show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart break down the potential impact of the Madrid tumult — from the EU long-term budget to the potential puncturing of Ursula von der Leyen’s fragile majority in Parliament.

Next, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar is reviewing a huge nuclear deal agreed between ex-leader Viktor Orbán and Russian president Vladimir Putin. Our reporting has found that there could be some serious problems behind the scenes of the project.

Finally, more than 3,000 temporary contract agents have taken an exam in the hopes of becoming permanent officials. But the early results are pretty dismal.

If you like this show, why not check out our new sister podcast, Decoded by POLITICO? The podcast brings you daily updates on how rapid developments in AI are shifting global policy. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Articles mentioned in today’s show:

— Spanish election threatens to blow up Brussels’ political balance

— Russia’s Rosatom planned to dismiss scandal-ridden contractor from Hungarian nuclear project. (Subscribers only)