Preparing for a Covid-style crisis

Brussels Playbook Podcast

POLITICO

Politics, News, News Commentary

4.4 • 202 Ratings

🗓️ 1 April 2026

⏱️ 13 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

An energy shock that once felt distant is starting to look very real as the war in Iran spirals ... and the EU is considering a Covid-style crisis response. From emergency meetings to talk of jointly purchasing energy — host Zoya Sheftalovich and Senior EU Politics Editor Ian Wishart explain how some of the strategies being floated are straight out of the pandemic-era playbook. Also on the pod, Péter Magyar is ahead in the polls in the lead-up to the Hungarian general election, but it’s by no means a slam dunk. According to some experts, years of gerrymandering and media capture by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party mean the opposition leader still faces an uphill challenge. Finally, if you’re looking to buy a ticket to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you might be disappointed: Prices are soaring. In fact, MEPs have asked the Commission to look into FIFA’s opaque ticket-sale tactics. If you have questions or comments, 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.
0:30.6	Good morning. It's Wednesday, April 1st,
0:32.8	and this is the Brussels Playbook podcast.
0:47.2	The vibe in Brussels today is electrified, as an energy shock that once felt distant is starting to look very real. Also on the pod, Victor Orban might be behind in the polls,
0:52.4	but beating him is going to be pretty tricky ahead of the April 12 election. And finally, tickets to the FIFA World Cup are sky high, and MEPs have a problem with that. I'm Zoya Shephtalovic and with me today is our senior EU politics editor, Ian Wishart. Happy April Fool's Day, Ian. I've got a confession to make, Zoya. Yeah?
1:14.6	You know how yesterday we were talking about Brad Pitt recording a film in Brussels?
1:17.2	And you claimed to have never seen a Brad Pitt film?
1:18.5	I have seen a Brad Pitt film.
1:18.7	Oh?
1:19.8	I watched seven.
1:21.6	Oh, and what do you think?
1:23.0	It was about a serial killer, wasn't it? Yeah.
1:23.4	Who killed people.
1:24.6	It was a very good one. And were you down to clown?
	...

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