The Briefing

The Dutch government collapses as far-right leader Geert Wilders pulls his far-right PVV party out of a coalition. We have the latest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a series of air strikes over the weekend, Ukraine and Russia sit down for a second round of talks in Istanbul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaking in Singapore ahead of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, called on European leaders to harden their collective position on Israel if the humanitarian situation in Gaza doesn’t improve soon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Viktor Orbán hosts the Conservative Political Action Conference’s (CPAC) next European stop in Budapest, former Hungarian MP Zsuzsanna Szelényi joins to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gorana Grgić examines the EU’s €150bn SAFE scheme, a new arms fund aimed at countering Russian aggression and US withdrawal. Then: how bread became Ukraine’s symbol of resistance. And: Monte Carlo with Jacquemus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles III is set to give the throne address to open Canada’s 45th session of parliament. Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, said the royal visit “clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hanna Hopko, a prominent figure in Ukraine's democracy efforts, weighs in on the country's resilience against ongoing threats from Russia. Karsten Brzezinski provides insight into the shaky landscape of Germany's economy, amidst pressures from U.S. tariffs. Anita Riota discusses Italy's controversial security bill and public backlash, alongside highlights from the Cannes Film Festival that reveal deeper political narratives. The lively debate also takes a lighter turn, celebrating the joys of World Aperitivo Day in Italy.

Tensions rise as US and Iranian representatives engage in high-stakes nuclear talks in Rome, grappling with uranium enrichment limits. Meanwhile, Germany's largest troop deployment since WWII echoes shifting military strategies, while Hong Kong grapples with press freedom issues amidst tax audits on independent media. On a lighter note, a restaurateur celebrates Portuguese culinary heritage in London, as Brazilian cinema shines after an Oscar win, spotlighting the success of 'I'm Still Here' and its impact on the film industry.

As Netanyahu condemns international rhetoric following the killing of two Israeli embassy workers, the president of the US-Middle East Project, Daniel Levy, joins to discuss. Plus: Taiwan’s last nuclear reactor and ‘The Global Countdown’ heads to Argentina.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yossi Meckleberg, a senior fellow at Chatham House, outlines Israel's Gaza offensive and its implications for U.S. relations. Tony Banbury, from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, discusses the degradation of democracy and the impact of U.S. foreign assistance cuts. Journalist Michael Tatarsky highlights Vietnam's ambitious $60 billion high-speed rail project, addressing funding challenges. The conversation dives into geopolitics, electoral integrity, and pressing international issues that shape our current landscape.