Inside Europe

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.

Guy Delaunay, DW's Balkans correspondent, provides revealing insights into the protests in Serbia and the impending elections in Kosovo. Jens Stoltenberg, the former NATO chief and Norway's new Finance Minister, discusses his unexpected return to politics. Meanwhile, Ben Batka delves into Finland’s rightward political shift, focusing on how it impacts migrants, asylum seekers, and societal attitudes towards immigration. The podcast highlights pressing issues of political unrest, accountability, and the human stories behind shifting politics in Europe.

Has Germany’s firewall against the right just fallen? We’ll be taking you through an historic week in the German parliament, with wide-reaching implications for both German, and European democracy. Expect expert legal opinion, political analysis, and a beginner’s guide to democracy prepping: https://fragdenstaat.de/aktionen/prepping/&maca=en-podcast_inside-europe-949-xml-mrss#upgrade

Thomas Barrow, DW's political correspondent, dives into the political intrigue surrounding the German Green Party, discussing scandals and leadership tensions. Danny Mitzman shares a poignant personal survival story from the liberation of Auschwitz, reflecting on friendship and resilience. The conversation also touches on Europe’s response to Trump and highlights the uplifting spirit of a UK climate choir. Plus, a humorous look at Serbian men taking the plunge in icy waters for an epiphany tradition adds a light-hearted twist!