What drives people in Europe? How do Europeans lead their lives? What are their views, hopes and fears? Fokus Europa provides the answers: up close, exciting and balanced.
http://dw.com/focusoneurope?maca=en-podcast_european-journal-2940-xml-mrss
Russia: The last man standing
Villages across Russia are emptying as people flock to the cities. More than 20,000 have been entirely abandoned. Nevertheless, Rafgat Abzalov stayed put in Kirillo-Karmasan, even after everyone else had left.
French scientists want to help albatrosses
French scientists are looking for ways to protect albatrosses from swallowing hooks on fishing nets. Some trawlers still ignore the regulations seeking to prevent these fatal encounters.
Greece: Illegal expulsion of migrants to Turkey
Refugees in Greece face violence and forcible expulsion to Turkey. Critics say this is a clear contravention of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Majorca welcomes tourists again
Lockdowns and closed borders meant tourism on the Mediterranean island was suspended. Now holidaymakers are back. It's a trial run involving a few hotels and a few thousand guests. Some locals are worried they might bring back the virus to Majorca.
Russia: Surge in violence against women
A hotel in Moscow was turned into a shelter for women subjected to violence by their male partners during the coronavirus lockdown. Many official shelters were full. Women's rights organizations say the situation will remain extremely serious.
Slovenia: Civil Society under Threat
Environmentalists are accusing the Slovenian government of undermining democracy. They say it is also having consequences for a major dam-project in the country.
United Kingdom: Pubs go digital
Pubs in the UK are closed, and their owners are sorely missing the revenue. So, they are hosting digital meet-ups for their customers. People can hardly wait for their first real pint of beer, back in the pub again.
Belgium's Colonial Legacy
Anti-racist protesters in Belgium are demanding that their country confront its colonial past. Their criticism is aimed at former monarch King Leopold II.
Germany / France: Coronavirus raises tensions along the border
Tensions are rising in the Saarland region along the French-German border. An increase in coronavirus cases on the French side has left many on the German side feeling threatened. Local politicians have appealed for calm.
Romania: Discrimination against Roma
Romania's Roma minority are facing increased discrimination because of the coronavirus. In some regions, tensions are rising between local residents and Roma seasonal workers who've returned home.