State of the European Union: Bring the ambition

When much of the world’s attention is focused on the USA, China, and Russia, the EPP Group asks: what about Africa? Right now, Africa's population accounts for 19% of the world's population. In ten years, that number will climb to 28%. Its population is young, lives in urban areas, and is technically well educated, so it’s safe to assume that the African economy will be the one to watch in the future. In this episode of 'EU Decoded,' we sat down with MEP Ingeborg Ter Laak and Dr Koen Dekeyser to discuss current and future relations between Europe and Africa and how both continents can benefit from a more balanced partnership based on equality. Tune in!

The European Parliament is back in Strasbourg, and the new political season is already making headlines. From Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the European Union speech to the visit of Canadian Prime Minister, migration and Russia’s hybrid threats, we decode the key debates shaping Europe’s return from the summer break. Tune in!

Europe has the talent, ideas and ambition to create the next generation of successful companies, but can it provide the right conditions for them to grow? In this episode of EU Decoded, we take you inside the EPP Group’s Start-up and Scale-up Summit, where entrepreneurs, investors and MEPs discuss Europe’s biggest challenges: market fragmentation, regulation, access to capital, talent retention and the need for a stronger innovation culture. The EPP Group is committed to delivering solutions that help EU companies thrive. Tune in to hear more!

Protecting children online cannot wait. In this episode, we look at the European Parliament's latest step towards strengthening the fight against child sexual abuse online. While important progress has been made, there is still an urgent need to close the current legal gap and ensure children remain protected. We'll also unpack what happened last week in the European Parliament, why these decisions matter, and what's at stake if action is delayed. We'll explore the ongoing efforts to build a permanent, effective legal framework that protects children online while addressing the broader policy and legal challenges involved.Tune in!*This episode was recording through two separate conversations. One with MEP Jeroen Lenaers and child protection advocate Scharliina Eräpuro, and another one with MEP Lena Düpont.

The European Parliament has wrapped up its final plenary session before the summer recess, and in this episode of EU Decoded, we break down the key decisions and debates. This week, Parliament managed to move one step further toward the adoption of the crucial measure to tackle child sexual abuse online. However, the alliance of far right and the Greens will still result in further delays due to the amendments passed during the vote. On other topics, the Parliament adopted stronger air passenger rights after years of negotiations, debated urgent measures to restore the competitiveness of Europe's automotive industry, and welcomed another important step on Ukraine and Moldova's path towards EU membership. Tune in for the latest updates from Strasbourg and what they mean for Europe.

What happens when journalists, politicians, and activists become targets of a foreign authoritarian regime? In this episode of “EU Decoded,” we explore Russia’s use of ‘blacklists’ and intimidation against European voices that support democracy, freedom and Ukraine. The discussion goes beyond individual cases and examines the broader challenge of foreign interference, hybrid threats and the need for Europe to strengthen its democratic resilience in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.Tune in!

The European Parliament has wrapped up another plenary week in Strasbourg, marked by major debates on trade, security, migration and the digital future. In this episode of “EU Decoded”, we look at the EU-US Turnberry Deal, Europe's economic relationship with China, Russian provocations along the EU's borders, and new migration rules designed to improve the returns of those with no legal right to stay in the EU. We also discuss the growing impact of social media on children, the recruitment of minors by organised crime networks, and efforts to simplify Europe's AI rules while maintaining strong safeguards. Finally, the episode features the inspiring visit of Sakharov Prize laureate Andrzej Poczobut, whose story remains a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom, democracy, and resilience. Listen now for the key takeaways from Strasbourg.

Housing costs are rising, supply is falling behind, and millions of Europeans are struggling to find an affordable home. In this episode of “EU Decoded”, we discuss the EU’s first housing crisis report, the need for 10 million new homes, and the reforms, investments, and innovations that could make housing more accessible for young people, families, and workers across Europe. Our guests include MEPs Borja Giménez Larraz and Nikolina Brnjac, joined by Bianca Faragau Tavares, Policy Officer at the European Investment Bank. Tune in!

The European Parliament has wrapped up another plenary week in Strasbourg. In this episode of “EU Decoded,” we cover the new EU-US Framework Agreement, the push for a stronger and less bureaucratic Single Market, and Europe’s growing cybersecurity and AI challenges. We also look at the first-ever European Order of Merit, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to European integration and to European values. Tune in for all the latest news from Strasbourg!

Europe is facing a surge of unsafe and non-compliant products entering its market - many of them sold through major online platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress. With billions of parcels arriving each year, concerns are growing over consumer safety and unfair competition. In this episode of “EU Decoded,” Members of the European Parliament Dirk Gotink and Andreas Schwab share insights from a recent mission to China, revealing the true scale of the issue and what’s being done to address it. From new EU customs rules to holding platforms accountable, we break down how Europe plans to protect its consumers and safeguard the Single Market. Is the EU doing enough? What will it take to restore balance? Tune in to find out.