Roundtable

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 is the German economy - and his own fortune - about to go from bad to worse.Joining Enda Brady to discuss:Frank-Christian Hansel, Member of the AfD for Berlin parliament John Kampfner, author and journalist.Veronica Anghel, Assistant Politics Professor at the European University Institute.Edward Knudsen, Doctoral Researcher of International Relations at Oxford UniversityTo access the back catalogue of Roundtable discussions https://www.youtube.com/@RoundtableTRTWorld

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 AlcaroPolitical scientist and head of the research programme at the Italian Institute of International AffairsPatrick BuryFormer NATO analystJamie SheaFormer Deputy Assistant Secretary General of NATOSouwie Buis JournalistTo access the back catalogue of Roundtable discussions https://www.youtube.com/@RoundtableTRTWorld

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 the current divide between the two nations and its so-called 'special relationship'?Joining me to discuss this is:Royal Editor Sarah HewsonPolitical broadcaster Adam Boulton Jennifer Ewing, Spokesperson for Republicans OverseasTo access the back catalogue of Roundtable discussions https://www.youtube.com/@RoundtableTRTWorld

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 Schofield, HuffPost UK's Political EditorAnd Chris Aylett, Research Fellow in the Environment and Society Centre at Chatham HouseTo access the back catalogue of Roundtable discussions https://www.youtube.com/@RoundtableTRTWorld

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 MartinezAssociate Professor in Politics and International Relations at Northeastern University LondonYossi MekelbergGuest Professor at University of RoehamptonGregoire RoosDirector of the Europe, Russia and Eurasia Programmes at Chatham HouseAnd Marta Grande, Former President of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Chamber of Deputies of Italy To access the back catalogue of Roundtable discussions https://www.youtube.com/@RoundtableTRTWorld

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 exit.For decades, Nato has depended on American military dominance. Can Europe step up and replace the US in the alliance?Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:Leo MichelFormer Director for NATO Policy at the Pentagon and Non-Resident Fellow at the Finnish Institute of International AffairsGerlinde NiehusFormer Deputy Director, Defence and Security Cooperation at NATO and an Independent NATO and International Security AnalystJean-Francois Belanger,Assistant Professor at the Royal Danish Defence CollegeAnd Paul IngramDirector of the Global Stability NetworkTo access the back catalogue of Roundtable discussions https://www.youtube.com/@RoundtableTRTWorld

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 travel chaos?Anita Mendiratta Special Adviser to the Secretary General of UN TourismJohn StricklandAir Transport ConsultantSally GethinAviation and Travel JournalistAnd Fabrizio PoliAviation Adviser and Partner at Jet365To access the back catalogue of Roundtable discussions https://www.youtube.com/@RoundtableTRTWorld

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 KrastevaFounder and director of the Centre for Refugees, Migration and Ethnic StudiesSpasimir DomaradzkiSenior fellow at the Institute of Central Europe and lecturer at the University of WarsawOgnyan GeorgievJournalist and Managing Director of the news agency SeeNextDiana EftimovaChair of the board of the Institute for Public Environment DevelopmentTo access the back catalogue of Roundtable discussions https://www.youtube.com/@RoundtableTRTWorld

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' vote and what would be the consequences if they do?Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:Reto FoellmiProfessor of International EconomicsGunilla von HallJournalistJennifer SciubbaDemographer and CEO of Population Reference BureauWalther MichlProfessor of European LawTo access the back catalogue of Roundtable discussions https://www.youtube.com/@RoundtableTRTWorld