Euranet Plus Panorama

This week, journalists around our network of European radio stations share their take on the outcome of the recent Hungarian elections, as well as on what impact the conflict in Ukraine might have on the Western Balkans’ EU accession prospects.

On gas imports, as on many other things, it is proving challenging for member states to find consensus, reports our media network. How quickly can we realistically gain energy independence from Russia? Meanwhile, Spain and Portugal formalise their ‘energy island’ status.

In our network's "panorama" of EU news this week: European history dictates that national security has long been a priority area for all EU member states. But the conflict in Ukraine has only strengthened the case for some form of defence collaboration at European level.

While the latest round of EU sanctions on Russia brings with it new fears of reprisals, the conflict in Ukraine is causing a more immediate impact on Europe’s consumers – in the form of shortages of staple ingredients. All this in our latest Panorama podcast !

With Ukraine in the hearts and minds of Europeans this week, this special Panorama centres on the EU’s efforts to welcome refugees. With several of our member stations on the frontline of the migrant wave, we take a look at different countries’ approaches to the crisis.

Poland and Hungary find themselves on the wrong end of a definitive ruling from the EU’s Luxembourg-based top court, and uncertainty remains the order of the day on the Ukraine-Russia border.

The general consensus is that Europe is beginning to descend from the crest of the Omicron wave – which, though aggressive, has proved less lethal than previous waves. But what will our new ‘normal’ look like?

Western allies can certainly talk the talk on Russia, but are they finally preparing to walk the walk when it comes to sanctions? We also look at Macron’s proposal to establish abortion as a fundamental right and Slovenia’s reform of its penal code.

Radio stations from across the Euranet Plus network are covering the Ukraine crisis and EU-Russia relations this week. The bloc also remembers the millions of Europeans persecuted and killed in the Holocaust.

As France looks to make its mark during its Council presidency, we weigh up its chances of success. Meanwhile, member states are divided over the inclusion of gas and nuclear as ‘green’ energy sources, and there is a chink of light in North Macedonia’s accession prospects.