Europe Talks Back

In October this year, the social media giant META, took down a Russian network of social media accounts spreading disinformation on the War on Ukraine. META says it is the largest network of its kind, the company disrupted since the war in Ukraine began. More specifically, identified social media accounts were sharing false information by relaunching fake articles published on 60 websites impersonating legitimate news organisations. Articles published on these websites were shared on social media and messaging apps, such as Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and Twitter. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci interviews Marìa Dios, editor at Europe Talks Back, about the pro-Russian disinformation operation taken down by META and Trisha Meyer, Professor of Digital Governance and Participation at the Brussels School of Governance of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Professor Meyer leads the Research Centre for Digitalisation, Democracy and Innovation, the BA in Communication and Public Relations, and the Jean Monnet Winter and Summer Schools on EU Policy-Making.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: EuropodFollow us on:LinkedInInstagram

In your opinion, can protesting change anything? Many protests have been organized in Europe and the UK to denounce the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Despite the worsening of the situation, these mobilizations don’t seem to have a real impact, as the situation on the ground remains catastrophic.This leads our host Gail Rego to ask whether mobilization makes any difference. She discusses this with our guests Shabbir Lakha and Blackbird!Find the new episode on our website and listening platforms.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: EuropodFollow us on:LinkedInInstagram

In this episode of Europe Talks Back we bring to you the story of Karen from France, who, despite retiring, decided to join Greenpeace. Karen explains why age should not be a barrier to making a difference in societal struggles. As a relatively older activist, Karen also emphasizes the importance of educating people of all ages about the perils of climate change and working together in unity to create a sustainable future. This inspiring story challenges the stereotype that climate activism is only for the young. We can't wait for the younger generations to be in power and hope that they'll change everything - KarenKey moments00:01:28 - The Generational Divide,00:05:13 - Karen's Journey,00:08:38 - Older Activists in Climate Action,00:13:18 - Intergenerational Dialogue,00:15:40 - The Importance of Activism in Retirement,00:16:33 - French Protests Against Pension Reform and Climate Change,00:21:49 - Closing Generational Gaps. Credits and staff The second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios. The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond. Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet. Reporting for this story by Irene Fodaro.The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: EuropodFollow us on:LinkedInInstagram

Over the past few months and years, across Europe, far-right parties have gained electoral support. From recent elections in Italy and Sweden, to France, Germany, Spain, Poland or Hungary: a conservative wind appears to blow over the Old Continent. One narrative all these far-right political forces have in common is a return to traditional gender norms. But why are these narratives so successful? And what does this tell us about the relationship between younger generations, social class and conservative world-views?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: EuropodFollow us on:LinkedInInstagram

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we travel to Greece, where renowned musician Dimitris Mystakidis ignites deserted Greek villages with the power of music, as he resolutely strives to bring life and community back to these abandoned spaces, despite political interference and the challenges of revitalisation. Reporting for this episode by Jenny Tsiropoulou.Music cannot fix the structural issues that have made them empty in the first place. But what it can do is help shape people who could go on to change the world. - Dimitris MystakidisAbout Jenny Tsiropoulou Key moments00:00:00 - Introduction,00:03:42 - The Inspiration,00:06:16 - The Decline of Greek Villages,00:09:29 - Supporting Local Communities,00:11:08 - The Annual Event,00:17:35 - Dimitris Mystakidis: A Young Musician's Journey,00:18:47 - The Impact of Music in Helidon,00:19:17 - Turning Helidon into a Culinary Destination,00:20:30 - Using Music to Overcome Political Divides.Credits and staff The second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios. The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond. Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet. Reporting for this story by Jenny Tsiropoulou.The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: EuropodFollow us on:LinkedInInstagram

Sexuality education can play a central role in equipping young people with the necessary tools to further enjoy their sexuality and ultimately their human rights. Education about sexual and reproductive health and rights, more commonly shortened to sex-ed, should also help young people to navigate their development, feelings and relationships. In Europe, sex ed is mandatory in nearly every country, but in others - like Italy - it is still left out of school programmes. Even when included, sex ed can differ significantly in terms of the content and at what age it is provided, which leaves many young people without the necessary information and skills. In addition, we have recently witnessed a rise of opposition against sex ed in Europe, led by far-right movements and anti-gender groups. So what is the current status of sexual education in schools in Europe? Are there other ways to learn about sexuality? And how can we deal with this backlash?In this last episode of the third season of Europe Talks Back, host Gail Rego, Florina-Marieta Neagu, an expert on European youth activism, who works at AEGEE / European Students'​ Forum and Isabella Borelli, an Italian transfeminist activist promoting the introduction of sexuality- and emotional- education in Italian schools.Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: EuropodFollow us on:LinkedInInstagram

In the second episode of a special series of two, host Alexander Damiano Ricci talks to Stefano Valentino, an investigative freelance journalist who covered a case of greenwashing involving the French tire producer, Michelin, for the pan-European online media, Voxeurop.In particular, this podcast conversations uncovers the loopholes of green certification processes on financial markets.The original investigation was published in the form of a 4 article-long series under title "Investigating Green Finance made in Europe" and is co-authored by Emanuela Barbiroglio.

A huge congratulations to Stefano for this well-deserved recognition, and a big thank you to the team for helping bring this important investigation to our listeners!Stefano investigated a case of greenwashing involving the French tyre producer Michelin for the pan-European online media, Voxeurop. This episode explores Stefano’s groundbreaking work and emphasizes the importance of tackling environmental challenges and the efforts being made to drive change. A huge congratulations to Stefano for this well-deserved recognition, and a big thank you to the team for helping bring this important investigation to our listeners!In collaboration with Sphera.