The clock is ticking on the EU’s next budget

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges facing the EU as it negotiates its next long-term budget amidst political divisions and an emerging energy crisis.

Brussels faces a narrowing window to strike a deal on its next long-term budget. EU leaders gather in Cyprus this week for a potential clash over the bloc’s €1.8 trillion plan — already dividing north and south, farmers and reformers, capitals and Brussels. Council President Antonio Costa wants momentum. But with proposed new EU taxes, debt repayments and looming elections on the table, compromise looks distant. On today’s episode, Ian Wishart and Ryan Heath break down what’s at stake — and why this battle is only just beginning. They also dig into the Commission’s new emergency energy package, as fears of a new crisis grow — driven by the war in Iran and disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Plus: A rekindled Paris–Brussels romance raises awkward questions about power, politics and conflicts of interest. Got a question or a comment? Contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Further reading: Magyar wants to put the Austro-Hungarian Empire back on the map Germany spearheads effort to weaken EU's AI rules Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Ian Wishart, Ryan Heath

Topics covered

• EU budget
• political negotiations
• energy crisis
• taxation
• elections
• conflicts of interest

Keywords

• EU budget
• Cyprus
• Antonio Costa
• energy package
• Iran
• oil flows
• politics
• conflicts of interest

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: EU, Brussels, Commission, Germany, Austro-Hungarian Empire

Places: Cyprus, Iran, Strait of Hormuz

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