As the war in the Middle East enters its fourth week, Europe finds itself at a crossroads — balancing calls for restraint with mounting pressure to take a clearer stance. While EU leaders continue to urge de-escalation and the protection of civilians, divisions remain over whether Brussels should step up its role on the global stage.

In this edition of The Ring, recorded at the European Parliament in Brussels, two sharply contrasting voices go head to head. Riho Terras, former Estonian army chief and MEP for the EPP, faces Özlem Demirel, German MEP from The Left and a long-time anti-war advocate.

Can diplomacy alone shape outcomes in a region marked by decades of conflict? Or does Europe need to back its words with military strength to be heard? As the humanitarian toll rises and geopolitical stakes intensify, the debate cuts to the core of the EU’s identity as a global actor.

With opposing views — from calls to reject militarisation to arguments for strategic power — the discussion raises urgent questions about Europe’s responsibility, influence and limits in times of war.

Listen now to this week’s episode of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament in Brussels.

The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.

In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the impact is being felt far beyond the region — especially on global energy markets. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have tightened supply routes, pushing prices higher and adding new uncertainty for European economies.

Where does Europe stand as the pressure builds? MEPs Fabrice Leggeri, from Patriots for Europe, and Jussi Saramo, from The Left, go head to head to debate how the EU should respond — and what the crisis means for energy policy, economic stability and Europe’s strategic autonomy.

With prices volatile and geopolitical tensions rising, deeper questions are coming into focus. Should nuclear power play a larger role in Europe’s future energy mix? And will the European Union act quickly enough to protect households and businesses from the surge in costs?

Take a listen to this week’s episode of The Ring, brought to you from the European Parliament in Brussels.

The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.

In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Europe is facing spiralling healthcare costs, driven by an ageing population and the growing burden of chronic diseases. At the same time, demand for cutting-edge treatments is rising — bringing a fundamental question into focus: who should pay for healthcare innovation, and to what extent should health be treated as a business?

MEPs Tilly Metz, from the Greens, and Stine Bosse, from Renew Europe, go head to head to debate how the EU should respond — and what it means for access, affordability and innovation across Europe’s healthcare systems.

Debates over taxation in the pharmaceutical sector are adding another layer, raising concerns about how much profit companies should make from publicly funded research and innovation.

Beyond the immediate pressures, Europe also faces long-term structural challenges. Healthcare systems continue to spend significantly more on treatment than on prevention — prompting questions about sustainability and priorities.

Take a listen to this week’s special episode of The Ring, brought to you from the Euronews Health Summit in Brussels.

The Ring is Euronews’ weekly political showdown, where Europe’s toughest debates meet their boldest voices.

In each episode, two political heavyweights from across the EU face off to propose a diversity of opinions and spark conversations around the most important issues of EU affairs and the wider European political life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.