Evi Kiorri

Journalist • Podcaster • Multimedia Producer

I began my media journey as a journalist, now I also identify as a podcaster and multimedia producer.
I host and produce the daily podcast Long Story Short and the monthly Europe Talks Back! Previously, I hosted and produced Euractiv’s daily Today in the EU podcast. I produce and edit videos, which has given me the opportunity to explore different formats, storytelling techniques, and subjects.
Feel free to contact me for freelance work related to podcasting, editing, video production, and reporting.

Europod •

Trump and Putin decide on Ukraine: Are EU-US relations at their worst?

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are reportedly pushing for peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, but with one major catch: Europe is being completely left out of the conversation. While the US and Russia make plans, European leaders are scrambling to figure out what’s next. Ursula von der Leyen insists Europe must remain at the center of negotiations, while António Costa bluntly states that the EU “cannot be treated as an ATM.” Are the EU- US relations at their worst?

Donald Trump and Vladimir...
Europod •

Spyware scandal in Italy: journalists, activists, and government denial

When WhatsApp alerts you that military-grade spyware hacked your phone, it’s not just paranoia, it’s reality. At least seven people in Italy, including journalists and activists, and another 83 people in more than 24 countries were targeted using Israeli-made spyware.
The Italian government denies involvement, but questions remain: Who ordered the hacks? And what does this mean for press freedom and privacy in Europe?

When WhatsApp alerts you that military-grade spyware hacked your phone, it’s...
Europod •

Trump’s tariff gamble and the price the EU may pay

Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US will “definitely” impose tariffs on the EU, citing concerns over the US trade deficit with Europe. While Trump has previously made threats without following through, some of his recent tariff measures, particularly on Canada and China, have been implemented stressing European leaders.
But is Trump really going to impose tariffs on the EU, and if so what would the impact be?

Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US will “definitely” impose tariffs...
Europod •

Justice for Tempe: Greeks fight for truth as new evidence emerges

Nearly two years after Greece’s worst railway disaster, tens of thousands took to the streets demanding accountability for the 57 lives lost.
In this episode, we take a look into the Tempe train tragedy, unpack the damning evidence of missing CCTV footage, the undisclosed presence of flammable materials, and the alleged cover-ups that have surrounded the case.Why is this case more than just a Greek issue and what should happen next?

Nearly two years after Greece’s worst railway disaster, tens o...
Europod •

Europe’s toxic crisis: Plastics industry lobbying to shield 'forever chemicals’ | Europe Talks Back

Forever chemicals, the toxic, indestructible substances hiding in our everyday lives are threatening Europe’s environment and public health. From their staggering cleanup costs to the plastics industry’s relentless lobbying to block a ban, this episode unpacks the high stakes of PFAS pollution. Why should Europeans care? Because these chemicals don’t just stay in factories, they seep into our water, soil, and bodies. Tune in to explore what’s being done, what’s standing in the way, and why it’s...
Europod •

What makes Greenland so important for Trump and for Europe?

Greenland, a remote island with a population of just 60,000, has become the unexpected focus of a global power struggle. U.S. President Donald Trump’s audacious idea to buy the territory has stirred debates about sovereignty and self-determination, while exposing the Arctic as a strategic chessboard for world powers. Why does this matter to Europeans? Greenland holds 25 of the 34 critical raw materials essential for Europe’s green transition, making it a linchpin in the fight against climate cha...
www.euractiv.com •

Draghi report, competitiveness and EU corporate reporting requirements facing backlash

European businesses are increasingly concerned about the EU's growing regulatory and reporting requirements, which they say hamper competitiveness and productivity.

The combination of high energy prices (well above those in the US) and stringent sustainability and compliance requirements is putting pressure on several industries, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular.

While the European Union aims to reduce reporting obligations by 25%, the challenge is to balance simpl...
www.euractiv.com •

Can the EU help Ukraine as North Korea sends troops to Russia?

Today marks 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The recent deployment of North Korean troops to Russia's Kursk region, entered by Ukrainian forces in August, signals a major shift in the conflict. North Korea’s involvement, previously seen in arms supplies and meetings between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, now includes sending troops to the border.

This move provides Russia with added manpower, posing greater challenges for Ukraine’s strained military resources and incr...
www.euractiv.com •

Commissioner hearings end without conclusions as the real negotiations begin

Tuesday (12 November) marked the last day of hearings at the European Parliament, yet no conclusions were reached – in a clear indication that all political parties have laid their cards on the table and are now negotiating over who gets what.

Evaluation meetings have been postponed with no timeline set, leaving many unanswered questions: what is happening behind closed doors, and what can we expect from the hearings’ conclusions in the coming days? 

To break down what has happened with the...
www.euractiv.com •

German coalition collapse: What European leaders fear

Germany’s coalition government collapsed on Wednesday, setting the stage for the first minority government in over 40 years and possible snap elections - a turn of events that has European leaders worried.

The breakdown, caused by long-running disputes over economic policy and budget constraints, culminated late on Wednesday when Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner after failed negotiations.

This marks a significant shift in German and European politics, wit...
www.euractiv.com •

US Election Night: What happened and what it means for the EU

Last night, Americans headed to the polls to shape not only their own future but also that of the rest of the world by voting for the next US president. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump went head-to-head for the US presidency in what is being called the most significant election in decades.

The race for the White House is expected to come down to seven key battleground states, and it could take days for officials to count enough votes to declare a winner. So, what happened on election night, and...
www.euractiv.com •

Moldova and Georgia: how domestic struggles threaten EU dreams

Moldova and Georgia are at a crossroads in their paths toward European integration. Just recently, Moldova held a constitutional referendum where voters expressed their desire to enshrine EU aspirations. The contest turned out to be tighter than expected, with allegations of Russian interference and vote-buying. 

Further southeast on the continent, Georgian voters are preparing to cast their ballots in parliamentary elections this Saturday (October 26). The ruling party's close ties to Moscow...
www.euractiv.com •

Orbán's relations with Brussels at boiling point

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had a tense exchange at the Strasbourg plenary on 9 October, after Orbán outlined his country's EU Council Presidency initiatives.

Orbán stressed the need for stricter migration controls, questioning the EU's approach to Ukraine. Von der Leyen responded with a strong defence of Europe’s military and financial support to Kyiv. The clash highlighted deepening divisions within the EU, as Orbán called for...
www.euractiv.com •

EU ministers' not-so-subtle rightward shift on migration

Thursday’s Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting has laid bare the stark shift in EU member states' approach to migration, as right-wing politics gain ground across the bloc.

While ministers are due to discuss issues related to Schengen and security, the focal point will be a working lunch where ministers will explore new migration deals with third countries and how to make the return of irregular migrants more efficient.

The obvious harder line that is being taken on both asylum and irre...
www.euractiv.com •

ICRC urges end to hostilities as Israel-Hezbollah conflict threatens regional spill over

The situation in the Middle East is rapidly deteriorating. Though not officially termed a war, the escalating conflict across Gaza, northern Israel, and southern Lebanon suggests a new regional conflict in the Middle East is rapidly taking shape.
Israel’s operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and Beirut, which resulted in the death of one of Hezbollah’s leaders, has triggered missile retaliation and caused severe civilian casualties. More than 550 people, among them dozens of children...
www.euractiv.com •

Draghi: The EU to consider report's proposals or face 'slow agony'

Mario Draghi handed his highly anticipated report on European competitiveness to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, outlining the urgent need to boost productivity to achieve the EU’s political and economic goals.
Without significant progress, Europe risks falling further behind global competitors, particularly in the tech sector. The report highlights the importance of a well-coordinated transition to climate neutrality, ensuring that decarbonisation also supports growth. With...
www.euractiv.com •

The EU's plan to reshape its defence policy

As the EU gears up for a new era in defence, the focus is shifting to how the Commission and Parliament will align their differing interests. The new subcommittee’s upgrade signals a stronger push for a unified strategy, but uncertainties persist.
With a new Commissioner set to take office, how will their approach influence the EU’s defence policy? And with the Mario Draghi report on the horizon, should we anticipate bold suggestions on defence?
To dive into what the future holds for EU’s defenc...
www.euractiv.com •

Wildfires: The prevention tactics the EU must focus on

Wildfires are once again raging in the south of Europe. With rising temperatures and global warming, wildfires have become a prominent issue for Europe, particularly in the summer, showing that the need for effective prevention and management is critical. 
But what lessons have we learned in recent years, what is the effectiveness of existing measures, and what are the future steps necessary to mitigate these destructive events? 
To break down these questions, we are joined by Balazs Ujvari, spo...
www.euractiv.com •

Ursula von der Leyen: round two

Ursula von der Leyen convinced 401 members of the European Parliament to vote in her favour, out of 707. This time, she was re-elected as Commission President with a 41-vote lead, emerging from the first plenary with a stronger mandate.
Before the vote, von der Leyen delivered a lengthy speech reaching out to centrist and left-wing parties, while excluding the far-right. She outlined the priorities for her next mandate, appearing more confident than ever, but also raising some questions. 
To bre...
www.euractiv.com •

A French 'non' to the far right

Defying expectations the French left-wing coalition, the New Popular Front, overtook Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, coming first during the second and final round of France’s snap elections on Sunday (7 July).
The left-wing coalition, however, has not secured an absolute majority, therefore questions arise about who will be the country’s next prime minister, and which parties could collaborate to form a government. 
To break down what the future holds for French politics, I’m joined by our Par...
www.euractiv.com •

Von der Leyen battles for Parliament support, Orbán forms far-right group

Ursula von der Leyen is campaigning to secure a second term as Commission president after her party’s success in the European Parliament elections and her nomination by EU leaders. She is negotiating with key groups, including the Socialists, the liberals, and the Greens, to secure the 361 votes needed for her confirmation in Parliament.  
At the same time, far-right leaders across Europe, including Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, are forming a new alliance with nationalist parties from Austria and the...
EURACTIV •

French far-fight defeats Macron’s centrists

The French headed to the polls on Sunday (30 June) to decide on their next government after President Emmanuel Macron announced a snap election in response to strong performance for France’s far-right in the European elections.

Jordan Bardella’s far-right Rassemblement National emerged victorious in this first round of legislative elections, with a record score of 34%. But what messages is this result sending ahead of the definitive second round on Sunday (7 July), and what could the outcome me
EURACTIV •

Everything we know about the Draghi report

The forthcoming report by former Italian prime minister and former European central bank president, Mario Draghi, on the future of European competitiveness is a valuable opportunity to shape the EU policy agenda for the coming EU legislative term and beyond.

The report will focus on the EU’s aim to leverage its numerous strengths and competitive advantages while also tackling existing challenges and facilitating the twin transition towards a sustainable and digital economy.

But why has Draghi’
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