The Breakfast Club with Andy Bounds

The Breakfast Club returns.

Our early-morning series convenes a small group of members for a closed-door exchange, moderated by Philip Tod. Around the table, discussion unfolds under Chatham House rules, allowing for a frank and unfiltered conversation.

This edition welcomes Andy Bounds, EU correspondent at the Financial Times, where he covers Brexit, trade, health policy and European politics, including the European Parliament. A veteran journalist with nearly three decades at the FT, Bounds has reported from Brussels across two periods, as well as from the UK during the Brexit referendum. He is also a regular contributor to the agenda-setting Europe Express newsletter.

The conversation will focus on two pressing fronts. First, the evolving trade relationship between the European Union and the United States, at a moment marked by growing economic nationalism, industrial policy tensions and strategic competition. Second, the gradual thaw in EU-UK relations, as both sides explore avenues for pragmatic cooperation after years of post-Brexit friction.

The discussion is designed to be interactive and informal.

7:30 – Welcome, coffee and breakfast

8:00–9:00 – Conversation and audience Q&A, ending sharply at 9:00

Breakfast includes viennoiseries, yoghurt, fruit, granola, overnight oats, chia pudding, fresh juices, tea and coffee.

This format is limited to 20 members and offers the opportunity for a serious conversation in an intimate setting before the working day begins.