# Special episode: State of the EU 2026 — promises vs. reality

> Source: <https://www.politico.eu/podcast/brussels-playbook-podcast/special-episode-state-of-the-eu-2026-promises-vs-reality/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication>
> Published: 2026-09-16 11:45:33+00:00

Listen on

In this special episode from Strasbourg, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart give their first take on the State of the European Union speech delivered by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They look at the push for a more independent Europe — from competitiveness to AI, climate, defense and Ukraine — as well as the ideas that could shape what comes next, including a European Security Council and a deeper partnership with Canada.

Our [audience survey](https://politico.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_38kLwuTrfsvRrtI?Invite%20Source=Pod) is still live — we’d love to hear what you think about the pod.

Questions? Comments? Let us know on our WhatsApp [here](https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=32491050629&text=Hey+Zoya+and+crew%21+&type=phone_number&app_absent=0) or at +32 491 05 06 29.