Europe Explained

The informal prisoner hierarchy in European prisons: what is it and how to solve it?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 07:54:09 +0000

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The Vital Role of Social Rights and the European Social Charter in Europe

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:03:49 +0000

How the Council of Europe acts to protect social rights in our continent.

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On the frontline, preventing torture and ill-treatment: the CPT

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Behind the scenes at the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, the oldest European inspection mechanism.

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The foundations of democracy: forty years of the European Charter of local self-government

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:51:55 +0000

Gunn Marit Helgesen, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities Vice President, discusses local democracy and the workings of the charter.

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Healthcare in prison: challenges and realities

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:39:56 +0000

How does good healthcare in prison help wider society? What kind of risks are there to health from being in detention? Why are prisoners less healthy than the general public? And what is the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture’s (CPT) role? CPT member Prof. Hans Wolff of the University of Geneva, and CPT advisors Kelly Sipp and Laura Ielciu discuss the challenges.

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Inside Europe’s immigration detention centres: the CPT’s fight to prevent abuse

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

How does the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) ensure the protection of those detained in immigration detention centres? In this podcast the CPT President Alan Mitchell and adviser Francesca Gordon explain the CPT’s work in this area.

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Council of Europe vs. Ecocide: Setting New Legal Standards for the Planet

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:01:17 +0000

How is Europe turning climate commitments into enforceable rights? Gianluca Esposito of the Council of Europe reveals how new legal standards are fighting ecocide and defending the right to a healthy environment.

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Youth for Planet Protection – A Wake-Up Call for Today, Not Just Tomorrow

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:00:12 +0000

Join Martin Hojsík, Vice President of the European Parliament and long-time environmental advocate, as he delivers a compelling call to action: protecting the planet isn’t about the distant future—it’s about survival, justice, and democracy today.

From the role of youth in shaping Europe’s Green Deal to the links between climate, conflict, and civil rights, this session brings together Parliamentarians and young leaders to ask tough questions and drive real change.

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“If I Were a Parliamentarian”: Youth voices on climate, policy, and Participation

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 08:21:08 +0000

What would today’s youth do if they were in parliament? Hear from Nina Grmuša and Linus Dolder as they speak powerfully on eco-anxiety, democratic inclusion, and what it takes to create a just climate future. A bold conversation on turning youth activism into real policy change, held at the Youth for Planet Protection preconference event of the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament 2025.

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Voices from the field: How the Council of Europe supports reform locally?

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:37:57 +0000

What does it take to implement democratic reforms and uphold human rights in rapidly evolving political landscapes? In this the third episode from the DPC Open Day 2025, we hear directly from the Council of Europe field offices in Kyiv, Yerevan, and Tirana. Maciej Janczak, Maxime Longangué, and Giulia Re share first-hand insights into the challenges, achievements, and priorities in Ukraine, Armenia, and Albania—from supporting EU accession reforms to responding to humanitarian crises and strengthening justice systems. Join us for a compelling discussion on the real-world impact of international cooperation. This is the final of three podcasts that provide expert insights and explore how international cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union is shaping Europe's future in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law through policy reform, fieldwork, and crisis response.

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Social Rights and the cost-of-living crisis

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Aoife Nolan, President of the European Committee of Social Rights, provides valuable insights into one of the most pressing issues in Europe today: the cost-of-living crisis and its profound impact on social rights. This discussion aligns with the European Committee of Social Rights' recent review on Social Rights and the cost-of-living crisis, provides essential guidance and recommendations to help States Parties ensure that cost-of-living crises don't undermine people’s enjoyment of social rights in Europe.

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Building Stronger Partnerships: The EU & Council of Europe in Action

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:24:07 +0000

How do the European Union and the Council of Europe collaborate to strengthen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law? In this episode from the DPC Open Day 2025, we explore the impact of joint programmes with Vesna Kos (EU Head of Delegation) and Claus Neukirch (Director of Programme Coordination). Learn how over 50 joint initiatives, including flagship projects in Ukraine, the Balkans, and Central Asia, are driving democratic resilience and reform across Europe. Tune in for insights into the future of this strategic partnership and how EU member states benefit from these cooperation efforts. This is the second of three podcasts that provide expert insights and explore how international cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union is shaping Europe's future through policy reform, fieldwork, and crisis response.

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Strengthening cooperation for a resilient europe

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Join us at the Directorate of Programme Coordination (DPC) Open Day 2025. Discover from Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge how the Council of Europe is mobilising resources, supporting national reforms, and strengthening partnerships—especially in Ukraine—through innovative action plans and record-high funding. Tune in to learn from Director Claus Neukirch about the evolving role of the DPC in driving meaningful impact across Europe. This is the first of three podcasts that provide expert insights and explore how international cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Union is shaping Europe's future in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law through policy reform, fieldwork, and crisis response.

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Data protection pour les nuls – Part 2

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:08:57 +0000

Dans cet épisode, nos experts en droit décryptent les enjeux de la protection des données et du contrôle du discours en ligne. Modération des contenus, publicité ciblée, utilisation des données personnelles : comment ces éléments façonnent notre expérience sur les plateformes ? Quels sont les défis pour les utilisateurs et pourquoi l’éducation aux médias est essentielle ?

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Local and regional government : a key pillar of democracy in Europe

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 09:11:02 +0000

In this episode we explore the vitally important role played by local and regional authorities in the Council of Europe’s 46 member states, and how the organisation is helping to improve the quality of local democracy in Europe. Our guest expert is Mathieu Mori, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, who guides us through the challenges currently facing local democracy on our continent, including the war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, which in some places has led to the re-centralisation of powers previously exercised by local authorities.

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Data protection pour les nuls – Part 1

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Dans cet épisode, nous examinons les dangers et les opportunités présentés par les énormes quantités de données qui sont constamment collectées sur chacun d'entre nous, à la fois par le secteur privé et par les acteurs étatiques. Notre expert invité est Emmanuel Netter, professeur de droit privé à l'Université de Strasbourg, qui nous guide à travers les risques et les avantages potentiels de la collecte de données.

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History teaching in Europe – trends and challenges

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:16:42 +0000

In this episode we examine the current state of history teaching in Europe, with the help of three international experts who came to Strasbourg to attend a conference organised by the Council of Europe’s Observatory on History Teaching in Europe (OHTE). Frances Moss from Ireland, Ann-Laure Liéval from France and Luke Gauci from Malta gave us their insights into why history teaching is so important for democracy, and why we should combat attempts to manipulate it for political ends.

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Building inclusive communities: the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities programme

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:11:09 +0000

In this episode, Cathie Burton investigates the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities programme. Discover how cities like Vaasa in Finland implement innovative policies to foster intercultural dialogue and social cohesion and encourage their society to embrace cultural diversity to build a stronger community. Join us to learn how this city, and many others, are setting examples for the world in creating inclusive environments.

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2025: European Year of Digital Citizenship Education

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:35:49 +0000

In this episode, Villano Qiriazi, Head of the Council of Europe’s Department of Education, presents the goals and planned activities of the upcoming European Year of Digital Citizenship Education, 2025. Find out how together we can build an inclusive and democratic digital future.

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20 years of the European Anthem, Hip Hop style!

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:47:45 +0000

In this episode Alun Drake explores the intersection of music, culture, and European unity alongside a special guest. The episode celebrates the 20th anniversary of a unique reinterpretation of Beethoven's Ode to Joy, otherwise known as the European Anthem. The artist behind this groundbreaking remix, Flo-M, a Hip Hop musician from Freiburg, Germany, reflects on his 2004 rendition that fused classical music with contemporary genres. The conversation explores Flo-M’s creative process, the cultural impact of his work, and the relevance of the European Anthem today. To mark the anniversary, Flo-M has updated his track with a fresh remix, featuring new musical elements and adjusted lyrics. This lively exchange delves into the enduring legacy of Europe’s cultural and democratic values, as expressed through the power of music.

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Exploring the challenges and alternatives facing Europe’s prisons

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 09:29:05 +0000

In this episode, Alun Drake delves into the challenges and realities of Europe’s prison systems alongside Therese Rytter, 2nd Vice-President of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), and Hugh Chetwynd, its Executive Secretary. Together, they examine the key challenges facing Europe’s prisons today, highlight the vital role of the CPT in the prevention of torture and ill-treatment, and explore the best practices for improving the living conditions in prison.

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End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:53:20 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, Cathie Burton discusses the challenges and danger journalists must face just while trying to do their job. Journalists Klemens Kohler, Clemens Lotze and Michael Krell share their experiences.

#JournalistsMatter, the Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists is an initiative aiming to promote press freedom and protect journalists from violence, threats, and harassment while performing their duties.

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Exploring Europe’s treasures: the European Heritage Days

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:25:46 +0000

In this episode, we celebrate the European Heritage Days, a unique event that opens doors to Europe’s cultural and historical landmarks. From Sweden to Cyprus, these days offer access to hidden gems that are usually closed to the public, thereby showcasing Europe’s rich and diverse heritage.

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Protecting our natural heritage: the work of the Bern Convention

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:15:36 +0000

In this episode, Cathie Burton delves into the Bern Convention, a key agreement for the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats in Europe. Follow her on this journey and learn how this convention has been safeguarding biodiversity consistently since 1979, amidst modern challenges.

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Getting more women to become referees

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 09:31:18 +0000

In this podcast Cathie Burton explores the challenges facing female referees in football and other sports. Her guests are Patricia Campos, a successful football player, coach and referee, and Tom Webb, a university professor specialising in sport officiating.

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Stopping SLAPPS: the fight against legal intimidation of journalists

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, Cathie Burton discusses how free speech in Europe is under threat from the rich and powerful, who use the courts to discourage journalists from exposing wrongdoing. Her guests are investigative journalist Matthew Caruana Galizia, Sarah Clarke from the NGO Article 19 and Flutura Kusari from the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom.

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Ukraine - two years after the start of Russia's invasion

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 12:40:52 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, Païvi Suhonen talks to Ukraine's Ambassador to the Council of Europe, Borys Tarasyuk, about how the organisation has supported his country in the wake of the Russian invasion, and what it can do to help Ukraine in the future.

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Grassroots action – how civil society can boost the Council of Europe’s work

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:31:45 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, Cathie Burton speaks to Mary Ann Hennessey, leader of the team that deals with civil society within the Council of Europe. Cathie asks what the civil society team does and how their priorities relate to the Council of Europe. They explore the role of soft power and the annual World Forum for Democracy.

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Sport – free, fair and rights-based

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:30:51 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, Cathie Burton talks to Sophie Kwasny about how sport connects to the values of the Council of Europe, the long story of how the Council became involved in sport, how we protect spectators and athletes and how we maintain its magic.

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Human rights lawyers of the future – inspiration and enthusiasm

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:30:19 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, Cathie Burton speaks with young lawyers in Strasbourg for the ELSA moot court competition about what inspires them. The group discusses why they wanted to be part of the competition, why it inspires them, and how they see the future of international law.

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Cybercrime – the essential partnerships that stop cybercriminals in their tracks

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:30:04 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, Cathie Burton speaks to Alexander Seger, the head of the Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Division, Aisling Kelly, from Microsoft, and Jean-Christophe Le Toquin from INHOPE. The four discuss the cooperation between the public and private sector to fight cybercrime.

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Cybercrime – backing the crimebusters

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:29:34 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, Cathie Burton talks to Alexander Seger. They discuss electronic evidence and how it relates to the Council of Europe. Seger speaks on the effects of The Cloud on collecting evidence, how law enforcement deals with these effects, and the role of service providers. He also comments on the dangers of cybercrime and how to make sure individual rights are protected while investigating these crimes.

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Cybercrime – combating a global threat

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Cathie Burton talks to Alexander Seger, the head of the Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Division, about computer-related crime. They discuss the global growth of cybercrime, why it is an increasing threat, how it endangers human rights around the world, and what the Council of Europe can do to help combat it.

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Preparing for a legal battle of wits while living in a war zone

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:57:05 +0000

In this podcast, Alun Drake talks to four law students from Ukraine. Daria, Nataliia, Polina and Viktoriia came to Strasbourg for a moot court competition organised by the European Law Student Association (ELSA). The group tells Alun how they overcame the chaos and devastation of war, to hold their own against law students from other European countries.

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The name’s Bond, James Bond. In the 1960s I was Secretary General of the Council of Europe!

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 06:50:58 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, Cathie Burton tells the story of the extraordinary man who inspired the James Bond character. Sir Peter Smithers was the fourth Secretary General of the Council of Europe. But unlike Ian Fleming’s glamourous and amorous spy, Sir Peter was a world-famous gardener.

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Human trafficking – putting an end to the trade in lives

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 09:37:07 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, Cathie Burton speaks to Petya Nestorova, the executive secretary of GRETA, the Group of Experts Against Trafficking in Human Beings. They discuss the Council of Europe’s work on the issue, seeking to understand what it is and how to tackle this global crime.

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European Flag

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:11:00 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, Cathie Burton tells the story of how the European flag came to be, focusing on its history, significance, and the process of finding the perfect design.

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