ARTE Europe Weekly

Young people are disproportionately affected by the lack of affordable homes in Europe. Some young people are delaying going to university because they can’t afford accommodation, while others live with their parents well into their 30s. There’s an entire generation deprived of the same opportunities their parents had. Why is this, and what is the EU doing about it?

Tired of waiting weeks for a doctor’s appointment? Is the nearest clinic miles away? The shortage of healthcare workers is a perennial problem across the continent. In this week’s episode, we unpack the reasons why and some of the ingenious solutions to address it.

A year after ousting right-wing populists from power, Donald Tusk has mended Poland’s strained ties with the EU and vowed to restore the rule of law. His pro-European stance has earned him the moniker 'Mr. Europe' as his government assumes the EU Council presidency for the next six months. But progress on his ambitious domestic reform agenda has been sluggish, leaving some to question if Tusk can deliver on his pledges. Observers warn that his leadership’s fate hinges on the presidential election in May.

The billionaire recently revived a scandal on grooming gangs in the UK, using his social media X to amplify disinformation. He also hosted an online conversation with the far-right leader of Germany’s AfD Alice Weidel and is discussing a deal with the Italian government to use his Starlink services. What can the EU do to counter Musk’s efforts to influence European politics?

The COVID-19 pandemic, social media, and current affairs are just some of the reasons why young people’s mental health in Europe is on shaky ground. This ARTE Europe Weekly, we’re digging into the hows and whys behind the crisis.

The breakout success of Chinese DeepSeek has shaken the US’s position as a global leader in artificial intelligence. But although it might seem like a two-horse race between the US and China, the EU was the first region in the world to have created a legal framework for AI and is starting to massively invest in supercomputing and innovation. As the European Commission said, “The race for AI is far from over.”

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Serbia’s biggest-ever protest movement, after a deadly roof collapse at a train station in Novi Sad in November. Since then, rallies calling for accountability and an end to corruption have spread across the whole country. Populist leader Aleksandar Vučić is still gripping onto power, but could the revolt end his political career? It’s a decisive moment that may indicate whether the country’s future will lean towards Russia or the EU.

Developed over 80 years ago for their indestructible qualities, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now inescapable. From kitchenware to drinking water, and even in the entire food chain, these synthetic chemicals with variants in their tens of thousands, are piling up in our environment and posing a serious health threat. With over 2,300 contamination ‘hot spots’ across Europe, the risk to our bodies is real. For the last decade, the EU has been trying to regulate their use, but the industrial sector is pushing back, using economic arguments to maintain the status quo.

From leaning in to quiet quitting, our attitudes towards work have changed a lot over the last 50 years. Spain’s government has approved a measure to cut weekly working hours from 40 to 37.5. More and more European countries are embracing shorter working hours, and some are even trialling the four-day week.

The results are in after Germany’s elections, but beyond the ballot, what’s at stake for the rest of Europe? In this ARTE Europe Weekly, we focus on the continent’s economic powerhouse asking how Germany’s next moves could reshape everything from trade to energy.

This year’s International Women’s Rights Day comes at a strange time for Europe. On the one hand, we have never been closer to gender equality, and Europe can boast being the best place on earth to be a woman. But on the other hand, there’s a concerted backlash against feminist activism, both online and offline, and widespread violence against women. The World Economic Forum predicts that we are still decades away from achieving equality.

With the U.S. becoming an unpredictable ally under Donald Trump, Europe may have to rethink its own defense—especially when it comes to nuclear deterrence. This week on ARTE Europe Weekly, we break down who holds the nuclear cards and how Trump’s policies could force Europe to reset its security strategy.

When the Covid-19 pandemic exploded into Europe in March 2020, it’s safe to say that the European Union was not prepared. Five years on, there’s been a lot of progress, from being ready to detect a new disease outbreak to improving cross-border cooperation on medical equipment and vaccines. But one main issue is the loss of trust in public health authorities, and that’s harder to regain.

In Sweden, a gang war has been raging for years, driven by the arms and drug trade. These gangs aren’t just recruiting young people—they rely on them. Many of these kids, some barely teenagers, see few prospects outside of crime, allowing criminal networks to thrive. Now, the European Parliament and law enforcement agencies in Brussels are pledging tougher crackdowns. But can they keep up with gangs that always seem one step ahead?

On April 2nd, Donald Trump declared what he’s hailing “Liberation Day,” a move aimed at freeing America from what he sees as unfair trade practices—not just from rivals but also longtime allies. With a minimum 10% tariff on all foreign imports—and a hefty 20% on European goods—the White House is sending shockwaves through global trade. The automobile sector is taking a major hit, and Europe now faces tough decisions. What’s behind Trump’s strategy, and how will the EU respond?

A new corruption scandal has erupted inside the European Parliament, just a couple of years after the Qatargate affair. This time, following the money leads back to China: MEPs reportedly accepted bribes from telecoms company Huawei. It comes as French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is convicted for embezzling EU funds. So why does this keep happening? We look at the power of lobbyists in Brussels and why the EU’s anti-graft mechanisms don’t seem to be sufficient.

In a fresh blow to LGBTQ+ rights, Hungary’s ultra right-wing government has amended the constitution to legally recognize only two genders — a move that effectively erases trans and non-binary identities. Hungarian leader Orban has also banned Pride parades in the capital. It marks yet another assault on LGBTQ+ communities — and a deeper lurch toward autocracy. But will the EU clap back?

Rare earths and other raw materials are key parts of the technology we use every day: if you can turn it on and off, it probably has a rare earth in it. The paradox is that it’s very polluting to extract them, but they’re essential to develop the green energy of the future, as they’re crucial components of wind turbines and solar panels. Now there’s a global race to get access to them, and Europe plans to become less reliant on imports from China.

Speeding, drunk driving, texting at the wheel, or crumbling roads—there are many causes of traffic accidents. That’s why the European Union has set itself an ambitious goal of zero road deaths from 2050 onwards. Some measures are already in place, but when it comes to road safety, there are still some serious potholes that need fixing. This Weekly, we break down road blocks ahead and look at how artificial intelligence might pave the way for safer journeys in the future.

One election, two futures. Poland is gearing up to vote as liberals and nationalists lock horns over immigration, Ukraine, the rule of law - and its role with the EU. Over the past two decades, EU membership has turbo-charged Poland’s development, but the rise of populism has reshaped public debate. In this episode of ARTE Europe Weekly we find out how high the stakes are in Warsaw.

From traditional religion to tarot cards and witchcraft, the way people connect with faith is changing across Europe. Recent stats show that less than half of people now see religion as important but is Europe losing its religion in favour of faith?

A secretive fleet of ships prowl international waters, transporting Russian oil and funding Russia’s war chest. These dilapidated, uninsured boats put marine ecosystems in grave danger, as well as threaten EU security. But it’s very difficult to trace them because they often sail under flags of convenience. The EU is rolling out a new sanctions package to try and curtail their activities – but will it be enough?

Nuclear energy is back in fashion, and some EU countries have abandoned plans to phase it out. It ticks a lot of boxes: it helps Europe become energy independent and it allows the EU to meet its climate targets. But there are questions over its sustainability, safety and its high cost.

Ten years have passed since US investigators found that Volkswagen had been tampering with pollution controls in its diesel cars, letting millions of vehicles spew toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. A new report has found that 124,000 people have died as a result – and that number will keep rising over the next few decades if additional measures aren’t taken. How could Brussels let Dieselgate happen – and why are we still feeling the effects?

Europe is finally starting to toughen its stance on Israel — the tone is shifting, and sanctions are suddenly on the table. But is this a meaningful turning point, or just too little, too late? This week, we unpack what’s changing and why. It comes as a second aid ship headed for Gaza is intercepted, with 12 people detained on board— among them, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

There’s a legal age at which you can buy alcohol or cigarettes, vote and drive – but not use social media, despite the fact it can be full of damaging content like violence, paedophilia, dangerous health ‘advice’ and disinformation. Studies have shown a link between extreme social media use and poor mental health. Now some EU countries are proposing a total ban for under-15s. But how easy would this be to enforce, and is it fair to deprive young people of social media?

Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu, or AliExpress have taken Europe by storm in the last few years offering a huge range of products at very low prices. But with major ethical, sustainability and health issues, what can Europe do about the flood of cheap goods from China?

Heatwaves like the one that scorched across Europe in late June and early July are going to become longer, more frequent and more intense. And not everyone experiences them in the same way. Poorer people are more at risk of health issues related to heat and less likely to have access to green spaces. Europe needs to adapt to climate change – and that means helping the most vulnerable as our planet heats up.

Switzerland is a train lover’s paradise. Shiny trains that are always on time – putting its disorganised neighbour Germany to shame with Deutsche Bahn’s chronic delays. Why is it so hard to recreate this success elsewhere in Europe? We look at the pros and cons of privatising the railways, why prices are so high and how a difference of a few centimetres between the rails can make or break cross-border train lines.

When Labour came into power in the UK last year, it signalled a shift in UK-EU relations. There may not be a Breturn, but Brexit is losing some of its sting. This rapprochement has become increasingly important in a volatile geopolitical climate: the war in Ukraine, a spike in migration to the UK that doesn’t show any signs of slowing, and Donald Trump’s tumultuous return to the White House are pushing the former partners to mend their rift.

Journalists can report more freely in Europe than anywhere else in the world. But media independence is slowly eroding across the bloc. The European Union is trying to combat this with a new package of rules called the European Media Freedom Act, which comes into force in August. But what does it actually do? And why is media pluralism under attack in Europe?

The birth rate across the EU is in decline, even in countries with generous parental leave and support for families. People are having kids later, and having smaller families when they do. Some people don’t want to have kids or aren’t able to for economic or personal reasons – like not finding the right partner – or because of problems with fertility. It’s a demographic crisis that will have stark repercussions for economies across Europe.

Delivery riders in Germany have been striking for better pay and protections and severance packages. Across Europe, couriers work in physically and psychologically demanding conditions, in rain or shine, and are at risk of being exploited. It’s the kind of job that attracts vulnerable people like migrants who can’t speak up about low pay and unsafe conditions, and are forced to rent accounts in order to work. The EU has adopted a law to protect platform workers by forcing companies to give them contracts and job rights – but will it be enough?

France’s top constitutional court has blocked the reintroduction of a toxic pesticide. Should it be banned in Europe?

Poland’s government is struggling to explain why EU money from the Covid-19 recovery fund has been used by companies on lavish purchases like saunas and coffee machines. In Greece, politicians have been embarrassed by accusations they’ve pocketed subsidies intended for Greek farmers. So why can’t the EU keep track of its own money – and what will it take to put an end to embezzlement?

Wildfires are no longer restricted to hot Mediterranean countries. Now they’re happening further north, with even Scotland affected. Fire management experts say that the money is going to the wrong place: too much on firefighting and not enough on prevention. Meanwhile, Europe’s fire season is set to become longer and even deadlier.

Universities across Europe are under financial pressure. Inflation has pushed up costs and there are more students than ever before. Research, innovation and the quality of teaching is suffering as a result. Some universities in Spain are looking to private investors to plug the gap, while in the Netherlands, universities are deciding to cancel degrees taught in English.

Public debt across the EU bloc has climbed to a record-high: €14,822 billion. As debt balloons, EU governments are reaching for a tried and tested strategy: spending cuts. But for many, that brings the familiar prospect of more austerity measures.

Between 2023 and 2024, Russian acts of sabotage in Europe more than tripled. Russia seems to be getting more confident. The swarm of drones that flew brazenly into European airspace last week proved that – along with frequent acts of arson, damage to infrastructure and hacking of healthcare systems. Europe – and NATO – must decide how to respond without launching a full-on conflict, and where the line is in this murky game of hybrid warfare.

Some 86 percent of Europeans say heritage matters. Yet the reality on the ground presents a more complicated picture. From lotteries to preserve historic sites, to crowds flocking to European Heritage days, there are efforts to maintain these historic gems. In this episode of Arte Europe Weekly, we break down how Europe’s shared heritage is being kept alive.

Europe’s super-rich are getting astronomically wealthy, while the squeezed middle and lower classes are being asked to tighten their belts. The French economist Gabriel Zucman has proposed a wealth tax to help reduce France’s budget deficit. Although rejected by the government, the idea has gathered pace and found support across the EU. Is a wealth tax the panacea for Europe’s financial woes?

For decades, US universities have outpaced their European counterparts in cutting-edge research. Institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford draw from the world’s brightest minds, consistently producing Nobel laureates. Part of the reason is that American research benefits not only from generous funding but also from stronger career opportunities. But with President Donald Trump’s assault on higher education, many US-based talents are being driven away—a shift that could play to the EU’s advantage.

From November 10, the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30) will take place over 12 days in Belém, Brazil. But how far will the European Union follow through on the promises it made a decade ago during the Paris Agreement? And will it show a united front or arrive divided?

France’s high-profile Mazan rape trial thrust the question of consent into the spotlight, pushing lawmakers to change the law around rape and sexual assault. It comes three years after Spain passed its “Only yes means yes” sexual consent law in the wake of the wolf pack rape trial, and long after Sweden passed a similar law in 2018. Does this mean we’re making progress? And why isn’t there a Europe-wide law?

Europe is facing a surge in cocaine, and the white trail leads straight to Albania. Over the past decade, Albania’s mafia has tightened its grip on power. New investigations by Blast and Follow the Money suggest the mafia may have even infiltrated the government. Despite this, the EU is pressing ahead with accession talks. This week on ARTE Europe Weekly, we find out: Is Brussels turning a blind eye just to keep its Mediterranean partner on side?

They were dubbed Generation Greta – now they’re sharing memes about the Spanish dictator Franco and calling for ‘remigration’. Far-right parties are surging in popularity from Romania to Spain, buoyed by Gen Z votes. On top of that, an ideological gender gap is forming, with young men more likely to vote far right than women. What’s the far right’s appeal? And is this change really as big as it seems?