Interview with European Union VP Wallstrom

This is the first of a two-part podcast with Commissioner Wallström, who has revolutionised the European Union’s strategy for communicating with citizens and has been a bold experimenter in using internet based technologies for putting their message out and encouraging debate between the institutions and citizens.

Whilst her efforts have not always been appreciated, to put it mildly, by the EU institutions, her remarkable energy and tenacity is slowly changing the entrenched mindset of many people.

It may be too early to say how successful she has been, or if future Commissioners will continue opening up debate, her impact is beyond doubt.

As she nears the end of her two terms, she discussed openly, passionately and movingly on her work and beliefs, she also spoke about the price of a life in politics and her plans for the future.

Part 1: Interview with Commissioner Wallström (29.59, 25mb, mp3)
Reforming communication strategy, blogging, using the internet to encourage debate and discussion, why people’s attitudes to govenment has changed, why politicians blame ‘Brussels’ and the dangers of reading the Daily Mail every day.

Part 2 will be online tomorrow.