The €1.8 trillion standoff

The €1.8 trillion standoff

From Brussels Playbook Podcast by POLITICO

April 28, 2026 · 15 min · Episode 44

About this episode

The episode discusses the upcoming vote on the EU's long-term budget and various related political issues.

Today on the pod, we’re talking money, money, money. An important vote on the EU’s next long-term budget is happening in the European Parliament. Zoya and Nick discuss how lawmakers are pushing for a bigger cash pot ... which will likely cause a stir with some countries. We unpack the battle lines already starting to form. Also, the College of Commissioners is meeting in Strasbourg to discuss how drafting legislation could be made more efficient — although critics warn this could weaken important safeguards. Plus, last week the Commission unveiled an age verification app designed to stop kids from accessing adult content online. But the rollout has been … bumpy. Finally: It seems we really hit a nerve when we discussed whether shops in Brussels should be open on Sundays. Zoya and Nick sift through your heated messages. More questions or comments? 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

Hosts: Zoya, Nick

Topics covered

  • EU budget
  • legislation efficiency
  • age verification
  • Brussels shops
  • political standoff

Keywords

  • EU budget
  • European Parliament
  • legislation
  • age verification
  • Brussels shops
  • politics
  • Commission

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: College of Commissioners, European Parliament, Commission

Products: age verification app

Places: Brussels

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