La Collection européenne

The European Collection

How do our neighbours in Europe see the pressing social issues of our time? Which of today's problems and challenges concern them the most, and how do they deal with them? Five partners, five languages and one joint project: The European Collection. ARTE joins forces with Germany's ARD and ZDF, France Télévisions and Switzerland's SRG SSR to offer a selection of documentaries and reports on European current affairs and the issues driving our politics and society.

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More and more young men are convinced that their bodies should be a gym-sculpted marvel with six-pack and a V-shape back. But in this quest for bodily perfection what is the difference between healthy fitness and unhealthy obsession?

More and more young men are convinced that their bodies should be a gym-sculpted marvel with six-pack and a V-shape back.

Re: Men's Muscle Obsession

Our lifestyles, habits and beliefs as Europeans are as colourful and diverse as the continent itself.

The many faces of Europe

Christine Hug is the first transgender high-ranking member of the Swiss armed forces, something that would have been unthinkable just a decade ago. Lieutenant Colonel Hug invites us into her world, telling us about the path that led her where she is today. Alhough transgender people are more visible in society today, even in institutions like the army, this is a journey that often remains painful and difficult for both them and the people around them.
This programme of the Swiss channel SSR SRG is part of The European Collection, a joint initiative of European public media (ARD, ARTE, France Télévisions, SSR SRG and ZDF), coordinated by ARTE.

We follow the journey of Christine Hug, the first transgender high-ranking member of the Swiss army.

You will be a woman, my son

Théo Curin is a French Paralympic swimmer. In November 2021, he made a daring attempt, together with two able-bodied swimmers, to swim across the highest lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, between Peru and Bolivia.

Théo Curin is a Paralympic swimmer. In November 2021, the Frenchman made a daring attempt to swim across the highest lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, between Peru and Bolivia.

Re: Swimming through Adversity

Driving heavy goods vehicles is a male-dominated sector. But today more women are getting behind the wheel of HGVs like Poland’s Iwona Blecharczyk, who has also become a global influencer online.

Re: Female Truckers Take the Wheel

Are we working together, or against each other? How our differences shape our views, and how this diversity can be our strength.

Overcoming exclusion

A look at how we are getting better at managing and conserving water supplies in drier parts of our planet like southern Spain, Israel and the desert city of Las Vegas.

Water

 A look at how we are getting better at managing and conserving water supplies in drier parts of our planet like southern Spain, Israel and the desert city of Las Vegas.

Good News From Our Planet

Climate change is often viewed as a far-off phenomenon but the effects are already being felt around the world by millions of people. A global overview of the regions on the frontline of the climate catastrophe.

Climate Change Is Happening Now

 A global overview of the regions on the frontline of the climate catastrophe.

Mapping the World

Since 2018, the Vosges forest has been dealing with drought and heat waves due to climate change. Forest fires are going to increase in frequency and intensity, and firefighters are getting ready.

France: The Vosges Forest Under Threat

The Vosges forest is in for more frequent and intense wild fires because of climate change, and the region is bracing itself

ARTE Reportage

Textiles have been central to trade and industry since time immemorial, notably with the famous Silk road trading route from China to Europe. In our current era of globalisation textiles continue to be big business but this success comes at a social and environmental cost.

Textiles: A Global Industry

Svalbard lies halfway between Norway and the North Pole and has more polar bears than human inhabitants. This starkly beautiful land is on the frontline of climate change with dramatic and visible changes over the last decade.

Svalbard: Fastest Warming Place on Earth

Svalbard lies halfway between Norway and the North Pole and has more polar bears than human inhabitants. This starkly beautiful land is on the frontline of climate change with dramatic and visible changes over the last decade making it the fastest warming place on earth.

Climate protection, sustainability, taking responsibility: the younger generation is calling for a shift in mindset - and concrete action.

There is no planet B!

Public health faces global challenges: a race against time?

The European patient

Let's be honest: How are we doing - especially for young people - in terms of equal opportunities in our society?

The long march to social justice

In Greece, the coastguard has taken to pushing back potential asylum seekers towards Turkish waters. That's despite the fact that once in Europe, these people have a right to apply for asylum and to have that application processed. But while this tactic is against EU human rights law, the Greek government have a promise to keep to its electorate: reducing the flow of migrants.

Greece: Illegal Pushbacks of Asylum Seekers

In Greece, the coastguard has taken to pushing back asylum seekers into Turkish waters, in violation of EU law

Places of learning, universities also have another role: to affirm the status of their countries and guarantee their cultural influence. Since the advent of global league tables, the struggle between universities vying for prestige has only intensified; especially between East and West.

Soft Power - Universities at War

Since the advent of global league tables, the struggle between universities vying for prestige has only intensified

Germany in the 21st century is unthinkable without Angela Merkel, leading the country for the last 16 years. Ms Merkel grew up in the GDR before beginning her political career in the united Germany. A look at the Germany she leads as she approaches the end of her political career.

Germany: Angela Merkeland?

A look at the Germany of Angela Merket as she approaches the end of her political career after 16 years as chancellor.

In August 2020 1,500 individuals attempted to cross the straits of Dover, all looking to start a new life in Britain. Paying extortionate prices to people traffickers or going it alone in tiny dinghies, it’s a dangerous game to cross the cold waters of the world’s busiest shipping lane.

Calais: Migrants Crossing the Channel

In August 2020 1,500 individuals attempted to cross the straits of Dover all looking to start a new life in Britain. Paying extortionate prices to people traffickers or going it alone in tiny dinghies, it’s a dangerous game to cross the cold waters of the world’s busiest shipping lane.

A rough wind is blowing through our democratic institutions. What can politics do to tackle today's threats and challenges?