RE: European Stories

Less and less wine is being consumed in Europe – and this is threatening our wine regions. Winemakers in Spain and Germany are looking for a way out of the crisis – by producing alcohol-free wine. New methods are constantly improving it. Winemaker Ivan from Castile and León is taking the plunge. Will he like his first dealcoholized red wine?

Malta – Europe's driest island and, at the same time, its driest country. The island nation is fighting for survival. While tourist numbers continue to grow, the water supply is dwindling, and the land is threatened with withering; farmers like Malcolm Borg are trying to make the impossible possible. Re: shows a Malta that must decide – between selling out and a new beginning.

With his reputation as a Nobel Prize winner, Bulgarian Teodosi Teodosiev is undoubtedly one of the best physics teachers in the world, and his students dominate international science competitions. For him, there is no science without conscience: to be a good teacher is to touch the soul of the students.

The Juan de la Cosa – one of the few civilian hospital ships in the world – is on a mission in the Atlantic. It is accompanying the fishing fleet in the Bay of Biscay, ready to intervene in case of emergency. A system that saves lives when medical care on land is unavailable.

Exotic spiders are increasingly common in Europe: some are imported by terrarium enthusiasts, while others, like the spiny-legged spider, are spreading due to climate change. Although most spiders are harmless, they inspire irrational fear in many. So much so that therapies are offered to overcome arachnophobia.

Pets are often full members of the family. But with rising veterinary and food costs, more and more homeowners are struggling to provide for their four-legged friends. Some find themselves forced to ask for help.

Panagiotis Souroukli was born in Georgia and sold for adoption in Cyprus as a newborn. It was only when he was looking for his biological parents that he discovered forged documents. The organization Vedzeb uncovers such cases and estimates that over 100,000 babies have been passed off as dead and sold in Georgian clinics. DNA tests are supposed to help with the search.

Euthanasia has been legal in Belgium for over twenty years. In France it remains banned – and very controversial. Numerous French patients with incurable degenerative diseases therefore turn to pro-death assistance activists and Belgian doctors for a dignified, self-determined end to their lives on the other side of the border.

With family, in nightclubs or after work, alcohol is often part of the party. According to the WHO, Europeans ingest on average 9.2 liters of ethanol per year: a world record. However, in Germany as in France, more and more people are choosing to do without it... without giving up partying!

In February 2025, PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan called on his supporters to lay down their arms. In Diyarbakir, Turkey, the "mothers of peace" advocate dialogue with the Turkish state, hoping for an amnesty for PKK fighters and the return of their missing loved ones. Lasting peace remains uncertain.

Following four volunteers an artist, a sports journalist, an industrial climber, and a Catholic priest during their training in the Latvian National Guard. One enlisted well before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the others after the start of the war. They all share the same feeling: a sense of duty. Their personal stories intersect with the larger historical narrative as the small border state strives to preserve peace.

Most often of natural origin, methane contributes to global warming, far more than CO2. However, gas and oil infrastructure can be prone to methane leaks. In Croatia, an expert uses a special camera to document the numerous leaks affecting extraction sites and pipelines.

Melting glaciers, rockfalls, and landslides: these are the consequences of climate change in the mountains. Trails and routes that once seemed safe are no longer passable. When faced with unpredictable weather, heavy rainfall, and an altered environment, planning a safe hike becomes a real challenge for mountaineers.

Ghost cinemas, spa towns whose splendor is now just a distant memory, depopulated villages: photographer Alex Iacob explores the abandoned places of Romania. With his camera, he fights against oblivion and documents what remains of a bygone era.

In Ireland, cocaine is wreaking havoc. The drug arrives by sea and floods the market. With an exponential increase in consumption since 2017, this crisis is particularly affecting women. In Limerick, Nathalie O’Donoghue, a single mother, confronts her addiction to provide a better future for her children.

In Germany, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, mastectomy, hair loss: the treatments and their side effects leave their mark on patients, both physically and emotionally. So, how can they stay strong in the face of this ordeal that shakes their self-esteem?

Since the fall of the communist bloc, Romania has experienced a significant demographic decline. Millions of its citizens have emigrated to Western Europe in search of better career opportunities and a more prosperous life. Many have remained abroad despite homesickness, leaving behind loved ones who await their return.

Every year, demonic creatures called Krampus invade towns and villages in Austria on St. Nicholas' Day. These bogeymen with goat heads, dressed in animal skins, frighten onlookers, symbolically striking those who haven't been good with their canes. Recently, these parades have sometimes been marred by violent incidents.

Understanding the world through reading seemed to be off the table for a while. Now, reading is part of a new lifestyle: Young women between 18 and 30 are captivated by lavishly designed books – and inspired by bloggers like Jess. The focus is on New Adult literature with themes revolving around love and sex. Is Gen Z saving the book market?

In the mountains of northern Albania, German Capuchin friars care for the few remaining Christians. Brother Jeremias Borgards tends to the sick and elderly who live alone and have no one else. He has to drive for hours through the mountains to make his house calls. Eighteen-year-old Angelos Delija accompanies him.

Ninja – that means swinging, climbing, jumping, and constantly facing new challenges on obstacle courses. What began as a TV format is increasingly developing into an organized sport, from international competitions to its own national league. This report follows three people who embody the fascination and future potential of this young sport.

In Calabria, free-roaming herds of cattle terrorize entire communities. They are known as the "sacred cows" of the 'Ndrangheta. They are considered untouchable, as they still symbolize the power of the mafia. The danger is real, and the state is reacting sluggishly. Only a few truly courageous people are fighting back to protect their homeland.

For many women, menstruation represents a significant financial burden: often, girls and women don't have enough money to afford sufficient hygiene products. Re: accompanies those affected and activists in Germany and Poland who want to help and bring the issue of period poverty out of the shadows.

Many hospitals rely on foreign doctors to function. We meet Mohamed Cherbagi from Syria and Ina Viaroukina from Belarus, two examples among the tens of thousands of foreign doctors who keep the German healthcare system running.

Faced with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Europe, efforts are being made to mitigate torrential rains and storm surges. Residents along the Baltic coast are raising sea walls, restaurant owners are adapting their premises to rising sea levels, and major cities like Copenhagen are embracing the "sponge city" concept, which transforms parks into veritable rainwater storage basins.

In Iran, the crackdown on the latest wave of protests has undoubtedly been the bloodiest since the establishment of the Islamic Republic – human rights organizations report tens of thousands of deaths and injuries. "ARTE Regards" met with members of the Iranian diaspora who are following the events shaking their homeland with great emotion.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, waste is widely and uncontrollably dumped in nature. According to environmental authorities, there are over 1,000 illegal dumpsites, and the few public landfills are mostly overloaded or technically outdated. The consequences: untreated leachate and smog, which endanger not only the environment but also the health of local residents.

Every month, the entire European Parliament relocates. 720 members of parliament and thousands of staff members move from Brussels to Strasbourg, some 400 kilometers away, for almost four days – only to return again afterward. It's a practice that many no longer consider sensible. Can Europe really still afford this "traveling circus"?

Wikie and Keijo have gained notoriety for all the wrong reasons. After the closure of a water park on the French Riviera, the two orcas were left behind in the now dilapidated and algae-covered concrete pools. To this day, it remains unclear where the animals can be taken. While politicians, park operators, and animal rights activists struggle to find a solution, the orcas' situation continues to worsen.

More and more Britons are questioning the legitimacy of the monarchy today. While Elizabeth II was considered the mother of the nation during her reign, her death in 2022 and the accession of her son Charles III have awakened new doubts among the people. These days, almost four out of ten Britons would prefer to see an elected head of state instead of the king.

Pierogis, cottage cheese pancakes, tomato soup: in Poland, milk bars serve traditional dishes at very affordable prices. For many retirees, they embody the social policies of the communist era. Today, with the rising cost of living and more visible poverty, these establishments attract all segments of society.

Kai is searching for answers about the death of his brother Michael, who had volunteered for the Ukrainian army from Germany. The report shows what this decision means for those left behind – and how difficult it is for them to come to terms with what happened.

Persistent frost gripped northern Germany and Poland at the beginning of 2026. Nighttime temperatures plummeted to double-digit sub-zero levels, freezing lakes, rivers, and even parts of the Baltic Sea. In some places, even icebreakers could no longer navigate the frozen landscape. An arctic-like scene of ice and snow, which is not without its challenges.

More and more people are trying to achieve longevity. Some want to live to 120, others even dream of immortality. To achieve this, they endure temperatures as low as -110 degrees Celsius or seek biological rejuvenation through innovative therapies. For them, aging is a disease that can be overcome.

Former wartime commander Ivica wants to expand his hotel business, as Croatian tourism is booming. But the country and its people are still scarred by the war. The government plans to rid Croatia of all landmines by 2026. 38-year-old Čičak is one of the last landmine clearers and faces an uncertain future.

Nearly 200 farms disappear every week in France, primarily because many farmers are retiring. Who will take their place? Many of these farmers' children prefer to decline: too much work. But there are also young people growing up who are keen to take over the old farms. Some of them don't even come from farming families.

In 2025, twelve healthy baboons were killed at Nuremberg Zoo due to lack of space. This sparked outrage and protests. From the zoo's perspective, the killing of the surplus animals was necessary to maintain the health of the baboon group. Breeding programs in zoos also serve to preserve endangered species – but space in zoos is limited.

In Austria, many migrant women live withdrawn and isolated lives. They speak little German and do not work – because they cannot or are not allowed to. When these women need help, they can turn to the "Neighbors" in Vienna. The association supports the women in their daily lives and, in return, promotes genuine integration.

Many Germans have settled in Tuscany. Wolfgang (78) and Roman (81) have lived there for a long time in a hilltop medieval village, where they have integrated perfectly. How do you manage old age when you've chosen to live abroad and daily life becomes a series of challenges? When your children live far away and the nearest doctor is only accessible by car?

Championships in Stia, Italy, the best young blacksmiths in the trade are competing. Two apprentices from Hamburg are also vying for the title against 250 competitors from across Europe. They are competing not only for victory, but also for the preservation of their craft.

Driven by private collectors, the trade in dinosaur bones is booming. As dealers such as Christian Link hunt for new fossils to sell at auction, Switzerland is preparing to sell the triceratops Cera skeleton in New York. But natural history museums are struggling to compete with these wealthy buyers.

In Viterbo, an Italian city steeped in centuries-old tradition, the nearly 30-meter-high Macchina di Santa Rosa is carried through the old town by over a hundred men every year on September 3rd. For many, this ritual is a defining element of their identity. But Viterbo is changing: A new generation is questioning why this tradition is reserved for men.

Greece has over 200 inhabited islands, many of which lack medical care. Fortunately, there are doctors who visit such remote Aegean islands to volunteer their time. "Re:" accompanies a team of doctors on Serifos, where they set up a temporary hospital for a few days using two trucks full of medical equipment.

Built during the Soviet era, the Enguri Dam is the largest structure in the Caucasus – erected in the heart of a seismically active zone. An engineering masterpiece upon which Georgia's energy security depends. But the dam has reached a critical age. Geophysicist Birgit Müller and her team have developed monitoring methods to detect dangers early.

People of short stature face many barriers, both in the education system and at work. Victims of daily discrimination, many want to challenge stereotypes and fight for greater visibility and better medical care.

The number of accidents on Europe's ski slopes has been rising for years. In northern Italy alone, rescue teams record up to 12,000 falls and collisions per season. Overcrowded slopes, alcohol, and overconfidence put winter sports enthusiasts at risk. This report follows police officers, ski patrollers, and those affected, all fighting for greater safety on the mountains.

Weight loss injections are very popular across Europe and for a good reason: They successfully help most users to lose weight quickly. But after the treatment ends things can get difficult. Adjusting to a slimmer body can take time and keeping the weight off poses a challenge for many.

Europe now has millions of LGBTQ+ seniors. Throughout their lives, they have faced prejudice and discrimination. And this continues in retirement homes. But inclusive and participatory housing projects like the Maison de la Diversité (House of Diversity), recently opened in Lyon, allow them to live out their later years in peace.

Women still do more of the household tasks and childcare than men in Europe and it is unusual for men to be the primary caregiver. ARTE Re: went to meet fathers who stay at home to look after their children.

For people who have passed away with no next of kin, funerals are paid for by the state. ARTE Re: looks at how these very simple affairs happen in Berlin. Is it respectful to the deceased?

City hall in Paris has been trying to reduce the number of cars on the city streets for some time now. A pro-bike policy with new cycle lanes and anti-car measures is supported by many young families living in the city centre. But many Parisians, including taxi drivers and bike couriers, are not happy with the city’s traffic policies.

Since the start of the Russian invasion, almost 500,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been injured. In the Carpathians, many of them are turning to alternative medicine to treat their wounds. What are the reasons for this interest in traditional practices in the age of hybrid warfare? How is Ukraine dealing with a generation of soldiers who are deeply traumatised?

The relatives of the Roma in Spain and Southern France are known as Gitans. They are often associated with lavish weddings, glittering dresses, and exuberant celebrations. Yet, hidden behind these images lies a reality we scarcely know: the everyday life of a community governed by strict rules - especially for its women.

Italy is often called an open-air museum, yet the collapse of the 800-year-old Torre dei Conti in Rome on November 3, 2025, highlights the fragility of its architectural legacy. With limited public funding, many historic buildings decay unnoticed, while private initiatives step in to uncover and preserve these endangered monuments.

In the Netherlands, kidney exchange programs help incompatible donor-recipient pairs find compatible matches through a dedicated matching system. Up to eight transplants can take place on the same day - each donor gives a kidney to a stranger while their intended recipient receives a compatible one. Roy Rodgers (49) and his mother Vera (70) benefited from this approach, which Germany is now moving to allow.

A Greek agricultural cooperative exports 500 tonnes of white asparagus to Germany each year. The profitable business is helping attract young people back to rural areas. Meanwhile, German growers are concerned about rising labor costs and shortages of seasonal workers. Could AI-powered harvesting machines help them remain competitive and secure the future of asparagus farming?

Horse markets are a long-standing tradition in Romania. However, horse trading is heavily regulated to prevent the spread of diseases, and many traders struggle to meet the strict legal requirements. In rural areas, horses remain essential working animals, so sales often continue unofficially at equestrian exhibitions despite the regulations.

Amid growing geopolitical tensions, many European countries are seeking to strengthen their armed forces - sometimes through unconventional approaches. Germany and France are attracting young people with introductory military programs, while Latvia has introduced military training in schools. As security concerns rise, a question once again confronts many young Europeans: would I be willing to defend my country with a weapon?

Since childhood, Michal Jaros (29) has been fascinated by trains. Today, he works as a steward aboard the Canopus night train connecting Prague and Zurich for Czech operator ČD Night. While many European rail companies are scaling back or abandoning overnight services, the small Czech company is determined to expand its sleeper network despite the challenges. Why is it betting on the future of night trains?

Climate change, drought and increasingly severe wildfires are putting Europe's national parks under pressure. Using the Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland region as an example, this report explores the tension between nature conservation and public safety. After losing their home in the 2022 wildfire, one local couple questions whether enough preventive action was taken, while experts are developing new strategies to better manage and combat future fires.

In parts of France, understaffed courts and delays in criminal proceedings are fueling frustration among citizens who feel the justice system is failing to respond effectively. As a result, some are resorting to vigilante action, encouraged in part by populist political narratives that portray the judiciary as weak or ineffective. The trend raises concerns about trust in public institutions and the rule of law.

The Maaß family leaves everything behind to run a campsite in northern Germany. Despite having everything ready, a slow start and too few guests put their dream at risk. The new season will decide whether their new beginning succeeds or ends in failure.

K-pop is topping streaming charts again, but for fans it is far more than music. Nhi pursues success with her dance crew, David redefines his view of masculinity, and devoted fans reveal the passion, community, and darker side behind the glamour of Korean pop.

Nearly a century after raccoons were introduced in Hesse, Germany, they are spreading across Europe. They raid nests, damage homes and threaten native wildlife. Their growing presence has sparked a fierce debate over how to control this invasive species, pitting hunters against wildlife advocates.