Europe Today: Exclusive interview with Charles Michel

Published on 30/01/2026 – 7:39 GMT+1•Updated
8:01

With Russia and Ukraine set to resume peace talks in Abu Dhabi over the weekend, the EU’s foreign policy chief says Moscow is not taking negotiations seriously. After yesterday’s meeting of EU foreign ministers, Kaja Kallas also accused the Kremlin of “weaponising winter” by pounding Ukraine’s energy network, and said the EU could consider an entry ban on Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine. Joining me to debrief on these developments is our EU editor Maria Tadeo.

Then we are joined in our studio by former European Council President Charles Michel. He served five years in the top Brussels job, and steered EU leaders’ response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He has also served as the Prime Minister of Belgium.

Also joining live for an interview is Leopoldo López, a figurehead of Venezuela´s opposition forces. He connects from Madrid, where he has lived in exile since 2020, nearly one month since the United States captured Nicolás Maduro. Earlie this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said his country is committed to a democratic transition.

Lastly, travel to space. Is the EU getting ahead in the space global race? Our reporter Jakub Janas takes a look.

When and where to watch Europe Today?

You can join Euronews’ chief anchor Méabh Mc Mahon and our EU editor Maria Tadeo live on TV and Euronews’ website and digital platforms every weekday.

Our new format brings you the day’s key events plus crucial analysis of all the stories shaping the EU and beyond. It’s also available as a newsletter and podcast.