MCC Brussels Podcast

MCC Brussels

Discussions, event recordings, and updates from the team at MCC Brussels – the home for genuine policy deliberation about the EU and an in-depth exploration of the key issues facing Europeans.

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124 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes124

Newest first

Nov 7, 2024 · 50 min
Trump and the return of populism
Trump has surprised the world and shocked elites across the West. He's promised a new golden age for America - his opponents cry hysterically that it's a turn to fascism. But the remarkable victory showed Trump's ability to reach out to ordinary people, and new voters like Hispanics and African-Americans, going beyond the narrow identity-politics categories of gender, skin colour, ethnicity or geography. In fact, the success of the MAGA movement is also a clear act of defiance against the rule of elitism propagated by American elites who viewed with disdain the desires and lives of average American citizens for years. What lessons does Europe need to learn from the election of Trump? How did Trump assemble such a remarkable coalition? What does Trump's populist election mean for Europe and the world? Join us for this live edition of the MCC Brussels podcast hosted by John O'Brien, featuring guests: •⁠ ⁠Patrick Egan, publisher & CEO for BrusselsSignal.eu •⁠ ⁠Dr. Richard Johnson, senior lecturer at Queen Mary, University of London •⁠ ⁠Craig Willy, French-American political writer and consultant To watch the rest of the event including questions and comments from the audience, head to our live stream page here: https://youtube.com/live/GnnO23C52-o?feature=share
Oct 28, 2024 · 26 min
The EU's double standards on migration
Under pressure from populists across the continent, EU elites seem to be changing their tune slightly on migration. Or are they? This week, we dig into the controversy around Polish PM Donald Tusk's suspension of asylum and a court decision that has thrown Italy's immigration plans into turmoil. The team also discuss what Moldova's referendum to join the EU says about European geopolitics, new proposals to hand more power to the European Parliament, and the involvement of the European Commission in a Berlin "Adult Entertainment" festival, This week's podcast ends with a tribute to the heroes of Hungary's 1956 Revolution. Jacob Reynolds is joined by Frank Furedi, MCC Brussels' executive director, and Anna Hegedűs, EU Policy Researcher at MCC Brussels.
Oct 22, 2024 · 34 min
Deep Dives: Sweden: Multiculturalism in flames? | MCC Brussels Podcast
In this episode of Deep Dives, John O'Brien sits down with Dr. Göran Adamson to discuss MCC Brussels' latest report: Multiculturalism in Flames: Sweden's rude awakening. The conversation takes a look at how mass migration has fundamentally transformed Swedish society. From crime to political freedom, and social cohesion to corruption, a toxic combination of state policies of multiculturalism and extreme levels of migration have caused serious issues in Sweden. Join us as we examine Sweden’s current migration and integration policies and explore bold alternatives to restore social cohesion. Dr. Göran Adamson is an associate Professor of Sociology with a PhD from the London School of Economics Link to read full report https://brussels.mcc.hu/publication/multiculturalism-in-flames-swedens-rude-awakening
Oct 11, 2024 · 33 min
Queen Ursula declares war on Hungarian sovereignty
The European Parliament was witness to a truly remarkable scene this week. Ursula von Der Leyen launched an unprecedented attack on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, as Orbán was supposed to be outlining the themes of the Hungarian Presidency of the European Council. In a show of her imperial ambitions, Queen Ursula led an incredible attempt not just to undermine Orbán, but humiliate the Hungarian people. One or Orbán's themes for the Presidency was supposed to be competitiveness, and no-where is that more needed than in Germany, where the economic situation is getting increasingly dire. The team asks what went wrong for Europe's industrial powerhouse. And finally we examine an incredible ruling from the European Court of Justice, which has now mandated automatic recognition of transgender individuals who change sex on their official documentation. Jacob Reynolds, head of policy for MCC Brussels, is joined by Zsófia Tóth-Bíró, head of office for the European Conservative, and Philipp Siegert, MCC Brussels' deputy head of research.
Oct 7, 2024 · 42 min
What October 7 Told Us About the West
The events of October 7 last year should have shocked the world. A barbaric attack on Jews, carried out by Hamas terrorists and other Islamist militants, resulted in perhaps the worst act of Jew-killing since the Holocaust. Yet in the days, weeks, and months after that fateful day, we have witnessed a shocking series of equivocations, denials and outright apology for the unprecedented violence of Hamas militants. On top of this, as Israel has sought to destroy the terrorists who killed, butchered and raped Jews, seemingly for fun, a network of politicians, NGOs and identity groups have mounted an unrelenting campaign against the Jewish state. The accusations, libels, and double-standards heaped on Israel have sought to delegitimise any action Israel has taken to defend itself. But perhaps most shocking of all has been the resurgence of anti-Semitism in Western societies. Attacks on Jews have intensified, protests celebrating Hamas’ became a fixture of many capital cities, and a casual attitude of anti-Semitism has become ingrained in many conversations around Israel and Jews more broadly. MCC Brussels believes that this resurgent anti-Semitism, and the widespread attacks on the legitimacy of Israel as a state, represent one of the gravest anti-Civilisational threats facing European society. To mark the occasion of the anniversary of October 7, we convened a special episode of the MCC Brussels Podcast to take stock of a shocking year. The podcast opens with a powerful intervention by MCC Brussels’ executive director Frank Furedi, who takes to task those in influential positions in European society who have excused the actions of October 7. Then, Jacob Reynolds, our head of policy, leads a discussion with Mark Birbeck, co-founder of Our Fight, a campaign in support of Israel and against anti-Semitism, and Tamir Wertzberger, foreign affairs director of Action and Protection League, a European NGO combatting anti-Semitism. Please take the time to like and share this podcast to demonstrate that you too stand against anti-Semitism in all its forms.
Oct 4, 2024 · 23 min
Austria and the rise of European Populism
In this episode, Jacob Reynolds is joined by our policy analyst Bence Szabo and our head of cultural engagement Agnieszka Kołek to dive into the results from the Austrian elections, where the mainstream parties are engaged in a desperate attempt to install another cordon sanitaire to block the election-winning Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ). We also take stock of the recent escalations in the middle-East, where Israel's ground invasion of Lebanon to defend itself against Hezbollah has drawn it into confrontation with Iran. The team ask what is at stake in this conflict for Europe. We round off with a discussion on the turmoil surrounding the "book launch they tried to cancel", where our executive director Frank Furedi had the launch of his latest book cancelled by a Brussels bookstore. The event went ahead - and was a rich discussion of the war against the past. We ask: why is Brussels such a hotbed of censorship?
Sep 23, 2024 · 35 min
Deep Dives: The EU Commission's Power Grab
In this episode of Deep Dives, John O'Brien interviews Thomas Fazi about his latest report, "The Silent Coup: The European Commission's Power Grab". Fazi's report examines how the European Commission has gradually amassed greater power and authority over the sovereign nations of the European Union. He argues that, through a series of crises—including the sovereign debt crisis, the refugee crisis, Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine—the Commission has quietly transferred powers from the national level to the supranational level, often bypassing democratic debate. These strategic shifts, which Fazi refers to as "silent coups," have significantly expanded the Commission's influence.
Sep 19, 2024 · 35 min
Deep Dives: Frank Füredi on Why We're Being Made to Feel Guilty About Our Past
In this episode of Deep Dives, Jacob Reynolds talks to Frank Füredi about his latest book "The War Against the Past". His book aims to shed light on the systematic attempt to delegitimise the ideals and accomplishments of Western civilisation. Its advocates may see it as a cultural imperative, but a society that loses touch with its past will face a permanent identity crisis. Dismantling the wisdom our historical inheritance provides means betraying humanity’s positive achievements. Challenging this great betrayal, Professor Füredi argues, is one of the most important battles of our time.
Aug 30, 2024 · 30 min
Belgium's new troublemakers / Les nouveaux perturbateurs de Belgique [En Français & In English]
A special edition of the podcast - we've gone bilingual! Édition spéciale : notre podcast devient bilingue ! We're joined by Jérôme Munier, founder of the populist party Chez Nous, a new party seeking to shake things up in Wallonia. In this episode, we interview with Jérôme in French about his experience setting up the party, and then reflect (in English) on why Belgium needs a challenge to the woke orthodoxy and how the Belgian political establishment are stifling free speech. Nous accueillons Jérôme Munier, fondateur du parti populiste Chez Nous, un nouveau parti qui cherche à bouleverser la donne en Wallonie. Dans cet épisode, nous nous entretenons avec Jérôme en français sur son expérience de la création du parti, puis nous réfléchissons (en anglais) sur les raisons pour lesquelles la Belgique a besoin d'une remise en question de l'orthodoxie woke et sur la manière dont l'establishment politique belge étouffe la liberté d'expression. For the version with subtitles for both languages, please check out our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/v--aKTuWBds
Aug 6, 2024 · 23 min
Deep Dives: The rise of Comprehensive Sexuality Education
In this special episode - live from MCC Feszt in Esztergom, Hungary - we talk to Joanna Williams about her new report 'Sexualising Children? The rise of Comprehensive Sexuality Education'. Joanna explains how a new paradigm has taken hold in schools - a radical new idea of how to teach sex education. This approach (Comprehensive Sexuality Education, CSE) obsesses with promoting the idea that children are sexual beings and that their sexual pleasure is paramount As we learn, CSE is designed to be an intrusive moral crusade that invades children's lives. The lessons are designed to manipulate children's attitudes and values in their most private matters. We discuss how elites bypass parents to force social change down everyone's throats. Read the full report – https://brussels.mcc.hu/publication/sexualising-children-the-rise-of-comprehensive-sexuality-education
Jul 17, 2024 · 30 min
Deep Dives: The Silent War on Farming
In this episode of Deep Dives John O'Brien talks to Richard J Schenk, Research Fellow at MCC Brussels, about his report 'The Silent War on Farming - How EU policies are destroying our agriculture’. The report explains how, under the guise of environmental concerns, European regulation has slowly squeezed farmers – especially livestock farmers – to breaking point. The report examines the transformation of European agricultural policy into a tool of environmental policy as farms disappear across the EU. Links: Read the full report – The Silent War and Farming https://brussels.mcc.hu/uploads/defau... Watch the short film of The Silent War On Farming, that exposes how environmental extremism is killing small farmers, featuring Daisy and Gunter Klaasen, poultry farmers, Turnhouts Vennengebied region. • The Silent War on Farming: how Europe... Watch the interview and Deep Dives with Thomas Fazi about EU Farming and the End of Food Sovereignty • Deep Dives: EU Farming and the End of...
Jul 3, 2024 · 25 min
The last gasp of the establishment?
The election in France has become a desperate scramble by the establishment to keep out the Rassemblement National. But the cordon sanitaire no longer works. We also ask: As Hungary assumes the EU presidency, what can we anticipate from Viktor Orbán, and what do the UK elections hold? We end by asking why have the European Championship games been so dull? Joining Jacob Reynolds are: Professor Frank Füredi, Executive Director MCC Brussels Richard Schenk, Research Fellow
Jun 25, 2024 · 37 min
In France, is democracy on the line?
The rise of the populist National Rally has EU technocrats in an uproar and they are trying everything to stifle popular anger. The team delve into why this election is so pivotal for France - and for Europe. Then, we turn our attention to the "Green Coup" in the EU council which forced through the controversial Nature Restoration Act. We finish with a discussion of the emerging shape of political groups in the new European Parliament. Joining Jacob Reynolds are: Professor Frank Füredi, Executive Director MCC Brussels Philipp Siegert, Deputy Research Director Richard Schenk, Research Fellow
Jun 11, 2024 · 38 min
EU elections: A right wing earthquake? (live podcast)
A special live edition of the podcast where MCC Brussels, friends, and commentators digest the results of the European Parliament elections in a relaxed but intellectually serious environment. When the Brussels Bubble seems so distant from the concerns of ordinary Europeans, our analysis of the election will go beyond the traditional obsessions of the "bubble" and shift from focusing on political group machinations to examining what truly matters in individual nation states. Our speakers include Frank Furedi, Executive Director of MCC Brussels Richard Schenk, Research Fellow at MCC Brussels Ellen Kryger Fantini, Managing Editor of European Conservative Scarlett Karoleva from Riks Europe TV.
Jun 6, 2024 · 42 min
Deep Dives: EU Farming and the End of Food Sovereignty
In this episode of Deep Dives John O'Brian talks to Thomas Fazi about his MCC Brussels report 'Reclaiming Food Sovereignty: An alternative approach to trade and agriculture'. The report explains how EU policies have systematically hindered food production in Europe and argues for a renewed focus on food security. Massive farmers' protests have swept across European countries, largely opposing the European Union’s climate and environmental regulations as manifest in the Green Deal. These policies threaten small and mid-sized farms without providing significant climate benefits. The public needs to understand the broader context: small and mid-sized farmers have long struggled with rising costs, over-regulation, unfair competition, and corporate practices. Farms are disappearing rapidly across the EU.
May 29, 2024 · 33 min
Inside the EU Censorship Machine
Welcome to Deep Dives, a new addition to the MCC Brussels podcast family. In Deep Dives, we let MCC Brussels' esteemed researchers explain in detail their groundbreaking reports, thoughtfully exploring the insights and implications of their work. In our first episode, join MCC Brussels' Jacob Reynolds for an eye-opening interview with Dr. Norman Lewis, author of a groundbreaking report on the EU's approach to online speech. 📚✨ A deep dive into the package of laws, regulations, and agreements between EU institutions and Big Tech, aimed at controlling what 448 million Europeans can say online. The EU claims this is to protect democracy from hate speech and misinformation. But is that the whole story? Key points: - The EU's restrictive measures might reflect an anti-democratic stance towards its citizens. - Are European citizens being protected from hate speech or silenced by elite prejudices? - The upcoming European Parliament elections could see a surge in national parties opposing centralised EU control. - The expanding censorship system is set to stifle open debate and challenge to EU orthodoxy. 👉 Report available here: https://brussels.mcc.hu/uploads/default/0001/01/05d8121ef5fe2c17a560ae2d3a52d8f1378ca301.pdf
May 21, 2024 · 34 min
The Price of Freedom
Free speech is in big trouble in Europe. In this episode Head of Policy Jacob Reynolds, MCC Brussels Chief of Staff Tony Gilland and Policy Analyst Bence Szabó talk about what happened at NatCon and why MCC Brussels is launching the Free Speech Declaration. Jacob is also joined by Head of Cultural Engagement Agnieszka Kolek to talk about the real reason why the EU has dropped the rule-of-law proceedings against Poland. And finally Jacob, Bence and Senior Research Fellow Maren Thom talk about how the political circus around this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö is part of a greater debate between EU elites and the general population.
Mar 28, 2024 · 30 min
Why they call everything far-right
In this episode, Jacob Reynolds is joined by our executive director Frank Füredi, head of EU Affairs Bence Akos Gat and senior research fellow Arta Moeini. In contemporary political discourse, there is a tendency to classify anything diverging from the left-liberal ideology as "far-right." The team delves into the rationale and ramifications underlying the transformation of the "far-right" label into a potent weapon within modern politics. Next the team talks about the medicalisation of politics and, consequently, everyday life in general. Medical language now shapes public perceptions of political issues and influences policy debates. Frank and Jacob delve into the concerning matter of how gender clinicians have been able to carry out highly dubious medical procedures, particularly involving children, as revealed in the recently uncovered WPATH files.
Mar 15, 2024 · 30 min
Populism is here to stay
In this episode, Jacob Reynolds is joined by our executive director Frank Füredi, head of communications John O'Brien and research fellow Richard Schenk. Populism is plainly not going anywhere. The group discuss the populist revolt of the Irish referendum and the success in the Portuguese elections of the populist party Chenga. MCC Brussels is holding the conference Is the Future of Europe Populist? on March 21 in Brussels, in order to discuss the meaning and future of populism in Europe.
Jan 5, 2024 · 36 min
Year in review: from Qatargate to populism
In this special episode of the MCC Brussels podcast, Jacob Reynolds is joined by our executive director Frank Füredi and the seasoned Brussels journalist Bruno Waterfield. The group ask what happened to Qatargate, why Hungary - and its demonisation - dominated European discussion, why populism is not going anywhere, and what we can hope for in 2024. This episode was recorded on the 18th December.