Roundtable
Roundtable is a daily current affairs discussion programme which is broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady. Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch our full episodes here:www.youtube.com/@RoundtableTRTWorldRoundtable is a TRT World original production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will Macron's nuclear defence plan work?
France is expanding its nuclear deterrence strategy to protect Europe against Russian aggression amid doubts over the United States' commitment to the continent.
Nine European allies, including the UK, Germany and Poland have agreed to join the plan, signalling a major shift in Europe's defence strategy.
With Norway the latest country to sign up, France is positioning itself as a central pillar of European security - but will this plan work or is it a 'high-risk gamble'?
Joining Enda Brady to discuss:
Alex Walmsley
Associate...
Is Finland's economy emerging from a two-decade rut?
Finland's economy has lagged behind other EU countries in recent years weighed down by high unemployment, a housing downturn and rising public debt.
Real GDP has still not fully recovered from the 2008 financial crisis with further setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine.
But the first quarter of this year has seen signs of its economy improving. Could Finland now be emerging from decades of stagnation?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Teivo Teivainen
Chair of Finnish National Commission for UNESCO
<...
Is Poland’s Nawrocki Trump’s new ‘man in Europe’?
The United States is sending an additional 5,000 troops to Poland after President Trump overruled the Pentagon and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who had announced plans to ditch the deployment.
President Trump cited his strong relationship with the Polish President Karol Nawrocki who he endorsed when he ran for office last May.
The move to send more troops to Poland comes as the US reduces its military presence in Germany, pulling out 5,000 troops after Chancellor Merz angered Trump over the Iran war.
It highlights Poland’s growing role as a ke...
Is the global oil crisis hitting the 'point of NO return'?
Oil prices have been fluctuating since start of the US-Israeli war on Iran three months ago, hitting a four-year high of $126 in April. How long before prices return to normal or are they at the 'point of no return'?
The partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict in the middle east has severely disrupted global oil and gas supplies.
Governments are burning through emergency reserves at a 'record pace', according to the International Energy Agency. High oil prices are expected soon as supplies dwindle.
As peace...
Why is India strengthening ties with Europe?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been wooing his European counterparts to expand trade and economic ties with the West.
The six-day tour comes a few months after the EU and India penned a free trade agreement, lifting tariffs on a large amount of exports. This time the green transition, technology, and energy security were at the centre of discussions.
Modi’s visit began in the Netherlands, where he signed 17 pacts ranging from semi-conductor chips and critical materials to migration and renewable energy.
Other stops on the tour included Sweden, No...
Why the Kentucky Republican primary was the most expensive ever
The Kentucky Republican primary was the most expensive in US political history, with around $32 million spent, much of it backed by pro-Israel lobbying organisations.
Congressman Thomas Massie was defeated by Trump ally Ed Gallrein as the race evolved beyond a local political contest into a broader struggle over the direction and identity of the Republican Party.
Massie had openly opposed military action against Iran, repeatedly voted against US aid to Israel, and supported the release of the Epstein files positions that reportedly put him at odds with Donald Trump.
The...
Is the UK becoming ungovernable?
The UK has had six leaders in the past ten years and now Keir Starmer's position is looking untenable after disastrous local election results and many of his own MPs calling for him to step down with rival circling.
Why has there been such a high turnover of Prime Minister's after several long-term leaders serving our more than their five-year terms.
In a country once seen as a model of political stability, is it now becoming ungovernable?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
James Lyons, Former Director...
Are EU sanctions on Israeli settlers just symbolic?
The European Union has announced sanctions on illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank - but do the measures go far enough or are they merely symbolic?
Expansion has increased since Benjamin Netanyahu returned to power as the head of a pro-settler right-wing government.
But with the UN documenting about 1,800 settler attacks in 2025 alone, will these sanctions make any difference?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Gideon Levy
Journalist
Jane Kinninmont
Chief Executive Officer at the United Nations Association<...
Romanian Prime Minister ousted amid far-right rise
Romania’s government has fallen. Parliament voted overwhelmingly to remove Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.
The vote exposed a stunning political split. The Social Democrats, once central to Bolojan’s coalition, joined forces with the far-right nationalist AUR party to bring down the government.
Their shared target was the government’s austerity programme, which critics say has deepened economic hardship and fuelled public anger.
Polls show the far-right AUR party are leading in the polls.
AUR leader George Simion accused the government of creating a recession and deepening hardsh...
Could the Hantavirus become the next pandemic?
The World Health Organization has warned global cases of the Hantavirus will probably rise.
The virus has already killed at least three people on the MV Hondius cruise ship at the centre of the outbreak.
The rare Andes strain of Hantavirus, found mainly in the Americas, is the only known variant capable of human-to-human transmission.
The incident has renewed fears over how quickly rare zoonotic diseases can spread through international travel and whether the world is prepared for the next global pandemic.
Joining Enda Brady for this...
Merz clashes with Trump as German economy stalls
On this episode of Roundtable, we look at the feud between Friedrich Merz and President Trump after the German Chancellor said America was being "humiliated" by Iran.
In response President Trump has announced the removal of 5,000 US troops from Germany and threatened to impose extra tariffs on EU car exports.
After a year in power, Merz is struggling to revive his country’s stalling economy and his popularity is declining with the country's far right party, the AfD is surging in the polls.
So can Merz turn it around - or...
NATO blindsided by Trump’s decision to cut troops in Europe
In this episode, Roundtable looks at the US withdrawal of 5,000 Germany as Washington looks to scale down its military presence in Europe.
President Trump is also considering taking troops out of Spain and Italy following criticism over the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Is this the latest sign of a NATO break-up?
Joining Enda Brady for the discussion:
Riccardo Alcaro
Political scientist and head of the research programme at the Italian Institute of International Affairs
Patrick Bury
Former NATO analyst
<...Has the King's visit to charm Trump healed US-UK relations?
In this episode, Roundtable unpacks King Charles’ historic four-day trip to America as part of its 250th anniversary celebration.
On his first official visit to the United States, the King addressed Congress and underlined the enduring UK-US ties, stating that both nations always find ways to come together.
The trip comes at a tense time for transatlantic relations with the US President repeatedly hitting out at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his refusal to assist with the war on Iran.
So, did the King and Queen’s ‘soft power’ bridge th...
Should Scotland ramp up North Sea drilling?
In this episode, Roundtable looks at Scotland’s energy dilemma. Scots face soaring bills in a resource-rich nation, as the US-Israeli war on Iran pushes up prices.
With an election days away, voters are split between backing renewables and ramping up North Sea drilling.
As reserves decline, can green energy replace oil wealth and finally cut bills?
Joining Enda Brady for the discussion:
James Dornan, Former Scottish National Party, Member of the Scottish Parliament
Clare Muldoon, Broadcaster and Political Commentator
Kevin Schof...
Is Europe finally turning its back on Israel?
In this episode, Roundtable explores the growing divide between Israel and the EU over the genocide on Gaza and war in Lebanon.
Spain, Ireland and Slovenia are pushing to suspend a major EU-Israel trade deal, while Germany and Italy are blocking this move.
So, is this a temporary fracture or the point of no return for EU-Israel relations?
Joining Enda Brady for the discussion:
Pablo Calderon Martinez
Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations at Northeastern University London
Yossi Mekelberg
G...
The plan for a European NATO in case Trump leaves the alliance
European nations are looking at a NATO without the US if President Trump follows through on his threats to walk away.
Trump is furious at NATO members for refusing to join the war on Iran and assist in the Strait of Hormuz.
It has prompted European allies to accelerate a fallback defence plan in case the US leaves.
The idea is a ‘European Nato’ where leadership would come from within the continent and would maintain deterrence against Russia.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has downplayed fears of a US...
Will jet fuel shortages wreck your holiday?
In this episode, Roundtable looks at how close Europe is to running out of jet fuel and how this may impact the upcoming summer holidays.
The head of the global energy watchdog IEA is warning that Europe has only six weeks supply of jet fuel left before shortages will hit the continent if disruption to traffic in the Strait of Hormuz does not improve.
Flight tickets are set to rise and airlines are already cancelling flights. European airlines are calling for urgent EU emergency measures.
Can Europe avoid widespread summer...
What does Bulgaria's 'Kremlin-friendly' new PM mean for EU?
In this episode, Roundtable looks at the future of Bulgaria after its election of an allegedly “pro-Russian” Prime Minister.
The country - which is a key NATO and EU ally, strategically located on the Black Sea - has long battled with endemic corruption.
But after decades of shaky coalitions and political infighting, Bulgarian voters have rallied around the former President Rumen Radev.
He’s promising more balanced relations with both Brussels and Moscow - putting ‘Bulgaria First’
Joining Enda Brady to discuss:
Anna Krasteva
Founde...
Will Switzerland vote to cap its population at 10 million?
In this episode, Roundtable looks at Switzerland’s upcoming referendum on capping its population at 10 million.
The proposal has been put forward by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, the SVP, which is warning of a ‘population explosion’.
The current number of people living in Switzerland is nine million. Supporters argue a limit is essential to tackle growing pressures such as housing shortages but others fear a big impact on the economy with some thinking it's a 'crazy' idea.
How likely is Switzerland to vote yes to the 'no to 10 million...
Can Milan take Dubai's crown as home of the super-rich?
Is Dubai’s status as the ultimate safe haven for the super-rich under threat from Milan?
Following the Iran war, many wealthy have fled Dubai towards Milan, Europe’s rising “millionaire capital”.
Is Milan reinventing itself as the new home for the super-rich or will Dubai hold onto its status as the ultimate global hub?
Joining Enda Brady to discuss:
Charlie Mullins, Chairperson of WeFix, who is based between Spain and Dubai
Angelica Donati, a construction entrepreneur
Amro Zakaria, an economic analyst a...
Irish government forced to act after six days of fuel protests
For six days, Ireland's roads and major cities were brought to a standstill as fuel protests swept the country.
Farmers and lorry drivers blockaded gas depots, motorways and Ireland’s only oil refinery, protesting at rising fuel costs due to the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Motorists panic bought fuel, leading to the closure of hundreds of petrol stations as they ran dry.
The government has announced a 550 million dollar package to help but will it be enough to prevent further protests?
Joining Enda Brady to...
Are we heading for a global recession?
The world may be edging closer to a global recession as the US-Israeli war on Iran sends shockwaves through the global economy.
At the centre of the crisis is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route now effectively disrupted, cutting off a significant share of global energy supply and pushing oil prices towards or even beyond $150 a barrel.
Markets are rattled, trade routes are under strain and fears of prolonged economic damage are rising.
So how close are we to a full-blown recession and will this conflict tip the global...
How different will Hungary be under Peter Magyar?
Hungary appears to be entering a new, more pro-European chapter following a landslide election victory by opposition leader Peter Magyar.
Magyar secured a landslide win, bringing an end to 16 years of rule under Viktor Orban.
The newly elected leader declared that Hungary would become a “European country again.”
What kind of Hungary rises from the ruins of the Orban era?
Joining Enda Brady to discuss:
Mark Lousau, journalist.
Gergely Rajnai, Chief Analyst at the Center for Fair Political Analysis in Budapest
Is Europe running out of fuel?
Fuel rationing is being introduced in some European countries over fears of a global energy shortage as the Iran war continues.
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, the final fuel tankers are expected to reach Europe by mid-April.
The EU has warned that member states should consider travelling less and working from home to conserve energy with European Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen saying the EU is preparing for a "long-lasting" energy crisis.
Some Asian nations are already experiencing energy shortages. A state of national emergency has been declared in...
Sanchez defies Trump's 'illegal war', approves $5B handout
The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has denounced the US-Israeli war in Iran as ‘illegal’ and is putting in measures to help Spaniards deal with the economic fallout.
The socialist leader has described the conflict as a ‘global economic earthquake’ and appears determined to shield his people and ensure they do not pay the price for the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
Sanchez is the first EU leader to act, unveiling a €5B rescue package for households and businesses.
Beyond the financial aid, he has banned US military aircraft from using...
Iran winning propaganda war with LEGO-inspired viral content
The US–Israeli war has unleashed another battlefield taking place on social media as AI propaganda goes viral.
Misinformation is spreading fast, from both sides, with President Trump reportedly fooled by an AI-generated attack on a US naval ship.
Many of the Iranian videos are designed to entertain, clocking up millions of views with Tehran appearing to win the information war with LEGO-inspired content.
What Iran may lack in military might, it is making up for it with asymmetric warfare: alongside a campaign of economic sabotage, it's now attempting to sh...
NATO future uncertain as Trump 'considers' pulling out
US President Donald Trump says he is considering pulling out of NATO over the alliance's unwillingness to support the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Mark Rutte has strongly backed Washington and Trump's war on Iran, arguing that the move is intended to make the world safer, putting him at odds with several European allies who oppose the conflict.
Rutte has claimed that NATO is stronger under Trump, pointing to increased defence spending commitments, with members now aiming for 5% of GDP. But is the NATO chief doing whatever he can to keep Trump on side...
Is Europe's populist right turning away from Trump over Iran war?
Are right-wing European parties distancing themselves from President Trump over the Iran war?
One of Donald Trump’s promises in his America First movement was to end the era of prolonged and damaging wars abroad. With that firmly back on the agenda, major parties which had aligned themselves with Trump's populist ideology, such as the Alternative for Germany, French National Rally and even Reform UK are splitting with the US President over the war.
Will the US-Israeli war on Iran see the end of the Transatlantic populist alliance?
Joining Robyn Dw...
How will your travel plans be impacted by the Iran war?
The Iran war is having a devastating impact on the travel industry in what many are calling the worst global aviation crisis since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thousands of flights have been cancelled, with major airspaces across the Middle East closed and airlines forced to reroute planes via longer journeys.
Popular holiday destinations such as Dubai are now off limits, with thousands of holidaymakers and expats returning home.
How will war in the Middle East impact European travellers as the spring and summer holidays fast approach?
Joining Enda...
Has Giorgia Meloni turned against Trump over Iran?
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was supposed to be Europe’s ‘Trump whisperer’ but her criticism of the US-Israeli war on Iran has exposed cracks in her relationship with the US president.
With public opinion in Italy overwhelmingly against being drawn into another Middle East conflict and the Meloni losing a crucial referendum on judicial reforms, she is balancing public opinion alongside her ties with Trump.
So, what now for relations between Rome and Washington?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Riccardo Alcaro
Head of Researc...
Could China be the real winner of the US-Israeli war on Iran?
What could China win and lose from the US-Israeli war on Iran?
China is a major buyer of Iranian energy and a vocal critic of the conflict, urging peace talks to end the war.
With President Trump antagonising European allies over their resistant to help unblock the Strait of Hormouz, could China now present itself as a stable global ally - and what does it mean for Beijing's ambitions to reunify Taiwan?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Freddy Gray
Deputy Editor of The Spectator
How long can the US afford to wage war on Iran?
The cost of the US-Israeli war on Iran has been mounting since the conflict began on February 28.
In the first six days of ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ the US spent $11.3 billion. By day 12, that figure surged to $16.5 billion.
As of March 19, new estimates suggest the total has crossed the $18 billion mark. So, how much longer can the US afford to wage war as Iranians fight back with its stockpiles of cheap drones and ballistic missiles?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Frank Rose
Former Deputy Assistant Secr...
Divisions in Europe exposed as impact of Iran war hits
Europe has been caught off guard by the escalating US-Israeli war on Iran and now the consequences are hitting hard.
From rising energy prices to the risk of inflation and political divisions, European leaders are scrambling to respond. The EU has rejected Trump's call for military action in Strait of Hormuz as well as a number of other countries, including the UK.
The US President is attempting to unblock the strategic waterway to enable the flow of oil, fertiliser and other crucial goods to pass.
As some countries refuse military...
Could Iran and Ukraine wars merge into a global conflict?
As the US-Israeli war on Iran continues, so does the conflict in Ukraine.
Both Russia and Ukraine have become involved in Israel and America’s war on Iran - but where does it leave their own conflict?
And could these two regional hotspots spark a global war?
Enda Brady is joined by:
Elijah Magnier, a Veteran War Correspondent and Military Analyst.
Alexander Clackson, founder of the Global Political Research Center.
Jennifer Ewing, Spokesperson for Republicans Overseas UK
Alex Va...
UK-US relations hit the rocks over Iran war
The so-called 'special relationship' between the UK and US has become fractured over the US-Israeli war on Iran.
US President Donald Trump is angry with Prime Minister Keir Starmer after he refused to allow the US to use UK airbases to launch its initial offensive on Iran. He has since given approval for American aircraft to use UK bases.
But how much damage did this decision by the UK government do to relations with the UK's closest ally - and can it be repaired?
Joining Robyn Dwyer for this discussion:<...
The EU plan for ICE-style agents to deport illegal immigrants
Could Europe see ICE-style agents deporting migrants? The EU is voting on tougher measures to tackle immigration with human rights group urging the EU parliament to reject the proposal, warning it could normalise mass detentions, surveillance and racial profiling.
Armed US ICE agents have shocked the world with aggressive crackdowns on undocumented migrants.
The EU is under pressure from far-right parties to introduce tougher measures to help control borders and deter people from entering illegally - but is this a step too far?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
<...Can the British Royal family survive Andrew's arrest over Epstein files?
The King's brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to the Epstein files. Can the Royal family survive another scandal, the biggest to rock the institution in modern times?
Following his brother's arrest, King Charles said he had "the deepest concern“, adding the police would have "our full and wholehearted support and co-operation."
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has denied wrongdoing.
Former UK Ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, has also been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to the Epstein file. He al...
