cafebabel.com

An Albanian in Istanbul on children’s day

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 17:00:00 -0000

Whilst hundreds of Turkish students protest against internet censorship, fight for more resources for public universities and sign petitions for history books telling the truth about the Ottoman empire that the country was once part of, an annual children’s festival takes place. Created by the modern secular nation’s founder Ataturk in 1920 to celebrate the first national assembly of Ankara, games and dance celebarte the ‘father of the country’

Identikit of a pure, indigenous European

('Aatish Pattni',) — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:30:00 -0000

The True Finns are the third largest political party in Finland. Are these nationalists and eurosceptics an exception to the rule in their Nordic region? Alongside the new leader of the National Front party in France, Marine Le Pen, the collection of ‘Indigenous Britons’ in the UK and Italy's Northern League, Europe has never been more inhabited by so-called ‘pure’ Europeans. There are fewer than they would have us believe; at the risk of scaring those who wish it to stay that way

Ethnic slurs: Polacks and roast beef versus frogs and krauts

('Laura',) — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:00:00 -0000

Europeans call each other the most unfriendly pet names in the trend of the phenomenon of ‘etnopaulism’, which refers to those disparaging vocabularies used when talking about other people. Word dilemmas of the week

Belgium crisis: world record if government not formed by 30 March

('Kath Davey',) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:45:00 -0000

Belgium is set to steal this title from the current record holder, Iraq, on 30 March - and what a record to beat! It’s an achievement that the country could very well do without, all the more so since politicians from the southern region of Wallonia and their northern counterparts from Flanders do not fall short when it comes to achieving bizarre records

Berlusconism, 'Padania', inequalities: should we celebrate 150 years of Italy?

('hkeet',) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:00:00 -0000

On 17 March 1861, Victor-Emmanuel II was proclaimed king of Italy. Now, 150 years later, the question of knowing whether Italian unification should be celebrated has sparked lively debates. The Italian government only decided to make 17 March a public holiday a month ago

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

Catalonia vs bulls: prohibition of Spanishness?

('Tash Frost',) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:49:59 -0000

When the Catalan parliament voted against bullfighting in the community on 28 July, the bullfighting world grouped together to defend their interests. The political opposition has announced that it will promote a law in congress to avoid further rulings of this type. The ‘Plataforma Prou!’, promoter of the popular legislative initiative that gave a place to the vote, announced that they would not give up in their fight to free bulls from martyrdom

'Bart de Wever's willingness to nominate Elio Di Rupo for Belgian PM seems a trap'

('Jude Lister',) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:15:00 -0000

Vincent Laborderie, a researcher at the Catholic University of Leuven (UCL), bakes some humble pie for the alarmists with his portrait of post-crisis Belgium

Porn, drugs and Domenech: a Eurovision of World Cup songs

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:29:04 -0000

As the World Cup moves into the next phase – sixteen of the best battle it out for the second round from 26 June – we follow the 2010-featuring European teams in song. Spain, Holland and Germany are EU favourites as runners-up on 11 July, with Brazil or Argentina to win, according to betting agencies

Belgium elections: rise of radical Flemish nationalist party, N-VA

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:51:47 -0000

13 June 2010 marks just under twenty years since Belgians went to the polls for an early election. Belgians have voted six times in the last seven years: surrealism? Maybe. The last years resemble one long-winded election campaign, during which not one party made the smallest concession

Hungarian minorities in Slovakia: small arrangements between enemies

('Jude Lister',) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:30:00 -0000

One week after a law proposing Hungarian nationality to ethnic Hungarians abroad, prime minister Viktor Orbán announced a new era of 'national unity' during his prime ministerial inauguration on 29 May. Hungary is choosing the route of hostile nationalism, much to the delight of Slovak populists

Alexander De Who? The man who brought down the Belgian government

('Andrew Burgess',) — Fri, 28 May 2010 11:34:38 -0000

The leader of the Flemish liberal Open VLD party's sudden exit from the coalition government on 22 April 2010 led to the current Belgian crisis; the country still has no government. Portrait of Alexander De Croo on the Brussels babelblog

Polish people: 'united in diversity' in Vilnius

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:14:37 -0000

It wasn't the economic weakness of the crisis but the ideological one that harmed Europe most. Who wanted to be be part of the dominoes in the name of solidarity? Unfortunately, the dominoes of each member state provoked nationalist reactions. The region comprising the Lithuanian capital is one of the fewest cities where two nations claim to be at home

Enough with the 'hard-working Germans paying for lazy Greeks'

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:26:28 -0000

In a spirit against nationalist agitation and economic ignorance, the presidents of the European movements in Berlin and Athens signed a common German-Greek manifesto for Europe on 5 May 2010. Here's what they have to say on a day that the 750 billion euro rescue package is agreed

Germany's far-right: style and tea party shakeup

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Boots, bomber jacket, baseball bat - does it sound like your average neo-nazi? As an anti-immigration march took place on the route of a mosque in Duisburg last weekend, remember that for a long time now the far-right extremists in Germany have tried to tone down their appearance in order to gain new followers

Cypriot national identity – Turkish, Greek or both?

('Araceli Turmo',) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:30:00 -0000

On either side of the Green Line that has divided the island since 1974, young Cypriots talk about community identities and a general aspiration for unity through European integration

Understanding nationalist ideology in Hungary: 'enormous potential for violence'

('Andrew Christie',) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Victory in April’s elections is assured for the populist opposition party (Fidesz) and right-wing extremists (Jobbik). Magdalena Marsovszky, a Germano-Hungarian cultural scientist researching anti-semitism and right-wing extremism in Hungary, explains

Domain names: internet puts accent on EU languages

('Sarah Truesdale',) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:47:13 -0000

Typing европа.eu (europe.eu in Bulgarian) into an internet search bar is now possible. Special or non Latin characters can be used when using addresses ending with .eu. Many more nationalities will be able to express themselves on the net

'Identity convention': Europe’s far right throng in the south of France

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:30:51 -0000

Between 17-18 October, young militants are attending a second meetup at the Palais des Princes in Orange. French anti-racist NGO Sos Racism react to their message of ‘political sensitivity spreading through Europe’, which is both welcome and unwelcome in the south of France

A seat in the European Parliament; a snake or a ladder?

('Sarah Gray',) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:45:00 -0000

Today you won’t find EU politicians hammering on the doors of the European Parliament, especially if they dream of becoming heavyweights in national politics. There are still some politicians keen to be MEPs, however, but their motives aren’t always what they seem...

Europe's far-right youth: '10 years ago we were 'Nazi losers'. Now it’s ok to be a Nazi'

('Aatish Pattni',) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Their election scores confirm it; the extreme right parties have got the wind in their sails. A new generation of activists has arrived to take up the duties, and they have profoundly changed the way in which the extreme right does politics

15.5% unemployment, diaspora: Lithuanians try luck elsewhere

('Darren Thompson',) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:13:39 -0000

Whilst Vilnius welcomes visitors from around the world because of its status as the European capital of culture 2009, countless are leaving the country in an attempt to escape widespread unemployment and salaries which are under the European average for the most part

Punishment for governments, more independence for EU parliament

('Cat82',) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:45:32 -0000

The elections have led to a protest vote against national governments. As a result, the European parliament now has more power to counteract the European council

Anti Jean-Marie Le Pen amendment: EU parliament wants to conceal the extremists

('Jonny S',) — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

The French nationalist, now in his eighties, is the oldest MEP. As such, if he is returned, the honour falls to him to chair the inaugural meeting on 14 July. However his revisionist assertions, repeated many times, disturb his fellow euro MPs. What action can be taken when European democracy is tainted with extremism?

Luxembourg, the only genuinely multilingual country in Europe?

Tue, 05 May 2009 17:00:00 -0000

There’s a lot of talk about Luxembourg in Europe at the moment because of the country’s commitment to ‘bank confidentiality’. But while the financiers may be keeping their lips sealed, the Luxembourgers are speaking a whole host of languages

Israeli-German theatre: the Holocaust, Nazi and Palestinian 'Third Generation'

('Annie Rutherford',) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:00:00 -0000

Together with the dramaturges Amit Epstein and Irina Szodruck, Israeli director Yael Ronen ventured on an experiment with Third Generation. The theatre project has already been performed as a work in progress in Halle (Germany), Tel Aviv and Parma (Italy). A newly finished version hit the Berliner Schaubühne in early May. Review and interview

Iceland elections: next stop, Brussels?

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:26:23 -0000

On 26 January 2009, Iceland’s conservative-led government collapsed, the latest victim of the international financial crisis that has capsized the tiny island-state. Current percentages of the possible winning coalition are 31% for the socialists and 24% for the green-leftists

Bilingualism in Spain: a political arm

('Paulina Dominik',) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:30:00 -0000

In a Europe of 23 official languages, there are complaints about the discrimination suffered by some due to the European policies. A recent Spanish case helps to understand the risk of politicizing the multilingualism

Vaclav Klaus versus 'totalitarian' Europe

('Alexandra Baxter',) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Following the Czech government’s approval of the Lisbon treaty, the Czech president lashes out at the EU and the European parliament. Latest titbit of news from Brussels

Football: Iran vs Basque ‘Selección de Euskadi’ or Basque ‘Euskal Herria’?

('Andrew Christie',) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:07:08 -0000

The traditional Christmas fixture takes place on 23 December, but which name will the Basques play under? Nationalism, politics and differing takes on history mix with polemic views in a time of sporting crisis

Perspective: Hungarian-Slovak relations reach their nadir

('Linda lu',) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:08:40 -0000

On 10 December, Hungarian prime minister Ferenc Gyurscany said he was disappointed with Slovak prime minister Robert Fico's decision to reject a November agreement to improve relations between the neighbours. A look back at the events running up to the baby step that was

Sarajevo: ethnocracy wins the October elections

('Sarah Gray',) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:28:14 -0000

Results won’t be known until 4 November, after 54.48% of the population voted a month earlier. The country’s tripartite presidency will be shared by Nebojša Radmanović, Haris Silajdžić and Željko Komšić

Kosovo discontent in Serbia

('Sarah Gray',) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:00:00 -0000

Feeling that they are nothing more than a transition generation, young Serbs are losing interest in politics. But the lively debate goes on in bars and restaurants. Final diary from a three-part travel series

Serbia in the EU: at what cost?

('jonathan mellor',) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0000

On 30 July captured war criminal Radovan Karadzic was extradited to the Hague. It’s just one sign of Serbia’s desire to be in the European Union, in the hope of better times to come for its wounded pride

Mujahideen Khan: 'we do not know who the Taliban is right now'

('Kadri Kukk',) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Afghanistan remains a huge challenge for NATO. Whilst officials met in the Bucharest's Parliament Palace from 2-4 April, a group of Estonian journalists cast an eye back with a mujahideen in the Afghan mountains

The future is death metal-inspired art in Kosovo

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Contemporary art is just one bright face of the Kosovo prism, from which the works of the likes of 29-year-old visual artist Artan Balaj refract

Gheg or Tosk: dialect still divides Kosovo

('John Smith',) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0000

The majority of Kosovars speak Gheg, but officially use Tosk for historical reasons. As Kosovo emerges in the form of an independent state, Migjen Kelmendi, former rock star and editor in chief of 'Java' magazine, discusses 'nationalist deliriums'

An Oscar for Geert Wilders please

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:31:00 -0000

'Fitna' the film means evil, European parliament has a fake birthday and ousted gay Iranians - it's your latest news from Brussels

UK, Russia: a new Iron curtain?

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Two out of three British Council offices were deemed 'illegal' and closed down in Russia in January. A reflection on ties between the Kremlin and London

Kosovo independence: your reactions

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0000

On 17 February, the state declared independence from Serbia, amidst a split EU outlook. Kosovar, Serb and Russian youth sound out their reactions on the day

Kosovo elections: waiting for a prime minister

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0000

'With our victory today begins the new century.' Pro-independence opposition leader Hashim Thaçi won 17 November elections, but you won't find details in Kosovar newspapers yet - the people await a final result on 3 December

Jean Quatremer: a nation has been born - Flanders

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0000

The crisis between the Flemish and francophone Belgians continues. After 172 days without a government and big provocations by the Flemish political class, has Belgium come to a point of no return?

Frattini: send Roma gypsies home

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Applauding Sarkozy and EU bottom of the class in maths - it's the latest news from Brussels

British and the EU: Je t’aime moi non plus

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:00:00 -0000

On 19th September 1946, British Wartime leader Winston Churchill called for a ‘United States of Europe’ during a speech in Zurich. Sixty years later, the British still do not want to join a federalist project – time for reflection?

'I am a skinhead from Moscow'

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Russian magistrates, politicians and media are concealing more and more racist attacks on foreigners

2 Days in Paris: 'the French are apparently perfect'

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0000

Julie Delpy’s multicultural comedy with bite, starring her parents, US actor Adam Goldberg and Germany’s Daniel Brühl, opens in French cinemas on 11 July. Reviews from both sides of the Rhein

Northern Ireland elections: then what?

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Assembly elections took place on March 7, ahead of a March 26 deadline to restore the power-sharing process

UNMIKistan

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Independent or not, today the people of Kosovo want only one thing: the end of the United Nations’ ‘occupation’ of their territory

Impending independence?

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Independent from or autonomous within Serbia? Negotiations on Kosovo’s future status wound up in March

Kosovo's future lies within Europe

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:00:00 -0000

On Feb 27 in Belgrade, 15, 000 Serbs protested against the UN's plans for

independence from Serbia. What do Serbs and Albanians think about Kosovar identity?