The Briefing
A fast-paced news round-up with expert reporting, business insights, and industry updates on technology, aviation, retail, and media. Anchored from London.
Latest Episodes
Viktor Orban meets with Putin as Ukraine’s corruption scandal worsens
As Hungary’s prime minister travels to Moscow for talks on Ukraine, Zelensky’s top aid is investigated for corruption.
Macron unveils military service plan to counter Russian threat
Emmanuel Macron details a new plan for voluntary military service in France. Plus: Highlights from The Monocle Weekender in Abu Dhabi and The Global Countdown in Cambodia.
US accused of acting for Kremlin and how to move a national archive
Reports confirm the original US peace deal for Ukraine as being lifted from a Russian document after Steve Witkoff’s leaked call with a Kremlin negotiator. Where does America stand? Plus: if moving house is a logistical nightmare, how about a national archive?
Shifting demographics threaten Europe and the latest urbanism news
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) warns changing demographics in Europe threaten its economic stability. We talk to the EBRD’s chief economist to unpack the report. Then: the latest urbanism news and Taiwan’s Oscar entry.
Ukraine peace talks in Geneva gain momentum – can a Russia-friendly deal be reached?
We unpack the latest on Ukraine’s peace talks in Geneva – will Russia ever be satisfied with the outcome? Also on the programme: Fernando Augusto Pacheco on Cop30 and Eurovision news. Plus: The International Operations and Metiers Director of Van Cleef & Arpels.
A peace plan for Ukraine, Italy braces for Moody’s rating and Prague’s Mucha Museum
The full US peace plan for Ukraine is revealed, Italy braces for a potential upgrade by Moody’s after years of stagnation and we meet Marcus Mucha, executive director of Prague’s Mucha Museum. Plus: Winkreative’s new campaign for Canary Wharf.
Europe’s balancing act between the US and China. Plus: Monocle’s new December/January issue
Author and commentator David Marsh on whether France and Germany can still be the engine of Europe. Plus: Monocle’s editors discuss the new December/January issue, which is out today. And: this week’s episode of ‘The Global Countdown’.
Lord Adair Turner live from Cop30 and Italofonia looks to go global
Lord Adair Turner joins us from Belém with details of what Cop30 has been able to achieve. Plus: a look at what’s making headlines in the business world. Then: the government effort to make Italian a global language and the latest from the Venice Biennale.
MBS returns to the White House and Peru seizes growth in South American tourism
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, returns to the White House for the first time since 2017, eyeing a deal for fighter jets. Then: Peru’s plans to cement itself as a tourist hub. Plus: we pop the cork on the latest sparkling-wine ventures.
Zelensky looks to Paris to secure Ukraine’s skies. Plus: can Cop30 boost Brazil’s soft power?
Volodymyr Zelensky is in Paris today in a bid to secure air defences as Russian strikes become increasingly lethal. Then: can Belém’s Cop30 increase Brazil’s soft power amid protests? Plus: the state of the fashion industry ahead of 2026.
