Von der Leyen's Planned Commission Overhaul: What Outside Advisers Recommend

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's plan to make the Commission leaner and reorganize how it works has moved a step closer to reality. The Commission is the European Union's executive body, which drafts legislation and oversees its implementation. Outside advisers are urging a stronger center, fewer bureaucratic silos between departments and, potentially, far-reaching changes to some of Brussels' most powerful departments. The topic features in the latest episode of Politico Europe's Brussels Playbook podcast.

Serbia after Vučić's defeat

The episode also turns to Serbian politics. Following Aleksandar Vučić's defeat in Serbia, hosts Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur ask whether a new government can revive the country's stalled path toward EU membership. They also ask whether Brussels has lessons to learn from the situation.

Tobacco lobbying in the European Parliament

A third topic is lobbying by the tobacco industry in the European Parliament. It has surged just as the EU rewrites its rules on smoking and nicotine.

At the end of the episode, the hosts ask listeners whether they prefer decorating pumpkins or carving them. Nick has strong feelings on the matter, and listeners can send their answers to the podcast's WhatsApp number.