Finnish and Norwegian leaders' line to Putin splits European opinion

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre have opened a direct channel of communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The move has drawn criticism from some other European leaders, although Ukraine supports the effort. The topic features in the latest episode of Politico Europe's "Brussels Playbook" podcast, which suggests that Europe's united stance on Ukraine is starting to crack.

Who speaks for Europe?

Hosts Nicholas Vinocur and Paul Dallison look at the fallout and the growing scramble over who should speak for Europe in peace talks. The direct talks between the Finnish and Norwegian leaders and Putin are also covered in a separate Politico article.

Frontex overhaul

Brussels has unveiled a sweeping reorganisation of Frontex, the EU's border agency. It is set to get a much bigger role in deportations, new powers to monitor social media and plans for a major expansion. Related articles also mention new powers to deport people beyond EU borders.

Preparing for a hotter world

After a summer of devastating heatwaves and wildfires, the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, wants governments to prepare for a world that is three degrees hotter than preindustrial levels. Politico refers to a new law meant to climate-proof the EU. Scientists say this summer's heat was the deadliest on record in Europe.

The episode also has a lighter segment, featuring a turnip that unsettled one of the hosts and a story about the figures haunting the EU bubble.