The Record: Europe

8 November edition
Lucy Thomas
Producer

Europe reacts to Obama victory

Barack Obama is heading for the White House, but what does this mean for Europe and its politicians?

Some are predicting a radically better transatlantic relationship, while others worry that a Democrat in Washington could be too soft on Russia.

Shirin Wheeler has been gauging reaction in Brussels and speaking to US Ambassador to the EU Kristen Silverberg, EU trade commissioner Catherine Ashton and Wojciech Roszkowski MEP of the Polish Law and Justice party.

Also joining the programme to discuss the results are four members of the European Parliament:

• Stavros Lambrinidis MEP, Greek Socialist
• Ona Jukneviciene MEP, Lithuanian Liberal
• James Elles MEP, British Conservative
• Kathalijne Buitenweg MEP, Dutch Green

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Record Europe Obama discussion

Also on the programme

This week the Commission unveiled its latest progress reports on possible new members.

Turkey was told to speed up reforms on media freedom and human rights, whereas the prospects for Croatia's accession were much brighter.

MEPs on accession states

Negotiations could be finished as early as the end of next year, with possible membership as soon as 2010.

Shirin Wheeler speaks to:

• Michael Cashman MEP, British Labour
• Alain Lamassoure MEP, Leader of the French Centre Right

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The Record: Europe examines the key moments in the political week in Brussels and Strasbourg and focuses on the work of the European Parliament and European Commission.

It is broadcast on BBC Parliament on Saturdays at 2300 GMT, Sundays at 1700 GMT and Mondays at 1000 GMT, on BBC World on Saturdays at 1330 GMT and Sundays at 0630 GMT and on the BBC News channel on Sundays at 0530 GMT and Mondays at 0330 GMT.

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Presenter profile

Shirin Wheeler

Shirin Wheeler presents the weekly EU politics programme The Record: Europe from Brussels and Strasbourg.

She is based in the BBC's Brussels bureau. She was born in Berlin and educated in Washington DC, Brussels and Britain.

Shirin has been in Brussels since 1996, working mainly with BBC TV and radio.

During her time in Belgium she has also reported for BBC business programmes, local radio and regional TV. She has two daughters.