europe on the ground

Paris: living cheaply in an expensive city

The crisis is an opportunity of redeeming a more democratic economy, capable not only of satisfying the individual, but especially the community. Young people in Paris are finding solutions based on reciprocity and co-operation

by Silvia Barbotto @ // 19/03/10

europe on the ground, labour, paris, labour market, economy, financial crisis, youth

Anderlecht, Molenbeek, Schaarbeek: spot the crime in Brussels

Petty crime and unemployment rates (17.6%) are high in inner city Brussels, which registers a low violent crime rate in Europe. Nevertheless, police arrested 12 Belgian Albanians linked to a crime gang on 15 February*, whilst certain districts remain dangerous. Is this down to the crisis?

by Thimi Samarxhiu @ , cafebabel.com // 01/03/10

europe on the ground, eu crisis on the ground, belgium, balkans, immigration, sex, albania

'Les Petits Riens': social enterprise in Brussels

In times of crisis, is it time to go second hand? In Brussels, the shop run by 'The Little Nothings' organisation is just the ticket. As well as offering cheap furniture, books and household appliances, it gives the homeless another chance

by Yvonne Pöppelbaum @ // 23/02/10

europe on the ground, les petits riens, belgium, brussels, cities, economical crisis, society

Sofia's directors and playwrights boom despite barebone budgets

In Bulgaria there are no cultural policy programmes and the crisis has consumed the ministry coffers. Filmmakers like Kamen Kalev, playwrights and other creative minds demand government transparency and methods to support their enterprising spirit. Part one of a five part 'EU crisis on the ground' city series

by Ariadna Matamoros Fernàndez @ // 04/01/10

europe on the ground, cinema, contemporary art, balkans, culture, sofia, best of cafebabel.com

'Journalists vs EU crisis in Italy': we take Turin for a spin

The Mole Antonelliana (pictured) is the symbol of Turin, appearing on 2 cent Italian euro coins. It also represents the radical economic and cultural modern orientation of the northern Italian city: a synagogue-cum-national cinema museum. Take the perpendicular streets to find out how the the Piedmontese capital prepares for the future. It's famed for its industrial past, but the financial crisis has unveiled new challenges for everyone. Five journalists tackle the topics of immigrants, young entrepreneurs, good slow food and the ommipresent Fiat heritage of the city to provide you with the first stop in cafebabel's 'EU crisis on the ground' editorial mission

• Read the special edition 'Journalists vs EU crisis in Italy': we take Turin for a spin
• Startups, ethics and the crisis: focus on young people in Turin
• M**Bun, Eataly, GROM: the organic flavour in Turin
• Keeping Turin's Fiat factory in the family: post-industrial Italy

Cologne hits the high waters

'Köln' (pronounced 'Keuhln') stands discreet but turbulent in its touristic and economic crossroads in Europe. From one side, 60, 000 students argue about the European university harmonisation process called 'Bologna'. On the other side, the local extreme-right Pro Köln party provokes islam- and religious freedom defenders. Add to that the biggest national gay pride gathering activists of the homosexual struggle. Five EU journalists take the temperature of a city which gave its name to the famous Eau de Cologne perfume - read the final stop of our twelve-city writing mission, 'EUdebate on the ground' (video and photo gallery below)

• Read the special edition Cologne hits the high waters
• The world in an Eau de Cologne bottle
• FrauTV, Emma: women top the media tower in Cologne
• 'Institutionalising' extremism in Cologne's Pro Köln movement

Berlin wall: version Vilnius 2009

Nostalgic? Nearly two decades after ‘die Wende’, as the Germans call it, the Lithuanian capital has become the EU capital of culture. In 2009 though, it is still fighting its old demons. Russian symbols have been erased without mercy. A cold soviet wind blows through the Baltic republic with regards to energy. Belarusian students find exile in a special university four hours from Minsk. The domestic brain drain is ongoing. Three journalists plus one photographer and one videomaker (see below) hunt the clash of cultures in our monthly cities stop: 'EU Debate on the ground'

• Read the special edition Berlin wall: version Vilnius 2009
• Energy in Lithuania: tick A, B or C for 'nuclear', 'renewable' or 'both'
• Soviet nostalgia: Russian drink, bunker parties and film in Vilnius
• Visit to the EHU: Belarusian elite university exiled in Vilnius
• 15.5% unemployment, diaspora: Lithuanians try luck elsewhere

Brussels: a city of life-long interns

We meet young foreigners in a capital full of multinationals, institutions and the need for multilingual interns

by Fernando Navarro Sordo @ // 02/06/09

europe on the ground, money, safety and security at work , languages, economy, youth, brussels

Brussels: did you know that 20% of EU workers work at night?

The sun sets on the EU's epicentre. Thousands of workers leave their offices and an army of night time workers take their place. Many are young, and are unaware of the risks that this kind of work can bring. On the other hand, nights are considered to have a different and lively rhythm than the normal working day. We take to the streets to investigate

by s garces @ // 01/06/09

europe on the ground, belgium, safety and security at work , health, tour & taxis, gay pride, economy