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.

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

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

03-31
20:25

Social Rights and the cost-of-living crisis

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

03-20
18:57

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

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

03-17
14:22

Strengthening cooperation for a resilient europe

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

03-03
10:49

Data protection pour les nuls – Part 2

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

02-18
31:40

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

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

01-30
21:48

Data protection pour les nuls – Part 1

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

01-27
25:11

History teaching in Europe – trends and challenges

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

01-09
37:21

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

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

01-09
04:48

Supporting European cinema: the role of Eurimages

In this episode, Cathie Burton explores Eurimages, the Council of Europe’s cultural support fund dedicated to promoting the European film industry. Since its inception, Eurimages has played a key role in supporting co-productions that encourage diversity and showcase the cultural richness of European cinema. Join us as we uncover the impact of this fund on the film industry and on filmmakers’ successes across Europe.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

01-09
03:22

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

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