Ever wondered what actually goes on in Brussels, and why it matters to you? The brand-new EU Insider Live podcast just dropped its first episode, and it’s not just for policy nerds or political insiders. Host Krzysztof Bulski and guest Habib Msallem, a communications expert, pulled back the curtain on the so-called “Brussels bubble”-and why it often feels so far away from everyday life.
Why Don’t We Hear More About the EU?
Let’s be honest: most of us don’t really know what the EU does day to day. Msallem didn’t sugarcoat it-he thinks the EU could do a much better job explaining itself, but so could most governments. The real problem? We don’t learn about the EU in school, and unless you go looking for it, the information just isn’t there. Msallem believes real change would mean teaching about the EU in classrooms across Europe, but admits that’s a big ask.
Is Brussels News Only for Insiders?
If you’ve ever tried to read about the EU, you’ve probably come across news sites like Politico or Euractiv. According to Habib Msallem, these are “trade publications”-they’re great if you’re already in the loop, but not exactly gripping for the average person. Even with new outlets trying to make EU news more relatable, it’s a tough sell: most people only tune in when there’s a big, dramatic story.
Populists, TikTok, and the EU’s Image Problem
Here’s a twist: the rise of populist and Eurosceptic politicians has actually made more people curious about what’s happening in Brussels. But Msallem is skeptical that influencers or TikTok stars can make the EU’s slow, technical processes exciting for everyone. “The product you’re trying to sell isn’t that interesting,” he jokes, pointing out that EU decisions are often gradual and complicated.
Why Does This Matter?
Even if it seems boring, what happens in Brussels affects everything from your electricity bill to the price of medicines. Msallem points out that the EU is becoming more important as Europe faces big challenges from the US, China, and its own neighbors. The more we know about who’s making decisions, the better.
How Can Regular People Get Involved?
If you want to know what your MEP (Member of European Parliament) is doing, Msallem suggests checking both their national and Brussels social media channels-think Instagram for local updates, and maybe LinkedIn or X (Twitter) for Brussels-focused news. There’s no single website that explains everything simply, but following a few EU news outlets and analysts can help.
The Bottom Line
Brussels might seem distant, but the decisions made there shape our daily lives. The EU Insider Live podcast is trying to make those stories more accessible-and maybe even a little bit interesting. As Habib Msallem says, “We don’t need to make Brussels cool. We just need to make it understandable.”
So if you’ve ever wondered what the EU actually does, now’s a good time to start tuning in. The bubble is opening up-one episode at a time.
