Navigating the EU’s Competitiveness Compass

In this episode of the EU Policy Pulse podcast, we unpack European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address and what it tells us about the European Union’s direction for the year ahead. With European independence and resilience at the heart of the speech, our experts explore the key messages emerging from the address, from trade and economic security to Artificial Intelligence, defence and security, as well as the prospect of a deeper EU-Canada alliance. As attention turns from ambition to delivery, we consider how much of this agenda could ultimately be translated into action amid fragmentation across the EU. Listen now for expert analysis on what to expect from the EU in the year ahead.

In this episode of the EU Policy Pulse podcast, we turn our focus to Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, set to begin on 1 July 2026. With a complex geopolitical and economic landscape, Ireland is poised to steer EU priorities around competitiveness, values, and security. As Ireland prepares for its term, our experts offer insights into the challenges, opportunities, and expectations for the presidency—and what success will look like for both Ireland and the EU by the end of 2026. Listen now for expertanalysis on the future of Europe under Ireland’s presidency.

Listen to our latest episode of The Policy Pulse, where we explore the Council Conclusions and what they mean for the latest European Council meeting focusing on the SIU and defence.

In the last episode of the year of the EU Policy Pulse podcast, we look back at a year characterised by volatility, political shifts, budgetary pressures, and important steps forward in Europe’s defence ambitions. As 2025 comes to a close, our experts unpack the forces that shaped the EU this year—and what these developments signal for the year ahead.

Listen to our latest episode of The Policy Pulse, where weunpack how gender perspectives are shaping crisis response in Europe.

Listen to our latest episode of The Policy Pulse, where we unpack how shifting priorities in Washington are reshaping the transatlantic economic landscape.

Listen to our latest episode of Policy Pulse, where we discuss expected upcoming changes to the CBAM and future global challenges that require a policy response from the EU.

Listen to our latest episode of The Policy Pulse, where we delve into the European Union’s Critical Medicines Act; how it aims to strengthen supply chain resilience, boost European production of essential medicines, and reduce dependency on third countries.

Listen to our third episode of the Policy Pulse, in which we explore the European Commission's Omnibus Package, highlighting the balance between regulatory efficiency and sustainability, the impact of reduced due diligence and reporting thresholds, and strategic advice for businesses navigating evolving EU regulations.

Listen to our second episode of the Policy Pulse in which we explore the EU's competitiveness strategy, focusing on the role of competition policy in fostering European champions and the challenges around balancing regulation and deregulation amid global economic shifts.