TALKING EUROPE

Christophe Robeet brings you a fresh look from Brussels. First, two MEPs face off on a burning issue that affects the lives of Europeans. Then, we interview a European leader in partnership with RFI. The show is produced with the help of the European Parliament and Commission. Every other Saturday at 1:10pm.

Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament
TALKING EUROPE

Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament

The newly elected president of the European Parliament is our guest. An outspoken German MEP from the Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Martin Schulz has vowed to give the Parliament a stronger voice in Europe. He gives us his opinion on Greece, IMF rescue funds, the Commission's reaction to the Hungarian government of Viktor Orban, and the EU oil embargo against Iran.
The Franco-German engine, driving Europe to a better future?
TALKING EUROPE

The Franco-German engine, driving Europe to a better future?

For decades the Franco-German tandem has been a driving force in European integration. But it has drawn criticism from its European partners, who feel Paris and Berlin often seek to impose their agenda on the rest of Europe. So what do the French and Germans think of this duo? We analyse the results of a new survey produced by our partner for this programme, the Paris-Berlin magazine.
Joaquin Almunia, EU Commissioner for Competition
TALKING EUROPE

Joaquin Almunia, EU Commissioner for Competition

Joaquin Almunia holds one of the most influential portfolios in the Commission. As the EU’s antitrust regulator, he is responsible for guaranteeing fair competition across the EU. The Spanish Commissioner reacts to the downgrade of France’s sovereign debt rating, the possible merger of Deutsche Boerse with NYSE Euronext, and the rise of protectionism.
Taxing finance: can France go it alone ?
TALKING EUROPE

Taxing finance: can France go it alone ?

France is seeking to press ahead with a tax on financial transactions, and hoping the rest of Europe will follow suit. The view from Paris is that the financial sector is largely responsible for sparking the current crisis and must now contribute to its resolution. But with the UK firmly opposed to the scheme, can such a tax ever work?
Joachim Bitterlich, Former Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to Helmut Kohl
TALKING EUROPE

Joachim Bitterlich, Former Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to Helmut Kohl

2011 was an "annus horribilus" for Europe. The eurozone debt crisis has shaken the very foundations of the European Union. But during this period, Germany has taken centre stage for its attempts to resolve the crisis. We look back at 2011 with Joachim Bitterlich, Former Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to Helmut Kohl.
Poland’s EU presidency: a rough time to be at the helm (part 2)
TALKING EUROPE

Poland’s EU presidency: a rough time to be at the helm (part 2)

Warsaw's 6-month turn at the head of Europe ended on December 31st when Denmark took over. Poland's EU presidency took place during one of the worst periods in the bloc's history. With the eurozone fighting for survival and the UK drifting further away from Brussels, the European Union is facing an existential crisis. How has Poland fared in this stormy weather?
Poland’s EU presidency: a rough time to be at the helm
TALKING EUROPE

Poland’s EU presidency: a rough time to be at the helm

Warsaw's 6-month turn at the head of Europe ended on December 31st when Denmark took over. Poland's EU presidency took place during one of the worst periods in the bloc's history. With the eurozone fighting for survival and the UK drifting further away from Brussels, the European Union is facing an existential crisis. How has Poland fared in this stormy weather?
Jerzy Buzek President of the European Parliament
TALKING EUROPE

Jerzy Buzek President of the European Parliament

Buzek shares his thoughts on last week's EU Summit. We also take a look back at the results of the Polish Presidency of the EU.
BRITAIN IN THE EU, is it the beginning of the end?
TALKING EUROPE

BRITAIN IN THE EU, is it the beginning of the end?

A few days ago, Britain said 'NO' to Europe. Last week in Brussels, David Cameron vetoed a deal to try and save the single currency and resolve the debt crisis. The British Prime Minister said signing the treaty would have undermined the interests of the City of London. We analyse the fallout of this historic decision.
Mikolaj Dowgielewicz, Polish European Affairs Minister
TALKING EUROPE

Mikolaj Dowgielewicz, Polish European Affairs Minister

Poland is coming to the end of its six-month presidency of the EU. Last week, it made a dramatic appeal for Germany to show more leadership in the current eurozone crisis, showing the clock is ticking...
Eurozone crisis: is it already too late ?
TALKING EUROPE

Eurozone crisis: is it already too late ?

It’s been hailed as the summit of the last chance: European leaders are meeting in Brussels on December 8th and 9th in a desperate bid to try to save the continent’s single currency. The clock is ticking: Italy’s borrowing costs have shot up well above 7%, a level regarded as unsustainable. After months of procrastination, can the EU come up with a convincing plan to reassure the markets?
Can 'Super Mario' save Italy?
TALKING EUROPE

Can 'Super Mario' save Italy?

The appointment of former European commissioner Mario Monti at the head of the Italian government has been met with relief. But can "Super Mario" restore Rome’s credibility on the markets, and will he be able to carry out the reforms the country badly needs?
Nikiforos Diamandouros, European Ombudsman
TALKING EUROPE

Nikiforos Diamandouros, European Ombudsman

Nikiforos Diamandouros has been serving as the European Ombudsman since 2003. His job is to investigate cases of maladministration within the EU administration, including poor access to documents. His name has recently been floated to take over from Greek PM George Papandreou. He tells us about his job as EU mediator and about his country, Greece.
The state of Polish sciences
TALKING EUROPE

The state of Polish sciences

One hundred years after Marie Curie received the novel price for chemistry, we’ll look at the state of Polish sciences.
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Etienne Davignon, Former Vice President of the European Commission
TALKING EUROPE

Etienne Davignon, Former Vice President of the European Commission

Etienne Davignon is one of the most trusted experts on the European Union. A former president of the European Commission, he is now President of the think tank Friends of Europe. Christophe Robeet asks him what he thinks of the Greek debt crisis.
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