Inside Europe

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Jaffe, a journalist and author known for her focus on street and workplace politics, delves into the profound impact of grief on society. She reflects on how personal losses from COVID and historical events shape collective memory and activism. Jaffe emphasizes the political shifts spurred by grief, the emotional landscape of deindustrialization, and the evolving definitions of masculinity amidst change. Through personal stories, she illustrates the resilience and hope emerging from tragedy, prompting a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.

A coalition deal is reached in Germany, France sees opportunities in US academic flight, Turkey’s opposition change tack, and Slovakia gets tough on bears. Also on the show: an iconic opera house fights for survival amidst Berlin’s culture cuts, plus a conversation with Patrick Strickland, author of ‘You Can Kill Each Other After I Leave: Refugees, Fascism, and Bloodshed in Greece.’

Hungary announces it will withdraw from the ICC, Berlin moves to deport four foreign national Gaza protesters, and a French court finds Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzlement. Also: Why aren’t European leaders finding tougher words on Turkey? Can Europe really go it alone? Who will save Radio Free Europe? All that, plus the craziest spy story you ever heard!

Can Dündar, a celebrated Turkish journalist in exile and former editor of Cumhuriyet, sheds light on the dire state of press freedom in Turkey. He discusses the recent protests ignited by the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, framing it as a critical moment for democracy. Dündar elaborates on the courageous efforts of journalists amidst increasing censorship and highlights the role of youth activism in fighting for democratic values. His insights paint a vivid picture of the resilience of the Turkish public against authoritarianism.

France's answer to Starlink, North Macedonia's deadly nightclub fire and Germany's break with austerity. All that plus the longest tram in the world, protests in Serbia and Hungary and a star-turn from 100 year old actor and activist, Thelma Ruby.

Environmental lawyer Svitlana Romanko spotlights the role of fossil fuels and minerals in the war in Ukraine. Meet Russian activists still defying authoritarianism after 25 years. Marking 50 years since Franco’s death stirs political tensions in Spain, while German coalition talks raise questions about migration and civil rights. Plus, Latvia’s refugee treatment and Italy’s backyard chicken trend.

War and peace: as Europe braces for an unprecedented rearmament drive, in Turkey, the PKK prepares to lay down its weapons. We’ll also be finding out why Serbian politicians got literal egg on their faces this week, as well as meeting a Spanish photo journalist determined to bring dignity and recognition to the marginalised and forgotten.

Germany after the election: What do the results mean? And how is this playing out with economic decline in the once proud home of Volkswagen? With the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, we reflect on the relationship between Ukraine, Brussels and Washington. Also, myth busting about Russia's war in Ukraine, a war memorial in Spain and Jehovah's Witnesses facing Russian persecution.

We hit the streets of Berlin this week for an action-packed German Elections Special! Join host, Kate Laycock and political correspondent, Thomas Sparrow, as they tiptoe through the German Parliament buildings, relax in Berlin’s most famous political hang-out, gatecrash a TV news studio, and look back on some defining moments of German political history.

Ahead of German elections, Mark Leonard from the European Council on Foreign Relations reflects on Germany's significance within the wider European project. We investigate the murky world of underwater stealth sabotage. The German town of Meiningen fosters a cultural oasis in the middle of an AfD stronghold. And Alice in Orbanland: AfD leader Weidel pays a visit to Hungary.