Brussels Playbook Podcast

EU leaders face off over the budget

Brussels Playbook Podcast

Show Notes

EU leaders meet today for their first chance to beef about the budget face to face.

On the show, Zoya Sheftalovich and Sarah Wheaton dive deeper into why leaders look increasingly unlikely to reach an agreement on the EU’s next money pot by December. Plus, Zoya obtained a document revealing deepening relations between Russia and Slovakia. Will that be a cause for concern around the Council table?

Next up, Zoya spoke with Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius on stage yesterday. His main message? Europe should boost its defense capabilities and stop relying so heavily on U.S. military support.

And finally, ECB President Christine Lagarde plugged her upcoming memoir at a press conference ... is she allowed to do that?

If you have a question or comment, don’t hesitate! message us on our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29.

Articles mentioned in this episode:

“How to watch the EU leaders’ summit like a pro.”

“Slovakia deepening ties with Russia, document shows.”

“Lagarde’s book plug raises questions about ECB ethics standards.”

“Weakened Macron and Merz sink hopes of a quick EU budget deal.”

This episode was produced by Saga Ringmar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More from Brussels Playbook Podcast

Oct 23, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump has the world’s war crimes court in his crosshairs.

Oct 22, 2026

As the U.S. pushes to revive peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, a question is causing tensions in Brussels: Who actually speaks for the EU?

Oct 21, 2026

With Washington's support for Kyiv increasingly uncertain, Brussels is looking to its allies to help keep Ukraine afloat. The price tag: €70 billion.

Oct 20, 2026

The Arctic is becoming a geopolitical battleground — and the EU wants a bigger role.

Oct 19, 2026

Donald Trump’s latest moves on Russia and Ukraine have alarmed Kyiv and European capitals alike. But rather than scrambling to contain the fallout, EU leaders are keeping their cool. Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur explore Europe’s strategy for weathering Trump’s midterm storm — and what it means for Ukraine.

See all episodes →