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Since Narendra Modi was elected Prime Minister of India in 2014, Hindu nationalism, which first emerged in the 1920s, has grown considerably. In this ideology, minorities within India are considered second-class citizens and Hindu militias spread fear and terror. This documentary analyses an ideology of hate that is disrupting democracy in the subcontinent and spreading violence at home as well as abroad, in the Indian diaspora in the UK and North America.

How extreme Hindu nationalists cause fear and terror in India and amongst the Indian diaspora abroad.

India: Hate as Ideology

Current Highlights

From 6 to 9 June, European Union citizens will elect their representatives in the European Parliament. At a time of war in Ukraine, EU enlargement and the dual challenges of climate change and migration, young people’s votes could be decisive. This collection includes analysis and reports around this important election.

European Elections: The Key Issues

With war in Ukraine, EU enlargement and the dual challenges of climate change and migration, 2024 is an important election year.

Europe 2024

Cyprus is a divided island: Greeks live in the south in the recognised Republic of Cyprus, part of the EU and the wider international community whilst Turks live in the north in a state only recognised by Turkey.

Cyprus: A Divided Island

Focus on theisland of Cyprus split between the Greek south and the Turkish north.

Mapping the World

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? Six partners, six languages and one joint project: The European Collection. ARTE joins forces with Germany's ARD and ZDF, France Télévisions, RTBF 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.

The view of our European neighbours on current political and social issues in Europe.

The European Collection

On 24 February, Russian armed forces invaded Ukraine. We follow the war day by day and provide background information with special insights, reports and documentaries.

War in Ukraine

Many of these journalists didn't expect to become war reporters. But then their homeland became a conflict zone. As armies picked up guns, they picked up their cameras.

A look at daily life in Ukraine, as filmed by Ukrainian journalists

Dispatches From Ukraine: Local Journalists Report

Because their suffering deserves to be seen. Because their suffering deserves to be heard. Because their suffering deserves to be stopped. 

Whether in the workplace, the street, or at home, these survivors of sexual violence tell us their stories

The Pandemic of Sexual Violence

Collections

Playlists

The Philippines has the fifth largest gold reserves in the world. 500,000 local people, often very poorest, dig into the swamps and dive down under the sea every day in the hope of finding the precious metal. Many of them are children who are sent into tight spaces to reach the gold.

Philippines: Diving for Gold

In the Philippine swamp and under the sea, children risk their lives diving for gold.

ARTE Reportage

Hamas and Israel have still not reached agreement on a new hostage-for-prisoner exchange.

West Bank: Prisoners of War

Over the decades, Spain has become a model for women's rights. But in 2023, former national football coach Luis Rubiales showed that macho culture is still alive by kissing a female player without her consent. So what is the current situation for gender equality in Spain?

What s the real situation for gender equality in Spain?

Re: Red card for macho Spain

Bordering South Africa and Mozambique, Eswatini, also known as Swaziland, is the last absolute monarchy in Africa. King Mswati III has ruled unopposed for 38 years over this beautiful small country where the people are poor and democracy is a dream.

Eswatini: On the Brink

Bordering South Africa and Mozambique, Eswatini, also known as Swaziland, is the last absolute monarchy in Africa.

The British pub is a veritable institution and a vital part of British culture. But in the wake of the Covid pandemic, more and more pubs are closing their doors. A report from London on why these cherished spaces are struggling to make ends meet.

Public Houses: How the British institution is facing tough times

Since the Covid pandemic, more and more British pubs have been going out of business. But why?

Last Round for British Pubs?

In the intergenerational housing project "Village des Générations" in Angers in western France, 70 senior residents spend time with the toddlers from the local crèche every day. The inclusive initiative helps older people with loneliness and allows the youngest to learn from their elders.

A unique intergenerational housing project in France mixes elderly residents with toddler visitors for the benefit of all.

Re: Grandad Lives in the Kindergarten

There are thought to be 50,000 pregnant women currently in Gaza where just staying alive is a struggle.

Pregnant in Gaza

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Investigation and reports

The right to freedom of information is enshrined in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But press freedoms are far from being universally respected. Mapping the World looks at the issue across the globe.

Press Freedom: An Antidote to Tyranny

Press freedoms are far from being universally respected worldwide. Mapping the World looks at the issue across the globe.

Brexit has caused old tensions to flare up in Northern Ireland and threatens a fragile peace. The introduction of controls on goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have angered the loyalist community, whilst some in the Nationalist community see a united Ireland, inside the EU, within their grasp.
This documentary looks at the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland, where a violent past, a conflict that claimed 3500 lives, still haunt the present.

A focus on the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland, where a violent past still haunt the present.

Northern Ireland: A Fragile Peace

He was the world's best-known Russian opposition leader: Alexei Navalny was poisoned in 2020, arrested in 2021, and locked up in prison camps until his death on the 16th of February 2024. But how did Navalny become Putin's fiercest opponent? Russian filmmaker Igor Sadreev compiles archive research and witness accounts to delve into the life of 'Putin's Enemy Nr. 1'.

Portait of Alexei Navalny, the most famous opponent of the Russian regime, who died in prison on 16 February.

Becoming Navalny

Although India is not an historic maritime power, the country has given its name to the ocean on its shores. Now New Delhi wants to exert more influence on this strategic zone.

Indian Ocean: New Delhi and the Sea

New Delhi wants to exert more influence on it maritime backyard: the Indian Ocean.

As a brave new world of ubiquitous AI arrives, an overview of the latest tech advances. Europe is playing catch up in the frantic AI technology race but has an ever-growing number of start-ups specialising in the field. Jonas Andrulis, founder of Aleph Alpha, a company based in Heidelberg in Germany, is looking to generate AI capable of streamlining the work of public bodies. Frenchman Thomas Wolf, co-founder of the Hugging Face platform, favours open source AI that is accessible to all. As for Han Xiao, the founder of Berlin start-up Jina AI, his ambition is to create a generative AI  (capable of creating content autonomously) that could outperform ChatGPT. 

The AI Technology Race

As a brave new world of ubiquitous AI arrives, can Europe keep up with China and the USA?

Smart New World

Alexei Navalny’s death in prison has caused consternation and outrage around the world... except on Russian state media. From news programmes to talk shows and Telegram channels, exiled Russian journalist Masha Borzunova analyses the reactions of Vladimir Putin's propaganda machine to the death of the Russian opposition figure.

Masha on Russia

Exiled Russian journalist Masha Borzunova guides us through how Russian media has reported on the death of Alexei Navalny.

Russian Media on Navalny's Death

Insights

As China's influence continues to expand around the world, at home the regime is becoming more repressive. A UN report has denounced crimes against humanity against the Uyghurs and the international community has criticised its bullying stance towards Taiwan. Reports and analysis of the Middle Kingdom.

As China's influence continues to expand around the world, at home the regime is becoming more repressive.

China: The Repressive Economic Giant

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In the Belgian city of Liege, an association offers support for women who are victims of domestic violence. Social workers help these women in the long and often painful journey to overcome the trauma of abuse. 

In the Belgian city of Liege, an association offers support for women who are victims of domestic violence.

Stronger than Violence

Family fights, drugs, self-harm and money problems were part of Joana’s harsh reality for a long time. She started stripping because she was able to live in a flat above the club without paying rent. It was the first time she had a solid income and a job in a safe place, with people to turn to in times of need.

This programme by German channel ARD is part of The European Collection, a joint initiative of European public media (ARD, ARTE, France Télévisions, SRG SSR and ZDF), coordinated by ARTE.

Joana never planned to become a professional stripper, but now that she is, she doesn’t regret it.

Hard Life – I strip, so what?

Mamadou is back in Gandiol, his home village in Senegal, after spending eight years living illegally in Spain. He want to be a positive force in his community, build a future for his country and, along with his wife Laura, chase his dreams.

After spending eight years living illegally in Spain, Mamadou is back home in Senegal where he wants to build a future.

Doxandem - The Dream Chasers

Jana is 26 and got her bachelor’s degree a year ago. Having worked odd jobs all throughout her studies, she thought that things would get easier once she graduated. But she is finding it difficult to get a job that corresponds to her studies. And coming from a working-class family, she doesn’t have a financial safety net to fall back on.

This programme by German channel ARD is part of The European Collection, a joint initiative of European public media (ARD, ARTE, France Télévisions, SRG SSR and ZDF), coordinated by ARTE.

Portrait of a student from a working-class background who embarks on the bumpy road to find a career.

Hard Life – I have a degree but I’m broke

An intimate portrait of three stuntwomen, both up-and-coming and established professionals, that questions the portrayal of gender-based violence on screen.

An intimate portrait of three professional stuntwomen that questions the portrayal of gender-based violence on screen.

Stuntwomen

Ex-footballer turned anti-poverty activist Neven Subotić had the world at his feet. But it wasn't enough. He knew something was missing and turned to books to help him find meaning in his life. What he read changed his outlook, his way of thinking, and his future. 

In the Words of Ex-Footballer Neven Subotic

Ex-footballer turned anti-poverty activist Neven Subotić discusses the books that changed his life.

The Book That Changed My Life

In this episode, Ronja explores what can give us hope for the future even when things seem bleak. At Leopoldplatz, she meets one of the most hopeful people in Berlin: DJ Bombay sells curries from his food truck and is always in a good mood. "I've been through so many crises in my life that nothing can knock me out," he says. Then there's  boxer Mazen, who loses every fight and still goes on. Nun Sister Mechthildis meanwhile is full of hope and happiness, living away from the hustle and bustle of life in her convent.

Don't Lose Hope!

In this episode, Ronja explores what can give us hope for the future even when things seem bleak.

Streetphilosophy

Switching viewpoints

Kids

Europe as a source of inspiration: Meeting artists from across the continent whose works spring from Europe’s cultural diversity.

Europe of Artists

Saype is a graffiti artist with a difference. He doesn't spray his works on walls but in fields and on grass, using his own biodegradable paint. His huge works of art are best appreciated by drone, where the true scale is revealed. 

Gymnastics

Saype, Green-Fingered Graffitti Artist

The American director Peter Sellars was invited to the Salzburg Festival. For the 2017 edition he staged The Clemency of Titus by Mozart.

Carte Blanche to Peter Sellars

Square Artiste: Peter Sellars

Mariusz would never have become the artist he is now if Poland had not joined the European Union. He now creates striking murals in cities all over the world.

Mariusz Waras, Street Artist

French writer Emmanuel Ruben is a bicycle enthusiast. Writing about his cycle from west to east following Europe’s longest river, the Danube, Ruben reflects on Europe and migration.

Rewriting Europe Along the Danube

Through the eyes of artists

This documentary goes behind the scenes in the global fight against corporate tax evasion. In times of increasing inequality, where nation states are highly in debt, multinationals are announcing record profits. How can countries make sure that these companies pay their fair share of tax so that they can battle the effects of climate change and invest in the future?

This documentary goes behind the scenes in the global fight against corporate tax evasion.

Tax Wars

With 24 official languages, the EU is a diverse and complicated political union. Making sure everyone understands each other is the job of an army of tireless interpreters. This documentary follows these highly skilled professionals' important work and reveals their key role in political negotiations.

Following the important job of interpreters who make sure everyone understands each other in the EU.

24 Languages, One Europe

Diwa is only 11 years old. She is one of the thousands of victims of a crime that is hardly reported on in Europe but which is causing havoc in the Philippines. She was raped by her parents, live on the internet, to satisfy the desires of foreign paedophiles who paid for the spectacle of her rape, giving instructions from a distance.

Philippines: Child Rape Online

Thousands of children in the Philippines have been abused, live on the internet. Report on a shocking crime.

A shifting community of young Europeans are living a life outside of society’s norms on La Gomera in the Canary Islands. They have chosen to give up promising careers and busy lifestyles for an alternative and simple lifestyle, based on polyamorous relationships.

A group of dropouts on the Canary Island of La Gomera have been living an alternative lifestyle for over five years.

Re: Free Love on La Gomera

Europeans between the ages of 16-29 across 27 countries don’t necessarily have the same priorities. But politicians across the board are desperate to get them on side because their vote can have a significant impact in the European elections. In this episode, we look at the issues that matter to them, from war and health to education and the environment.

What do young Europeans want?

What kind of Europe do voters under 30 want to see? ARTE surveyed young people across Europe to find out what issues were most important to them.

ARTE Europe Weekly

For the first time in 2020, around 100,000 Italians left big cities in the north of the country for modest towns in the south, in search of a new life. In Calabria, where the mafia and unemployment reign supreme, we follow Angelo, Rocco, Francesco and Nunzia – who have all decided to reinvent themselves by moving back to their hometowns.

Starting a new life in southern Italy

For the first time in 2020, around 100,000 Italians left wealthy cities in the north for poorer towns in the south of the country.

Re: Return to Calabria

On 4 April 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty was signed, enshrining the creation of NATO just four years after the end of the Second World War. The primary objective of this military alliance of twelve European and North American countries was to prevent war in Europe and to counter the expansion of the Soviet bloc. Since its creation in the Cold War, the organisation has grown from 12 to 31 member states - including several former Eastern Bloc nations. Weakened by its turbulent history, NATO is facing a growing number of challenges: the difficulty of coordinating its members, the logistical obstacles in the event of an attack on European soil, and the threat, raised by Donald Trump, of an American withdrawal, at a time when European defence is almost entirely dependent on the United States.

A look back at the turbulent history of the military alliance facing unprecedented challenges in the face of Putin's Russia.

Putin, NATO, and Europe

Artificial intelligence allows infinite possibilities for manipulating images, video and audio. What impact could this have on election campaigns, particularly in Europe? And what is being done about AI-generated disinformation? We investigated.

Disinformation, deep fakes... How will artificial intelligence affect the election campaign and our democracy?

AI and elections: is the EU ready?

President Jacob Zuma's term in office (2009-2018) saw South Africa's institutions plagued by corruption. Eight years after the revelation of the scandal and in the run-up to the presidential election, where does the country stand? A focus on “state capture’ and its consequences for the people of South Africa.

How Corruption is Plundering the Country

South Africa: What does the state-owned energy company Eskom have to do with severe corruption in the country?

South Africa

In Spain, as elsewhere in Europe, the agricultural model and the future of farmers are at the heart of debate on the eve of the European elections. The sector is undergoing radical change. On the one hand, traditional farmers are struggling to make ends meet, and on the other, investment funds are rushing to buy up land and farming businesses. This influx of capital has helped to modernise Spanish farming structures, but is causing concern among the unions and traditional farmers.

In Spain, the agricultural model is undergoing radical change, thanks to the interest of investment funds.

Spain: investment funds flock to the fields

As a brave new world of ubiquitous AI arrives, an overview of the latest tech advances. Can Europe keep up with China and the USA?

Slovenia, a small country born of the break-up of the former Yugoslavia, has been independent since 1991 and a member of the EU since 2004. But at the last European elections in 2019, only one in 10 young Slovenians turned out to vote. And, according to the polls, things are unlikely to get any better at the next elections in June, with again only 10% of young people planning to vote. But what's behind this apathy towards the EU?

Polls show only 10% of young Slovenians plan to vote at the European elections, so what's behind this apathy?

In Slovenia, young people are losing interest in politics

The European elections held from 6 to 9 June could be decisive for the EU. Polls predict a shift to the right, but radical right-wing parties are already influencing EU policy. This documentary focuses on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s term in office since 2019, and analyses the shift in policy on key issues such as migration.

The European Union at a crossroads

How the EU’s culture of compromise means right-wing extremist parties are influencing EU policy.

Endgame for Europe

An unprecedented investigation tracks the journey of assault rifles, aircraft and armoured tanks made in Switzerland to regions grappling with armed conflict. Aircrafts intended for civilian transport are being used in Afghanistan for intelligence purposes and Sig Sauer rifles arm Saudi soldiers against rebels in Yemen.

This programme of the Swiss channel SRG SSR is part of The European Collection, a joint initiative of European public media (ARD, ARTE, France Télévisions, SRG SSR and ZDF), coordinated by ARTE.

What happens to weapons manufactured in Switzerland, the cradle of neutrality and international law?

War, made in Switzerland

In 2018, ARTE visited the island of La Gomera in the Canaries, to meet people who have dropped out of society and live an unconventional life in caves by the sea. Returning to the paradise island in 2022, COVID has reshuffled the deck and reinforced this yearning for simplicity and freedom.

Re: La Gomera - Dreaming of Paradise

While anti-war and pro-Palestine protests heat up across university campuses around the world; att this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place in the Swedish city of Malmö on Saturday, the Palestinian flag will be notably absent as boycott campaigns swirl over Israel’s participation. In this episode of ARTE Europe Weekly, we look at how camp culture and geopolitics have always gone hand-in-hand at Eurovision.

The globally televised song contest Eurovision insists it’s not political. But the most recent chapter in a decades-long history of political tension behind the event’s glitzy backdrop suggests a different story.

Israel’s war on Gaza takes centre stage at Eurovision

Is it possible to eradicate smoking from society? As the UK takes steps to relegate smoking to the ash heap of history with a potential generational smoking ban, we look at changing circumstances though out the continent.

The UK wants to stub out smoking with a ban on cigarette sales for people born after 2009. But could a smoke-free Europe follow ? 

A War On Smoking

On 1 May 2004, the European Union welcomed ten new members, including eight countries from Central and Eastern Europe. This massive enlargement changed overnight the dynamics of the EU. Twenty years on, how has this enlargement in the East shaped the new member states and the EU as a whole?

EU enlargement into eastern Europe was a major geopolitical moment in 2004. A focus on the European Union's biggest decision and its consequences.

EU Enlargement: Twenty Years On

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In this programme we meet four people with disabilities, who fight a daily battle for acceptance and their right to autonomy. Islam Alijaj, who has physical and speech impairments, wants to become a member of the National Council. Visually impaired geologist Barbara Müller is fighting for an appointment as a university lecturer. Paraplegic David Mzee wants to work as a physical education teacher. And Amir Gashi, who has muscular dystrophy, is holding on to his international DJing career for as long as he can. Each shines a light on the often insurmountable gap between the fairy tale of inclusion and equality, and the reality people with disabilities have to live with.

This programme by Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR is part of the European Collection, a joint initiative from European public service media (ARD, ARTE, France Télévisions, SRG SSR, RTBF and ZDF), coordinated by ARTE.

We meet four people with disabilities, who fight a daily battle for acceptance and their right to autonomy.

Disability: the fairy tale of inclusion

Gloria Vizarraga lost her sight at the age of 17, an ordeal that took her years to deal with. The Madrid native works for the lottery run by ONCE, the national organisation that helps blind and visually impaired people in Spain, including former press photographer Juan Torre. Despite his visual acuity gradually diminishing to 5% today, he still takes photographs.

The Spanish lottery helps the visually impaired, including former press photographer Juan Torre.

Re: A Spanish Lottery Helps the Blind

For 27 countries across the continent of Europe, from Portugal to Poland, Finland to Greece, each with their own character and concerns, to come together to make decisions is no easy feat. Which makes some of the EU’s member states reluctant to expand the bloc – even if there are six countries from the Western Balkans currently waiting to join the club. So what’s the debate and what’s at stake?

This programme by Belgian broadcaster RTBF is part of the European Collection, a joint initiative from European public service media (ARD, ARTE, France Télévisions, SRG SSR, RTBF and ZDF), coordinated by ARTE.

Enlarging the EU... isn't it big enough already?

For 27 countries to make joint decisions is no easy feat, making some EU member states reluctant to expand.

True or false?

Europe is the fruit of a process that began some 2,500 years ago with the Greeks, and then the Romans. Moving across the continent, they planted the seeds of our civilisation. After them, for centuries, it was merchants, clerics, pilgrims and artists who continued this cross-fertilisation of ideas and cultures, ignoring borders long before the EU’s freedom of movement policy. But is there such a thing as a pan-European culture today?

This programme by Belgian broadcaster RTBF is part of the European Collection, a joint initiative from European public service media (ARD, ARTE, France Télévisions, SRG SSR, RTBF and ZDF), coordinated by ARTE.

European culture doesn't exist

For centuries, ideas were carried across the continent, but is there such a thing as a European culture today?

In the face of the climate crisis, private jets are a travel solution that serves the few and yet affects the many. And yet, order books are full as these jets become increasingly popular, including in Belgium. This investigation delves into this exclusive world, where the watchwords are comfort, speed and discretion. What are the most popular destinations? What’s the impact on the environment, and what are the safety risks?

This programme by Belgian broadcaster RTBF is part of the European Collection, a joint initiative from European public service media (ARD, ARTE, France Télévisions, SRG SSR, RTBF and ZDF), coordinated by ARTE.

In the face of the climate crisis, private jets are a solution that serves the few and yet affects us all.

Private jets, public problem

PFAS are toxic substances known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in nature. They’re associated with higher risks of cancer and a weakened immune system. Forever chemicals have contaminated soil, eggs and drinking water in several European regions, including Wallonia, in Belgium – sometimes in cases long known to the authorities, who chose to remain silent. 

This programme by Belgian broadcaster RTBF is part of the European Collection, a joint initiative from European public service media (ARD, ARTE, France Télévisions, SRG SSR, RTBF and ZDF), coordinated by ARTE.

PFAS – “forever chemicals” – can raise the risk of cancer. And can be found in soil, eggs and drinking water.

Forever chemicals, guilty silence

The average Belgian consumes 48kg of sugar a year, twice the maximum amount recommended by the World Health Organisation. And they’re not the only ones for whom sugar is a daily drug. Researchers have found that sugar can have the same effect on our brains as narcotics – lab rats in one experiment found it more addictive than cocaine. And sugar is everywhere, even where you least expect it, leading to over-consumption that’s rapidly becoming a public health crisis.

This programme by Belgian broadcaster RTBF is part of the European Collection, a joint initiative from European public service media (ARD, ARTE, France Télévisions, SRG SSR, RTBF and ZDF), coordinated by ARTE.

Sugar has become our daily drug, and this often hidden enemy is leading us into a public health crisis.

Sugar, the daily drug

The Italian government is against same-sex parents as prime minister Giorgia Meloni does not believe that a child should have two parents of the same sex. Children of rainbow families risk having their birth certificates invalidated, resulting in the loss of parental rights for non-biological mothers and fathers.

The far-right Georgia Meloni government is actively discriminating against same-sex couples in Italy.

Re: Same-Sex Parenting Under Threat in Italy

Kirill Soloviev is a 46-year-old Moscow native who owns a company specialised in verifying large volumes translations. After Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, he decided to set the company up in Tallinn, Estonia, where he lives today. Soloviev is enthusiastic about the EU and the opportunities it offers, even if he thinks the bloc could intensify its sanctions against Russia.

Europeans from elsewhere

When his home country annexed Crimea 10 years ago, Kirill Soloviev decided to make a new home for himself in Estonia.