cafebabel.com

Europe-gate. Or how to name criminal investigations across Europe

('Tansy Larsen',) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:15:00 -0000

Things are hotting up in Spain’s courts with the 'Gürtel' case. How does a Spanish juridical affair end up with a German name? European investigation titles go on trial

Fictional Russian hopefuls in 2012 elections

('Annie Rutherford',) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:54:48 -0000

Russia’s presidential elections on 4 March are creeping ever closer. Following demonstrations across Russia in the wake of parliamentary elections in December, the run-away favourite Vladimir Putin is now more of a walk-away favourite. Who else is in this one-horse race?

Documentary 'Listening to Garzon': Spain’s most famous judge judged

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:00:46 -0000

‘Escuchando al Juez Garzón’ is an 87-minute documentary shot as a single interview with the high-profile human rights judge in Madrid in late 2010. Over a year later, he is going on trial for triple prosecutions on his abuses of power at his country's supreme court. International human rights activists argue that this 'Judge Dredd' case is one of Spanish science fiction

Salami strategy: the art of ‘wullfing’

('Annie Rutherford',) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:21:39 -0000

With its Hungarian origins, this sausage of a saying provides European inspiration to help the German head of state Christian Wulff worm his way out of the current corruption scandal

Slovenian journalist: death threats after arms trade trilogy

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:18:09 -0000

In Slovenia, a trilogy published between summer 2011 and spring 2012 has exposed the secrets of the arms trade during the Balkans war and the role of the country's politicians in it. It's been an ache in the sides of those in power and with money and interests whom the book denounces. Co-writer Blaz Zgaga, 38, may be in hiding but he won't stay down

Journalist Irakli Berulava: ‘Georgia has lost opportunity that rose revolution created’

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:00:04 -0000

‘Gloomy’ is how the correspondent of reporters without borders (RSF) in Georgia describes the media situation in the South Caucasus countries. Self censorship, governmental pressures and democratical regression after the rose revolution of 2003 are mining the field of journalism, says the man who is also a blogger, film director and producer

There was a media mogul, a police service and a prime minister

('euro topics',) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:54:54 -0000

The deputy chief of the London police service Scotland Yard John Yates resigned on 18 July in the wake of the resignation of his boss Paul Stephenson. The two officials stepped down in response to corruption charges emerging from the phone-hacking scandal involving Rupert Murdoch's tabloid newspaper the News of the World. The Austrian, British and Swiss press see national security threatened and call for a reform of Scotland Yard

Try finding an Arab revolution in Albania

('ZoeBBee',) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:00:00 -0000

Late afternoon, outside the headquarters of Tirana’s central electoral commission. A rather burly group of Albanian socialist party militants await the announcement of the results of the local elections of 8 May. A sizeable police cordon ranged in front of them protects the building where, for the umpteenth time, ballot papers are being counted and recounted. Things seem to have reached an impasse

Can contemporary art change 'new capitalist' Tirana?

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:00:00 -0000

Far from having a ‘pan-Balkan’ culture and being under the influence of a consumerist society, the Albanian capital is exploring new ways of expressing itself. Whilst politicians are tripping on the urns and ignoring blank canvases (literally), local artists are boosting a non-existent contemporary scene

Laszlo Tengelyi: the problem of being a philosopher in Hungary

('Emilie Prattico',) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:22:08 -0000

On 8 January Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban launched an investigation into the use of grant money awarded to five philosophers. Questions to a Hungarian-born philosopher who spearheaded an international petition, 'Protect the Philosophers!' from Germany, where he is based

Hungary media law: France journalism cases no better

('Carol Howard',) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:30:00 -0000

On 15 March tens of thousands of Hungarians protested against the government's planned media law. Even the European parliament's socialist, liberal, ecologist and far left politicians adopted a resolution asking for the suspension of the law, which 'needs re-examination'. Republication of an interview with a Rue89 journalist

Ukraine feminists ‘Femen’: topless a political weapon

("Miriam O'Brien",) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:05:00 -0000

At first the 300 members of the feminist community came to the streets to protest against the expansion of sex tourism in the Ukraine. The 12, 000 active 'sex pats' are growing under the indifferent gaze of the authorities. Femen has been organising nude performances as a political weapon for three years now. After a run-in at the Italian embassy, Inna Shevechenko vents her anger

Belgrade's youth explain homophobia and violence

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:00:36 -0000

In a city where more than two-thirds of students harbour dreams of going abroad after graduating, the empty discourses of corrupt politicians can be an efficient detonator for discontent. It’s a capital whose people’s hearts are irremediable divided between Russia and the EU, where violence raids its stadiums and streets

Life as a journalist in Montenegro: punchbags and missionaries itching to do their job

('Carol Howard',) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:30:00 -0000

Physical threats or threats of court action, unstable salaries and a lack of recognition. In a country which only ranked 104th on the 2010 world press freedom index compiled by reporters without borders (RWB), the journalist’s profession entails quite a number of downsides. This is one of the many paradoxes in Montenegro, for given the lack of political opposition the journalist is also the sole representative of the public interest. So they tell us

Albania-Kosovo mafia, ‘cablegate’ and other cases of blindness

('Laura Simpson',) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:30:00 -0000

After two years of investigation, the council of Europe has accused the Kosovan prime minister of leading an international network trafficking organs, weapons and heroin with the silent acquiescence of European countries. Will these Wiki-Like revelations destroy public confidence in politics? Here's a little theory on scepticism

Hung out to dry

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:20:31 -0000

Mutiny! Political culture is one funny subject in the European Union. Whilst one poor English politician’s body is likened to being hanged from a tree, a French one is being popped in a cupboard whilst the Czech media can’t even translate the sense of the term when covering the story, so rife is corruption. Idiom of the week

2010: which EU member state is more corrupt?

('eurotopics',) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:44:15 -0000

In Europe, Denmark, Finland and Sweden tie as the world’s 'very clean‘ countries according to Transparency International's most recent Corruption Perceptions Index. Latvia and Bulgaria edge dangerously towards the bottom of the pile, while Ireland reprimands itself despite a 'fair' rating. Thoughts from Europe’s blogs and portals

Corruption, crime and journalism in Europe

('Sarah Truesdale',) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:27:06 -0000

Political corruption in Europe is the drama of the season. Confronted by media revelations, the governments of Old Europe are criticising, even muzzling the media space whose influence they fear. Not all countries react in the same way: in Great Britain, Germany and Poland, media investigations pressure governments to fire people. In France and Italy, the news isn’t causing a stir at all

Greece crisis: profiling rich, scot-free yacht-owners

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:45:00 -0000

The economic flavour of the Greek crisis tastes different for those on top - the shipowners, the yachting association bosses - than the diet prescribed for the masses. In Athens though, the latter rage against the state rather than the privileged classes. Lucky richies

Romania and Bulgaria not fighting corruption, EU complains

('eurotopics',) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:11:03 -0000

Fighting corruption? Romania and Bulgaria should do more to fight it, bemoans the EU. A progress report on 20 July singled out the Romanian judiciary and legal system. Romanian bloggers and Bulgarian dailies reply, whilst the Austrian and German press have their bit to say too

'Copii de bani gata', rich Romanian club

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:15:03 -0000

They're treated with similar disdain and contempt everywhere, but nowhere with such hatred as in Romania. The Romanian nouveau riche are nicknamed 'born with money' or 'kids with rich parents'. Where's the problem?

Comedian and new mayor Jon Gnarr spoofs politics in Reykjavik

('Nicola Potter',) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:30:00 -0000

It's made an impact - The Best Party won the local elections on 29 May with 34.7% of the vote! We talk to party number two Einar Orn Benediktsson, a former singer and trumpet player who has collaborated with Björk and the Sugercubes

Young African footballers thrive in Europe

('Nicola Potter',) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:30:00 -0000

There may be football academies and Fifa regulations aplenty in Europe, but talented African minors haven't always had the best experiences in the promised land

'Free', 'partly free', 'not free': press freedom in Europe

('Andrew Burgess',) — Wed, 12 May 2010 10:30:00 -0000

American NGO Freedom House uses three categories to rank the degree of press freedom in countries across the world. On 3 May 2010, world press freedom day, each region of Europe learnt its category: the press in western Europe is 'free', central Europe is 'partly free' and in eastern Europe the press is 'not free'. But there are signs that the trend could change

Flare network, mapping Europe's mafia connections

('Giacomo Rosso',) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:44:46 -0000

Founded at the European parliament in June 2008, the anti-organised crime network want to rejig European laws and describe how EU money regenerates mafia-seized property. Interview with communications officer Roxana Smil

The 'M' word: breaking the Bulgarian complex

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:27:34 -0000

In January 2009, Sofia’s then-mayor and current PM banned anti-government protests after citizen disillusion with the country’s corruption; Bulgaria is officially the poorest EU state, according to Transparency International. One year on, the remnants of a ‘protest culture’ lie in the urban, cultural and mediatic fragmentation of a society rooted in tradition, the past - and the mafia, to an extent

Bulgaria's new government and its 'Rambo' of a prime minister

('euro topics',) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:27:02 -0000

On 27 July Boyko Borisov's 'Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria' (Gerb) party won with a clear majority, standing for the first time in parliamentary elections in early July. The cabinet operates as a minority government without a coalition partner. The press in UK, Germany, Romania and Bulgaria talk Rambo, secret agents and Catch 22-situations

The Sound of Silvio: 'I'll continue to work as ever for the good of this country'

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:17:09 -0000

Nothing keeps Europe's mediatic hills more alive than the sound of Silvio Berlusconi's music. His colourful quips, defences and actions are fast becoming cult in the field of national politics. On 18 June, the Italian prime minister, 72, cranks up the sound of showgirls and showdowns. Quote of the day

Italy and beyond: say no to criminals in European parliament

('Michelle Williams',) — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:43:57 -0000

Andrea D'ambra, the same man who launched a petition in Italy to abolish mobile phone top up charges, has now launched a campaign across Europe to say 'that's enough!' to MEP's with criminal records or fines for illegal activity. This is a widespread Italian problem which is now being exported across Europe

Bulgaria: energy in transition

('Darren Thompson',) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:15:00 -0000

Bulgaria was the member state most affected by the gas crisis of January 2009. It is currently dealing with problems of corruption, the old dependence on Russia for energy, questions of national pride and 'the stupid decisions' in Brussels - not forgetting ecology

Elections, elections: buy a vote for 50 euros in Bulgaria

('Dave Keating',) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:22:20 -0000

That's how much a vote can be worth in some areas of Bulgaria. Shortly after the country’s entry into the EU, in the 2007 national election, the problem was so prevalent in local elections that Brussels became alarmed

Governments target magistrates in reform of European justice system

('Fiona Herdman Smith',) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:46:04 -0000

Legal reform is a very delicate subject which threatens to destabilise the equilibrium between legislative, executive and judicial institutions in the EU countries. In The Spirit of Laws (1748), French philosopher Montesquieu founded the theory of the modern democratic state on the separation of the three powers. 'Every man invested with power is apt to abuse it and to abuse it limitlessly. To prevent the abuse of power, power must rein in power'

Bulgarian environmentalists defy developers

('Andrew Christie',) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Hotels and ski resorts: more and more Bulgarians are taking a stand against environmental destruction. The cases of Strandszha park and the Rila mountains in the country's south-west

Euro-corruption: 5% of Europeans forced to pay bribes for services

('Kate Stansfield',) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:56:18 -0000

According to Berlin-based Transparency International, a non-governmental organisation that reports on corruption, western Europe is the area least affected by this curse, behind the United States and Canada

MEPs visit brothels, according to vice-chairwoman of liberals

('eugenie stephenson',) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0000

Silvana Koch-Mehrin, the vice-chairwoman of the liberal party in the European parliament,
accuses Euro MPs of going to Strasbourg as though they are on ‘holiday’, adding that ‘they don’t work but go and see prostitutes’

Political stalemate in Belgium

('Ed Saunders',) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0000

After Belgian king Albert II rejected the prime minister’s offer of resignation on 17 July, Yves Leterme will have to find new ways to guide Belgium through its identity crisis. The latest news from the EU in Brussels

Luxembourg’s citizens on tax havens

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Background on the terrestrial fiscal paradise bordering Belgium, France and Germany

AddioPizzo - end of protection money for the Mafia

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0000

The Italian committee strikes back against the Sicilian Mafia, but consumers and businessmen are increasingly saying no to the ‘Pizzo’, or the protection money blackmailed from them by the Mafia

No love for lobbyists?

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0000

In the upcoming weeks, conservative MEP Alexander Stubb is due to propose a new legislation to control the some 15, 000 lobbyists in Brussels

Tillman Otto: ‘People should burn if they wanna burn’

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0000

‘Gentleman’, 32, is a true reggae adherent and honorary Jamaican in German skin. His musical diaspora defines a pan-reggae notion of 'how small we all are in the jah jah world'

Elections in Poland: the soap opera continues

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0000

The electoral campaign for the general elections has begun - two years early

Exonerating the exes

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Biting into Europe's political scandals as we trace five former prime ministers, presidents and ministers and their collective embroilments

‘German businesses want to invest even more’

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Corruption stops German businesses settling in Bulgaria. But Mitko Vassilev of Sofia's German-Bulgarian Industry and Trade Council is optimistic

Erri de Luca, Neapolitan, generation '68

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Winner of the 2002 Prix Fémina for Foreign Writers for his splendid Montedidio – written in 'very Neapolitan Italian' – Erri de Luca reflects on Europe, the Mediterranean and the passing of generations

Romania: a wealth of poverty

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Romania is regarded as the poorhouse of Europe. It's booming economy is dividing it into a small upper class and a larger emergent underclass

Romania rife with low-level corruption

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 02:00:00 -0000

The European Commission wants to integrate Romania into the EU on 1 January 2007 – if the country can keep its corruption under control. A feature from Siebenbürgen.

Eastern property boom excludes the young

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 02:00:00 -0000

The wave of home acquisitions is pushing property prices up in Eastern Europe. Young people find it difficult to buy their first home

Hungarian crisis: far-right stages PM’s death

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 12:00:00 -0000

On Kossuth square, far-right protesters and opposition supporters gather to demand PM Ferenc Gyurcsány’s resignation. Almost a week after his lies were leaked to the press, the crisis is still unresolved

Walking naked into a mosque: nationalism in Kosovo

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 12:00:00 -0000

What is kosovar national identity? Migjen Kelmendi, editor of the weekly Java, opens the debate with a recently published book Who is Kosovar?

Lux Voor: the changing face of politics

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 14:00:00 -0000

Neither coalition nor legal organisation, the ‘Lux Voor’ movement, founded in March 2006, radically questions contemporary Dutch politics. We take a look at this flourishing network