Deep Dives: Euthanasia in Europe: Compassion or Cause for Concern?
Join John O’Brien, Head of Communications, and Ashley Frawley, Visiting Research Fellow at MCC Brussels, in this eye-opening episode of Deep Dives. Together, they explore the complex and controversial topic of euthanasia through the lens of a groundbreaking report by MCC Brussels.In this thought-provoking discussion, they tackle critical questions: Does legalising euthanasia truly empower individuals—or the state? How do euphemisms like "death with dignity" shape public opinion and obscure deeper ethical concerns? What are the implications of normalising euthanasia, from strict safeguards to its expanding scope?Learn about the cross-national tactics driving euthanasia laws across Europe and how these policies may erode the value of life as a democratic cornerstone. Discover the risks of harmonising euthanasia legislation within the EU and its potential clash with local ethical and cultural values. Tell us what you think about this insightful conversation that challenges conventional narratives and explores the profound societal shifts tied to this critical issue.
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Geopolitics at the Pope's funeral | MCC Brussels Podcast
From Trump and Zelensky’s headline-grabbing encounter at the Pope’s funeral to a massive power outage plunging Spain into darkness, this episode dives into the mounting signs of European decline. We explore how culture wars, green dogma, and bureaucratic drift are reshaping Europe — and leaving its citizens in the dark.🇻🇦 Papal Funeral DiplomacyWe open with the surreal spectacle of global power players using the Pope’s funeral as a geopolitical summit. Jacob Reynolds and Frank Furedi unpack what it tells us about Europe's absence from global affairs — and Jorge Buxadé explains how even the Catholic Church is now entangled in the culture wars.⚡️ Spain’s Blackout & Energy CrisisNext, we dive into the devastating power outage that swept across Spain, Portugal, and southern France. Jorge Buxadé holds nothing back: Sánchez must go. Frank Furedi explains how the EU’s renewable fetish and centralised energy policy have made national governments powerless — literally.🌊 The EPP Circus in ValenciaFinally, we dissect the European People's Party conference in flood-stricken Valencia. As Jorge puts it, it’s not just the weather that’s a disaster — it's the fact the EPP still pretends to be “centre-right” while enforcing the same failed policies as the left. Frank Furedi calls them what they are: technocrats cut off from the nations they supposedly represent.🎙 Featuring: – Jorge Buxadé, MEP and member of the Vox party– Frank Furedi, Executive Director, MCC Brussels– Jacob Reynolds, Head of Policy, MCC Brussels
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Freezing Homes and Soaring Bills - Europe’s Energy Folly | Deep Dives
Across Europe, families are cutting back on heating, dreading their next energy bill. How did we end up here?In this episode of Deep Dives, John O’Brien speaks with energy expert James Woudhuysen about his latest report: Lights Out: Is the EU Failing on Energy Policy? They unpack how Europe’s obsession with wind and solar has left households vulnerable, while nuclear, gas, and coal are sidelined.Are we heading for an era of permanent energy rationing? Has the EU swapped one dependency for another by outsourcing green tech to China? And is the push for ‘sustainability’ just a new form of austerity?From spiralling costs to policymakers who seem utterly detached from reality, this discussion lays bare the failures of Europe’s energy strategy—and what must change before the situation worsens.Read the full report here: [https://brussels.mcc.hu/publication/lights-out-is-the-eu-failing-on-energy-policy-1]How are rising energy costs affecting you? Share your thoughts below.
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Trump’s TARIFF Shock: Chaos or Strategy? | MCC Brussels Podcast
On this week's podcast:From tariffs to party systems, we examine the forces quietly redrawing the political map of Europe and beyond.📉 Trump’s Tariffs – Chaos or Strategy?The former president imposes—and then partially walks back—massive global tariffs. Markets tumble, pundits panic. But is there a method behind the volatility? Mick Hume argues it’s the end of globalisation as we knew it.🕵️ EU Caught in NGO Funding ScandalA damning report from the European Court of Auditors confirms what MCC Brussels has long warned: the EU is funnelling vast sums to activist NGOs with no transparency or accountability. We expose the tangled, opaque networks—and the political agenda behind them.🇩🇪 Germany’s ‘Black-Rot’ Coalition & the Rise of AfDA new government in Berlin promises continuity, not change. As Friedrich Merz takes power with a grand coalition that concedes to every left-wing demand, the AfD hits record polling highs. What does this mean for Germany—and Europe?With Jacob Reynolds, MCC Brussels Research Fellow Richard Shank, and Mick Hume.👇 Watch now and join the debate in the comments.Subscribe for weekly analysis from MCC Brussels.#TrumpTariffs #EUScandal #GermanyPolitics #AfD #NGOs #Globalisation #MarineLePen #EUTransparency #Brussels #MCCBrussels #Politics #EuropeanUnion
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EU Democracy on Trial: Marine Le Pen Banned From Running
Marine Le Pen has been banned from running for president. Trump hits Europe with new tariffs. EU officials caught using ChatGPT to avoid transparency. We unpack Europe’s democratic and economic crisis.This week on the MCC Brussels podcast, we explore the shocking ban of Marine Le Pen from France’s presidential race, raising serious questions about lawfare and the state of democracy in the EU. We break down Trump's new tariffs and the looming EU-US trade war, and investigate the European Commission’s alleged use of ChatGPT to dodge transparency. Jacob Reynolds is joined by Frank Furedi and Paul Rougeron for a deep dive into the political chaos spreading across Europe.#France #MarineLePen #TradeWar #EUPolitics #ChatGPT #MCCBrussels
Discussions, event recordings, and updates from the team at MCC Brussels – the home for genuine policy deliberation about the EU and an in-depth exploration of the key issues facing Europeans.
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