
About this episode
It’s three days until the Hungarian election, and opposition leader Péter Magyar appears poised to end PM Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule.
If that happens, some in the Brussels bubble hope Magyar will take steps to improve Hungary’s strained relationship with the EU. But on today’s episode, host Zoya Sheftalovich and EU Policy Editor Sarah Wheaton explain why that won’t be easy — with the chore of unblocking billions of euros in frozen EU funds representing just one example.
Then, the latest developments from the war in Iran suggest Europe may again be left footing the bill for controversial actions by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Last, the Commission’s DiscoverEU initiative is offering free train passes to 18-year-olds who correctly answer a short quiz. Sarah tests Zoya on one of last year’s questions.
Do you have a harrowing or pleasant train travel experience within Europe?Send us a WhatsApp message here or dial +32 491 05 06 29.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Brussels Playbook Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Brussels Playbook Podcast

The EU’s Israel dilemma
Brussels Playbook Podcast
Sep 9, 202616:35failed

Kaja Kallas takes another hit
Brussels Playbook Podcast
Sep 8, 202616:17failed

Germany's far-right bombshell
Brussels Playbook Podcast
Sep 7, 202620:33completed

What do Spain's migrant crisis and Germany's knife-edge election mean for Europe...
Brussels Playbook Podcast
Sep 4, 202626:15failed