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How Green Is Your Deal?

GreenDeal-NET

Stay on top of the latest insights in EU climate policy by listening to How Green Is Your Deal? In 20-to-30-minute episodes, host and researcher Jana Gheuens talks with leading climate experts about their views on the EU climate transition. Topics include everything from carbon pricing, the role of climate activism and NGOs, to how to integrate climate action in all the EU’s policy measures.

Co-funded by the EU. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the EU or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

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20 episodes
Avg 24 min
English

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S3 · E5
June 16 · 26 min
#29 Democracy is heating up: impacts of climate change on policymaking
What happens to democratic systems as climate impacts intensify? How do heatwaves, droughts, floods, and rising inequality shape political trust, participation, and stability? And can democracies withstand the pressures of a warming world — or even help us navigate them in a more just and inclusive way? In this episode, Daniel Lindvall shares his insights about how natural disasters and environmental crises could temporarily boost civic engagement or threaten democratic stability altogether. This season is produced in collaboration with RETOOL, a HORIZON EUROPE project aiming to advance our understanding of how to address the twin challenges of responding to the climate imperative while strengthening and reinvigorating democratic governance. To stay up to date on ‘How Green is Your Deal?’ episodes, please follow GreenDeal-NET on Bluesky or LinkedIn. Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel.
S3 · E4
June 2 · 18 min
#28: Politicising technical policymaking: delegated and implementing acts in EU climate governance
Delegated and implementing acts form a crucial but often overlooked aspect of EU climate policymaking. These technical measures play an important role in ensuring efficiency in climate governance, but they also raise important questions concerning accountability if they become more political in nature. Jeff Rosamund and Brendan Moore join us today to shed light on these more hidden measures, their use by policymakers and their impact on the quality of EU democracy. This season is produced in collaboration with RETOOL, a HORIZON EUROPE project aiming to advance our understanding of how to address the twin challenges of responding to the climate imperative while strengthening and reinvigorating democratic governance. To stay up to date on ‘How Green is Your Deal?’ episodes, please follow GreenDeal-NET on Bluesky or LinkedIn.
S3 · E3
May 19 · 19 min
#27 Public consultations in National Energy and Climate Plans: Improving legitimacy?
The EU requires member states to engage the wider public in the drafting of their National Energy and Climate Plans. However, the quality of participation varies significantly between EU countries. In this episode, Lea Schewe discusses why public participation in these plans is so important, the challenges participation faces, and what could explain variation in quality. This season is produced in collaboration with RETOOL, a HORIZON EUROPE project aiming to advance our understanding of how to address the twin challenges of responding to the climate imperative while strengthening and reinvigorating democratic governance. To stay up to date on ‘How Green is Your Deal?’ episodes, please follow GreenDeal-NET on Bluesky or LinkedIn.
S3 · E2
May 5 · 13 min
#26 Giving citizens a voice: European climate assemblies
In this episode with Aishwarya Machani, we explore how citizens’ assemblies are used to facilitate climate action and increase the legitimacy of the climate transition. Can citizens’ assemblies help bridge political divides? Do their recommendations lead to meaningful change? And what can they teach us about building more democratic and effective responses to the climate crisis? This season is produced in collaboration with RETOOL, a HORIZON EUROPE project aiming to advance our understanding of how to address the twin challenges of responding to the climate imperative while strengthening and reinvigorating democratic governance. To stay up to date on ‘How Green is Your Deal?’ episodes, please follow GreenDeal-NET on Bluesky or LinkedIn. Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel.
S3 · E1
April 21 · 28 min
#25: Democracy: solution or obstacle to climate transitions?
This first episode with Diarmuid Torney, associate professor at Dublin City University, focuses on the challenges democracies and climate action face, and how democratic innovations can address them both. From citizens’ assemblies to scientific advisory bodies, new democratic approaches are emerging that aim to include more people and societal groups in climate policymaking. But do they actually lead to faster, fairer action, or do they risk slowing things down when time is already running out? This season is produced in collaboration with RETOOL, a HORIZON EUROPE project aiming to advance our understanding of how to address the twin challenges of responding to the climate imperative while strengthening and reinvigorating democratic governance. To stay up to date on ‘How Green is Your Deal?’ episodes, pleasefollow GreenDeal-NET on Bluesky or LinkedIn. Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel.
S2 · E8
January 20 · 29 min
#24: How green is your COP? Insights from Belém
Let us take you to Brazil, where COP30 took place in November, to continue our conversation about international climate governance. You’ve probably heard the term “COP” before, but what actually happens there? And what does this process really decide for the planet’s future? In this episode, we unpack the architecture of internationalclimate governance: how it works, why it matters, and what a multilateral setting can achieve in increasingly turbulent times. To help us make sense of it all, we’re joined by Karin Bäckstrand,professor at Stockholm University and a leading expert on global climate governance. To stay up to date on ‘How Green is Your Deal?’ episodes, pleasefollow the host Jana Gheuens on Bluesky or Linkedin, or sign up for the GreenDeal-NET newsletter. Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel.
Nov 21, 2025 · 40 sec
How Green Is Your Deal? Trailer
Do you want to learn more about the European climate transition but you don’t know where to start? Are you interested in getting your information straight from experts themselves? Then How Green Is Your Deal? is just the podcast foryou! In 20 to 30-minute episodes our host Jana Gheuens talks with climate experts about their latest research findings. Together we explore everything from how the EU is planning to reach climate neutrality, the challenges it faces, and the ideas that guide it. Subscribe now and don’t miss an episode!
S2 · E7
Nov 18, 2025 · 27 min
#23: How simple is your deal? Weakening climate policy under von der Leyen II
In this episode, we take stock of one year of climate policy developments under von der Leyen II. What does the shift in priorities from a European Green Deal to a Clean Industrial Deal mean for climate legislation? How has the success of far-right parties in the European Parliament and in the EU member states impacted discussions on climate files? Jeff Rosamond, a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University, joins us for this episode to discuss these questions and more. To stay up to date on ‘How Green is Your Deal?’ episodes, please follow GreenDeal-NET on Bluesky or Linkedin, or sign up for the GreenDeal-NET newsletter. Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel.
S2 · E6
Jul 1, 2025 · 24 min
#22: External EU Climate Action: Insights from policymaking
We end our series on the external dimension of EU climate governance with reflections from policymaking itself. Jacob Werksman, Principal Adviser to the European Commission on international aspects of EU climate policy, shares his insights on how science meets politics and economics in EU climate policy, how changes in the international system impact it, and what we can expect from global and EU climate policy in the coming years. Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel
S2 · E5
Jun 10, 2025 · 36 min
#21: CSDDD: (not) holding companies accountable
The EU imports large amounts of products from the Global South each year. Unfortunately, their production is often associated with child labor, human rights violations, and ecological damage. To combat these issues and to hold companies accountable for the products they sell, the EU has introduced the Corporate Sustainability Directive or CSDDD. However, the CSDDD has found itself in the crosshairs of ongoing turbulence within and outside of the EU. To help us understand the CSDDD’ objectives, its potential impacts on companies and local stakeholders, and how it has been affected by turbulence, Maria-Therese Gustaffson and Johanna Coenen join us for this episode. Stay on top of their latest work on the topic by following their ‘Corporate accountability in global supply chains?’ research project. Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel
S2 · E4
May 27, 2025 · 35 min
#20: The Arctic is heating up: Turbulence in the North
Climate change is reshaping the geopolitical landscape at the top of world with global powers showing increasing interest in the region. This episode explores why the region is so important, why tensions are rising now, and what role the EU plays in all of this. Aslak Busch joins us for this episode to share his expertise the Arctic and the geopolitics of the North. T his episode is part of a series on the global dimension of EU climate action. Subscribe now to not miss an episode! Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel
S2 · E3
May 6, 2025 · 34 min
#19: Clean Hydrogen Agreements: Serving European or local needs?
The EU is increasingly looking to import clean hydrogen to provide an alternative fuel source for the industry and transport sectors, and to meet its decarbonization targets. Often, this means setting up agreements with countries in the Global South. At first sight, these could be mutually beneficial, but recently they have received a lot of criticism. Critics argue that they go against local needs and view them as a form of green colonialism. Marie Dejonghe gives her insights on clean hydrogen partnerships, their risks and how to make them more equitable. This episode is part of a series on the global dimension of EU climate action. Subscribe now to not miss an episode! Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel
S2 · E2
Apr 15, 2025 · 19 min
#18 Carbon pricing at the border: CBAM
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism forms a key part of the European Green Deal, but what does it actually do andhow have other countries responded to it? Simon Otto joins us in this episode to share his insights on the functioning of carbon pricing at the border, how it is perceived and how it is affected by the current turbulence in the world. To learn more about CBAM, you read Simon’s latest article on "The external impact of EU climate policy: political responses to the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism". It’s open access: https://link.springer.com/article/10.... This episode is part of a series on the global dimension of EUclimate action. Subscribe now to not miss an episode! Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel
S2 · E1
Mar 25, 2025 · 26 min
#17: EU Climate leadership in turbulent times: external dimension
The world around the EU is rapidly shifting. With the return ofDonald Trump and the US’ withdrawal out of the Paris Agreement and ongoing and new conflicts reshaping global alliances, can the EU maintain its role as a global climate leader? In this episode, Joseph Earsom and Franziska Petri join us toexplore how shifting power dynamics, economic pressures and security concerns impact the EU’s external climate capabilities in a changing world. This episode is the first one in a series on the global dimensionof EU climate action. Subscribe now to not miss an episode! Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel
S1 · E16
Dec 17, 2024 · 24 min
#16: How clean is your Deal? EU climate policy after the 2024 elections
The 2024 European elections announced the start of a new European policy cycle, as not only a new European Parliament was elected but also a new European Commission term started. On the heels of far-right successes in EU Member States elections, citizens elected a more rightwing European Parliament. Furthermore, even though von der Leyen will stay on as Commission President, changes in her Commission structure and political guidelines could indicate a move away from climate change as the top priority. Jeff Rosamond, a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University, joins us for this episode to help us understand the elections and their possible impact on climate policy. This will be the final episode (for now). To stay up to date on further developments, you can follow the host Jana Gheuens on Bluesky or Linkedin, or you can sign up for the GreenDeal-NET newsletter. Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel.
S1 · E15
Sep 17, 2024 · 21 min
#15: How green is your ocean? Marine governance and the European Green Deal
Oceans are at the forefront of climate change. As the biggest carbon sink, they play an important role in absorbing greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere. However, this absorption also heats up the ocean and results in ocean acidification, with significant negative consequences for marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them for their livelihood. At the same time, it has also become one of the prime locations for renewable energy generation. In this episode, Froukje Maria Platjouw and Judith van Leeuwen, marine governance experts, share their insights on how the EU governs its oceans and seas, how it features into the European Green Deal, and the challenges sustainable marine governance faces. For more information on their Horizon Europe research projects, which study how to navigate the complexity of EU marine governance under the European Green Deal to develop a coherent and integrated EU ocean policy framework, you can go here: CrossGov and PERMAGOV. Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel.
S1 · E14
Jul 16, 2024 · 33 min
#14: Climate justice for all: intersectionality and climate movements
While climate change impacts everyone, some communities are disproportionally affected over others. Therefore, climate movements have put focus on the concept of ‘intersectionality’ in their fight against climate change. Clear examples of this are the chant of ‘Climate Justice is Racial Justice’ that gained traction during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, and the explicit connection between climate action and support for Palestine during Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza. However, the latter also showed that there can be internal contention in climate movements as some argue to separate broader politics from addressing climate change. Eugene Nulman and Daniela Chironi share their insights on this topic in this episode to help us understand how climate change and intersectionality are linked, and what it means for climate movements. Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel.
S1 · E13
Jun 25, 2024 · 21 min
Episode 13: Trading extinction for restoration? Biodiversity and economic policy
Scientists argue that we are entering a sixth mass extinction event as biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate. In contrast to prior mass extinction events caused by natural phenomena, this extinction event is the result of human activity leading to climate change or habitat degradation. Simon Happersberger, researcher at the Brussels School of Governance working on sustainable trade, joins us today to discuss the linkages between biodiversity and economic policy and trade.
S1 · E12
Apr 23, 2024 · 26 min
#12: Innovating for the future
The EU’s transition to climate neutrality requires significant efforts from all economic sectors. A key requirement for sectors to move to more sustainable practices is the availability of alternative climate-friendly technologies. Developing these requires innovation and strong investments. How do you create the right conditions for innovation to flourish? What can be improved from our current circumstances? To help us better understand the role of innovation in industry decarbonization, we are joined by Viktor Salenius, a researcher at Oxford University who works on innovation and the green transition in energy-intensive industries. Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel.
S1 · E11
Mar 19, 2024 · 18 min
#11: Past, present and future: lessons from 30 years of EU climate
The EU has a long history of formulating climate policies resulting in the European Green Deal. What are some of the trends that have emerged over the last 30 years and does the Green Deal break away from them? What can they tell us about the future of EU climate policy? In this episode, Claire Dupont shares her insights on the past, present and future of climate governance. You can read the GreenDeal-NET state-of-the-art review ‘Three decades of EU climate policy: Racing toward climate neutrality?’ lead-authored by Claire to delve deeper into this topic. Music: ‘Lazy Walk’ by Cheel.

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