PES Maastricht Podcast
Building Bridges and Sparking Dialogue all over Europe
PES Maastricht Podcast is a student-led political podcast where ideas meet debate. Each episode dives into today's important political topics through discussions, fresh perspectives, and conversations with guest speakers. Our main aim is to make the youth more politically and economically engaged and informed.
Check Out Our Newest Episode
Can Europe defend itself?
Guest: Professor Sophie Vanhoonacker
In the fourth episode of the PES Maastricht Podcast, our hosts Gwennie ‘T Hart and Simona Hristova sit down with Professor Sophie Vanhoonacker to explore the future of European defence, NATO spending targets, strategic autonomy and the growing role of technology in global security. The discussion explores why European cooperation, civil servant, tech governance, and even social inequality all play a role in Europe’s long-term security strategy.
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Previous Episodes
Western Bubble
Guest: Joshua Dario Hasenstab
In our third episode, host Gwennie 'T Hart sits down with Joshua Dario Hasenstab to explore why Western foreign policy is struggling to keep up with a rapidly changing world. They unpack the concept of the "Western Bubble", examining how assumptions about moral superiority, identity, and global leadership shape today's geopolitical strategies, and ask how these transformations will shape the future of security for European citizens.
Transatlantic Security in the Changing Middle East
Guest: Roberta Haar
In our second episode, host Simona Hristova sits down with Professor Roberta Haar to unpack the complex relationship between the United States and Iran, and its impact on security in the Middle East and Europe. They explore regional stability, transatlantic cooperation, and the EU's role in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape — and ask how these dynamics will shape Europe's security in practice.
The New EU Migration Pact:
What Changes on the 12th June?
Guest: Jeroen Lenaers
In our first episode, host Zofia Miedzik speaks with MEP Jeroen Lenaers about the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum before it takes effect on 12 June. They unpack the Pact's key objectives — from stronger borders to faster asylum procedures — and ask whether it will actually work in practice. A must-listen for young Europeans wanting to understand how EU migration policy shapes their future.
Words from the Head of PES Maastricht Podcast
"At PES Maastricht, we are stepping into a new chapter focused on elevating political dialogue through impactful podcasts on today's most pressing issues. In an era defined by rapid change and complex global challenges, we believe informed conversations matter more than ever.
Our mission is to create a platform where students and young professionals can engage critically with hot political topics.
Together, we will foster a community that listens, questions, and contributes to shaping the future."
- Simona Hristova
Meet our Board
Internal Relations
Calypso Gouguet
External Relations
Margherita Nardini
External Relations
Anna Di Gioia
Marketing Youtube & Spotify
Vittoria Cosmai
Marketing
Graciela Rodríguez Valero
Marketing
Maya-Eden Gohy
