Podcast

Your Monthly Dose of Europe — A Brännpunkt Europa Podcast

What is the podcast about?

The podcast revolves around all things EU-related; politics, law, history and elections, and we brake down complex topics in order to make the European Union more comprehensive and accessible for everyone. Every episode discusses one specific topic for which we have invited experienced and interesting guests from the University of Gothenburg (and beyond) to share their knowledge, expertise and insights with us and our listeners. So far we have covered a wide range of topics, with more episodes being published every month. Our podcast can be found on Spotify, iTunes and Mixcloud. If you’d like to leave a review or feedback, reach out to info@k103.se!

To listen to all of the previously published episodes, take a look below!

NOV 20, 2025

Ep 12: Abortion and Reproductive Rights in Europe

In this episode, we will be discussing abortion and reproductive rights throughout Europe. We will talk about the different types of laws that exist regarding abortion, as well as the various societal factors surrounding the subject, including anti-choice and pro-choice groups and the impact they have on reproductive rights.

The guest in today’s episode is Katarina Bergehed, Senior Policy Advisor on SRHR, women’s and LGBTI people’s rights at Amnesty International Sweden. Host: Olle Johansson

Listen to the new episode here!

OCT 29, 2025

Ep 11: Moldovan Elections 2025 - The Road to EU Membership & Foreign Influence

For the first episode of this academic year, we will have a discussion about the recent parliamentary election that took place in Moldova on 28 September 2025. We will also talk about everyone involved in the election, foreign influence, the history of the country and much more.

The guest of today's episode is Cristian Velixar, who is a labour rights activist and is currently studying political communication at the University of Gothenburg.

Check out the episode here!

DEC 23, 2024

Ep 10: To Be (EU) or Not to BE: The Case of Georgia and Moldova

2024 has been dubbed the "Super Election Year" because nearly half of the world population in more than 70 countries are heading to the polls. Two smaller states at the outskirts of Europe - Georgia and Moldova - are also holding their elections with implications for Europe's stability and future.

In this second episode, we talk about election results, foreign policy decisions, and pro-democracy mobilization campaigns. To guide us through this, we have with us Johannes Milich - European Studies graduate from the University of Gothenburg -, and Luka Khvardzikia - Sociology and Intercultural Mediation student from the University of Wroclaw, originally from Tblisi.

Listen to the episode here!

NOV 11, 2024

Ep 9: Gender Equality in Europe

In the first episode of the 2024 Autumn Semster, we dive into the topic of gender equality, identity and social movements in Europe. To guide us through this, we have with us Katarzyna Wojnicka, associate professor of Sociology at the University of Gothenburg.

Listen to the episode here!

May 20, 2024

Ep 8: Brexit and EU-UK relations

Karolin Wanek and Eugenia Hanniffy conclude the spring semester with an episode about Brexit, its aftermath and a history of EU-UK relations thanks to Jens Norrby, PhD candidate at the University of Gothenburg!

Listen to the episode here!

april 29, 2024

Ep 7: EU-China trade relations

Abigail Hartshorn and Sebastian Lindberg interview Frederic Cho, Vice-Chairman of the Sweden-China Trade Council, and learn more about the intricate trade relationship between the EU and China.

Listen to the episode here!

april 8, 2024

Ep 6: The Gothenburg European Office in Brussels

Magdalena Johnson interviews Saga Barnard and Lina Forsman about how a regional representation in Brussels works.

Listen to the episode here!

march 25, 2024

Ep 5: The EU Commission and trade

Together with former EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmström (trade and home affairs), Karolin Wanek and Eugenia Hanniffy discuss how an EU Commissioner works, how trade agreements are formed, past challenges for trade agreements, and more.

Listen to the episode here!

february 26, 2024

Ep 4: The (upcoming elections) and voting behavior

In this episode, Abigail Hartshorn and Karolin Wanek interview Linda Berg, PhD, and senior lecturer lecturer in political science and Director of Studies for CES, on the past and upcoming EU elections as well as voting behavior and voting trends.

Listen to the episode here!

January 29, 2024

Ep 3: All about the EU institutions

Anina Ricke and Karolin Wanek’s guest Monika de Silva, PhD candidate at Gothenburg University, explains all important details about how the EU institutions work together, what sets them apart and how the EU’s institutional framework comes together.

Listen to the episode here!

December 18, 2023

Ep 2: EU law versus national law

Anina Ricke and Magdalena Johnson interview Andreas Moberg, Associate Professor of the Department of Law and Director of CERGU, on matters of EU law and national law, how they are interconnected, and how much the EU actually decides.

Listen to the episode here!

November 20, 2023

Ep 1: A journey through European history

In this premiere episode, Karolin Wanek and Magdalena Johnson explore European history and the beginnings of the founding idea of creating a “united Europe”. Erik Sjöberg, Associate Professor in History at Gothenburg University, shares his insights into understanding the past and with that also the present.

Listen to the episode here!