Germany’s Bundesrat approves historic spending plan

Donald Trump is expected to impose his sweeping reciprocal global tariffs today. We unpack the reaction from Europe and have a look at how the world’s financial markets are responding. Also in the programme: any hope of a ceasefire in Gaza is over as Israel ramps up its ground operation in the Palestinian territory. Then: A round-up of the main stories making the papers in the Nordics and we check-in at Watches and Wonders in Geneva.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, withdraws his nomination of an ex-admiral as director of Shin Bet – we unpack why. Also in the programme, Scott Craig of the International Federation of the Red Cross provides the latest on the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar following an earthquake in the region. Then: Italy’s birthrates hit a record low, Monocle’s Ed Stocker unpacks the fallout. Plus: Chiara Rimella updates us on The Michelin Guide France 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get the latest from our team in Paris as a French court finds far-right leader Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzling EU funds. Also on the programme: we’re joined by Hopewell Chin’ono as Zimbabwe’s president faces calls for removal from within his own party. Then: rice and dairy farmers march in downtown Tokyo to demand better income security and we discuss the state of the Brazilian telenovela.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get the latest from our Bangkok-based Asia editor, James Chambers, as aftershocks from a huge 7.7 magnitude earthquake continue to rock the Thai capital. Also in the programme: Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, discusses the importance of who owns the media. Plus: a look at the papers in Asia with Tom Webb.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined in the studio by our executive editor, Christopher Lord, to get the latest reactions as Donald Trump announces a new 25 per cent tariff on imported cars and parts. Then: a unanimous vote by the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled that former president Jair Bolsonaro should stand trial over an alleged 2022 coup attempt. Plus: Fernando Augusto Pacheco brings us part two of his IFPI Global Music Report 2025 coverage on ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As US vice president JD Vance announces that he will join his wife’s trip to a US army base in Greenland, we unpack what message this sends to the arctic territory and gauge Denmark’s reaction. Also in the programme: we discuss the role of the Netherlands in Nato as the nation looks to increase its defence spending and we discuss the effects of Kyoto’s new lodging tax. Plus: A look ahead to Salone 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world reacts to a major security breach after the White House accidentally shared highly sensitive military plans through a group chat, which included an ‘Atlantic’ journalist. Our security correspondent, Gorana Grgić, brings us the latest. Then: Fiona O’Brien of Reporters Without Borders updates us on the current threats to journalists in Turkey, as anti-Erdogan protests continue. Plus: Chiara Rimella on the latest news in the world of food and drink.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protests continue in Turkey following the arrest of Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival and Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. We get the latest from Ruth Michaelson, who reports the nation’s capital. Also on the programme: Monocle’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco on the importance of Brazil-Japan relations as president Lula visits Tokyo. Plus: Petri Burtsoff joins us from the Nordic Happiness Summit in Finland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Germany’s upper house of parliament approves a constitutional change to allow a huge increase in spending for the country’s defence and infrastructure needs, Monocle’s senior news editor, Chris Cermak, joins Emma Nelson to explain how significant this bill is. Plus: global travel is plunged into chaos as Heathrow shuts down, South Africa’s ambassador to the US heads home, the new Martin Parr documentary and urbanism news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Canada strengthens ties with Europe’s defence industry, Monocle’s Toronto correspondent, Tomos Lewis, joins Chris Cermak to discuss rumours that Canadians now want to officially join the bloc. Plus: the death toll mounts in Gaza as ceasefire negotiations continue, the future of Radio Free Europe, Indian film ‘Santosh’ and Fernando Augusto Pacheco’s ‘The Global Countdown’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.