Afleveringen
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In Europe, there is a shortage of around 230,000 truck drivers, but by 2028 there will be as many as 745,000 vacancies. Excessive working hours, inadequate wages and long periods away from home are the main causes of this shortage of truck drivers, but the issue is much more complex. In order to understand why this great labour gap exists and what it could mean for our societies and personal lives, we travelled by truck between Spain, France and Germany. Our journey begins with this first instalment.
This podcast is part of WePod, a collaborative project funded by the European Commission's Creative Europe program.
Hosting and Narration: Alexander Damiano RicciField reporting and research: Manu Tomillo and Futura D'AprileEditor-in-chief of the French and English version: Alexander Damiano RicciSound design and editing: Jeremy BoquetOriginal visual design by: Agencia PlayerVisual adaptation for the French version by: Watermelon CollectiveProducer: Futura D’AprileExecutive producer: Ana RiberaProduction coordinator: Alexander Damiano RicciThis co-production is funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the authority that funded this work can be held responsible for these views and opinions.
This podcast is co-produced by Europod.
Subscribe to Europod • English for more podcasts, and find us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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Since Donald Trump’s reelection or even before that Washington’s foreign policy has been shifting from soft power to hard power. Translation? More tanks, fewer textbooks. More weapons, less humanitarian aid. The EU, which has long relied on the U.S. for global development efforts, is now looking at a major funding vacuum as USAID, America’s premier development agency, freezes nearly $40 billion in foreign aid.
So what was USAID funding exactly, and who is expected to cover the gaps now?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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When WhatsApp alerts you that military-grade spyware hacked your phone, it’s not just paranoia, it’s reality. At least seven people in Italy, including journalists and activists, and another 83 people in more than 24 countries were targeted using Israeli-made spyware.
The Italian government denies involvement, but questions remain: Who ordered the hacks? And what does this mean for press freedom and privacy in Europe?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Legal experts from the European Commission, the European External Action Service, the Council of Europe, Ukraine, and representatives from 37 countries agreed on the legal framework for a special tribunal to try Vladimir Putin and his officials for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
The experts finalized the so-called ‘Schuman draft Statute’, the core legal text governing the tribunal’s functioning.
But, will this tribunal really bring justice? Will Putin ever pay for what he has done in Ukraine?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US will “definitely” impose tariffs on the EU, citing concerns over the US trade deficit with Europe. While Trump has previously made threats without following through, some of his recent tariff measures, particularly on Canada and China, have been implemented stressing European leaders.
But is Trump really going to impose tariffs on the EU, and if so what would the impact be?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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EU leaders are meeting in Brussels today, Monday, to discuss defense spending, without committing to real investments. This follows weeks of debate on the issue, fueled by growing concerns that Russia could test and destabilize Europe’s defenses at any moment.
But instead of concrete funding plans, the focus of this meeting will be on identifying the EU’s priorities, securing necessary financial resources, and reinforcing existing partnerships.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Truck Drivers is the story of an indispensable profession, but also of an economic and logistical system under strain. It’s a story of exploitation, fierce competition, and an equilibrium that has spiraled out of control. Every day, thousands of trucks crisscross Europe’s roads to deliver the products we consume without a second thought. This immense and often invisible supply chain is, nonetheless, essential to our daily lives. But this vital sector is in crisis: already, 230,000 drivers are missing across Europe, a number that could exceed 700,000 in the coming years. Embark on a truck journey across Europe and discover the stories of those whose work connects us every day. A profession that, on its own, has the power to paralyze all of Europe.
Subscribe to "Europod • English" to follow the series! A new episode drops every Thursday 9 AM!Truck Drivers is a podcast co-produced by Europod and Ser Podcast.
This podcast is part of WePod, a collaborative project funded by the European Commission's Creative Europe program.
Hosting and Narration: Alexander Damiano RicciField reporting and research: Manu Tomillo and Futura D'AprileEditor-in-chief of the French and English version: Alexander Damiano RicciSound design and editing: Jeremy BoquetOriginal visual design by: Agencia PlayerVisual adaptation for the French version by: Watermelon CollectiveProducer: Futura D’AprileExecutive producer: Ana RiberaProduction coordinator: Alexander Damiano RicciThis co-production is funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the authority that funded this work can be held responsible for these views and opinions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Angela Merkel has spoken, and she’s not happy. Three years after stepping down as Germany’s chancellor, she’s publicly criticizing her successor, CDU leader Friedrich Merz, for breaking a long-standing taboo: relying on far-right AfD votes to pass an anti-immigration motion in parliament. With Germany’s elections just weeks away, Merkel’s intervention has ignited a fierce debate over whether the firewall against the far-right is crumbling for good. What does this mean for Germany, Europe, and the future of mainstream conservatism?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Donald Trump is once again saying Greenland should belong to the U.S., but Denmark, and the EU, aren’t having it. European Council President António Costa reminded everyone that Europe doesn’t take kindly to territorial threats and European leaders have rallied behind Denmark, making it clear that Greenland is not for sale or for the taking. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has been securing support across Europe, while Greenland’s government firmly rejects any U.S. takeover.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co-production with Sphera Network.
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The Competitive Compass is the Commission’s roadmap for strengthening the EU’s economy in a rapidly changing global market. It focuses on key priorities like reducing regulatory burdens, increasing investment in innovation, and helping European businesses compete with their U.S. and Chinese counterparts.
And so far so good, but what does this mean for the EU’s environmental goals? Is the Competitive Compass the beginning of the end for the Green Deal?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Fast fashion is responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions, more than aviation and shipping combined, and its environmental toll continues to rise. The industry thrives on overproduction and overconsumption, flooding the market with cheap, disposable clothing that drives a growing textile waste crisis. Across Europe, millions of tonnes of textiles are incinerated, dumped in landfills, or exported to countries where waste management systems are overstretched, causing severe environmental and social repercussions.
This episode explores the hidden costs of fast fashion and Europe’s response to this crisis with EU-wide regulations aimed at promoting circularity, reducing waste, and addressing microplastics.
Experts Theresa Mörsen from Zero Waste Europe, and Lars Fogh Mortensen from the European Environment Agency provide insights into the systemic changes needed to tackle the impact of fast fashion, along with the role of governments, businesses, and consumers in creating a more sustainable future. Can Europe’s ambitious strategies reverse the tide of fast fashion and pave the way towards a circular textile economy?
Join Evi Kiorri every last Wed of the month to dissect these and other themes at the heart of European debates.
Production: By Europod, in co-production with Sphera Network.
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A critical undersea cable connecting Sweden and Latvia was damaged in Swedish waters. This isn't just a technical hiccup, it’s a geopolitical flashpoint. Was it an innocent accident caused by bad weather? Or is there a more sinister force at play? Sweden’s coastguard seized a Bulgarian-owned tanker, NATO stepped up patrols under its Baltic Sentry mission, and suspicions of sabotage are hanging heavy in the air.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Nearly two years after Greece’s worst railway disaster, tens of thousands took to the streets demanding accountability for the 57 lives lost.
In this episode, we take a look into the Tempe train tragedy, unpack the damning evidence of missing CCTV footage, the undisclosed presence of flammable materials, and the alleged cover-ups that have surrounded the case.Why is this case more than just a Greek issue and what should happen next?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s conservative CDU party, is tipped to become the next chancellor. His party is leading the polls by a wide margin ahead of the February 23 election. If elected, Merz would replace Olaf Scholz and bring a decisive shift in both foreign and domestic policies. But what is his vision for Germany’s and Europe’s future and what can we expect after February 23rd?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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"There is no choice." That’s how Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk laid it out yesterday in the European Parliament, while outlining the priorities of Poland during its EU rotating presidency. His message? Europe must arm itself, not just to survive but to thrive in a world where reliance on the U.S. for security is increasingly precarious.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative echoed this sentiment emphasising the urgent need for the EU to take responsibility for its defence.Is this a shift in Europe’s defense strategy? And are we saying yes to Donald Trump’s demands on NATO spending?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos are sounding the alarm, Europe is losing ground. With the world charging ahead, Europe risks being left behind, tangled in over-regulation and a lack of innovation. Former European Council President Charles Michel is calling for bold action, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggests Europe is prioritising red tape over progress.
Is Europe really sleepwalking into catastrophe, as some claim? And more importantly, how can we turn things around before it’s too late?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Europe Talks Back is a journalistic podcast that unpacks the social, political, environmental, and cultural events and trends shaping Europe today. Combining the sharp expertise of guests from the field of politics, economy, and NGOs with unique insights based on on-the-ground reporting of independent media, Europe Talks Back offers a fresh perspective on European matters, which goes beyond the headlines.
Join Evi Kiorri every last Wed of the month to dissect these and other themes at the heart of European debates.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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In today’s episode of Long Story Short, we explore how President Donald Trump’s return to the global stage shakes Europe’s delicate balance. From his bold calls for NATO allies to spend 5% of GDP on defense to promises of cheap American LNG that could replace Russian energy, Trump’s policies pose tough choices for European leaders. Meanwhile, fears of a looming trade war add to the pressure as Europe struggles to safeguard its economic stability, strategic autonomy, and climate ambitions.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is facing sharp criticism from 155 mental health professionals, who’ve signed an open letter accusing him of authoritarian tendencies, divisive rhetoric, and policies that undermine Slovakia’s position in the EU and NATO.
How has the government reacted, and what are the public’s fears?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Description:
Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki is under fire for his pandemic-era push for a mail-in election that cost millions and broke the rules. In today’s episode of Long Story Short, we unpack why prosecutors want to lift Morawiecki’s parliamentary immunity, what this case means for Poland and Europe’s democracies, and what’s next for the former PM and other key players.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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