The stories
Bar(safe)lona, the home for entrepreneur women
In the Catalan city, businesswomen are pulling together. The ‘Gendered Landscapes’ association has opened a space dedicated to coworking and training, successfully reconciling feminism and entrepreneurship.
The last indigenous people of Europe, the Sámi want to strengthen ties with the EU
A project aims to strengthen ties and improve mutual understanding between the European Union and this Scandinavian people, who are directly affected by industrial policy and the European Green Deal.
An ambitious underwater tunnel in the Baltic Sea to boost the economy of two islands
In the Baltic Sea, a gigantic road and rail project promises to facilitate trade between the two countries. For the inhabitants of the two islands to be linked by the future tunnel, this new infrastructure could reverse the trend of economic decline.
In the Czech Republic, renovated windmills bring culture and art closer to the people
With the help of local and European funding, architect Lukáš Smetana is giving a second life to the magnificent mills at Pardubice, 100 kilometres from Prague. The aim is to turn the site into a cultural hotspot for the region.
Using social networks to help migrants, an original project by a Berlin association
With the support of the European Union, the German NGO Minor uses Facebook, Telegram and TikTok to identify migrants in need, answer their sometimes urgent questions and support them in their integration process.
Restoration of the Palace of Aigai: Sea, Sun and Culture?
In a country affected by overtourism to the seaside, the opening of Aigai Palace to the public in early 2024, after some fifteen years of work, could mark a turning point.
How an EU project indirectly paves the way for a cleaner Meuse
What is the best way to make rivers plastic-free? Between 2018 and 2022, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany joined forces to reduce plastic litter in the river Meuse by half. The aim of the so-called LIVES project turned out rather optimistic, but it has nonetheless laid a foundation from which nature can gradually benefit.
500 inhabitants and €20 million in subsidies: the collective adventure of an Italian village
As part of the European Union's recovery plan, the town of Stelvio has been awarded €20 million in grants. This unexpected gratification rewards the ability of the inhabitants to collectively design the future of their village.
In the North Sea, a major wind farm project and environmental concerns
The ‘Princess Elisabeth’ energy island, currently under construction off the Belgian coast, is a pioneering project for the production of renewable energy. However, its impact on the ecosystem is still uncertain.
In Brussels, an urban agriculture initiative bears fruit
In the Belgian capital, the Graines de Paysans association provides space and time for those who want to start market gardening, flower growing or making herbal teas. The aim is to encourage fresh passion for a difficult profession, and promote sustainability and localism.
To facilitate the inclusion of Roma, a Portuguese association relies on evangelism
Noting the lack of interest among Roma in the activities and work placements it offers, an association in the small town of Fundão decided to do things differently.
In the northwest of Ireland, a transnational project blends immersive tech with literary tourism
Tools such as augmented reality and virtual reality promise to offer new experiences for lovers of literature, but also to compensate for the lack of accessibility of certain sites and even to combat overtourism.
How a European project brought the fight against light pollution to Luxembourg
Scientists increasingly raise the alarm about the environmental and health impacts of light pollution. But measures to reduce it often meet apathy or, on the contrary, vehement opposition – for, as in Luxembourg, security concerns and "myths" around darkness sit deep within the population.
An original cycling trip on the banks of the Danube, between Bulgaria and Romania
This very long river flows through the poorest regions of the European Union. If you follow its course, you can visit some timeless villages.
Despite the shortage, Italy continues to waste a lot of water
As droughts spread across the south of the peninsula, almost half of Italy’s drinking water is wasted. In Basilicata, a region located in the south of the country, this share increases to 65.5%. The example of a small town in this region shows how mismanagement of EU funds could get in the way of solving the problem.
An electric and solar-powered delivery boat to replace thousands of trucks in Lyon
A new boat is sailing the Rhône and Saône rivers: the Evoli, whose mission is to replace the trucks that deliver goods to the city centre.
Coding courses for migrants in Croatia
The NGO Borders None takes in asylum seekers and provides them with courses for the IT sector, where there is currently a labour shortage.
Shared by Austria, Germany and Switzerland, the Lake of Constance is the economic and natural heart of an entire region. But climate change is threatening its fragile ecosystem. A landmark research project is trying to map these changes to understand what is happening – and how to protect the lake.
The rebirth of Bratislava public baths
After decades of abandonment, this emblematic building of the Slovak capital is the subject of an ambitious restoration project.
In Latvia, a tailor-made program for unemployed youth produces impressive results
Latvia faces the highest rate of youth unemployment among Baltic countries, but can count on a massive project designed to target and help NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth.
The threat of a destructive flood still hangs over the residents of Kłodzko
At the foot of the Sudeten mountain range, a small Polish town lives as best it can with the risk of flooding heightened by climate change.
To counter brain drain, the European High North is banking on video games
In Sweden and Finland, the Borderless Game Academy is developing a cross-border curriculum. The ambition, beyond providing training for video game professions, is to diversify the local economy by creating new industries.
On the Millevaches Plateau, two community media outlets fight for social cohesion
Radio Vassivière and Télé Millevaches give a voice to the inhabitants of the Millevaches plateau (France), despite economic difficulties.
Naples takes action to combat school drop-out and youth crime
In a town plagued by insecurity and family disengagement, a number of associations are trying to curb the trend.
Despite obstacles, Ukrainian refugees return to work
Language barrier, tensions with the local population and professional downgrading do not prevent Ukrainian women from integrating professionally in Poland.
On Réunion Island, a world-first facility to help the population cope with global warming
The island of Réunion is exposed to seven out of eight natural hazards. The damage caused by these hazards is set to become much worse with global warming. To prepare the population for what lies ahead, a unique centre dedicated to disaster risk management and adaptation to climate change is being built on the island.
In Portugal, inmates introduced to opera to prevent recidivism
In the Leiria youth prison, the "Opera in Prison" project introduces inmates to art and music to help them reintegrate into society.
