Inside Europe

We’re still on our winter break, but whilst we’re away - here’s a treat we’ve been saving up for you: a Living Planet episode all about climate humour, plus a journey through the marvelous world of transportation, courtesy of our partners at GBH and PRX's The World podcast.

Neil King, an environment reporter and editor for DW's Living Planet, dives into the fascinating world of fungi, exploring their critical role in ecosystems and innovative uses like plastic digestion. Former geologist Daniel Solien shares his dramatic shift from the oil industry to climate activism, detailing protests with Greta Thunberg and the personal toll of his decision. The discussion highlights Norway's conflicting image as a climate leader while expanding oil production, raising essential questions about sustainability and responsibility.

How Gen Z-led protests toppled the Bulgarian government, a close look at Denmark's hardline asylum policies, and what should be done about the Dutch housing crisis. Then: A Scottish island castle for sale, Vilnius' bid to become Europe's biggest start-up hub, exhumations of political prisoners in Prague, and how the French Post Office tries to stay relevant.

The Netherlands honors international human rights defenders, whilst the Council of Europe moves to weaken the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights. Then: the Dayton Peace Agreement at 30, and the 22-year-old tackling medical inequality one skin-pic at a time. + skinforall.co.uk +

Angelo van Schaik is a dedicated reporter known for his work on Italy's prison reform and the conditions at Secondigliano prison. Elenia Gostoli is a journalist focusing on the pressing issues surrounding environmental activism and journalism. They delve into Spain's innovative approach to migration, discussing its regularization plans and economic benefits. Van Schaik shares insights from an Italian prison's reform efforts, while Gostoli highlights the troubling circumstances surrounding the murder of journalist Hakan Tosun, revealing serious gaps in the investigation.

In this riveting discussion, Ben Bartke, a DW reporter based in the Baltics, delves into Europe’s drone innovations and support for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions. Guy Delaunay, DW's Balkans expert, analyzes the political dynamics and voter apathy in Republika Srpska following recent elections influenced by Milorad Dodik. Meanwhile, John Lawrenson, reporting from Paris, critiques the backlash against Shein's fast-fashion practices and explores the impact of consumer choices on sustainability. This conversation uncovers the intersection of defense, politics, and consumerism in contemporary Europe.

Join Guy Delaunay, a DW correspondent reporting from Belgrade, and Ashish Sharma, a field reporter for DW, as they dive into Europe’s ambitious climate goals. They explore the controversial Jadar Valley lithium project in Serbia, facing protests over environmental concerns, and the community pushback against the Barroso lithium project in Portugal. Delaunay and Sharma discuss the balancing act between energy needs and local voices, highlighting the tensions in rural areas over land use and resources.

Svetlana Romanko, a Ukrainian environmentalist and founder of Razam We Stand, discusses the alarming loopholes allowing EU countries to import Russian LNG and the urgent need to cut off funding for the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Marco Sirotti, a researcher focused on cement emissions, shares insights on how to decarbonize the industry through innovative technologies and policy changes. Together, they highlight the intertwined challenges of climate security and defense, revealing crucial gaps in climate research exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

Youth leaders meet in Munich for the One Young World Summit, the EU releases its annual Enlargement Report, and Serbia marks a year since the Novi Sad Railway Station disaster. Also: Italy's controversial Messina Bridge project, Spanish paternity leave and Estonian composer Arvo Pärt at 90.

General elections put the Netherlands back on a centrist course, Ireland elects a leftwing independent candidate as President, and why European leaders are keen to visit Turkey. Then: the world's largest dance music summit in Amsterdam, classical music's most prestigious prize in Stockholm, and 80 years of the Moomins.