Brussels may look empty, but behind the scenes, a dangerous game is being played. From air-conditioned government suites (and sometimes holiday villas), leaders are making phone calls, trying to persuade European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to give their country the most prestigious job in the EU executive.
On this week’s EU Confidential podcast, host Sarah Wheaton and POLITICO’s chief EU correspondent Barbara Moens discuss how we can solve this complex political puzzle.
Then we head to Paris, where senior correspondent Clear Colcutt analyzes how the Olympics are influencing France’s turbulent politics, and gives us an inside look at why the French right is so upset by the bombastic opening ceremony.
If you want to learn more about how von der Leyen operates, listen to the latest episode of our sister podcast, Power Play, hosted by Anne McElvoy: “Queen of Europe: The Surprising Side of Ursula von der Leyen.”
Program Note: EU Confidential will be taking a two-week break, but we’ll be bringing you some of the most popular episodes from your feed to help you beat the summer doldrums.
