Joining host Aoife White is Florika Fink-Hooijer, who leads the EU’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). 

Created in the wake of Covid-19, HERA is designed to ensure Europe is no longer caught off guard. From early detection and research to stockpiling vaccines and medical countermeasures, it takes an “end-to-end” approach to managing health threats. 

In this episode, Fink-Hooijer outlines the four major risks Europe must prepare for: future pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, climate-driven diseases, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. As geopolitical instability rises, health security is increasingly linked to defence, with medical countermeasures becoming strategic assets. 

The conversation also explores lessons from Ukraine, the growing importance of global cooperation, and the risks of turning away from multilateral systems in favour of more transactional approaches. 

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Joining host Aoife White is Jos Delbeke, a key architect of the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS). 

In this episode, Delbeke explains how carbon pricing works and why it remains central to Europe’s climate strategy. As companies call for slower reforms and continued free allowances, he argues that the system is doing what it was designed to do: drive investment in clean technologies while cutting emissions. 

The conversation explores rising concerns about competitiveness, particularly in energy-intensive industries, and the growing pressure from global players like China and the United States. Are current fears justified or is this a moment of transition rather than crisis? 

Delbeke also makes the case that climate policy is not just about emissions, but about security: reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports and strengthening Europe’s economic resilience. 

Despite political pushback and global uncertainty, he remains cautiously optimistic, pointing to rapid advances in clean technology and tangible progress in reducing emissions. 

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Joining host Aoife White is Sauli Niinistö, Former President of Finland, who reflects on how Europe’s mindset on security has shifted.

Drawing on Finland’s long history of navigating relations with Russia, Niinistö shares practical lessons on resilience, preparedness and deterrence and highlights the importance of being ready not just for military threats, but also for hybrid challenges.

While public concern about security is rising across Europe, Niinistö stresses that awareness must translate into action. A stronger Europe, he argues, is essential not only to deter conflict, but to maintain peace.

The conversation also explores the future of European defence, the role of NATO and the need for a more coordinated — and potentially broader — European security framework.

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Joining host Aoife White is Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Institute of International Affairs, who offers a candid assessment of the European Union’s role in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.

While Europe has shown unexpected unity in supporting Ukraine, deeper fractures are emerging when it comes to upholding international norms and responding consistently to global conflicts. Tocci argues that the EU may be facing a more profound challenge than policy failure: a crisis of identity. Has Europe moved beyond hypocrisy, not by living up to its values, but by abandoning them altogether? And if so, what does that mean for its credibility, its citizens, and its place in the world?

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Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Paula Gurtler, Associate Researcher in the Global Governance, Regulation, Innovation and Digital Economy (GRID) unit at CEPS. Her work focuses on Applied Ethics and in particular the ethics of new technology. Together, they talk potential reforms, the need for agility in data regulation, and how GDPR interacts with newer legislative frameworks such as the Data Act. 

For more information on Paula Reiners and the work of CEPS, visit this link. 

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Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Cosima Lenz, associate researcher in the Global Governance, Regulation, Innovation and Digital Economy (GRID) Unit, specializing in global health policy. Together they discuss the economic benefits of investing in women’s health, and how policy shifts can help close gaps in research and healthcare access. 

For more information on Cosima Lenz and her work at CEPS, visit this link. 

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Our host is joined by Nicole Reynolds, Associate Research Fellow at CEPS, her work centres around policy issues in AI, sustainability, climate and development finance. They explore the importance of EU competitiveness and the need for financial guarantees to attract investment. 

For more information on sustainable finance and EU policies, visit this link. 

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Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Apostolos Thomadakis, Head of research at the European Capital Markets Institute (ECMI), an independent research institute run by CEPS’ Financial Markets and Institutions Unit. Both will discuss how Europe can encourage pension funds to invest in high-growth sectors like AI, clean energy, and digital infrastructure.  

For more information on Apostolos Thomadakis and the work of CEPS, visit this link. 

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Our host is joined by Louise Bengtsson, Associate Research Fellow at CEPS in the Global Governance, Regulation, Innovation and Digital Economy (GRID) Unit at CEPS. Her research focuses on the EU institutions and the EU’s role in global health. Together, they discuss how the EU navigates the new health diplomacy landscape, and the consequences of political decisions on Global Health systems. 

For more information on Louise Bengtsson and the work of CEPS, visit this link. 

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Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by David Zilbermann, Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, to explore these challenges and opportunities. They discuss the role of genetic engineering in European agriculture and the need for regulatory reform to balance risk with innovation. 

For more information on David Zilberman and his work, visit this link. 

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Our host Tom Parker is joined by Sophia Russack, Researcher at CEPS in the Institutions unit. Together, they discuss the growing significance of the far-right in Europe, explore the factors that have contributed to its rise, and consider potential measures to protect Europe from this form of extremism. 

For more information on Sophia Russack and the work of CEPS, visit this link. 

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Our host Tom Parker is joined by Maria Leptin, president of the European Research Council. Together, they will discuss if a “CERN for AI” to support AI innovation is the right move to remain attractive in the field. 

For more information on Maria Leptin and the work of the ERC, visit this link. 

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Migration has become a highly politicised area of discussion in the last decade with the refugee crisis, illegal migration and more recently Ukraine refugees. With so much movement within the European continent the EU institutions have the duty to enforce the law upon Member States and ensure migrants’ rights are respected, which is not always the case. 

Our host Tom Parker is joined by Sergio Carrera, senior research fellow at CEPS and Head of Justice and Home Affairs unit. Together, they will discuss migration, fundamental rights and the dangerous consequences of failing to enforce the law for the future of Europe. 

For more information on Sergio Carrera and CEPS check this link. 

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Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Luca Nipius, researcher at the Energy, Resources & Climate Change Unit at CEPS. Together, they discuss the role of sufficiency in the Green Transition, how it can be incorporated into EU policies, and why it is essential for achieving net-zero goals while ensuring a just transition.  

For further reading on CEPS’ research on sustainability and green policies, and Luca Nipius’ work on resource consumption, sufficiency, and the Green Deal, follow this link.  

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping the division of labour by making certain tasks more accessible while exposing others to automation. This shift is creating new learning opportunities, changing workplace dynamics, and raising questions about job security and productivity. While some roles, such as programming and content creation, are highly exposed to AI, jobs that require human empathy, ethical judgement, and creativity remain less affected. A key question, therefore, is how workers and businesses in different sectors can leverage AI to improve efficiency, while ensuring that AI enhances, rather than replaces, human expertise. 

Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Laura Nurski, Associate Research Fellow and Head of the Future of Work Programme at CEPS. Together they discuss the evolving role of AI in the workplace, the risks and opportunities it presents, and how organisations can successfully integrate AI while supporting workers in an era of rapid technological change. 

For more on CEPS’ research on the future of work and digital transformation, and Laura Nurski’s work on AI, labour markets, and skills development, follow this link. 

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Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Berta Mizsei, Researcher in the Global Governance, Regulation, Innovation, and Digital Economy (GRID) unit at CEPS. Together, they discuss the obstacles to greater public involvement, the role of digital tools in enhancing democracy, and the vision for a more participatory and inclusive EU policy-making process.  

For further reading on CEPS’ research on citizen engagement and democratic innovation, and Berta Mizsei’s work on EU policy-making and public participation, follow this link.  

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Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Prof. Dr. Ron Boschma, Professor of Regional Economics at Utrecht University. Together, they explore how a smarter, regionally tailored approach to EU competitiveness could unlock new opportunities for growth and ensure that economic policies reflect the unique strengths of different regions.  

For more on CEPS’ research on EU economic growth and regional development, follow this link.  

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Joining host Tom Parker is Stefaan Verhulst, co-founder of GovLab and Data Tank, who explores how question science can refine policymaking, address systemic biases, and foster a smarter approach to AI-driven research and innovation.  

For more on GovLab’s and Stefaan Verhulst’s research on question science, policymaking, and AI-driven innovation, follow this link.  

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Joining host Tom Parker is Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, ISC Fellow and former President of the European Research Council (ERC), who discusses the future of EU research funding, the need to attract young researchers, and how bottom-up scientific governance can drive innovation and competitiveness.  

For further reading on CEPS’ research on EU economic growth and regional development, follow this link.  

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Joining host Tom Parker is Artur Bogucki, Associate Researcher in the Global Governance, Regulation, Innovation and Digital Economy (GRID) unit at CEPS, to examine the challenges of AI regulation and discuss what policymakers need to do to ensure a clear, enforceable liability system that keeps pace with technological advancements.  

For further reading on CEPS’ research on AI regulation and liability, and Artur Bogucki’s work on digital governance and technology policy, follow this link.  

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Joining host Tom Parker is J. Scott Marcus, Associate Senior Research Fellow at CEPS, to explore how the EU can improve regulatory coherence, ensure fair enforcement across member states, and future-proof its digital policies.  

For more on CEPS’ digital policy research and J. Scott Marcus’ work on telecommunications, digital regulation, and competition policy, follow this link.  

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Host Tom Parker is joined by Julia Poczse, Researcher in the Justice and Home Affairs unit at CEPS. Together, they discuss the urgent reforms needed to strengthen ethical governance in the EU and the political implications of declining accountability, particularly in the face of a rising far-right movement.  

For further reading on CEPS’ policy research and Julia Pocze’s work on EU governance, rule of law, and institutional transparency, follow this link.  

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Our host Tom Parker is joined by Christian Egenhofer, senior research fellow at CEPS where he has been heading the Energy, Resources and Climate Change Unit from 2000 to 2019. 

For further reading on CEPS’ policy research and Christian Egenhofer’s work, follow this link. 

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Joining host Tom Parker is Christopher Fischer, Research Fellow in the Global Governance, Regulation, Innovation and Digital Economy (GRID) unit, who explores how Europe can build technological sovereignty, the challenges of fragmented innovation hubs, and the need for targeted investment to strengthen the EU’s position in the global digital landscape.  

For further reading on CEPS’ research on digital sovereignty, innovation policy, and technological competitiveness, follow this link.  

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Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Karel Lannoo, CEO of CEPS. Together, they discuss the challenges of European unity, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and the urgent need for a stronger, more cohesive EU strategy on security, trade, and global influence.  

For further reading on CEPS’ policy research and Karel Lannoo’s work on European governance, financial regulation, and institutional reforms, follow this link.  

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Despite being a large market and having a strong talent pool, Europe fails to mobilise the necessary funds to fuel European innovation. Europe's strict regulations, and a lack of integration among national research ecosystems have hampered the continent’s innovativeness.  

Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Pierre-Alexandre Balland, chief data scientist at CEPS and an expert in complex economic systems, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Together, they explore how Europe can unlock funding for innovation and strengthen its startup ecosystem. 

For further reading on CEPS policy research and Pierre-Alexandre Balland’s work, follow this link. 

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Our host Tom Parker is joined by Manuel Heitor, former Portuguese Minister for Science, Technology, and Higher Education. Together they discuss what measures are necessary for Europe’s R&D ecosystem.  

For more information on Manuel Heitor, visit this link. 

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Host Tom Parker is joined by Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, Professor of Economic Geography at the London School of Economics and an expert in regional development. Together, they discuss the roots of regional disparities, the role of neglected regions in shaping Europe's future, and how innovation can drive economic renewal in unexpected places. 

For more information on Andrés Rodríguez-Pose and his work, visit this link. 

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The new American administration has shaken the geopolitical stage with a strong inward-focused policy, with tariffs being a cornerstone of this strategy. As a result, the sudden shift in policy has had significant impact on global trade and international organisations with consequences on the global economy but also a possible slowdown in innovation.  

Our host Tom Parker is joined by Laura Tyson, an economist and senior advisor at RockCreek, who shares insights into the policies of the United States and how they differ from Europe. 

For more information on Laura Tyson and her work, visit this link. 

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Our host Tom Parker is joined by Vasileios Rizos, Senior Researcher Fellow at CEPS, Head of the Energy, Resources and Climate Change Unit and Head of Sustainable Resources and Circular Economy at CEPS. His primary research includes conditions for achieving a resource-efficient and low-carbon economy. Together, they talk recycling and waste management. 

For more information on Vasileios Rizos and the work of CEPS, visit this link. 

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In this episode our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Andrea Renda, Director of Research at CEPS, to discuss the importance of collaboration among European innovation hubs, the need for a unified strategy, and the recent shift in policy towards European competitiveness, sovereignty, and security.  

For further reading on Andrea Renda’s work and CEPS’ policy research, follow this link.  

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Our host, Tom Parker, is joined by Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Honourary president of the Club of Rome and an expert in sustainability and energy transitions. Together, they discuss Europe's role in global competition. 

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Joining host Tom Parker is Eva Maydell, Member of the European Parliament, Vice-Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the US and Deputy Spokesperson of the group in the ITRE Committee and a key figure in EU digital policy. Together, they discuss Europe's role in shaping global AI standards, the balance between regulation and innovation, and how the EU can bridge the gap between emerging technologies and economic growth.  

For further reading on CEPS’ research on AI regulation and digital innovation, follow this link.  

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Joining host Tom Parker is Cecilia Malmström, former EU Commissioner for Trade, who examines the future of international trade, the importance of like-minded coalitions, and how the EU can promote fair and sustainable trade policies.  

For further reading on CEPS’ research on EU trade policy, follow this link.  

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Joining host Tom Parker is Steven Blockmans, Associate Senior Research Fellow and an expert in European security and geopolitics. Together, they analyse the consequences of U.S. policy shifts, Europe’s delayed response to Ukraine, and the steps needed to strengthen European defence capabilities. 

For further reading on CEPS’ research on EU security and transatlantic relations, follow this link. 

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As the EU has re-energised its enlargement policy, countries such as Ukraine and Moldova have made rapid progress towards EU integration. However, concerns remain about the EU’s ability to provide security guarantees to candidate countries. Increased defence cooperation, military spending and deeper collaboration with the UK and other European allies could address these concerns by strengthening the EU's security framework, especially in the face of NATO’s uncertain future role. 

Joining host Tom Parker is Tinatin Akhvlediani, Research Fellow in the EU Foreign Policy Unit at CEPS, who examines the geopolitical drivers of enlargement, the EU’s security gaps, and the steps needed to ensure a credible and resilient enlargement strategy. 

For further reading on CEPS’ research on EU enlargement and security, follow this link. 

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Joining host Tom Parker is Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who shares insights on the EU’s current approach to enlargement, the role of geopolitical dynamics, and how boldness and unity can strengthen the EU’s future. 

For further reading on CEPS’ research on EU enlargement policy, follow this link. 

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