EU Confidential – The €2 Trillion Question in Europe’s Budget Fight

In the latest episode of Politico’s EU Confidential, host Sarah Wheaton and Brussels experts Gregorio Sorgi and Bartosz Brzeziński break down the politics behind the European Commission’s nearly €2 trillion budget proposal for 2028–2034. The discussion clarifies which sectors stand to gain notably defense and competitiveness, with a fivefold funding increase and which face cuts, such as agriculture, sparking fierce debate. As EU leaders begin negotiations, the episode probes Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership amid a chaotic rollout and assesses how internal political tensions could shape the final deal. The conversation then turns to transatlantic trade, dissecting Brussels’ options in response to threats of 30% U.S. tariffs on EU exports, with analysis from Politico Pro’s Camille Gijs, Ari Hawkins, and Doug Busvine. For a timely, insider view on the EU’s budget battles and geopolitical challenges, tune in here on Apple Podcast.