media
The 'M' word: breaking the Bulgarian complex
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
media, protest, urban space, communism, radio, violence, mafia
It's late 2009, and Europeans are getting into a tizzle about religion
The Swiss have banned new minarets, the European court of human rights has banned Italy from having crucifixes in every classroom. A Swedish school has rejected veils, a Dutch polytechnic shuns Christmas trees and a study claims religion stems from insecurity. The Dutch, Swedish, UK, Hungarian and Bulgarian press react
media, christmas, press review, religion, europe, european media, euweek
Czech internet forums, KSCM: disillusionment and nostalgia for communist past
Two decades ago, the Czechs were clinking their keys to bring down the communist regime. Today, the communist party is winning some support back as some claim they they lived better under communism. Others allege that the same people hold power and that totalitarian practices persist. We scour three major Czech news website forums to weigh up the tone of the people
media, reunification, iron curtain, 1989, berlin wall, european media, czech republic
Spot.us: 'anarchist' American news website that will save journalism
Only 11% of readers currently pay for online news sites. Of the remaining 89% who don’t pay, another 11% think that they would be able to start paying for their services within the next 12 months. A glance across the Atlantic at the community-funded journalism alternative set up by a young American
media, internet, journalism, citizen journalism, culture, anarchy, san francisco
Mandatory chemical castration for paedophiles in Poland
On 22 October, the Polish senate decided on more severe punishments for sex offenders, with only one abstention. Chemical castration already exists as an option for sex offenders in Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, Sweden, and, more controversially, in the Czech Republic
media, warsaw, sex, sexuality, poland, donald tusk, pedophily
What's going on with China as guest of honour at the Frankfurt book fair?
At the opening ceremony on 13 October, in the presence of Chinese vice president Xi Jinping, German chancellor Angela Merkel said there would be 'no taboos'. The Italian, Swiss, Spanish and German press react
media, tibet, germany, frankfurter buchmesse, xi jinping, censorship, dissident
67% in Ireland say 'yes' to the Lisbon treaty
On 2 October, the Irish public allowed changes to the constitution to ratify the Lisbon treaty. The 'resounding' and 'convincing' vote dispels fears that the referendum would pass by a slim margin and demonstrate a lack of Irish faith in the democratic process, and in the EU
media, european constitution, referendum, ireland, vote, ukip, nigel farage
Lisbon vote no: a second referendum? How democratic
It’s ironic that the Irish 'No' to Lisbon in June 2008 was taken as a blow to Europe and a step away from democracy, when the treaty would take away our right to vote at all. Focus on media bias and the illusion of choice
media, referendum, ireland, vote, european union, politics, opinion
Italian man and woman discuss 'women & Berlusconi', their national tragicomedy
Sex scandals. Unending gaffes about women. A premier's embarrassing inability to stop talking about himself, showcased once again at a press conference with Spanish PM Zapatero. Two nationals discuss whether Italy become a tragedy or a farce
media, scandal, feminism, expresso, women's rights, silvio berlusconi, italy
Portuguese Barroso: this is your man for Europe, again!
On 16 September, the European parliament voted José Manuel Barroso in for a second term as European commission president, with 382 votes for, 219 against and 117 abstentions. Barroso promised to advocate social policies, but the Portuguese, Belgian, French and Polish press was sceptical
media, european institutions, josé manuel barroso, european commission, belgium, eurotopics, european media
'Papigate': same debate about women and media in Berlusconi era
The salacious Italian scandal sustained newspapers worldwide for summer 2009. The uproar surrounds the personal, sexual, and not necessarily political activities of a prime minister who, in the word of his future ex-wife Veronica Lario, 'enjoys the company of the underaged'
media, feminism, women's rights, silvio berlusconi, italy, best of cafebabel.com, television
'L’Européen': new French magazine breaks down concept of 'Europe'
It's defined by a 'French-speaking readership aged between 35-55 who travel at least once a year in Europe'. It launched as a print magazine before the European elections in June 2009, its cover gracing an image of Penelope Cruz amongst others. Now the English e-version of 'The European' is en route, offering you the chance to get ‘better acquainted’ with your EU neighbours. More from chief editor Renard de Chazoumes
media, internet, european press, cafebabel.com, magazine, press, culture
The world in an Eau de Cologne bottle
It’s no lucky mistake; Eau de Cologne, or Cologne, world renowned for centuries, has benefitted from the ideal geographical location of the city that has given the perfume its name. At the heart of Europe, Cologne is putting the finishing touches to its strategy to form international links
media, industry, architecture, cologne, tourism, cities, visiteurs
The Sound of Silvio: 'I'll continue to work as ever for the good of this country'
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
media, scandal, silvio berlusconi, italy, corruption, summit, euweek
Alison Smale: 'by learning languages I could escape the boring life I had been living as a child in England'
The former German and Politics student at Bristol university is the first woman to lead the Paris-based International Herald Tribune. The multilingual managing editor talks European elections, languages and journalism
media, paris, copenhagen, stampa, barack obama, journalism, freedom of expression
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