EU engagement with Taliban draws scrutiny following Brussels meeting

Following a US warning that Russia could target Poland as a provocation against Nato, Warsaw finds itself more central than ever to European security. But as Washington deepens military ties with Poland, the country’s relationship with Ukraine is becoming increasingly strained.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz unveils Germany’s biggest reform package in years. Is it enough to revive the economy, hold off the far-right and convince businesses to invest again? Plus: can Ukraine’s 40-day operation pressure the Kremlin to end the war?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has suggested Syria could play a role in confronting Hezbollah in Lebanon. But does Damascus want to get involved? Plus: Portugal resumes train manufacturing and Australia turns to drones to stop shark attacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss frustrations in Venezuela and the role of opposition leader María Corina Machado. Plus: An explosion in Monaco targets a Ukrainian oligarch; and our America 250 series looks at tipping points in US-UK history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africa braces for shutdown after weeks of anti-migrant unrest. Plus: Nobel Foundation head Hanna Stjärne; planetary defences on Asteroid Day; and Thomas Chatterton Williams on Europe’s air-conditioning plight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands are still missing following two huge earthquakes in Venezuela. Then: will Israel ever withdraw from Lebanon, Syria and Gaza? Plus: Rome airport CEO warns of summer chaos, America at 250, and an interview with Robert De Niro on Nobu hotels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A massive rescue effort begins in Venezuela, where hundreds have died and thousands are missing. Then: Protests in Albania ramp up, Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2026, urbanism news and a new Frida Kahlo exhibition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine recovery talks amid a Warsaw-Kyiv diplomatic spat. Then: how to unravel decades of US sanctions on Iran? And: Monocle’s new Quality of Life Survey, and an exclusive new electric vehicle from Portugal’s Amble.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After landmark EU-Taliban talks, questions remain over Afghan deportations from Europe. Plus: Voters in Bangkok prepare to choose their next governor, a flip through the papers and Romania’s deepening political deadlock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britain marks 10 years of Brexit with fresh political uncertainty as Keir Starmer becomes the sixth prime minister to step down since. Plus: What’s next after US-Iran talks, a flip through the Swiss papers and music news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.