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Brussels, My Love?

Euronews

Brussels, My Love? is Euronews's weekly news podcast hosted by Euronews' chief anchor Méabh Mc Mahon. In just 20 minutes, you will be up to speed on all the stories breaking in the de facto EU capital and what they mean for you.

From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to controversial proposals to bans tofu sausages, we will fill you in on how on how European leaders make decisions. From the fights to the friends, the red lines to the compromises - we bring you sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. After 15 years reporting from Brussels, host Méabh Mc Mahon shares her wealth of knowledge and anecdotes on the Belgian capital that people either love or loathe. Find us also on Youtube: @euronews or drop us a comment on brusselsmylove@euronews.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July 31 · 9 min
Brussels, My Love?: Season wrap-up
Brussels, My Love? – The podcast is taking a summer break. Here are some highlights from this season’s episodes. From the fall of Viktor Orbán’s regime in Hungary, to the US threats against Greenland, the World Cup, and the Brexit anniversary, over the past eight months, Méabh Mc Mahon has sat down with Brussels’ experts, politicians, lobbyists, activists, and journalists to unpack the complex EU’s politics. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E39
July 24 · 19 min
Brussels eyes political reshuffles in London and Budapest
In a week of political upheaval in Europe, Hungary got rid of its president and the UK's seventh Prime Minister in a decade entered office. What does this mean for Brussels? Brussels, My Love? investigates with Andrea Renda, director of research at the Brussels think tank CEPS, Teresa Küchler, Svenska Dagbladet’s European correspondent, and Euronews’ reporter Sandor Zsiros. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E38
July 17 · 20 min
Is social media over for under-13s in the EU?
On Monday, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presented a highly anticipated report on child safety online and pledged a social media ban to protect children in the EU. But what would this measure entail? Why is it stirring debate? And what else can the EU do to hold Big Tech companies more accountable? To discuss these and more questions, Brussels, My Love? talked to Sara Brandstätter, tech reporter at MLex, Simeon de Brouwer, digital policy advisor at European Digital Rights and Jean Cattan, co-director of the think tank Future Technology Institute. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E37
July 10 · 20 min
What's keeping NATO together, and what's pulling it apart?
The escalation of the war in Ukraine, an unpredictable NATO meeting in Ankara, a provocative dance on a football pitch, and an historic court ruling. July may have just started, but European leaders seem far from a relaxing beach holiday. To discuss the latest events across the continent, Brussels, My Love sat down with Donnacha Ó Beacháin, professor of politics at Dublin City University, Teresa Küchler, European correspondent at the Svenska Dagbladet, and Stefan Grobe, Euronews’ senior reporter. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E36
July 3 · 18 min
The US party that split Brussels
To mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, the US Embassy in Brussels threw a huge party at Parc du Cinquantenaire, in the heart of Brussels' European Quarter. From American candy to lobster rolls, the event attracted almost 10,000 people. On this episode of Brussels, My Love?, we delve into the politics behind the celebration and explore the state of the US-Iran talks aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East. We are joined by Ian Lesser of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, Lina Aburous of Forward Global, and Leo Cendrowicz, Brussels-based journalist and editor for Euronews and The Brussels Times. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E35
June 26 · 16 min
From Nicosia to Dublin: Cyprus passes baton to Ireland
On 1 July 2026, Cyprus will hand over the presidency of the Council of the EU to Ireland. From the long-term EU budget to the crisis in the Middle East and the bloc’s defence, what have been the highlights of Cyprus’s presidency of the Council of the EU? And what priorities will Ireland set? To answer these and more questions, Brussels, My Love? sits down with Irene Kostaki, EU correspondent for the Cyprus News Agency, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Irish MEP for Renew Europe, and Micheal O Conchuir, secretary general for the European Alliance Group at the Committee of the Regions. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E34
June 19 · 19 min
Ten years on, Brexit ghosts still linger
Ten years after Britain voted to leave the EU, the political and economic consequences of Brexit remain a subject of debate. On this episode of Brussels, My Love?, we mark the anniversary with an exclusive interview with the co-hosts of The Europeans podcast, alongside analysis and debate from our panel: corporate lobbyist Connor Allen and Euronews correspondent Shona Murray. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E33
June 12 · 16 min
Is politics taking the focus off the pitch at this year's World Cup?
As the EU's Migration and Asylum Pact comes into force, debate is already shifting to new proposals aimed at increasing migrant returns. Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup has kicked off amid growing controversy over travel bans, immigration enforcement and the role of politics in sport. In this episode of Brussels, my love? Méabh Mc Mahon is joined by Virginie Jacob, Petros Fassoulas and Adnan Leal to discuss what the migration pact means for Europe and whether politics is overshadowing the World Cup games. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E32
June 5 · 20 min
The economic battle between Brussels and Beijing
As tensions between Brussels and Beijing escalate, the EU is stepping up efforts to tackle Chinese overcapacity and pursue a strategy of "de-risking" its economic relationship with China. But what does de-risking actually mean? Could it lead to higher prices for consumers? And how close are the EU and China to a full-blown trade war? This week, Méabh Mc Mahon is joined by EU-Asia relations expert Stefania Benaglia, PPF Group's Chief External Affairs Officer Jan Růžička, and Euronews political correspondent Jorge Liboreiro to unpack the growing trade dispute. From industrial policy and economic security to Europe's competitiveness and global ambitions, the panel explores what is at stake for businesses, policymakers, and citizens across Europe. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E31
May 29 · 16 min
An unusual heatwave with a sinister twist
From blistering heatwaves sweeping Europe to rising security tensions along the Baltic border, this week’s episode dives into the stories keeping officials in Brussels awake at night. We unpack the climate warnings behind Western Europe’s record-breaking temperatures, the growing pressure on Europe’s food systems, and the intensifying hybrid threats facing NATO’s eastern flank. Our panel includes Ionela Maria Ciolan, research officer at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, Angela Skujins, Euronews defence correspondent and Jeremy Wilks, Euronews science correspondent. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E30
May 22 · 23 min
Wait… Are we talking about Brexit again?
Nearly a decade after the referendum, Britain is arguing about Brexit all over again. Was it a historic mistake, a necessary act of sovereignty, or something the country still hasn’t fully understood? Host Méabh Mc Mahon unpacks why the debate has returned and what is the view from Brussels with guests Dharmendra Kanani, Natalie Sarkic-Todd and Euronews' politics correspondent Stefan Grobe. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E29
May 15 · 19 min
Hungary after Viktor Orbán: How 16 years vanished in 30 days
After 16 years of Viktor Orbán’s rule, Hungary suddenly feels like a different country. The billboards are gone, the propaganda machine has fallen silent, and new Prime Minister Péter Magyar is promising sweeping change. This week on Euronews’ weekly podcast Brussels, My Love?, we explore Hungary’s political reset — and what it means for the EU. Host Méabh Mc Mahon is joined by Sándor Zsiros, Euronews’ Hungarian correspondent, Teresa Küchler, Swedish EU affairs expert and correspondent for Svenska Dagbladet, with a bonus appearance from Euronews' political correspondent Luca Bertuzzi for updates on the latest tweaks to the EU AI Act. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E28
May 8 · 23 min
How the EU is juggling geopolitical turmoil: From politics to Eurovision
On the eve of Europe Day, Brussels, My Love? explores Europe’s place in the international stage with Tomi Huhtanen, executive director of the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, and Shona Murray, Euronews’ senior correspondent. What is the state of the transatlantic alliance? And, are these geopolitical issues dividing or uniting the bloc? And, we look at the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place next week in Vienna, with Dean Vuletic, historian and author of the book Postwar Europe and the Eurovision Song Contest. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E27
May 1 · 22 min
Is the future looking bright or bleak for European workers?
On International Labour Day, Brussels, My Love? sits down with Esther Lynch, general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), Mikkel Barslund, researcher at KU Leuven, and Clark Parsons, CEO of the European Startup Network, to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the European job market and how these impact its workers. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E26
April 24 · 18 min
Should—and can—the EU change its relationship with Israel?
On Tuesday, Germany and Italy blocked a bid to end the highly debated EU association agreement with Israel. To comprehend the vote and its implications, Brussels, My Love? sits down with Martin Konečný, European Middle East Project director and Vincenzo Genovese, Euronews’ EU reporter. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E25
April 17 · 21 min
The end of Viktor Orbán’s rule: What now?
On Sunday, 12 April, Hungarian voters cast their ballots in the country’s parliamentary election, ending Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule. Will Prime Minister-designate Péter Magyar be able to break with Orbán’s legacy? What does his party’s victory mean for Hungarians and the EU? To answer these and more questions, we talk to former Belgian PM and former European Council President Charles Michel, and to Euronews’ EU correspondent Sandor Zsiros. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E24
April 10 · 19 min
Fragile ceasefire, fragile energy system: How will Europeans cope?
The United States and Iran reached a fragile truce on Tuesday, after a month and a half of conflict in the Middle East. A serious peace deal is yet to made though. In this fast-changing context, Brussels, My Love? looked into the energy crisis arising from instability in the region with Frederico Oliveira da Silva, head of energy at BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation, Dimitar Lilkov, senior research officer at the Wilfried Martens Centre, and Marta Pacheco, EU energy and environmental reporter at Euronews. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 5 · 13 min
SPECIAL EPISODE: Brussels Naked: Books beyond the headlines
In this special Easter Sunday bonus episode, we step away from the headlines and into the world of books. Joined by Brussels-based author Irina Papancheva and correspondent Stefan Grobe, we explore life in the EU bubble — and the stories that help us escape it. From ‘Brussels Naked’ to political page-turners, it’s a conversation about switching off and getting lost in a good read. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E23
April 3 · 14 min
Hungary gets ready to vote: Inside a toxic campaign
On 12 April 2026, Hungary heads to the polls in a parliamentary election that could have major implications for the European Union. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, leader of the eurosceptic Fidesz party, faces a challenge from Péter Magyar of the Tisza party—a former ally turned opponent. To understand what’s at stake for both Budapest and Brussels, we speak to Euronews EU correspondent Sándor Zsiros, who breaks down the increasingly toxic political campaign. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E22
March 27 · 13 min
From Ljubljana to Copenhagen: A dramatic week at the polls
On this exciting electoral week for two European Union member states, Slovenia and Denmark, 'Brussels, My Love?' brings you ten takeaways from the two elections with EU politics expert Petros Fassoulas from the European Movement International. In Slovenia, 1,6 million people were eligible to vote in the parliamentary elections where then main fight came down to two men: the president of the Freedom Movement and the current prime minister, Robert Golob, and the president of the SDS, and the three-time former prime minister, Janez Janša. Meanwhile in Denmark, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's Social Democrats won the most votes in the snap general election but saw its weakest performance since 1903. Brussels, My Love? is Euronews' weekly podcast hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, giving you all the context you need to make sense of the European Union (EU). From plans to transition from an economic trading bloc to a military powerhouse to bans on tofu sausages, you’ll discover how EU laws are debated and created, along with sharp analysis from some of Brussels’ brightest minds. Do you want to get in touch? Email us at brusselsmylove@euronews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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