Latest Episode: ‘Expanding Horizons: Lessons and Geopolitics of EU Enlargement’ with Prof. Veronica Anghel
In this episode of The European Dialogue, we explore one of the most pressing issues in European politics today - EU enlargement. What does it mean? Why does it matter? And why is this conversation more urgent than ever?
Prof. Veronica Anghel, an expert in comparative politics and international relations, unpacks the geopolitics of EU expansion. We discuss:
The EU’s enlargement as a strategic tool for peace and stability
Russia’s influence on candidate countries like Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia
The challenges of balancing security concerns with democratic reforms
The potential impact of the Trump administration on EU enlargement policy
How enabling collaboration among academics, policymakers and civil society can strengthen the EU’s democratic resilience
This conversation was recorded a few weeks before the U.S. administration transition in January 2025, but its themes remain highly relevant amidst today’s fast-changing global politics. We reference to two of Veronica Anghel’s most relevant and recent articles with Prof. Erik Jones, which we highly recommend for more on EU Enlargement:
Episode 7: ‘Climate Change in Regional Perspective’ with Prof. Andrea Ribeiro Hoffmann
In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities for climate action in Latin America, featuring an in-depth discussion with Prof. Andrea Ribeiro Hoffmann, co-editor of ‘Climate Change in Regional Perspective - European Union and Latin American Initiatives, Challenges, and Solutions’ (alongside Prof. Paula Sandrin and Prof. Yannis. E. Doukas).
Andrea speaks to the institutional, political, and economic barriers that have hindered regional organisations like MERCOSUR and UNASUR from prioritising climate policies, despite Latin America’s environmental importance and vulnerabilities. We examine how shifting political tides, from the Pink Tide to conservative governments, have shaped climate cooperation and policy enforcement.
The episode also connects Latin America’s regional challenges to global frameworks like the Paris Agreement, exploring how the region can leverage international commitments to strengthen local action.
We discuss key takeaways from COP29 in Azerbaijan and expectations for COP30 in Brazil, particularly in relation to trade agreements like the EU-MERCOSUR deal and the role of civil society in climate governance.
Episode 6: ‘Friend Zone Forever? The Essence of and Justifications for the EU’s Decision-Making Autonomy’ with Prof. Marja-Liisa Öberg
This week, we are joined by Prof. Marja-Liisa Öberg. Associate Professor of EU Law at Lund University and a leading expert in EU constitutional and external relations law. Marja-Liisa unpacks her thought-provoking article, "Friend Zone Forever? The Essence of and Justifications for the EU’s Decision-Making Autonomy," which is part of the special issue "Third Country Influence on EU Law and Policy-Making: Setting the Scene," co-edited with Prof. Sandra Lavenex of the University of Geneva.
We dive into the complexities of the EU’s "friend zone" dynamic with third countries, exploring the autonomy of its decision-making processes, the challenges of external influence, and the evolving nature of its global relationships.
Don’t miss this engaging discussion on the intersection of law, policy, and international relations.
Episode 5: ‘Understanding right‐wing populism and what to do about it’ with Prof. Daphne Halikiopoulou
In this episode, we dive into the critical challenges posed by right-wing populism in Europe, featuring an in-depth discussion with the Prof. Daphne Halikiopoulou, co-author of the article “Understanding right‐wing populism and what to do about it?” (along with Prof. Tim Vlandas).
Our conversation uncovers the multifaceted origins of these movements, from cultural grievances to economic crises, challenging simplistic narratives about their growth. We discuss the diverse ways right-wing populism has taken hold in different European regions, shaped by local contexts and historical legacies. The episode examines key patterns and trends across the continent, shedding light on the factors behind varying levels of success for populist parties.
This episode offers a thoughtful analysis of Europe's political landscape, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how to navigate and respond to the challenges posed by right-wing populism. Listen now!
Episode 3:
'Populist Power Plays: Unpacking 'Unpolitics' in EU Decision-Making’ with Prof. Ariadna Ripoll Servent and Prof. Natascha Zaun
In this episode, we speak with Prof. Ariadna Ripoll Servent and Prof. Natascha Zaun about their research on "unpolitics," a strategy used by populist governments to reject traditional rules and compromise in favour of mobilising domestic voters. But what exactly is unpolitics, and how does it differ from conventional political strategies? We explore why populist leaders turn to this approach within the EU and what impact it has on decision-making.
Drawing on the case of refugee distribution, we discuss how populist governments prioritise vote-seeking strategies over consensus-building, and in which policy areas unpolitics is most likely to emerge. We also examine the consequences of this strategy for EU governance and the relationship between populist governments and their citizens.
Find out more in the full article "Under Which Conditions Do Populist Governments Use Unpolitics in EU Decision-Making,". Check out the special issue (Vol. 12, 2024) Unpolitics: The Role of Populist Governments in EU Decision-Making:
Episode 4:
'Chasing Equality: The Evolution of Gender Equality in the EU’ with Prof. Esther Barbé
Join Prof. Esther Barbé as she explores the evolution of gender equality within the EU and its broader international context.
Gender equality, recognised as a cornerstone of human rights, has transformed significantly since the 1979 CEDAW convention, which sought to eliminate discrimination against women. Over time, the understanding of gender expanded to include its social construct and power dynamics, framing equality as a driver of societal change.
In the EU, this principle evolved from the Treaty of Rome's (1957) focus on equal pay to a comprehensive framework of gender mainstreaming by the 1990s. Prof. Barbé examines how the EU has championed gender equality to encourage economic growth, promote labour market participation, and combat gender violence—culminating in a Gender Strategy set for 2025. However, rising anti-gender movements and political polarisation now threaten these advances. Prof. Barbé highlights strategic actions the EU can take to safeguard progress and uphold gender equality as a fundamental human right.
Episode 1:
Introducing the EU-VALUES Network - Who are we? With Prof. Jacint Jordana
Join Prof. Jacint Jordana as he introduces the EU-Values Network. Discover our origins, the key topics we tackle, our diverse membership, and how we engage with the academic community.
Stay tuned for more episodes of The European Dialogue podcast, coming soon.
Episode 2: ‘Geopolitical EU?
The EU's Wartime Assistance to Ukraine’ with Prof. Elisabeth Johansson-Nogués
In this episode, we dive deep into the EU’s evolving foreign policy amidst the war in Ukraine with Prof. Elisabeth Johansson-Nogués. Drawing from her latest research, co-authored with Francesca Leso, "Geopolitical EU? The EU's Wartime Assistance to Ukraine," we explore how the conflict is reshaping Europe's global identity.
Professor Johansson-Nogués unpacks the EU’s response, revealing how its support for Ukraine is about more than military aid—it's a defense of core values like democracy, human rights, and sovereignty, which are being challenged by authoritarian forces worldwide. While the EU has taken bold steps, questions remain about its ability to solidify its role as a regional and global leader. Tune in to hear how this war is redefining the EU’s position on the world stage and what it means for the future of international relations.
Listen now on Soundcloud, Spotify and Youtube now: