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Hans Von der Brelie

Europeans' Stories

Latvia: Shooting training at schools and dragon teeth at the border

To protect themselves from unpleasant surprises, Poland and the Baltic states are fortifying their EU external border with tank barriers and minefields. And Latvia has introduced “military lessons” as a compulsory subject in schools.

Europeans' Stories

Climate killer methane: On the hunt for natural gas leaks with Theo

I'm travelling in Croatia, looking for leaks in the natural gas network from which methane is escaping, one of the most dangerous climate killers of all. The European Union wants to reduce emissions.

Europeans' Stories

European Capital of Culture 2025: Chemnitz relies on citizen participation

Chemnitz strives for a creative fresh start. As European Capital of Culture 2025, this major Eastern German city wants to move away from its negative image as a stronghold of right-wing extremists.

Europeans' Stories

Green steel as a lifeline? EU Commission protects metal industry

Europe's steelworkers are furious. They are afraid for their jobs. Is there still a future for Europe's heavy industry? Yes, says the European Commission - and presents a rescue plan.

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Europeans' Stories

Czechia wants to phase out coal. But is gas the solution?

Europe's coal-age, industrial dinosaurs are getting fitted-out for the future. Take the Czech Republic, for example: The Prague government has promised to phase-out coal-fired power generation by the year 2033.

Europeans' Stories

Estonia phases out Russian as a language of instruction

The Republic of Estonia is reforming its school system. Russian will gradually be phased out as a language of instruction by the year 2030. Soon all children will only be taught in Estonian – even children in the predominantly Russian-speaking areas in the North-East.

Europeans' Stories

Factories from China spark geopolitical debates in Europe

Chinese companies are investing massively in Hungary.

Europeans' Stories

Do organic farmers still have a chance in Europe?

For more than a year now, European agricultural policy has been in a state of unrest.

Europeans' Stories

Road to the EU: Bosnia and Herzegovina speeds up highway construction

The Western Balkan country hopes to build not only a road but also closer ties to the EU in hopes of joining the bloc in the future and stronger relationships with companies in the region.

Euronews Witness

Moldova at the crossroads: tensions with Transnistria ahead of EU membership referendum

In October Moldovans will vote on making EU membership a constitutional goal. A 'yes' vote would put the pro-Western leadership on a collision course with the Russia-leaning breakaway region in the east.

Euronews Witness

Where are the most Roma-friendly towns in the Western Balkans?

Europe's 12 million Roma still experience discrimination and prejudice, but some local officials in the Western Balkans have won EU recognition for their efforts to combat negative attitudes. Reporter Hans von der Brelie travelled through Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia to find out more.

Euronews Witness

Creative caring: Social solutions to elderly welfare in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is regarded as having one of the best systems for elderly care in the world, but it faces many challenges including an increasingly ageing population. Restricted by a severe shortage of care workers the Dutch have come up with innovative solutions, as Hans von der Brelie found out.

Euronews Witness

Fearing Russian invasion Estonia's civilians heed their country's call to arms

EU member Estonia feels threatened by neighbour Russia. This year, the small NATO country will invest over 3% of its GDP to beef up its defence capabilities. It has also been hosting NATO exercises and training civilians in trench warfare, as EuronewsWitness reporter Hans von der Brelie discovered.

Euronews Witness

Mixed feelings in Greece over plans to build more wind farms

Is Greece on its way to becoming Europe's renewable power outlet? Euronews reporter Hans von der Brelie investigates why the location of wind farms is so important and why everyone is not on board.

Euronews Witness

Inside Marseille’s deadly drug wars: Why are youths killing youths?

Forty-nine people were killed in drug-related shoot-outs between rival gangs in Marseille in 2023 - and the killing is ongoing. Is the situation in the French port city spiralling out of control? Euronews Witness heads south to find out.

Euronews Witness

Joining the EU: What would it mean for young Moldovans?

In December 2023, EU leaders agreed to open accession negotiations with Moldova after the Balkan state received EU candidate status in June 2022. How do Moldovans feel about EU integration? Euronews Correspondent Hans von der Brelie travelled to Moldova to find out.

Euronews Witness

Will North Macedonia be able to quit coal?

North Macedonia is bathed in sunlight, so, phasing out coal should be easy. But because of the energy crisis, the exact opposite is currently happening: ancient coal-fired power plants are blowing huge amounts of toxic emissions into the air and new lignite mines are even being opened up.

Euronews Witness

The Vareš silver mine: A brighter future for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Strategic metals are key for the European Union as it looks to reduce its dependence on Chinese or Russian raw materials. However, a flagship mining project in Bosnia and Herzegovina is stirring anger among some residents.

Euronews Witness

Polish election: What matters most to young voters?

Our reporter Hans von der Brelie travelled to Poland to meet young Poles who will vote for the first time in the parliamentary elections on 15 October. Their political views reflect the deep divisions in Polish society.

Euronews Witness

Wildfires in Tenerife: A paradise up in flames

Wildfires across the world are devastating huge areas. Often humans are the culprits with campfires, cigarettes and even arson attacks. But the question is: Is there is a link to climate change as well, to drought and heatwaves?

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