Europe, Day by Day

The trends shaping politics in the EU-bubble - End of Season 1 -Part 2

In this second part of a special two episode closure to the first season of Europe, Day by Day, executive producer Alexander Damiano Ricci hosts Emma Belmonte and Seden Anlar, respectively producer and host of the podcast. The team behind Europe, Day by Day discusses the trends that have been shaping EU-bubble politics and what is likely to come up in the next months, in 2024 and 2025.

The trends shaping politics in Europe - End of Season 1 -Part 1

In this first part of a special two episode closure to the first season of Europe, Day by Day, executive producer Alexander Damiano Ricci hosts Emma Belmonte and Seden Anlar, respectively producer and host of the podcast. The team behind Europe, Day by Day discusses the trends that have been shaping European politics and what is likely to come up in the next months, in 2024 and 2025.

Weekend Special - What’s happening to our right to protest?

Italy saw some major mobilisations this week, all pushing back against government policies. One was a campaign to collect signatures calling for a referendum to cut in half the residency period required for foreign nationals to apply for citizenship in Italy. The other one came in the form of demonstrations across the country against a new bill that threatens to criminalise activism and penalise acts of solidarity. But this isn’t just happening in Italy—it’s part of a growing wave of government crackdowns on protesters, especially climate activists, across Europe.So, here’s what’s happening to our right to protest and what it means for Europe.

Can Europe close its racial wealth gap?

Centuries of European slavery and colonialism are still fueling  poverty, wage disparities, and unequal access to public services for racialised communities across the continent. These are the findings of an alarming new report by the European Network Against Racism which delves into the economic legacy of Europe’s colonial history. So how can Europe face up to its shameful past and end the cycle of discrimination?

Is increasing minimum wages the solution for the living cost crisis in Europe?

This week, the Estonian Trade Union Confederation and the Estonian Employers' Confederation sat down  for the first time to discuss next year’s minimum wage. 

Meanwhile, starting on October 1st, Romania’s minimum wage will rise by 10%.

So, as the increase of minimum wage becomes a hot topic across Europe, we take a closer look at the current reality of minimum wages and explore whether increasing the minimum wage  could truly   help low-income workers make ends meet?

Half a million Italians support petition for easier path to citizenship

Italians have been rallying behind a petition to push for a referendum that would cut in half the time foreign nationals need to live in Italy before applying for citizenship.

Just last week, many media outlets were still doubting that they’d reach the required 500,000 signatures in time.

But yesterday, it did - meaning the proposal will now move forward in the referendum process.

Today we explore what this reform is really about and how a country governed by an anti-immigration, far-right party saw such a surge of support for naturalisation reform.

After a major cyberattack, is Montenegro’s digital system truly safe?

Finally! Montenegro’s government can once again communicate with its citizens online.

Back in August 2022, the country’s open data portal had suffered a major cyberattack that crippled much of its public administration’s digital infrastructure.

But now that it's back, what challenges await Montenegro's open data portal? 

And how prepared is Europe against the growing threat of cyberattacks?

What's polluting Ireland's air?

Ireland’s air quality might be in serious trouble, falling short of the World Health Organisations’ strict pollution targets set for 2026.

That’s according to a recent air quality report by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency, which identifies two main culprits: the burning of solid fossil fuels and traffic pollution.

So, today we ask: How serious is Ireland’s air quality issue?

And what measures are being taken both in the country and across Europe to tackle this growing health concern?

Weekend Special - The summer is over. What now for tourism?

“I wish you were here” — a sentiment that didn’t ring true for many locals in Europe this summer. Instead, what echoed through the streets, in chants and graffiti, was a clear message: “Tourists, go home.” Here’s how tourism hit a breaking point this summer and what it means for Europe.

Martinique is fed up with Paris' broken promises

Burned vehicles, gutted buildings including a destroyed McDonalds... This is what the streets looked like this week in Martinique, a French overseas department of the Caribbean, as locals protested the rising cost of living. In response, the French government has imposed a night-time curfew from 9 pm to 5 am. So today we look into: what exactly  has been happening in Martinique over the past month? And what does this unrest reveal about the French government's willingness - or lack thereof - to address its colonial history?

Why does Europe have a problem with Chinese EVs

A vote of the EU’s Trade Defense Instruments Committee scheduled next week was expected to once and for all impose significant tariffs on Chinese imports of Electric vehicles into European markets.

But yesterday, Politico reported that the vote had vanished from the official schedules, without any given explanations.

One thing is clear, this delay comes amid a brain-wracking debate in Europe between those supporting the tariffs and those fearing they would sign off on a trade war.

So today we explain why Europe has a problem with Chinese EVs, and what it reveals about Europe’s current relations with China.

Europe, Day by Day is Europod's first daily podcast, in co-production with Sphera Network

The executive producer of Europe, Day by Day is Alexander Damiano Ricci. 

The host of Europe, Day by Day is Emma Belmonte. 

The scriptwriter of this episode is Emma Belmonte


This episode was produced and edited by Alexander Damiano Ricci.

Original soundtrack by Thomas Kusberg.  

Czech far-right turns to AI for racist election campaign

Amid campaigning for the upcoming regional elections in the Czech Republic, a billboard in Prague sparked outrage and triggered lawsuits.

The poster and its anti-immigration slogan, got widely criticised as blatantly racist - leaving many wondering who could have created such a bluntly-racist visual?  

Three words: far-right and artificial intelligence.

So, how has AI made its way into European political campaigns? and what does this mean for the future of European democratic elections? 

EU looks to clear the air with an outdoor smoking ban

 New leaks reveal that the European Commission is preparing a ban on smoking in some outdoor public spaces, including cafe terraces and bus stops.

A ban that would not only cover traditional cigarettes but also extend to vapes and e-cigarettes. 

So today, we dig into the details: 

How would this regulation be implemented and could it be a significant step towards a smoke-free Europe?

Is the EU facing a demographic time bomb?

A stark warning came this weekend from a leading economics think tank at the informal meeting of EU economic and financial affairs ministers in Budapest.

The EU will face severe economic challenges in the coming decades if it fails to balance its ageing society with its working age population. 

Can Europe avoid this looming demographic time bomb?

Weekend Special - The EU is coming for Big Tech

The European Court of Justice recently delivered two major rulings against Apple and Google. Apple was fined for corporate tax avoidance, while Google faced penalties for abusing market dominance. Together, the fines amount to more than €15 billion. Will the EU be holding big tech accountable for their shady practices? So, here’s what happened this week and what it means for Europe.

Europe’s white collar justice problem

The Swedish appeal court made the news this week by sentencing a Former Swedbank chief executive to 15 months in prison on charges of fraud and market manipulation. She is the highest-ranking Swedish banker to be condemned as part of one of Europe’s largest money laundering scandals. What does this say about white collar criminality in Europe?  And what is the EU doing about it?

Can Estonia help solve the UK’s prison crisis?

The newly elected Labour government is facing a crisis in the prisons system, and forced to release thousands of prisoners early from rapidly overflowing jails. Could a deal to rent out Estonia’s empty prison spaces be a solution?

What Irish schools reveal about Europe's education crisis

September marks the return to school for most kids, but not for 126 children with special needs in Ireland who remain without a school place this month.

And the reason for that? As reported by The Irish Times, schools are prioritising teachers for mainstream classes, sidelining those who need the most support.

However, this issue is part of a broader crisis in public education funding affecting countries across Europe.

Why is this happening ,and why is the inspiring profession of teaching losing its appeal and respect? 

Europe has a tax problem

Taxes on everyday Europeans bring in 13 times more revenue than taxes on wealth. That's according to a new Oxfam analysis published this week, which reveals that rates on Europe's richest individuals and corporations have plummeted over the last few decades, while taxes on ordinary citizens, like labour taxes, have all increased. What does this mean for Europeans, and is a fairer tax system possible for Europe’s future?

Biggest ever Belgrade pride calls for equal rights

On Saturday, Belgrade witnessed its largest-ever pride march as thousands filled the streets waving rainbow flags, asking for change.

A pride flag was even hung from a window of parliament, drawing cheers from the crowd, adding to this moment of hope.

But beneath the surface, are LGBTQ+ rights truly improving in Serbia?

Weekend Special - Europe's summer of climate action

Another summer is over—another season marked by extreme weather events that remind us of the harsh reality of climate change. However, there were also signs of progress towards tackling the climate crisis. So, here are some of the positive developments that happened this summer and what they mean for Europe.

Azerbaijan, the problematic host of COP29

With mass arrests of dissenting voices. An army accused of ethnic cleansing. And a President who calls his country’s gas reserves a ‘gift from God’, what on earth is happening in Azerbaijan, the country that will host the UN Climate Summit this year and how the EU is engaging with it?

What can solve Europe’s brain drain problem?

After a rapid push through the EU accession process over the last two years, Moldova is now facing quite a conundrum. According to Balkan Insight, the country’s civil service is struggling to find highly educated workers to help implement essential reforms. Why? Many of them have simply left Moldova- seeking better job opportunities and salaries in EU countries. What dynamics are shaping this brain drain in Europe? What are its effects, and what is being done about it?

Is climate change the only culprit behind Europe’s wildfires?

The sky over Athens turned orange last month, an apocalyptic sight for the residents of the Greek capital who saw wildfire flames at the city’s doorstep - with ash-filled smoke looming over the 2 thousand years old Acropolis. Looking back at this summer, Greece was not alone. Much of Southern Europe faced the same nightmare of devastating wildfires. Although climate change and rising temperatures are obvious culprits behind wildfires, are they the only ones? 

Why are some European countries banning phones in schools?

As students re-enter their classrooms after the summer break, many will be doing so without their mobile phones in hand. Across Europe, an increasing number of countries are proposing bans on mobile phones, as well as individual learning institutions taking charge of this matter. Why is this the new hot topic in education? And what impact could this have on children's schooling?

Germany’s far-right past… and future?

Yesterday, citizens of the German state of Thuringia took to the polls for their state elections. The far-right AfD party came out on top with 32% of the vote. Over the years, the party has been mired in controversy and has even been determined to have “anti-constitutional goals”. With the upcoming Bundestag elections next year, what’s on the cards for Germany’s political future?

Italy’s message in a bottle

A recent study revealed that only 29% of Italians drink tap water every day - and that nearly half drink exclusively bottled water. In fact, Italy is the biggest consumer of bottled water in Europe. Yet bottled water are a plague for the environment and in the end are they really safer to drink? 

Looking back at Scholtz’ difficult path

He had big shoes to fill - that’s what everyone thought and said when German chancellor Olaf Scholtz succeeded Angela Merkel back in December 2021. But if Merkel was unanimously considered the leader of Europe, what can be said about Sholtz today?

Following up on the alleged “China-Serbia love affair"

In May this year, Chinese President Xi Jin Ping’s visited Belgrade. Xi Jin Ping was warmly welcomed by the Serbian president Aleksander Vucic. The latter illustrated what the heads of states called the ironclad friendship uniting their two countries. But things seem quite different on the ground. So, is the China-Serbia “love affair” only restricted to the high spheres ?

Following up on Borrell’s declaration on the EU’s involvement in the Gaza war

With war raging in Gaza, in November 2023, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell called for a greater involvement of the European Union in the Middle East. The announcement followed criticism accusing the EU of inaction in front of the conflict. But what has happened since then?

Following up on Romania’s, Bulgaria’s attempt to join Shengen

On the 1st of April of this year, Romania and Bulgaria partially joined the free travel zone of Schengen. But why “partially”? And what will be the next steps? 

Following up on the EU’s support actions in favour of Ukraine

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022, many Europeans took the streets of their cities in support of Kiev. Two years and a half later, what actions has the EU been taking this year to assist Ukraine in the war?

Looking back at the Asylum and migration pact

Eversince the 2015 so-called “refugee crisis”, asylum and migration have become existential questions for the EU. On the 10th of April of this year, the Parliament adopted the new Asylum and migration pact. In this episode we look back at the content of this new piece of European legislation.

Following up on the the controversial laws of the Slovak government

Back in January of this year, the European Parliament expressed concerns about the rule of law in Slovakia. But why was that?

Looking back at the “Foreign influence bill” related protests in Georgia

In May, Tbilisi was shaken by protests against the adoption of a contested ‘Foreign influence bill’. Today, we share insights from whom took part in those actions. And look ahead at the upcoming Georgian political elections in October 2024.

Following up on EU’s plan to enlarge the Union

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022, many Europeans took the streets of their cities in support of Kiev. Two years and a half later, what actions has the EU been taking this year to assist Ukraine in the war?

The 50th year anniversary of Portugal’s revolution

Fifty years ago, the Carnation Revolution ended the Salazar dictatorship in Portugal. Until recently, the country seemed immune to the return of right wing extremism unlike its fellow European countries. But this year proved it wasn’t, bearing the question: has Portugal’s revolutionary memory started to fade?

Behind the scenes of the Olympic Games in Paris

Last week marked the end of the Olympics in Paris, but what do we know about the organisation of the games by the French capital? 

Following up on Labour’s landslide victory

On the 18th of July, newly elected Labour Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, had to play host at the European Political Community summit in Blenheim Palace- where he marked a rupture with the Conservative era by asserting that Britain was a friend, a partner and “very much part of Europe”.

Looking back at the case of Snæfellsjökull, in Iceland

In May, Tbilisi was shaken by protests against the adoption of a contested ‘Foreign influence bill’. Today, we share insights from whom took part in those actions. And look ahead at the upcoming Georgian political elections in October 2024.

Following up on the EU’s action on Free Trade

Favouring trade with the rest of the world has ever since been a priority for the EU. But which free trade agreements have been on the EU’s agenda this year? And what’s the state of the art?

The 100th anniversary of author Franz Kafka’s death

This year marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Franz Kafka. Events across Europe celebrated the writer of The Metamorphosis, The Trial, and The Castle as one of the most important authors of the 20th century. Today, we take a look at Kafak’s legacy.

Looking back at the EU AI act

Back in May, the EU Council finally approved the EU AI act. So, what is this pioneering act all about? And what does the European Digital Right Network EDRI say about it?

This year, in the Baltics

Often overlooked by mainstream media elsewhere in Europe, Baltic countries have undergone significant change over the past months. So, what happened in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia this year? 

Following up on Xi-Jin Ping’s visit to Europe in Spring

In the Spring of this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a visit to three European countries: France, Serbia, and Hungary. The itinerary was largely qualified by the media as an attempt to play on European division. But what has happened since these visits?

This year, in Scandinavia

Often overlooked by mainstream media elsewhere in Europe, Scandinavian countries have undergone significant change over the past months. So, what happened in Scandinavia this year?  

Weekend Special - Alarm Bells for Rule of Law in Europe

Alarm bells are ringing across Europe - with concerns running high regarding the status of the rule of law in several member states.

Governments gaining uncontrollable powers, civil society space shrinking, the media under pressure, the separation of powers getting less and less separated and checks and balances aren’t really checking or balancing.

Is the rule of law in Europe in danger? 

Here’s what happened this week and what it means for Europe.

Looking back at the European footbal championship

We look back at this Summer’s European football championship which took place in Germany. While the whole of Europe was watching the ball rolling, politics sometimes invited itself onto the pitch. So, how political were this year’s Euros?

Looking back at the European Green Deal’s trajectory

The European Green Deal was adopted back in 2020 by the European Parliament. But this year, this milestone piece of European legislation went through quite a bit of a roller coaster. What were the main setbacks? And what can we expect for the future of the Green Deal?

What’s happening to Europe’s liquid gold, olive oil?

Olive oil fraud cases in the EU have hit an official record high this year. 

So, what’s happening to our beloved kitchen staple?

And why is a parallel market developing for it across Europe?