How secure are the Commission’s group chats?

Brussels Playbook Podcast

POLITICO

Politics, News, News Commentary

4.4 • 202 Ratings

🗓️ 2 April 2026

⏱️ 14 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Bulgaria is heading towards another tight parliamentary election this month — and it wants the EU to help counter malign foreign interference. Haunted by memories of coordinated social media campaigns targeting other countries in the region, the government is concerned that Russian misinformation could sway public opinion ahead of the vote. Host Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart, senior EU politics editor, discuss what tools Brussels has to counter foreign interference efforts. Also on the show, a Signal group chat with European Commission officials has been shut down over security concerns. But this isn’t an isolated case, it’s part of a series of cyberattacks targeting the EU executive branch. Finally: We take a look at the Italian football fiasco that’s sparking a political row. Want to send us a message? You can reach us on our WhatsApp by clicking here or dialing +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Springs blooming at Starbucks.
0:03.0	A new season calls for new discoveries,
0:06.0	like our iced Ube-Vinilla Machilate.
0:09.0	Smooth, creamy and nutty, balanced with notes of vanilla.
0:13.0	It's a treat for the ice too,
0:15.0	with vibrant lilac hues to brighten your spring mood.
0:18.0	Hot or iced, there are so many ways to love this stunning salve.
0:23.8	Uber vanilla, pouring now at Starbucks.
0:27.4	Subject to availability while stocks last.
0:30.4	Good morning. It's Thursday, April 2, and this is the Brussels Playbook podcast.
0:40.2	The vibe in town today is insecure as an EU country asks Brussels for help to protect its own
0:45.8	election.
0:47.7	Also on the pod, the commission has shut down a signal group chat over security fears and
0:52.3	Italy has failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third time in a row. And the politicians are seething, Ian. Good morning, Zoya. They are. Obviously, as usual, a lot of massive things going on in the world right now that we've discussed over the last few days with the Middle East and the energy crisis, with Donald Trump and NATO. I think we'll return to those next week, but I think it's important that we focus on a few
1:12.8	things a bit closer to home.
1:15.0	Yeah, Ian, let's do that.
1:16.0	You want to introduce yourself first?
1:17.4	I guess so.
1:18.6	Hi, I'm Zoya Shepdelovich.
1:20.0	With me today is my boss, senior EU politics editor Ian Wishart.
1:23.8	Hey, boss.
1:24.9	Hello.
	...

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