As the new year kicks off, European politics is gearing up for another busy twelve months in Brussels. On this episode of the podcast “Brussels, My Love?”, we take a closer look at five key issues that will play a big role in 2026.
Since winning the June 2024 European elections, the centre-right European People's Party is setting the legislative agenda in Brussels and this will continue in 2026. With the focus shifting away from the green and social policies of the previous mandate, Brussels is now prioritising reducing bureaucracy and boosting competitiveness.
What does this mean for EU policymaking this year and what does it mean for you?
In our first ever episode of 2026, we ask Euronews' EU editor Maria Tadeo about how this simplification momentum will continue this year and get insights on EU trade deals like the pending Mercosur.
We also have sharp analysis from Euronews' defence and migration experts Alice Tidey and Eleonora Vasques on how these topics will dominate 2026. Finally, EU regulation expert Andrea Renda from the Centre for European Policy Studies brings us up to speed on the EU's AI conundrum.
Listen to Brussels, My Love?, the podcast, in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.