#19 Robert Habeck - Former German Vice Chancellor on Europe’s Future, AI, Energy Demand, War & Leadership

The past years reshaped Europe more than any decade since the end of the Cold War: war returned, energy systems fractured, AI accelerated, and political extremes gained ground. We spoke with someone who stood at the center of these shifts: Robert Habeck, former German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.Recorded just months after leaving office, this conversation goes far beyond headlines.We discuss Europe’s execution gap and regulatory identity, the tensions between short-term energy decisions and long-term climate goals, and whether real strategic autonomy in energy and technology is achievable. We explore Draghi’s competitiveness agenda, Europe’s response to the IRA and China, and what it would take to prevent a deep-tech exodus.We also talk about the war in Ukraine and how it reshaped long-held Green ideas on pacifism; Europe’s role in a fragmenting global order; the rising electricity needs of AI and data centres; and the question of whether next-generation nuclear must return to Europe’s strategic debate.Finally, Robert reflects on leadership under pressure, stepping out of the “corset” of Berlin politics, his message to Gen Z, and whether he could imagine returning to political office.An unusually open conversation about power, responsibility, uncertainty & the future of Europe.Now available on all major platforms.

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