Close but not that close: Is associate EU member status still on the cards for Canada?

We look at what’s driving Italy’s strikes as students and workers take to the streets. Then: what we learned in the last seven days and our weekly quiz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss why European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen continues to push for associate membership for Canada after dropping the title from a statement. Plus: how can London embassies make nice with the neighbours?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘The New York Times’ reports that Democrats intended to stack the Alaska ballot with Dan Sullivans. Then: can Gulf states prevent fresh attacks on Iran by the US and Israel? Plus: could Viktor Orbán be the next UN secretary-general? And: should you break up with streaming services?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s Xi looks for ‘rigorous party self-governance’, while Trump’s DoJ violates political neutrality ahead of midterms. Then: ‘You Can See Everything’ captures global attention. And: what’s in your crisis-ready stockpile?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antônio Sampaio and Alex von Tunzelmann on Lula’s surprise win and whether he can govern Brazil. Plus: Can Europe’s protests be policed? Oxford Street goes car-free, and mayoral elections in Toronto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fernando Augusto Pacheco brings us the latest as Brazil heads to the polls. Plus: what we learned this week. And: who will take the quiz crown?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A flaw in computer language led to the shutdown of websites worldwide this week. We examine the long tail of a mass cyber-security event. Plus: Can governments get out of the debt ‘doom loop’ ?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inzamam Rashid explains why UK fighter jets are being sent to protect Saudi cities. Then: Phil Clark and Erin O’Halloran explore whether troops on the ground in France and Italy will quell protests or fan the flames. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Albertans reject a referendum on independence by a clear margin. Has the tide turned against separatists in the West? And: we hear from Lars Bevanger in Oslo on the latest US-Ukraine talks. Plus: comedian Shawn Chidiac.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antoine Goullin reports from Paris and our panellists Charles Hecker and Zoë Grunewald discuss whether voters ever take their lead from protesters. Plus: Russia wants a US-China summit to end the war in Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.