
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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