BIG events series

Brussels Institute for Geopolitics

The Brussels Institute for Geopolitics Podcast brings together leading policymakers, analysts, and experts for high-level conversations on Europe’s role in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Featuring discussions from BIG events, the podcast explores pressing issues at the intersection of geopolitics, security, and economic strategy, offering in-depth insights into the challenges shaping the European Union and the wider world.

More details about future events and publications here. Let's think BIG together!

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4 episodes
Updated May 27

Episodes4

Newest first

May 27 · 1 hr 6 min
Competitiveness in an age of geoeconomics: In conversation with Minister Thomas Byrne
Recorded at BIG’s event on 26 May 2026, this conversation explored how Europe can strengthen its competitiveness in an age of geoeconomics, against the backdrop of global instability, strategic rivalry, and the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Leading the discussion was RTÉ’s Europe Editor Tony Connelly, who spoke with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne about Europe’s economic resilience, technological sovereignty, industrial policy, and the geopolitical challenges shaping the continent’s future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 8 · 1 hr 2 min
Europe’s defence sector: Building the foundations of strategic autonomy
Recorded at BIG's event on 7 May 2026, this panel discussion explored how Europe's defence industrial capacity can be leveraged and coordinated to bolster the continent's strategic autonomy in the light of the threat from Russia and American strategic abandonment. Leading the conversation was BIG's Senior Defence Fellow Claude-France Arnould, who formerly served as Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency. She asked Indra Group's David Luengo and SAAB's Mikael Isaksson about Europe's home-grown potential - and what it needs to flourish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 8 · 53 min
European digital sovereignty: Secure, competitive and free
Recorded at BIG’s event on 7 May 2026, this exchange of insights on the urgent challenge of European digital sovereignty brought together two of its leading advocates: Marietje Schaake, International Policy Director at the Stanford University Cyber Policy Center as well as a former MEP (2009-19), and Paul Timmers, professor at KU Leuven and European University Cyprus, and a former Director at the European Commission’s DG CONNECT. How can Europe become a competitive player in the digital revolution – and avoid a dystopian scenario in which the tools of tomorrow's prosperity are outsourced to MAGA and its Silicon Valley acolytes? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 30 · 1 hr 1 min
Energy security in an age of conflict: Lessons from the Iran war for the EU
Recorded at BIG’s event on 28 April 2026, the conversation focused on how Europe can strengthen its energy security in an age of conflict. Jilles van den Beukel (HCSS), Brendan Devlin (European Commission), and Maria Pastukhova (E3G), in a discussion moderated by BIG Energy Fellow Thijs Van de Graaf, explore what the Iran war reveals about the EU’s energy vulnerabilities, from fossil fuel dependence and fragile supply routes to price volatility, market uncertainty, and geopolitical risk. The event looks at how the EU can build a more resilient energy strategy through diversification, preparedness, and a stronger focus on secure and sustainable energy systems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BIG events series

Competitiveness in an age of geoeconomics: In conversation with Minister Thomas Byrne

Europe’s defence sector: Building the foundations of strategic autonomy

European digital sovereignty: Secure, competitive and free

Energy security in an age of conflict: Lessons from the Iran war for the EU