China II

For Europe, China's rise is both fascinating and frightening. But in fact Europe and China can look back on many centuries of exchanging goods, inventions and above all ideas. What do we know today about each other's culture, history or media? And what should we know in order to understand one another better? » more

China I

All eyes are on China: the most populous country on earth will be host to the entire world during the Olympic Games. It is only thirty years since China launched its reform policy and opened to the world. What is the current state of Sino-European relations in business and politics? » more

Article A Happy Couple?
Article Friendly Rhetoric

France

France is a founder state of the European Union and today one of the locomotives for the European cooperation. What affects the French people? Which are the problems and challenges French society encounters? Read more in this portrait. » more

Commentary Nicolas Sarkozy - a president with two faces
Background Urban riots in France

Nuclear energy

Is nuclear energy making a comeback? Who plans to phase it out, who is keeping it – and what would the alternatives be? » more

Article Yes to nuclear energy
Article No to nuclear energy

Homosexuality

Each summer gays and lesbians take to the streets across Europe to demonstrate for their rights. The Europride 08 festival in Stockholm, starting on 25 July, is such an occasion. What is the current state of affairs regarding equal rights for homosexuals in Europe? Marriage, children - yes or no? » more

Article Tying the Knot?
Article Wanted Children

Tourism

To the beach or to the mountains, cultural heritage or sport, cheap airlines, an environmentally-friendly trip or holidays in the Balkans: how is Europe's tourism sector changing? Who finds Europe an attractive holiday destination nowadays? Or has it mostly boiled down to Europeans visiting each other? » more

Article Time to Be Off
Facts Money makes the world go round
Facts Neighbours

Illegality

A new directive on the return of illegal immigrants recently came into force in the EU. Because of its controversial nature it is often referred to as the deportation directive. But what is the situation of people who have already been living in the EU for some time without papers? How does Europe deal with irregular migrants? » more

Background Being there
Article Providing help

The Baltic Sea

A large semi-enclosed sea, the Baltic was already an important trade region in Roman times. Today it is a major holiday destination and perhaps soon a transport route for Russian gas. Who wants what in the Baltic? » more

Article Looking into the Distance
Article A sea of interests
Commentary What Is Balticness?

French Presidency

From July 1, 2008 France will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second half of 2008. Which are its objectives? And how will Nicolas Sarkozy deal with the crisis after the Irish no? » more

Article Sarkozy's European politics
Article The Europe that protects, but what?

Ireland's No

The Irish rejection of the Treaty of Lisbon has Europe seriously reflecting on its future. Is there a way out of the crisis? Do referendums make sense at all? And what do the Irish now expect from the EU? » more

Debate Dead or alive?
Article The naysayers