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
Gesamtlänge aller Episoden: 4 days 1 hour 17 minutes
France: the holy war behind bars
Many young offenders are radicalized in French prisons, widely seen as hotbeds of Jihadism. The majority of the 9000 potentially violent Islamists estimated to be in France have spent time in overcrowded prisons.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: A gateway for IS
Hundreds of Bosnians went to Syria to fight for IS. Now that it's suffering losses, many are coming back and their presence is a source of concern. Bosnians have not been allowed to travel to Syria or Iraq since 2013.
A hairdresser for the homeless
A Berlin hairdresser cuts the hair of homeless people for free, to help them regain their dignity as well as to improve their hygiene. They often tell her about their lives and about how they ended up on the streets.
Rescue organizations in Italy under pressure
There are over ten NGO-run boats patrolling the coast of Libya to help thousands of refugees. But Frontex, the European border control and coast guard agency, thinks they are playing into the hands of smugglers.
Epilepsy drug scandal in France
Depakine is prescribed for epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It is also prescribed to pregnant women with migraines and depression and has allegedly caused autism and severe birth defects.
Prison subculture in Russia
Around 25 percent of all Russians have been the subject of state investigations, put on trial, imprisoned or otherwise punished. Even the smallest misdemeanors can lead to jail sentences.
Controversial coal mine in Germany
The open-pit mine in Hambach is one of Europe's largest, but activists want to shut it down. They're taking to the trees to pressure the mine's operators into ceasing operations.
'Sun tax' in Spain hurting solar providers
In Europe's sunniest country, the government is dragging its heels on renewable energy. For decades Spain subsidized solar power, but now the state's policy has changed.
War over white truffles in Italy
Ever since white truffles became more valuable than gold worldwide, collectors in Italy have been waging war among themselves, with many different means.
Latvia: In the shadow of Russia
Relations between Latvia and Russia have grown extremely tense since the latter’s annexation of Crimea. The small Baltic republic feels under pressure from its big neighbor. At the same time, the Russian minority in Latvia is deeply divided.