Europe Explained

The Council of Europe is working to improve the lives of 700 million people by reducing discrimination, upholding human rights and protecting democracy. In the Europe Explained podcast we talk to the experts on the front line, to get an in-depth analysis of the key issues affecting our everyday lives. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

2025: European Year of Digital Citizenship Education

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. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

12-19
18:58

20 years of the European Anthem, Hip Hop style!

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.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

12-11
25:06

Exploring the challenges and alternatives facing Europe’s prisons

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.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

11-25
33:50

End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

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.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

11-01
22:20

Exploring Europe’s treasures: the European Heritage Days

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.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

09-19
03:56

Protecting our natural heritage: the work of the Bern Convention

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.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

09-11
04:21

Getting more women to become referees

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. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

03-14
14:40

Stopping SLAPPS: the fight against legal intimidation of journalists

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.  Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

03-06
20:30

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

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. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

02-23
15:57

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

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.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

10-19
10:25

Sport – free, fair and rights-based

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.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

10-19
17:58

Human rights lawyers of the future – inspiration and enthusiasm

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. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

10-19
12:38

Cybercrime – the essential partnerships that stop cybercriminals in their tracks

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. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

10-19
14:41

Cybercrime – backing the crimebusters

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.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

10-19
18:24

Cybercrime – combating a global threat

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.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

09-07
15:47

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

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.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

08-23
30:45

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

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.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

08-04
04:00

Human trafficking – putting an end to the trade in lives

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.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

07-27
12:45

European Flag

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. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

03-02
05:35

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