Inside Europe

A NATO Summit special with the view from Turkey, France, Spain and The Netherlands, Security Correspondent Teri Schultz answering listener questions from The Hague and Political Correspondent Thomas Sparrow on Friedrich Merz’s foreign policy gamble. Then: Sami rights, Bezos in Venice and Ye in Bratislava.

Discover innovative European initiatives aimed at reshaping traditional business models, with a focus on participatory budgeting and citizen engagement. Delve into the concept of '15-minute cities' and its implications for urban living. Explore a thriving cooperative ceramics factory that rose from economic struggles, showcasing resilience and teamwork. Learn about the Café Joyeux in France, which creates job opportunities for individuals with cognitive differences, promoting inclusivity. Finally, discuss the intersection of labor and science fiction in envisioning equitable futures.

“We took democracy for granted…. don’t make the same mistake!”: an interview with Klára Dobrev MEP, leader of Hungary’s Democratic Coalition Party and former Vice President of the European Parliament. Plus: the cost of climate change, Valencia after the floods and rebuilding quake-struck Hatay.

Michal Gostkiewicz, EU correspondent for DW's Polish department, dives into the seismic shifts in European politics, focusing on Poland's recent electoral upheaval and the fallout in the Netherlands over immigration issues. He also sheds light on alarming crypto kidnappings in France and discusses a concerning regression in gender dynamics in Russia. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by migrants in the Mediterranean and inspiring stories of resilience in Italy, showcasing how sports can foster unity among refugees.

Released RFE journalist Alsu Kurmasheva on her colleague Farid Mehralizada, who is facing a 12 year prison sentence in Azerbaijan. We meet some of the young people on trial in Turkey following the recent crackdown on dissent, and take a look at the Franco-US relationship in the run up to D-Day.

Michał Goskiewicz, an EU correspondent for DW's Polish department, discusses the polarization in Polish politics ahead of the presidential elections. Stefan Boss, DW's Budapest correspondent, dives into the Hungarian espionage allegations and rising political tensions. Meanwhile, Jessie Jazewska-Stevens, a US journalist in Switzerland, shares her insights on the country's extensive bunker system, revealing shifting perceptions of safety amidst modern geopolitical challenges. Together, they paint a vivid picture of Europe's complex political landscape.

Romania goes to the polls in the final round of high-stakes presidential elections, Albania's Edi Rama sails to victory once again, and the PKK disbands. Later: Pope Leo XIV, Russian volunteers help Ukrainians in Armenia, Eurovision attempts a reset in politically neutral Switzerland, and an adult toy craze that’s perhaps more “constructive” than most…

Germany’s new chancellor gets off to a bumpy start. Is Google helping Turkey to strangle independent media? And Malta is forced to abandon a lucrative business model. Then a VE Day Special: Nathalie Tocci on Europe, a look at Britain and France’s “coalition of the willing”, and a very personal tour of synagogues in the Netherlands.

Light in the dark - how people came together during Spain’s energy blackout, plus a very special story of faith, loss and renewal on the ancient Catholic pilgrimage known as “the way”. Later in the show: Could Rome’s colosseum be considered the antecedent to modern day reality TV? And what can the world learn from the Swedish concept of “lagom”?

Kate's away this week, so we're sharing another podcast we love: The Europeans. They've got a veritable smörgåsbord in this episode, from human rights in Hungary to the sorry tale of two Danish sustainability influencers whose eco-resort business went spectacularly wrong. Plus, how an army of volunteer online sleuths is helping Ukraine use open-source intelligence to fight back against Russia.