London Calling EU

The fight for a democratic future for Belarus – in conversation with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:28:30 GMT

This episode of London Calling EU presents a discussion held at Europe House devoted to Belarus and its future within a peaceful and stable Europe. Ms Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of Belarus's democratic movement and the most prominent voice challenging the Lukashenka regime, was joined in conversation at Europe House by Katia Glod, Research Fellow and Deputy Head of Foreign Policy at the New Eurasian Strategies Centre. The event was produced in collaboration with the Centre for European Reform and was chaired by its director Charles Grant. As all was on the record we are happy to present the discussion here in full.

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From London to New York: Lars Westra, EU Youth Delegate to the UN quizzes EU Ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:14:52 GMT

In a special co-production with the Who Rules the World? Podcast, created and produced by EU Delegation in New York, Lars Westra, EU Youth Delegate to the UN, presents this month’s episode of London Calling EU. Lars attended the EU Delegation to the UK’s Annual Youth Dialogue event held this year in Newcastle University, where he caught up with the EU Ambassador to the UK Pedro Serrano. Ambassador Serrano, who was infact the first EU Ambassador to the UN, spoke to Lars about the importance of youth voices in multilateralism and why youth should get in contact with different cultures/environments. At an important juncture in EU-UK Youth relations, the commitment to keeping channels open with youth is more important that ever.

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Finding Europe on London’s Streets: understanding the enduring ties between London and the European Literary imagination

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT

This month’s episode of London Calling EU will focus on a unique literary project that underscores the enduring cultural ties between the UK and the rest of the European continent: the interactive, online European Literary Map of London devised by University College London's European Institute. Highlighting London’s relevance for European culture and in particular for European writers, Dr Uta Staiger Director of the UCL European Institute and curator of the project discusses the project and the wider relationship of London and European Literature with European authors Ciara Broderick (Ireland), Nisrine Mbarki (The Netherlands), Domas Raibys (Lithuania) and Iryna Shuvalova (Ukraine) and her UCL colleague, Lucy Shackleton.

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New beginnings for old friends: Taking stock of EU-UK relations following the May 19th Summit

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:46:15 GMT

The first UK-EU Summit post–Brexit was held in London on May 19th 2025 and was agreed to have marked a new chapter in UK-EU relations. Ambassador Pedro Serrano published an op-ed on the Summit’s significance and spoke of the strength of the ‘new beginnings for old friends’. On the day following the Summit, Chatham House, the renowned foreign policy think tank in London, held a panel event featuring the Ambassador Serrano, Professor Anand Menon, Director of the UK in a Changing Europe, Olivia O’Sullivan, Director of the UK in the World Programme and Dr Nathalie Tocci Director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali. The timely discussion, deftly moderated by Sébastien Maillard of Chatham House, is presented here in full.

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Strength through Unity – Marking three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:41:32 GMT

This month’s episode of London Calling EU will mark the 3 years that have passed since the devastating Russian invasion of Ukraine. From the first day of the invasion, the EU rallied to Ukraine’s side and so far has organised the delivery of unprecedented humanitarian, financial and military assistance both directly from the EU and from Member States individually. Bringing us up to date, we discuss the breakneck diplomatic developments of late with the Director of the Ukrainian Institute in London, Olesya Khromeychuk. We also catch up with the curator Gabriele Salciute Civiliene, Associate Professor in Digital Humanities, King’s College London, Baroness Deborah Bull and commissioner Anna Huth, Cultural attaché at the European Parliament Liason Office to the UK, of a new exhibition at Europe House devoted to the protection of the built and cultural heritage of Ukraine.

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EmpowerEU: three years and counting of the EU Delegation's Citizens’ Gathering

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 17:43:55 GMT

Since its establishment in 2020, the EU Delegation to the UK has implemented a unique strategy focused on supporting and connecting with EU citizens in the UK. A highlight of this work is the annual EU Citizens’ Gathering. This year more than 200 people came together - EU citizens’ organisations, EU and UK politicians, Member States and EU institutions - to celebrate the contributions of EU citizens to UK society. In addition, 2024’s Gathering saw the launch of the inaugural EmpowerEU Award scheme which celebrates the incredible work of grassroots organisations supporting EU citizens in the UK. Nine organisations were shortlisted for award, all of which have gone above and beyond to support EU citizens, strengthen EU-UK relations, and foster youth cooperation between the EU and the UK. Join Benedicte Paviot, UK correspondent for France 24, on this episode of London Calling EU, who brings us through the highlights of the day as we hear from the panels, including the Ambassadors to the UK of the EU, Italy, Poland and Germany, MPs and the EmpowerEU award winners. Benedicte also speaks to Lydia Martin, Deputy Head of Projects, New Europeans UK about the significance of the day and the challenges ahead for EU citizens resident in the UK.

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The power of languages: from the classroom to the world of diplomacy

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:14:39 GMT

This episode of London Calling EU focuses on the power of languages. In this episode we get a flavour of the languages showcase held at Smith Square Hall in the heart of Westminster and also from a discussion panel, convened in partnership with the Centre of European Reform (CER), that debated the interconnectedness of languages and the world of diplomacy.

Exploring this soft power of languages, we hear from Alison Graves, Director of the Interpretation DG of the European Parliament, Bernardette Holmes, Chair of the UK National Consortium for Languages Education and Dominic Schroeder, former UK Ambassador and now Principal of the FCDO International Academy. Introduced by Ambassador Serrano and chaired by CER’s Deputy Director Ian Bond – we hope you enjoy!

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EU Election Series - Part 3: legacy of the vote

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 13:55:40 GMT

Now the European Election 2024 has taken place, we devote the third episode of our election series to the possible legacy of the campaign to mobilise the vote of the European community in the UK. Our host Barbara Serra takes in the Delegation’s celebrations of Europe day and speaks to the Delegation’s own EU citizens’ rights programme lead Daniel Fleischer-Ambrus on what are the outreach plans ahead. Finally, with the new European Parliament in the process of being formed, Barbara speaks with Professor Anand Menon, Director of UK in a changing Europe and Deborah Bonetti, director of the Foreign Press Association to evaluate how the results of the European election might impact EU-UK relations.

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EU Election Series - Part 2: speaking to the citizens

Wed, 01 May 2024 14:06:01 GMT

In this second episode of our special series devoted to the upcoming European Elections, our host Barbara Serra reaches out to members of the two largest EU diasporas in the UK- the Polish and the Romanian - to hear how the message about the European Elections is cutting through. Then to help better understand the opportunities and challenges involved in trying to speak directly to the citizens of the EU in the UK, we are joined by Nicholas Hatton, the co founder and former CEO of the 3 million, Typhaine Morillon, press attache for the European Parliament liaison office to the UK

and Jakub Krupa, Polish journalist and author.

Our third and final episode in the series will be coming up soon!

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EU Election Series - Part 1: how to make the voice of EU citizens in the UK heard

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:59:28 GMT

Welcome to the first of the EU Delegation’s 3 part series on the upcoming European Elections and the role to be played in them by the UK’s almost 5 million resident EU citizens.

Hosted by journalist Barbara Serra, this first episode addresses how the EU community here in the UK, the EU’s biggest diaspora outside the Union, will be able to take part in the election of the 700 MEPs that make up the European Parliament. With turnout a persistent problem we discuss not just how EU citizens can vote but also why the should. In this episode Barbara speaks to EU Ambassador Pedro Serrano, Susanne Oberhauser head of the EPLO in London, Samer Melki French General Consul to the UK and Charles Grant Director, Centre for European Reform.

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Know your Rights: empowering EU communities in the UK

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:29:09 GMT

This month’s episode of London Calling EU is devoted to the large diaspora of EU citizens living in the UK who have such an essential role in shaping future EU-UK relations. To explore, celebrate and better understand the engagement of EU citizens in British society, the EU Delegation hosted the 2023 EU Citizens’ Gathering, themed “Empowering EU Communities in the UK”. The annual event brought together civil society organisations, EU embassies, academia, Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and Members of the European Parliament and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This episode, presented by Bénédicte Paviot, the moderator of the event, provides an overview of the day and the contributions made by, among others, EU Ambassador to the UK Pedro Serrano and European Commission Executive Vice-President, Maroš Šefčovič. Some of the key messages of the day which can be heard were delivered by Lord Ricketts Chair of the House of Lords European Affairs Committee, Nathalie Loiseau MEP, Hilary Benn MP, Tsvetelina Penkova MEP and Stella Creasy, MP.

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Calling Gen Z: EU Youth Gathering - fostering ties between EU-UK youth

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:36:58 GMT

This month’s episode of London Calling EU focuses on Youth concerns and EU-UK Youth relations. Last month the EU Delegation to the UK brought together over 100 young people from all corners of the UK to a Youth Gathering to identify key challenges affecting young people and capture their views on the future of the EU-UK relationship. The Youth Gathering marked an opportunity for meaningful policy dialogue and an occasion for the establishment of a network of European Affairs Societies. For this episode two young journalists step in to host, Ramin Sayadi and Elena Sofia Massacesi and we hear from participants of the gathering, the European Delegation’s Deputy Ambassador Nicole Mannion and Maurizio Cuttin the UK’s young ambassador to European Youth Forum amongst others.

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Common values: a discussion of EU-UK foreign policy with EU Ambassador Pedro Serrano

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 06:16:16 GMT

EU Ambassador to the UK Pedro Serrano discusses the future of EU-UK Foreign policy cooperation with Paul Adamson, Chairman of the EU-UK Forum and Founder of Encompass online, exploring the path ahead for the EU and UK's relationship in the foreign and security policy area.

Ambassador Serrano has had a front row seat for all the major steps in EU foreign policy since he began career in Brussels as Deputy Head of Cabinet to the EU's first Foreign Policy Chief, Javier Solana, in 2003. From opening the EU's first mission to the United Nations in New York in 2010 to his most recent role as Chief of Staff to the EU's current Foreign and Security Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, Ambassador Serrano provides his insight into where the EU and UK’s relationship may develop in the challenging geopolitical moment the West finds itself in.

Produced by The Podcast Company.

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Women in Diplomacy: exploring the path ahead

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 11:04:21 GMT

This month’s episode of London Calling EU focuses on the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, which was marked at the EU Delegation in London by a high-level panel event organised in partnership with LSE IDEAS and the Aspen Institute UK. The event explored women’s participation in diplomacy, delving into both the challenges and opportunities for women at all levels of decision-making, global governance and complex international negotiations. How can we make sure women have a seat at the table?

Produced by The Podcast Company.

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Literature: a tool of Public Diplomacy?

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 20:02:24 GMT

This episode of London Calling EU dives into the world of cultural diplomacy and in particular the role played by literature. Speaking to practitioners devoted to the promotion of Literature as an essential element in furthering cultural understanding and awareness – our discussion teases out the continued importance of promoting European literature in the UK.

Produced by The Podcast Company.

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Singing in tune: a Eurovision Song Contest Special

Tue, 02 May 2023 09:42:21 GMT

This year Liverpool hosts the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine in unprecedented circumstances.

Join our host Eurovision expert Dean Vuletic and his guests former Eurovision contestant Claudette Buttigieg and Eurovision scholar Dr Paul Jordan, for an in-depth look at the significance of Eurovision, the importance of this year’s contest and the wider influence of Eurovision on European Affairs and EU-UK ties.

Produced by The Podcast Company.

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Designing the perfect fit: How the EU and UK are weaving sustainability into fashion

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 18:29:51 GMT

The way we produce and consume clothes today is highly, highly unsustainable - across the world, a truckload of textiles is sent to landfill or incinerated, every second. The rise of ‘Circular Fashion’ prioritises responsibly sourced and more sustainable fashion products.

Hosted by the sustainability editor of Vogue Business Bella Webb, together with guests Lisa Lang, Carry Somers, Shameek Ghosh and Catherine Salvidge, this episode of London Calling EU explores what is being done in the EU and UK to break the hold of fast-fashion.

Produced by The Podcast Company.

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Cheers to the EU: an Anglo-European wine journey

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:58:14 GMT

For centuries the UK has been one of the wine capitals of the world – the place where wine writing and education was born and, often thanks to politics, new styles were invented. But how did this culture develop, and to what extent was it influenced by Europeans?

For our last episode of the year, wine critic Robert Joseph will take us on a fascinating journey to discover how centuries of war, trade and friendship with Europe have shaped the UK’s wine habits up to the present day. He will be joined by Charles Ludington, visiting associate professor of Food Studies at New York University, and Henry Jeffreys, wine expert and Fortnum and Mason drink writer of the Year 2022.

Produced by The Podcast Company.

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To infinity and beyond: EU-UK space relations after Brexit

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 10:37:31 GMT

When earthly relations have been tetchy, nations have seen space as a venue for cooperation - temporarily setting aside political issues for the sake of a greater purpose high in the sky. Should we expect the same from the EU and the UK?

The FT’s Clive Cookson will discuss the future of EU-UK space relations with two experts from both sides of the Channel, the director of the London Institute of Space Policy and Law Sa'id Mosteshar and Gabriele Redigonda from the European Space Policy Institute. We’ll also hear more about how the two blocs are cooperating on joint projects from the director of the Reading-based European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Florence Rabier, while BryceTech’s Carissa Christensen will offer a trans-Atlantic perspective on the issue.

Produced by The Podcast Company.

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The art of speechwriting: from the White House to the Berlaymont

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 22:22:51 GMT

Speechwriters make us laugh, cry and touch our inner feelings but few of us even know their names. To mark the end of the party conferences in the UK, our host Tony Barber from the FT will meet three speechwriters from both sides of the Atlantic. President von der Leyen’s speechwriter Lorenzo Biondi will talk us through the process of drafting the State of the Union address, while Philip Collins – who held the same role for Tony Blair - will set out how to write a great political speech in the UK. Terry Szuplat, who served throughout Obama’s two terms in the White House, will look back at the President’s greatest hits, including his address in Cairo in 2009 which marked a reconciliation between the US and the Islamic world.

Produced by The Podcast Company.

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Behind the gallery: how the art world is engaging with Europe after Brexit

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 16:11:56 GMT

After the 2016 referendum, there were worries in the British arts sector that long-standing collaborations with European institutions would suddenly end and valuable objects would be left stranded at ports as a result of lengthy customs procedures. Have those fears been borne out?

Our host for this episode, the Times’ Arts correspondent David Sanderson, will look at cooperation between the British and European art scene with the Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Tristram Hunt, the widely-acclaimed former chief of the Whitechapel Gallery, Iwona Blazwick, Alistair Brown from the Museums Association and Freya Simms, head of the Association of Art and Antiques Dealers. Our guests will talk us through the challenges of importing artworks from Europe, the difficulties in finding qualified staff as well as the opportunities of reaching out to third countries.

Produced by The Podcast Company.

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Big Tech : the EU and the UK's plans to regulate Big Tech

Thu, 19 May 2022 14:36:31 GMT

We’ve heard a lot about the EU and UK’s plans to regulate online content, but how well do you know the issues at stake? Our host Rory Cellan-Jones will speak to the chair of the House of Commons’ BEIS Committee Darren Jones and Werner Stengg from EVP Vestager’s Cabinet to unpick the Digital Services Act and Online Safety Bill and discuss why these matter for each and everyone of us. We will analyse the implications of this legislation for freedom of speech and together with TechUK’s Lulu Freemont we’ll discuss how this regulatory drive went down in the world of Big Tech.

Produced by The Podcast Company.

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Goal!!! How Europeans shaped the Premier League

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 22:00:00 GMT

If there is an arena in which we can all agree European migration has been a success story, it’s football. European players and managers began arriving in greater and greater numbers to join the ranks of the British game from the 1990s onwards - transforming the sport for the better and helping to establish an elite championship such as the Premier League. In this episode we will speak to Claudio Ranieri, a pioneer in the wave of Europeans who went on to coach the top tier English clubs. The Italian manager will share with us how his experience in the continent contributed to his legendary Premier League victory with Leicester City.

Together with our experts, Simon Kuper from the FT and Philippe Auclair from France Football, we will also discuss how football played a key role in making Britons feel more European, and question whether these ties will survive Brexit.

Presented by Vieri Capretta and produced by The Podcast Company.

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Love is in the air: the British-European Valentine’s date

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMT

When we talk about EU-UK relations, love might not be the first word which comes to mind. But while relations at a political level have been tense at times, things have been more successful at an individual level. It’s no exaggeration to talk about an Anglo-European love story. Tonight thousands of mixed couples will celebrate Valentine’s Day together - we will look at their stories, and question how these strong personal ties will shape EU-UK relations in the years to come.

Presented by Joe Lynam and produced by The Podcast Company.

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Bon Appetit: how Europeans changed British cuisine

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 14:43:38 GMT

There was a time when the stereotype of Great Britain was bowler hats, bad weather and even worse food. British cuisine had a bad reputation in the rest of Europe but that is certainly not the case today, as London is now one of the most important food capitals in the world. In this episode we’re going to look at the influence of Europe on British cuisine and taste with the CEO of Eataly Nicola Farinetti, the Michelin-star chef Pascal Aussignac, and the CEO of UK Hospitality Kate Nichols.

Presented by Joe Lynam and produced by Andrew Parsonage.

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Beyond COP26: EU and the UK join forces to reach net zero

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 09:20:12 GMT

This week we'll assess the outcome of the Glasgow climate conference with the EU's lead negotiator at COP26, Jacob Werksman, who will explain why despite all the negative talk it has been a success.

But where do the EU and the UK stand on environment policy? The top climate experts Tom Burke (E3G) and Michael Nicholson (Institute of Environmental Policy) will explain why the EU and the UK are on the same page when it comes to reaching net zero.

Presented by Joe Lynam and produced by Andrew Parsonage.

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From Erasmus to Turing: the future of EU-UK cooperation on education

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 11:10:26 GMT

On Christmas Eve last year, Boris Johnson announced that the UK would drop out of the Erasmus scheme and launch a new programme named after the renowned scientist Alan Turing. Almost one year on, we checked out how this transition is going and discussed the potential for EU-UK cooperation on education with students, academics and experts in the field.

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LONDON CALLING EU - trailer

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:11:57 GMT

As the new relationship between the EU and the UK unfolds, this regular podcast will provide a platform to discuss issues of interest to people on both sides of the Channel. We’ll shine the spotlight on the areas where the EU and the UK enjoy long-standing ties and where there is wide scope for cooperation such as the battle against climate change, sports, culture and many others. We will look at this new relationship through new lenses, without any prejudice but with the optimism which comes from the belief that there is life beyond Brexit.

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