Europe’s toughest migration plan yet

Europe’s toughest migration plan yet

From Brussels Playbook Podcast by POLITICO

June 1, 2026 · 16 min · Episode 61

About this episode

The episode discusses the EU's controversial migration policy, the political implications in France, and the bloc's efforts in AI chip production.

The EU is edging closer to one of its most controversial migration policies yet: sending failed asylum seekers to return hubs outside the bloc. Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur discuss the latest negotiations over tougher deportation rules, why countries are already exploring potential deals from Albania to Central Asia, and why critics warn the plans could create offshore detention centers. Then: France's presidential race is drifting toward a scenario that many in Brussels dread, with far-right politician Jordan Bardella and far-left figure Jean-Luc Mélenchon gaining ground as the center splinters. And finally: Brussels wants Europe to build the advanced chips powering the AI revolution. But after years of falling behind, can the bloc still join the race? A question for you: How are you actually using AI? We'd love to hear what's working, what's not and what tools have become part of your daily routine. Send us a message or a voice note on our 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

  • migration policy
  • asylum seekers
  • deportation rules
  • political landscape
  • AI technology
  • chip production

Keywords

  • migration
  • asylum
  • deportation
  • politics
  • AI
  • chips
  • Brussels

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: EU, Brussels

Places: Albania, Central Asia

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