Skip to main content
The Greater European Talks

The Greater European Talks

By Institute for a Greater Europe

The Official Podcast of the Intitute for a Greater Europe, a pan-European youth led think tank based in Brussels, Belgium.

As well as our regular publications we wish to bring you a roundup of the news from each region the Institute follows.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

GET #8: REM Woes, EU health law, and Broken Treaties

The Greater European TalksJun 02, 2020

00:00
52:43
GET #48 - Are Sanctions Against Russia Working?

GET #48 - Are Sanctions Against Russia Working?

As a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the United States, the European Union, and other countries rapidly adopted a variety of diplomatic and economic sanctions. This podcast covers whether or not the sanctions imposed on Russia are effective.

In this episode, Eylül Erva Akın asked Mohammad Ali Zafar about the effectiveness of Russia's sanctions. Sound engineered by Iacopo Taddia.

Don't forget to vote in the poll until October 23rd! We'd like to hear your thoughts.

Oct 12, 202214:55
GET #47 - Talking About Time: Old Puzzles, New Solutions

GET #47 - Talking About Time: Old Puzzles, New Solutions

The third instalment of the mini-series on the politics of time.

Oct 03, 202243:28
GET #46 - US Role in the Russia-Ukraine War

GET #46 - US Role in the Russia-Ukraine War

At the centre of this episode is a discussion between Eylül Erva Akın and Carlos Jalil about the United States' role in the Russia-Ukraine war. You will hear about the sanctions that the US put on Russia, the humanitarian response and help that the US gave to the people of Ukraine, the US-contribution EU's to energy security in Europe, and more.

Produced and hosted by Eylül Erva Akın. Sound engineered by Jose Ignacio Oliveros.

Jul 21, 202210:51
GET #45 - Talking About Time: Immigration, Emotion and War's Pax Tempus?

GET #45 - Talking About Time: Immigration, Emotion and War's Pax Tempus?

In the second instalment of the mini-series on the politics of time, Adith Srinivasan explores the ins and outs of political temporality studies in conversation with Elizabeth F. Cohen (Syrucase University), Ty Solomon (University of Glasgow), and Mirko Palestrino (Queen Mary University of London). Reflective of the ubiquity of time and temporality in political and social life, the panel's discussions range from the temporality of immigration processes, to the role of conceptions of time in narrative formation, and the effect of temporality on notions of victory in war. All students with a curiosity about time are sure to find something of interest explored in this episode!

Check out our channel to see the other episodes of the mini series Talking About Time: Temporality and Its Discontent.

Produced by Adith Srinivasan for The Greater European Talks. Sound engineered by Jose Ignacio Oliveros.

Jul 04, 202251:26
GET #44 - Talking About Time: Einstein, Fluvial Metaphors, and Weaponised Time

GET #44 - Talking About Time: Einstein, Fluvial Metaphors, and Weaponised Time

This is the first of three episodes in the mini series Talking About Time: Temporality and Its Discontent. Nomi Claire Lazar, Andrew Hom, and Chris McIntosh appear as guests in this episode. Check out our channel to see the other episodes of the mini series.

Produced by Adith Srinivasan for The Greater European Talks. Sound engineered by Jose Ignacio Oliveros.

Jun 20, 202244:46
GET #43 - UK-Rwanda Asylum Deal
Jun 07, 202219:16
GET #42 - How to Handle Devastating News?

GET #42 - How to Handle Devastating News?

Political scientists are the first ones to get notified when major world events occur. Especially nowadays, these devastating news can have a negative impact on the professional's mental health. In this episode, Sophia Cerda, one of our writers, talks about ways to cope with world events as part of the international relations community. 

Produced and hosted by Asimina Melissi. Research and content by Sophia Cerda. Sound engineered by José Ignacio Oliveros. 

If you would like to join one of our future episodes, please email us at podcast@institutegreatereurope.com

You can find us at:

  • https://www.institutegreatereurope.com/   
  • https://www.facebook.com/InstituteGreaterEurope/
May 18, 202207:36
GET #41 - French Elections: Shifting Europe's Equilibrium

GET #41 - French Elections: Shifting Europe's Equilibrium

The French Presidential elections are currently in the limelight as they could shift the equilibrium within Europe. In this episode, we're joined by two writers from our institute, Adrian Waters and Thibaut Charlier, to discuss the possible results and what actions have been taken by the two top candidates, Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, the role of the French population, and last but definitely not least, the media's influence. Enjoy!

Produced and hosted by Asimina Melissi. Research and content by Adrian Waters and Thibaut Charlier. Sound engineered by Jose Ignacio Oliveros.

If you would like to join one of our future episodes, please email us at podcast@institutegreatereurope.com

You can find us at:

  • https://www.institutegreatereurope.com/
  • https://www.facebook.com/InstituteGreaterEurope/
May 09, 202211:55
GET #40 - Unpacking the Conference on the Future of Europe: What's next?

GET #40 - Unpacking the Conference on the Future of Europe: What's next?

The Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) has brought together all European citizens to discuss the European Union's future since May 2021.

In this episode, Juuso Järviniemi provided insightful views on the CoFoE and addressed questions about the citizen proposals, the main challenges the EU will face in order to achieve its aims, and the future stages for CoFoEs in the short and long term. You will also learn about the Young European Federalists (JEF) and their campaigning during the Conference in this episode.

Produced and hosted by Eylül Erva Akın. Sound engineering by Jose Ignacio Oliveros.

Apr 25, 202217:09
GET #39 - Russia's Expulsion from the Council of Europe - 'No Longer a Member of This Organisation'

GET #39 - Russia's Expulsion from the Council of Europe - 'No Longer a Member of This Organisation'

The invasion in Ukraine, which is a fundamental violation of international law, ignited a clear reaction from the Council of Europe. On March 16, 2022, the Committee of Ministers took a firm stance by deciding on the withdrawal of the Russian Federation from the Council of Europe. Questions surrounding the withdrawal have been the subject of many scholarly debates, which is what we're discussing in this episode. Diego Sanchez, our deputy-editor-in-chief and Mikhail Zakharov, one of our writers, discuss the resolution of the European Court of Human Rights on the 22nd of March, the possibility of being a Member of the Council but remaining subject to the jurisdiction of the Court and the Court's announcement on accepting applications on human rights violations. Enjoy! 

This episode was produced and hosted by Asimina Melissi. Research and content by Diego Sanchez and Mikhail Zakharov. Sound engineering by Jose Ignacio Oliveros. 

If you would like to join one of our future episodes, please email us at podcast@institutegreatereurope.com

You can find us at:

  • https://www.institutegreatereurope.com/  
  • https://www.facebook.com/InstituteGreaterEurope/


Apr 11, 202216:38
GET #38 - Traineeship at the Council of Europe - Experience from the Strasbourg Headquarters

GET #38 - Traineeship at the Council of Europe - Experience from the Strasbourg Headquarters

Do you ever want to work as a trainee at the Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights organisation with 46 member states? Or do you ever wish to be a part of the organisation that signed the European Convention on Human Rights?
In this episode, Eylül Erva Akin asks Rana Gülnihal Genç and Clara Ariño Garcia about their previous experiences as trainees at the Council of Europe's Strasbourg headquarters. In this episode, we answer the following questions: How to make an application? How to stand out from the rest of the thousands of applicants? What is it like to work for an international organisation? Enjoy listening.

This episode was produced and hosted by Eylül Erva Akin. Sound engineered by Jose Ignacio Oliveros. 

If you would like to join one of our future episodes, please email us at podcast@institutegreatereurope.com 

You can find us at:

  • https://www.institutegreatereurope.com/ 
  • https://www.facebook.com/InstituteGreaterEurope/
Mar 28, 202218:38
GET #37 - The Ukrainian Crisis and the Western Balkan Enlargement Agenda

GET #37 - The Ukrainian Crisis and the Western Balkan Enlargement Agenda

To start off the new season, Lutjona Lula, a researcher focusing on Western Balkans and EU integration, tackles the current Ukraine crisis and the impact it could have on the Western Balkans. We discuss the possibility of a refugee crisis, the effect on EU integration and the role of the EU and NATO when it comes to the enlargement agenda.  This episode was hosted and produced by Asimina Melissi. Sound engineered by Jose Ignacio Oliveros. Research and content by Lutjona Lula. 

If you would like to join one of our future episodes, please email us at podcast@institutegreatereurope.com

You can find us at:

  • https://www.institutegreatereurope.com/
  • https://www.facebook.com/InstituteGreaterEurope/
Mar 11, 202212:30
GET #36 - Insects Incoming? The Future of Food in Europe and Beyond
Jan 19, 202252:52
GET #35 - The Lebanese Crisis, Where to go from here?

GET #35 - The Lebanese Crisis, Where to go from here?

Join us today a year on from our original talk with Maryam Nsaif to discuss the crisis in Lebanon which has only worsened since July 2020. The Beirut Blast, economic instability, and a host of prime ministerial resignations has only rocked the country further. With George Saade and returning Maryan Nsaif, we discuss the crisis further, the complex web of issues, and the emotionally difficult situation many Lebanese are facing. For any of those wishing to help from outside, please do consider donating at Offrejoie (https://offrejoie.org/); Impact Lebanon (https://www.impactlebanon.org/); Arc en Ciel (https://www.arcenciel.org/en/) 

Oct 23, 202150:43
GET #34 - German Elections 2021 - The (Lack Of) Change In A Post-Merkel Germany.

GET #34 - German Elections 2021 - The (Lack Of) Change In A Post-Merkel Germany.

Philippe and Oliver discuss on the last German elections and the difficulties to create the new government. 

Sep 26, 202140:43
GET #33 - The State of Civil Society after Covid-19
Jul 12, 202130:35
GET#32 - Making the EU a Global Actor with Federica Mogherini

GET#32 - Making the EU a Global Actor with Federica Mogherini

What is the EU? For many it can be an economic bloc, a continental forum, or something more. For some more adventurous, it has become a global actor, with the ability to shape global affairs as well as think globally in all its efforts. Today we talk with Federica Mogherini, former High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy of the Union about her role in promoting the EU as a global actor through the 2016 global strategy, a watershed moment for the EU and its global efforts. What was it like to put this together, how has it been implemented? Find out and more in todays discussion!

Jul 05, 202130:08
GET #31 - Belarus - What does the Future hold?

GET #31 - Belarus - What does the Future hold?

Only a week after the hijacking of a Ryanair flight to arrest a Belarusian Journalist, we discuss what the future holds for the Belarusian people, state, and dictator Lukashenko. Joining us in this discussion are two belarusian students, Katsiaryna Shafranovich and Maryia Ditchkowska, along with Institute writer Thomas Voets, and Philippe.

Jun 16, 202130:59
GET #30 - Bodies Unbound

GET #30 - Bodies Unbound

Bodies Unbound is an important project run by April Yee, Lena Chen and Elise Hanrahan about reckoning with Europe’s long history of policing the bodies of women of colour. As part of the Europe Lab with the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum, they are working to put together a performance documentary poetry that will bring to light European histories of sexist and racist policing, while centering the women of color who seek liberation from state control. We talk to the projects organisers to talk more about the importance of the topic in todays world, as well as the challenges in creating it. Make sure to check out Bodies Unbound when it is unveiled at the Europe Lab 2021 alongside IGEs project Places in the Sun. 

For further information about some of the sources we mentioned during the podcast, see: https://www.nourbese.com/poetry/zong-3/ https://www.shondaland.com/act/a36080121/colonial-history-that-contributed-to-atlanta-shootings/

Jun 01, 202132:51
GET #29 - The Winds of Change in Germany – Elections after Merkel

GET #29 - The Winds of Change in Germany – Elections after Merkel

Excitement is not usually a go to word when describing German politics, but this years federal elections elicit the usage of it. With Chancellor Angela Merkel standing down, there is a new change in german politics, whether people like it or not. Join us in todays episode where we discuss this change with Stephan Raab, based in Bavaria itself, and Oliver Lawrie, student of German and Austrian politics, moderated as always by Philippe.

May 17, 202141:15
GET #28: EU-ducation in the Near abroad

GET #28: EU-ducation in the Near abroad

In this episode we take a very niche look at a part of Europe's neighbourhood policy not often talked about, but very relevant, education. As many of us at the Institute are students ourselves, we take a look with Michela and Stephan into some of the organisations and policies that the EU uses in the region, why, and what do they do?

Apr 19, 202133:52
GET #27: Working with the Future: A World after the Pandemic

GET #27: Working with the Future: A World after the Pandemic

What can we learn from the future for today? In this episode we are talking with Prof. Roberto Poli, who is a professor for Future Studies at the University of Trento, about his experience with researching the future. We are also joined by Isabella Mavellia and Marisa De Schepper from Greener EU (https://www.greenereu.com/), an initiative for sustainable tourism.

Apr 05, 202101:07:11
GET #26: Grand Strategy and Great Power Politics with Prof. Sven Biscop
Mar 09, 202141:21
GET #25: The Burmese Coup with Chair of EU-AP Studies

GET #25: The Burmese Coup with Chair of EU-AP Studies

Today we talk with our new Chair of EU Asia Pacific Studies about a critical geopolitical issue dominating South-east Asia. On the 1st of February, Burmese Generals took control of the levers of power in Myanmar, and putting under house arrest the former civilian leader. With the state of emergency proposed to last a year, but with echoes of past military dictatorships, what does this mean for the region, and for Europe?

Feb 19, 202129:20
GET #24: Future World Order with Maha Aziz

GET #24: Future World Order with Maha Aziz

Join Stephan and Philippe with our first interview on the podcast with Maha Aziz, Author of Future World Order, a bestselling book all about Global Risk analysis and what the future has in store for us. Also famous for her educational cartoons, we discuss her thoughts for the future, the themes she explored in our book, and more! Do read our book review by Stephan and look out for Maha's new book coming this Spring on the Covid 19 Effect! You can follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/globalkidcomic or check out the book at https://futureworldorder.org/

Jan 24, 202154:41
GET #23 - The Young Leader Voices with Luca Arfini

GET #23 - The Young Leader Voices with Luca Arfini

Today we talk with young leader Luca Arfini about one of his exciting new projects the Young Leader Voices. As a series of talks with young leaders across Europ,  we share the desire to promote youth initiatives and ideas across the continent. Check out Luca's projects at https://www.young-leaders-voices.com/ and listen in for a preview of the project and some interesting ideas on how we can promote young voices in Europe

Jan 10, 202119:02
GET #22 The Conference on the Future of Europe

GET #22 The Conference on the Future of Europe

The Conference on the Future of Europe is an exciting and pivotal event that could shape the future of the European Union. Join us today as we discuss this further with Teun Janssen, Manuel Maria f. Sousa, and Annamária Lévai from different perspectives, moderated as always by Philippe.

Jan 03, 202150:58
GET #21: US Election Special 2020

GET #21: US Election Special 2020

The US elections are a pivotal election not just for Americans but for all of Greater Europe. Join us as we discuss what the election meant for Americans, for Europe, and for the wider international system upon Joe Biden's acension to the presidency. Join the Institute's Philippe and Jack, alongside speakers Maegan Cross and Anna-Liisa Merilinde from both sides of the Atlantic for this exciting discussion on the next four years

Nov 14, 202001:00:27
GET #20: Libyia's Resigned Governments, Israel-UAE Agreement, and China's MENA influence

GET #20: Libyia's Resigned Governments, Israel-UAE Agreement, and China's MENA influence

Join this week Philippe, Dayle and Pierfrancesco from our new partner the European Student think tank as we discuss news items from the Middle East and North Africa.

Oct 28, 202039:17
GET #19: The Election Special, Local, Nationals, and Referenda

GET #19: The Election Special, Local, Nationals, and Referenda

Central and Southeast Europe -  Together with Ruxandra, Iva and Adrian, Philippe discusses the elections in countries such as Montenegro Macedonia and Romania, but also on the Swiss referendum. 


Oct 13, 202059:03
GET #18: Referenda on Cutting Down and Cutting Out, Macron in Lebanon

GET #18: Referenda on Cutting Down and Cutting Out, Macron in Lebanon

In this episode, Philppe Lefevre discusses with Gary Paterson and Adrian Waters on the potentiality for a Scottish referendum and the recent Italian referendum for shrinking the Parliament and the last visit of Macron in Lebanon. 

Sep 30, 202051:30
GET #17: Elections from Belarus and Georgia, Polish LGBTQ+ Crackdown

GET #17: Elections from Belarus and Georgia, Polish LGBTQ+ Crackdown

In this episode, Philippe Lefevre together with Stephan Raab and Dariy Burov discuss on Russia and Eastern Europe

Sep 18, 202055:32
GET #16: Tik-Tok's Bifurcation of the Internet, and Abe's Ministerial Woes

GET #16: Tik-Tok's Bifurcation of the Internet, and Abe's Ministerial Woes

Listen to the new episode of our Talks hosted by Philippe Lefevre and our special guest Yuki Moritani about how Japan is managing the Covid situation and about the political crisis around the famous Tik Tok.

Sep 10, 202027:42
GET #15: The Lebanese Crisis and Protests, and Continued Pressure in Libya

GET #15: The Lebanese Crisis and Protests, and Continued Pressure in Libya

Join us in the last discussion with Philippe Lefevre, and Maryam Nsaif on the Middle East and North Africa, in particular Libya. 

Aug 24, 202021:32
GET #14: Balkan Special, Protests from Serbia and Bulgaria, with Kosovar and Romanian perspectives

GET #14: Balkan Special, Protests from Serbia and Bulgaria, with Kosovar and Romanian perspectives

Today marks one of our first tighly linked episode all on developments in the Balkans. Join Philippe Lefevre, Adam Kovac, Lorena Sekiraqa, and Ruxandra Seniuc as we discuss the trials and tribulations in many countries on the peninsula. Riots and protests abound in this episode as we take on the protests that erupted in Serbia and Bulgaria, and the responses in Kosovo and Romania! 

Aug 04, 202001:10:09
GET #13: Russian Bounties, US Troops leaving Germany, France's New PM

GET #13: Russian Bounties, US Troops leaving Germany, France's New PM

In this episode of the GET we look at Western Europe and the Atlantic region. Join Philippe, Jack, and Dayle as they discuss more about the possible Russian paying of bounties on US and British soldiers in Afghanistan, US moving of troops out of Germany and the new French prime minister!

Aug 01, 202047:36
GET #12: Controvertial Elections, PiS, Belarus, and the Russian Constitution

GET #12: Controvertial Elections, PiS, Belarus, and the Russian Constitution

Today we take a look at the various elections and referenda coming up over Russia and Eastern Europe. Join us as we look into the Polish and Belarusian Presidential elections and the ongoing saga with the Russian constitutional referendum. With thanks to Anatastia Vasileva, Nadezha Kamenkovic and Jakub Stepaniuk for joining us too!

Jul 13, 202051:51
GET #11: The Politics of Free Trade from Vietnam to Japan

GET #11: The Politics of Free Trade from Vietnam to Japan

In our episode today we look at Eurasia, and with Philippe and Timothée as to the new relationships, the UK is trying to forge with Japan, as well as the EU's recently ratified FTA with Vietnam. What does this mean for the politics and economies of the country? Listen today to find out!

Jul 02, 202026:45
GET #10: Israeli Annexation Plans, Western Sahara, and Haftar's defeat in Libya

GET #10: Israeli Annexation Plans, Western Sahara, and Haftar's defeat in Libya

In today's episode join Philippe, Nadezhda and Dariy as they discuss the EU's influence in Israel, including its response to the annexation plans; The often ignored Western Sahara Issue; and what the Libyan general Haftars losses in Libya mean for Europe.

Jun 22, 202055:34
GET #9: Kosovar Constitutional Crisis and Nord Stream II, Part II

GET #9: Kosovar Constitutional Crisis and Nord Stream II, Part II

Central and Southeast Europe - in this episode Philippe Lefevre together with  Nadezhda Kamenokovich discuss Central and Southeast European situation 

Jun 11, 202034:24
GET #8: REM Woes, EU health law, and Broken Treaties

GET #8: REM Woes, EU health law, and Broken Treaties

In this episode, Phillippe Lefevre talks about Western Europe and the Atlantic region with Dariy Burov, Jack Lashendock, Diego Sanchez

Jun 02, 202052:43
GET #7: WWII's Memory Problems, Russia's Constitution, SA relations, and the 100 days of Zelensky

GET #7: WWII's Memory Problems, Russia's Constitution, SA relations, and the 100 days of Zelensky

In this 7th episode, Philippe Lefevre talks about Russia and Eastern Europe with Dariy Burov, Nadezhda Kamenokovich and Jonas Lammens

May 24, 202001:04:08
GET #6: Kim-Jon Un's Dissapearing Act, Islamophobia in Asia, and the South China Sea

GET #6: Kim-Jon Un's Dissapearing Act, Islamophobia in Asia, and the South China Sea

In this episode, Philippe Lefevre discusses with Nikhil Dongol and Valentina Tonino from Bridge Europe, our partner,  on the situation in Eurasia 

May 18, 202041:21
GET #5: Lebanese Protests, Operation Irni, and the new Israeli Government

GET #5: Lebanese Protests, Operation Irni, and the new Israeli Government

In this episode Philippe Lefevre discusses with Robin Schmahl and  José W. Zaarour on Middle East and North Africa. 

May 13, 202038:11
GET #4: Balkan Accession Talks, Kosovar Political Crisis and Czech Controversy

GET #4: Balkan Accession Talks, Kosovar Political Crisis and Czech Controversy

In this episode of The Greater European Talks, we discuss Central and Southern Europe affairs, Balkans and Turkey in Covid-19's time. Our guests for this episode are Lutjona Lula and Jeyhun Aliyev from our board. 

May 04, 202047:35
GET #3: Covid-19 from Canada to India

GET #3: Covid-19 from Canada to India

In this episode, we talk with our expert at the Institute for a Greater Europe about how Northen, Eastern Europe reacted to Covid-19, with a special focus on the extra-Europe situation in Canada and India. 

Apr 01, 202049:46
GET #2: Delayed Olympics, Afghanistan, and more Covid!
Mar 30, 202029:18
GET #1: Russia and Eastern Europe
Mar 30, 202017:59