Europe was already facing a host of complex geopolitical and economic challenges at the start of 2020, even before the COVID-19 crisis. In this week’s episode, Meia is joined by Sarah Raine and Fabrice Pothier for a wide-ranging and in-depth discussion on how the EU’s political agenda has been impacted by the pandemic and what issues remain at the forefront of its policy priorities.





Domestically, the EU has experienced profound disruption because of COVID-19. Fabrice and Sarah examine how European states and the EU have responded to the crisis, as well as what this disruption means for Germany’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. They also discuss the prospects and dynamics of upcoming UK–EU negotiations.





The EU is also managing a busy foreign-policy portfolio. Fabrice and Sarah explore the EU’s complex relationship with China, which is at once a ‘systemic rival’ to the EU as well as its global ‘partner’. They also assess the state of transatlantic affairs, NATO and the possibility of French-led rapprochement with Russia. 



We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don’t forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Date of recording: 2 July 2020

Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.

Theme music: ‘Safety in Numbers’ by We Were Promised Jetpacks