The Briefing All talk? The European Council convenes in Brussels amid global disruption
Mar 19, 2026
Fernando Augusto Pacheco, Monocle music correspondent; Marcus Hippie, Finnish Embassy press counsellor; James Chambers, Monocle Asia editor; Suzanne Lynch, Bloomberg Brussels bureau chief. They discuss the European Council's stance on Middle East tensions and energy risks. Thailand’s surprising coalition and its bid for stability. Why Finland keeps topping happiness charts and what that image brings. Global music market trends and standout regional hits.
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EU Aims To Maintain Support For Ukraine Amid New Crises
- EU leaders intend to keep focus on Ukraine despite Middle East fallout and financial strains.
- Volodymyr Zelensky was scheduled to address leaders and Hungary's veto of a £90bn loan was set to be a closed-door topic.
Orban Uses Energy Leverage Over Ukraine Loan Vote
- Viktor Orban linked Hungary's support for Ukraine to energy access via the Druzhba pipeline, complicating the £90bn loan approval.
- Lynch explains Hungary sought oil flow and referenced pipeline damage and access negotiations.
Anutin Secures Large Coalition And Senate Control For Stability
- Thailand's returned prime minister Anutin Chanvirakun secured a stable majority via a 13-party coalition controlling lower house and Senate.
- James Chambers says Bum Jai Thai leads with 295 of 500 seats, marking a role reversal with Pertai and promising stability.