Länderfokus

Slovakia hard-wires anti-LGBTQ+ rules into constitution, prompting likely EU legal challenge

Slovakia rewrites parts of its constitution on family, gender and education. Only two sexes recognised, adoption narrowed to married couples, and “national identity” given primacy. A step that is likely to be scrutinised by the EU.

Dienstag 2. Dezember 2025

EU pushes for alcohol-free driving

The rules on drinking and driving vary across the EU. Denmark is lowering the tolerance limit and the Commission is planning a zero-alcohol regulation. But how does the legislation behind this work, who has the power to introduce it, and what are the hurdles?

Montag 24. November 2025

Wolves on the rise: “I don’t sleep well anymore” says farmer

Residents of Oksbøl, often referred to as Denmark’s wolf capital, have altered their daily routines in response to a growing wolf population. In turn, the government has launched a wolf action plan, which includes a local wolf guard group and the option to regulate wolves, made possible by the EU’s recent easing of wolf protection rules.

Montag 17. November 2025

Friends, neighbors, strangers? What Poles and Germans actually think of each other?

The Polish-German friendship is struggling. Memory conflicts as well as populist politicians sabotage relations between the two nations. The countries seem like neighbours who keep their distance but never shy away from judging each other. What’s hiding behind the stereotypes? Do Germans still see Poles as the struggling folks from the East? And for many in Poland, is Germany just a topic tied to World War II?

Montag 13. Oktober 2025

Belarusians against dictatorship: “I use art because it’s something you can’t erase”

On the outskirt of Europe lies Belarus, a country rich in culture, traditions and with immense history. A country of stunning nature and landscapes. Though, the country is unknown territory for many Europeans. Often it’s associated with Alexander Lukashenko and referred to as “Europe’s last dictatorship”. Nevertheless, it is also home to many talented artists. These artists have used their talent to speak out against dictatorship and oppression.

Donnerstag 2. Oktober 2025

The fight for safe and legal abortions in the EU remains

The European Union is based on key values such as freedom and equality. These values should apply to every citizen, no matter the gender. Even though it’s 2025 and men and women should have the same rights, there is still some work to be done to make sure that everyone is free and equal.

Mittwoch 24. September 2025

“We are one town in two different countries!”

The German-Polish friendship is experienced daily in the border region, nowhere more so than in the twin towns of Görlitz and Zgorzelec. In interviews, the two mayors, Octavian Ursu and Rafał Gronicz, talked about the significance of this unique cross-border relationship for their communities, their collaborative efforts, and its impact on the daily lives of their citizens.

Donnerstag 18. September 2025

Åland, an island of peace: Civil society fights daily for Ukraine

On Åland, an autonomous archipelago of Finland, a group of people is meeting every day in front of the Russian consulate to demonstrate against Russian aggression. What encourages them to go out and stand up for their beliefs every day?

Sonntag 24. August 2025

Gleichberechtigung: Ein langer Anlauf in der Schweiz

574.875: So viele Tickets wurden bei der letzten Frauen-Europameisterschaft 2022 in England verkauft. Schon jetzt hat unser Nachbarland diesen Rekord gebrochen. Frauenfußball begeistert gerade so viele Menschen wie noch nie zuvor. Doch der Weg der Schweizer „Nati“ bis zu einer Heim-EM war so hart, wie auch der Weg zur Gleichstellung von Mann und Frau in unserem südlichen Nachbarland. Während deutsche Frauen 1919 zum ersten Mal an reichsweiten Wahlen teilnehmen durften, erhielten die Schweizerinnen das Recht, zur Wahlurne zu gehen, erst ein gutes halbes Jahrhundert später. Im Kanton Appenzell-Innerrhoden geschah dies sogar erst 1991. Somit ist das Frauenstimmrecht dort jünger als die Schweizer Rekordspielerin Ana-Maria Crnogorčević.

Freitag 25. Juli 2025

Iceland: The 28th member state of the European Union?

Iceland is facing a major decision, with a referendum on their potential EU membership, which will be held by 2027. This debate touches upon issues such as immigration, economics and sovereignty. But what would a membership actually mean for the country?

Samstag 5. Juli 2025

Welt im Wandel, Werte im Wandel: Europa und der neue Papst Leo XIV.

Am Nachmittag des 8. Mai 2025 war es soweit. Voller Spannung hatte die Welt darauf gewartet. Die Nachricht “Weißer Rauch aus der Sixtinischen Kapelle“ verbreitete sich rasend schnell. Zu dieser Zeit war ich selbst in Italien und erlebte, wie die Glocken des Doms von Trient zu läuten begannen. Kurze Zeit später trat der neue Papst Leo XIV. auf die Loggia. Allerdings ist eines nicht neu, denn wie sein Vorgänger Papst Franziskus I., aus Argentinien, stammt auch der US-Amerikaner Leo XIV. aus der „neuen Welt“. Die Wahl nicht-europäischer Päpste steht auch sinnbildlich für eine Welt im Wandel. In dieser Welt sucht Europa immer noch seinen Platz.

Dienstag 10. Juni 2025

Serbia’s Revolution: From Tragedy to Transformation

Ever since November 2024 Serbia has been hit by a massive wave of protests in every corner of the country. The grassroots protests are run by students, who demand an end to corruption and a path towards democracy. Will they prove successful?

Mittwoch 4. Juni 2025
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