The Monocle Daily EU leaders meet in Brussels and Japan’s prime minister lands in Washington
17 snips
Mar 19, 2026 Alexander Görlach, NYU professor of political philosophy and geopolitics, offers expert analysis on transatlantic tensions. Tessa Shishkovitz, UK correspondent and author, reports on European politics and Japan diplomacy. They discuss EU leaders in Brussels, Hungary’s obstruction of policy, divisions over Middle East and Gulf responses, Japan’s Washington visit and security dilemmas, plus debates over carriers, energy and political fallout from a Washington clash.
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Orbán's Vetoes Rooted In Energy And Politics
- Viktor Orbán's objections blend energy dependence and pro‑Russian sympathy rather than single issues alone.
- Tessa Shishkovitz cites Hungary's reliance on the Druzhba pipeline and Orbán's election‑time nationalist tilt as drivers of his EU vetoes.
Europe Keeps Distance While Guarding Transatlantic Ties
- European leaders publicly distance themselves from the US push for intervention in the Persian Gulf while privately mindful of transatlantic ties.
- Tessa notes leaders avoid burning bridges with Washington but insist "this is not our war" amid unclear US objectives.
Japan Avoids Confrontation After Trump Gaffe
- Japan's new prime minister met Trump amid awkward public banter about surprise attacks, highlighting diplomatic discomfort.
- Tessa reports the prime minister stayed measured to protect economic ties and avoid antagonising Trump personally.