Discussions about tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are intensifying following a recent meeting of industry ministers in Brussels on Thursday (26 September). Member states are split on supporting these tariffs, with undecided countries like Sweden and Germany potentially abstaining.

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao toured Europe earlier this month to lobby against the tariffs. Simultaneously, the European Commission and China are negotiating a "price undertaking" agreement that would set a minimum price for Chinese EVs in Europe to avoid tariffs. All this is happening amid growing geopolitical tensions between China and the EU, and increasing concern about the economic risks, particularly in Germany, which is heavily dependent on the Chinese auto market and may face retaliatory measures.

To better understand what is happening with the EU-China negotiations we spoke with our economy reporter, Thomas Moller-Nielsen.

Facing pressure from Russian aggression in the east, the EU has pledged to build an independent, cross-border military under an ambitious defence strategy.

Boosting defence spending is no small task – it would require €500 billion over the next decade, according to European Commission President von der Leyen. Yet, only €1.5 billion is currently allocated for 2025 to 2027.

With the stakes high, the European Commission must answer uncomfortable questions: who will fund it, and how much will it cost?

In this episode, host Giada Santana and defence editor Aurelie Pugnet explore the EU’s defence budget dilemma with insights from Nathalie Loiseau, Member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE).

The situation in the Middle East is rapidly deteriorating. Though not officially termed a war, the escalating conflict across Gaza, northern Israel, and southern Lebanon suggests a new regional conflict in the Middle East is rapidly taking shape.

Israel's operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and Beirut, which resulted in the death of one of Hezbollah's leaders, has triggered missile retaliation and caused severe civilian casualties. More than 550 people, among them dozens of children have died, and thousands have fled the violence since Israel’s most intense barrage. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is urging immediate de-escalation, civilian protection, and unhindered humanitarian aid to prevent further catastrophe, particularly in Gaza, where the situation is already dire.

In today’s episode, host Evi Kiorri brings you a voice from Gaza: Hisham Mhanna, spokesperson of the ICRC, discusses the situation on the ground. Our senior editor, Georgi Gotev, joins us to unpack the current situation in southern Lebanon and north Israel.