POLITICO's EU Confidential

Monkeypox in Europe — Big Tech vs. Telecoms battle

In this bumper edition before the summer break, we explain the monkeypox outbreak in Europe and the EU's response. We also preview the biggest lobbying battle brewing in Brussels between Big Tech platforms and telecom operators.

Russian propaganda — Macron in Africa — Cities for women

We debate what the EU and its leaders can do to counter Russian propaganda, particularly in Africa, about the global food crisis. And we tell the story of Umeå, Sweden, which has become a trailblazer in incorporating gender equality into urban design…

Heat wave — Energy vs. climate — Crypto spotlight

We dive into the politics of this week's hot topic — Europe's response to a devastating heat wave and how that impacts current energy troubles. We also look into a debate over crypto currencies and how they should be regulated across the EU.

Summer travel chaos — Combustion engines' end — Wizz Air CEO

Our POLITICO mobility team takes over this episode — unpacking the issues facing the travel industry this summer and what European policymakers can do to address them.

EU Home Affairs chief Ylva Johansson — Aussie re-set — Interpreters row

As drama unfolds across the English Channel, we look at where things stand with the EU's migration policy and examine EU-Australian relations.

NATO summit — Swedish, Norwegian and Estonian PMs — G7 flop

Coming to you from the NATO summit in Madrid, our POLITICO team analyzes a packed week in international diplomacy and what it means for Europe and its security. We also hear from the prime ministers of Sweden, Norway and Estonia.

Ukraine on EU membership path ⁠— Balkan backlash — Albanian PM

Coming to you from the EU leaders' summit in the heart of Brussels, we discuss Ukraine's candidacy to join the club and the lack of progress for EU-hopefuls in the Western Balkans.

Ukraine impact — Panel-speak, decoded — Poets' guide to economics

We explore more repercussions of the war in Ukraine, explain the latest dust-up between the U.K. and the EU and unpack the patois of political panel discussions. Our special guest is retired British diplomat and author John Ramsden.

Merkel's return — Poland pushback — US NATO ambassador

We break down the controversy over a plan to unlock billions of euros in EU funds for Poland and debate Angela Merkel's return to the public arena. Our special guest is Julianne Smith, the U.S. ambassador to NATO.

Russian oil ban — Hungarian hold-up — EU 'ghostwriters'

We unpack EU leaders' deal to ban Russian oil imports — with some notable exceptions after Hungary played hardball. And author Tommaso Pavone tells the story of the lawyers who turned "ghostwriters" to make the EU a legal reality.