RE: European Stories Season 10, Episode 68: Shadow Work in the Netherlands

Will alcohol-free wine save winemakers?

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?

31 min

Malta - Desert or Water Laboratory of the Future?

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.

29 min

Bulgaria: The Super Physics Teacher

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.

30 min

Spain: High Seas Rescue

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.

30 min

Spiders: Between Phobia and Fascination

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.

29 min

Poor masters, poor beasts!

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.

30 min

Georgia's children, declared dead and then sold

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.

29 min

Last trip to Belgium, for euthanasia

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.

29 min

Give up alcohol and live life to the fullest!

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!

30 min

Disbanding of the PKK: a hope for peace?

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.

30 min

Latvia Arms Itself Against Putin

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.

29 min

Tracking Gas Leaks

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.

30 min

Climate: New Dangers in the Mountains

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.

30 min

Urban Exploration in Romania: Saving the Relics

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.

30 min

Ireland Overwhelmed by Cocaine

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.

30 min

Breast Cancer: Their Daily Struggle

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?

30 min

Romanian Expats: To Leave or to Return?

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.

30 min

In Austria, the diabolical Krampus parade

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.

30 min

The reading phenomenon of Gen Z

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?

30 min

Forgotten villages in Albania's mountains

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.

30 min

Ninja, a sport conquers Europe

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.

30 min

The Mafia's sacred cows

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.

30 min

When there's no money for tampons and pads

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.

30 min

Foreign Doctors Save German Provincial Hospitals

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.

30 min

Living with floods

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.

29 min

Iranians in Europe: A Cry for Freedom

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.

30 min

Bosnia's Citizens and Illegal Waste

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.

30 min

The EU Parliament's Perpetual Commuting

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"?

31 min

Orca Shows at an End?

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.

30 min

Not my king – Doubts about Charles

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.

29 min

Poland: These Milk Bars Have Become Cult Classics

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.

29 min

Kharkiv - My brother, dead in Ukraine

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.

30 min

A polar cold snap hits Northern Europe

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.

30 min

I want to live to 120!

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.

30 min

Croatia Between Mines and Sea

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.

30 min

Young French people take over old farms

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.

31 min

Too many animals in the zoo – How does modern species conservation work?

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.

30 min

Special Unit for Vienna's Migrant Women

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.

30 min

German Expats: Growing Old in Tuscany?

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?

30 min

Blacksmiths' Competition

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.

30 min

The Dinosaur Fossil Business

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.

29 min

Girl Power for an Ancient Ritual

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.

30 min

Doctors of the Aegean

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.

30 min

Saving Georgia's Largest Dam

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.

29 min

The Challenges of Short Stature

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.

30 min

Ski patrol paramedics on constant duty

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.

30 min

My Life After Ozempic

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.

30 min

A Home for LGBTQ+ Seniors

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.

30 min

Stay-At-Home Dads

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.

30 min

Public Health Funerals

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?

30 min

Road Wars in Paris

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.

30 min

Bouncers Against Squatters in Spain

29 min

Crater Danger in Anatolia

30 min

The Sell-Off of Ski Resorts

30 min

A Pizzeria That Gives Autistic People Independence

30 min

Bosnia's Farmers and the Coal Clan

30 min

Hungary's Smear Campaign Against Anti-Fascists

30 min

Osteoarthritis – New hope for the knee

30 min

Women working underground – coal for Ukraine

30 min

The most dangerous horse race on the continent

30 min

Diagnose Multiple Sklerose

30 min

Europe's lithium hunger: who pays the price?

30 min

Europe's Fight Against Cocaine

30 min

Healing for Ukrainian Soldiers in the Carpathians

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?

31 min

Anger at Luxury Yachts

30 min

A Village Doctor in Russia

30 min

The Blatten Landslide – A New Beginning from Nothing

30 min

Child Poverty in Spain

30 min

France's Shepherds: United for More Rights

30 min

My Life in Retro Style

30 min

Women's Rights in Latvia Under Threat

30 min

Women of the Gitans Struggle for Freedom

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.

31 min

Spain’s Boom Thanks to Immigration

30 min

Home: Venezuela - Exile: Madrid

30 min

Romania: The Uncharted Land

30 min

Sicily: A City on the Brink

30 min

Italy's Crumbling Heritage

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.

30 min

Giving a Kidney to a Stranger

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.

30 min

Greek Asparagus Challenges the Competition

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?

30 min

Romania's Controversial Horse Markets

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.

30 min

How Europe's Militaries Are Recruiting the Next Generation

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?

30 min

Across Europe by Night Train

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?

30 min

National Parks, Wildfires and the Challenge of Protection

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.

30 min

When Citizens Take Justice into Their Own Hands

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.

30 min

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