# The Commission’s next big overhaul?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/brussels-playbook-podcast-730322/the-commission-s-next-big-overhaul
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/brussels-playbook-podcast-730322/the-commission-s-next-big-overhaul.md
Podcast: [Brussels Playbook Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/brussels-playbook-podcast-730322)
Published: 2026-05-13T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.politico.eu/podcast/brussels-playbook-podcast/
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/POLL5019180556.mp3?updated=1778613863
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/brussels-playbook-podcast-730322/episodes/the-commission-s-next-big-overhaul
Duration seconds: 962

## Resource

One of the Commission’s oldest and most powerful departments may be heading for a dramatic overhaul — or even extinction. DG REGIO oversees the hundreds of billions of euros that go towards the social development of local regions and cities. But its potential restructuring by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is a clear sign that the EU's aims are shifting. Zoya and Ian explain the thinking behind this redesign and the wide-ranging impacts. Also, after just a year as German chancellor, Friedrich Merz’s popularity is plunging to new lows. His most recent comeback tour around the country — aimed at reviving support — has backfired. On the show, we try to understand why the conservative leader is struggling to connect with Germans. Finally: Purchasing a train ticket across Europe is a convoluted process that involves different railway operators from different countries. The European Commission wants to simplify that ... but it won’t be easy. Do you work at the European Commission? We’d love to hear your take on the DG REGIO restructuring or big reshuffles taking place in other departments! Send us a message to our WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Anonymity guaranteed if you need it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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## Transcript

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