Berlin turns up the heat

Berlin turns up the heat

From Brussels Playbook Podcast by POLITICO

April 27, 2026 · 16 min · Episode 43

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of rising energy prices and political pressure in Europe amidst the fallout from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Europe is staring down a familiar and unwelcome set of circumstances: rising energy prices, slowing growth and growing political pressure. As the fallout from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran ripples through global markets, EU governments are scrambling to cushion the blow — with far fewer tools than they had when the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered the last energy crisis. Zoya Sheftalovich is joined by Nick Vinocur to unpack what this new economic shock could mean — not just for households, but for Europe’s political center. Also on the pod: German conservatives turn up the heat on Ursula von der Leyen — and Belgium looks to keep the lights on in its shops a little longer. Got a question or a comment? Contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Zoya Sheftalovich

Guest: Nick Vinocur

Topics covered

  • energy prices
  • economic shock
  • political pressure
  • EU governments
  • Germany
  • Belgium

Keywords

  • energy crisis
  • economic growth
  • political center
  • Ursula von der Leyen
  • Germany
  • Belgium
  • energy prices

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ursula von der Leyen

Places: Germany, Belgium

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