Info et société | ARTE

Aktuelles und Gesellschaft | ARTE

Politics and society | ARTE

Política y sociedad | ARTE

Polityka i społeczeństwo | ARTE

Politica e società | ARTE

For several years, Makan has been working in France as a bicycle delivery man and a kitchen porter in a chic brasserie near the Champs-Elysées. The lonely life of the 35-year-old from Mali revolves almost entirely around work. With his wages, he supports himself as well as his family back home by sending remittances. Just one of many stories of thousands of illegal workers in France and Europe.

The lonely life of a 35-year-old illegal worker from Mali whose life revolves around his two jobs.

Always at your Service

Current Highlights

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, six 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.

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

Російське вторгнення в Україну не тільки приголомшило Європу, а і зміцнило загальноєвропейську самосвідомість та самоідентичність. Співчуваючи мільйонам українських біженців, розпорошених по всьому Європейському континенту, «ARTE» пропонує україномовним глядачам ряд матеріалів, що мали б не тільки розповісти їм про події на Батьківщині, а і вселити в них надію, показавши, які культурні програми і концерти солідарності з Україною проходять у різних куточках Європи. (ARTE is offering a selection of content in Ukrainian).

ARTE for Ukrainians

Підтримуємо мільйони українських біженців у Європі: «ARTE» пропонує їм сюжети про події на Батьківщині, а також трансляції концертів солідарності, що проходять у різних куточках континенту. 

ARTE для українців

Нападение России на Украину повергло Европу в шок и пролило свет на хрупкое положение независимых СМИ в России. Кроме видеоконтента на украинском, ARTE предлагает подборку материалов на русском языке, освещающих ужасные события в Украине, а также культурные программы и концерты солидарности с Украиной со всего мира. (ARTE is offering content in Russian).

ARTE in Russian

Помимо видеоконтента на украинском, ARTE предлагает подборку материалов на русском языке, освящающих ужасные событиям в Украине, а также культурные программы и концерты солидарности с Украиной со всего мира.

ARTE на русском 

Chinese people make do without Google, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter. Instead, the regime has built its own online offer. How is this Chinese internet structured and what does it mean for democracy and debate?

How is this Chinese internet structured and what does it mean for democracy and debate? 

Internet Made in China

Collections

Playlists

39% of Serbians own a firearm, making it the highest density of guns in all of Europe, surpassed only by Yemen and the USA. Immediately after the killings, tens of thousands demonstrated in Belgrade as a sign of protest and reflection. President Aleksandar Vucic promised a plan for extensive disarmament of Serbians, and on May 26, a huge rally in Belgrade promoted a nationwide campaign to collect all citizens' firearms.

Serbia: The Fallout From Two Mass Shootings

39% of Serbians own a firearm, making it the highest density of guns in all of Europe, surpassed only by Yemen and the USA.

ARTE Reportage

Many British people have made the Dordogne in south-west France their home. However, new administrative hurdles brought in with Brexit, have made their lives more difficult.

New administrative hurdles brought in with Brexit, have made the lives of Brits in the Dordogne more difficult.

Re: Little Britain in the Dordogne

Four years ago, the US-led coalition in Syria destroyed Islamic State's last bastion in Raqqa. But there is a lot of work to do to keep the peace.

Syria: Raqqa after the War

The US-led coalition in Syria destroyed Islamic State's last bastion in Raqqa. But peace in the region is shaky. 

In Italy, children of incarcerated women live with their mothers in prison, up until the age of six. Due to a shortage of state-funded mother-child facilities, many incarcerated mothers live with their young children in regular prisons.

In Italy, children of incarcerated women live with their mothers in prison, up until the age of six.

Re: In Prison with Mum

Bike theft is a common crime across Europe perpetrated by opportunistic thieves as well as organised criminal gangs. A focus on anti-theft measures in Germany and the Netherlands.

How to stop your bike from being stolen:  A focus on anti-theft measures in Germany and the Netherlands.

Re: How to Tackle Bicycle Theft

In the north of the West Bank, near Nablus, a new episode in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is being played out: the War of the Hills. It pits young radical Jewish settlers, protected by the Israeli army, against young militant Palestinians from a new armed group: the Lion's Den.

West Bank: War in the Hills

In the north of the West Bank, near Nablus, a new episode in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is being played out:

Muslims that renounce their religion can be shunned by their family and receive death threats. Apostasy is condemned by the Koran and those who turn their back on Islam may be subject to divine punishment. ARTE Re: follows four Muslims who no longer believe in Allah.

When Muslims Stop Believing

Following the experiences of four Muslims who no longer believe in Allah.

Losing my Religion

More

Investigation and reports

Zwar sind andere Instrumente weniger sperrig, unumgänglich ist das Klavier aber nicht nur aus Platzgründen: Der imposante Flügel erfüllt den Raum dank Saiten und Hämmern mit klassischem Charme. Ob allein oder in Begleitung eines Orchesters: Entdecken Sie große Klassiker genauso wie Stücke der Gegenwart am klangvollen Klavier – in unserer Piano-Playlist.

Stories from across the continent

Video reports from European broadcasters including Germany’s BR, Belgium’s RTBF, Ireland's RTÉ, Portugal’s RTP, Swissinfo and more.

A European Perspective

ERB Event Zone

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

For the last 50 years, German artist Christina Kubisch has been obsessed with the sounds of everyday life.

Christina Kubisch - Sound 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

What happened in Russia over the weekend of 23 June? Exiled Russian journalist Masha Borzunova didn't sleep a wink at the weekend and followed the events on Russian television.

The Wagner Rebellion

What happened in Russia over the weekend of 23 June? Exiled Russian journalist Masha Borzunova explains all.

Masha on Russia

A new space race has begun that threatens world peace and security as private companies and nation states rush to colonise the skies with satellites. Tech billionaire Elon Musk has already sent 3,000 satellites into orbit to provide internet connections anywhere on earth. This gives Musk considerable geopolitical clout and pushes China and Europe to join to join the race.

A new space race has begun as private companies and nation states rush to colonise the skies with satellites.

Satellite Wars

The former president of China, Hu Jintao, is ordered to leave the room during the Communist Party Congress, under the gaze of Xi Jinping and in front of the world's journalists.

China: A Televised Purge

The former president of China, Hu Jintao, is ordered to leave the room during the Communist Party Congress.

The World in Images

The Chilean people are rebelling: After 40 years of neoliberal economic policies imposed on the country under the Pinochet dictatorship, a popular uprising took place in autumn 2019 which led to a referendum on a new constitution in October 2020.

After 40 years of neoliberal economic policies imposed under the Pinochet dictatorship, the Chilean people rebelled.

Chile: The People vs the Chicago Boys

Two women weep over the body of a fallen solider in Kyiv, in the summer of 2022. This photo published by the New York Times and recalls religious iconography.

A Last Goodbye in Kyiv

Two women weep over the body of a fallen solider in Kyiv.

This photo appeared on social networks two weeks after the death of Mahsa Amini, who died after her arrest by the Iranian morality police. These high school girls stand, unveiled, raising their middle fingers at a picture of Iran's leaders. This subversive act inspired many others.

Iran: Girls Against the Government

These high school girls stand, unveiled, raising their middle fingers at a picture of Iran's leaders.

Posted five months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this provocative video tries to convince Westerners to move to Russia. It has a glorious history, low-cost gas, and apparently, beautiful and available women. It's an ad that reflects the ultra-conservative turn the country's taken under President Putin.


Vladimir Donn, a journalist familiar with the Russian TV industry, breaks down the meaning of the short film.


Marlène Laruelle, political scientist, tells us about the construction of this new national identity.

"Time to move to Russia"

Posted five months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this provocative video tries to convince Westerners to move to Russia.

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

Category Banner (ACT)

Kids

In the deprived suburbs of Chicago, Tom Benson's launderette, reputedly the largest in the world, is an institution for residents on a tight budget. An immersion into this microcosm of America where, despite extreme poverty, everyone still wants to believe in, and strives for, the American dream.

In the deprived suburbs of Chicago, Tom Benson's launderette is an institution for residents on a tight budget.

Berwyn USA: The World's Biggest Laundrette

In the middle of the desert, Malika has been running a tiny refreshment bar for about thirty years, where she offers tea, coffee, soft drinks, cigarettes and sometimes an omelette to passing travellers along the National Highway 1, the longest road on the African continent, linking Algiers to Tamanrasset. Alone in this cement shack, with her dog, her cat and her radio, she describes herself as the sentry of this almost uninhabited plateau. Sage or recluse, Malika lives in her own kingdom.

A Film by Hassen Ferhani

In the middle of the desert, Malika runs a tiny refreshment bar for passing travellers next to the the longest road on the African continent.

The Kingdom of Malika

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

In France, the profession of shepherd is increasingly attracting the younger generation. However, life in the alpine pastures is tough, and the responsibility of caring for the flock can be a heavy burden. ARTE Re: follows three apprentice shepherds as they face the reality of pastoral work for the first time.

ARTE Re: follows three apprentice shepherds as they face the reality of pastoral work for the first time.

Re: Shephards in Training

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

Jan explores all the different ways of being alone. He searches for gold in a field with Wolfgang Herkt and his metal detector. After long hours of solo searching, Wolfgang says: "Being alone helps with difficult decisions because there are no distractions." The author Kathrin Weßling is the opposite: she communicates 24/7, writes books and constantly posts to social media. But loneliness lingers... not least of all for refugees. Evgeniy Zamyatin, who works as a lawyer for Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption foundation, fled to Berlin, far from friends and family.

Face Loneliness!

Jan explores all the different ways of being alone.

Switching viewpoints

Is Europe the world’s biggest cocaine hub? Hard drugs are flooding in through Europe’s ports, with record amounts being seized and new forms of drugs appearing on the market. But although drugs are widespread, the help for users isn’t always there. Experts are sounding the alarm about Europe’s growing drug problem.

Europe’s drug problem

It’s easier than ever to find drugs in Europe – and they’re getting stronger and more dangerous.

ARTE Europe Weekly

Never before in Western history have our sex lives been so free. And yet one taboo remains: Abstinence, individuals who have no sex at all. Seven men and women talk about why they have no sexual relationships in frank and emotional accounts of their existence and deepest desires.

Never before in Western history have our sex lives been so free. And yet one taboo remains: Abstinence, individuals who have no sex at all.

No Sex

Temperature records are being smashed across Europe – and it is going to get hotter. Greece is hoping to recruit more volunteer firefighters to tackle its increasingly long wildfire season, while city authorities look to urban design and green innovation to confront climate change.

The new normal: Extreme temperatures in Europe

Blistering temperatures sweep over southern Europe. What do we need to do to adapt?

Vintage fashion is trendy and participative repair workshops are booming. Increasingly, we are choosing to reuse and buy second-hand rather than new. A focus on the growing circular economy in Germany.

What the Circular Economy Looks like

Vintage fashion is trendy and participative repair workshops are booming. A focus on the growing circular economy in Germany.

Re: Second-Hand Living

On 27 June, a police officer killed 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk during a traffic stop, sparking days of violent unrest. His death has resurrected potent issues about racism, discrimination and police brutality in France. Far-right politicians in France and abroad used the riots for political gain, linking the rioting to immigration. We take a look at how the events were viewed across Europe.

France’s riots: From police brutality to political instrumentalisation

How were France’s riots seen abroad? We look at their echo across Europe, as well as explore police violence in different countries.

In February 2022, France withdrew troops from Mali, where they had been stationed as part of Operation Barkhane, an anti-insurgency operation. Welcomed as liberators in 2013, the French military failed to prevent large swathes of Malian territory from falling into the hands of Islamists. This in-depth focus on France’s military intervention and the wider insurgency problem in the Sahel region interviews citizens, soldiers, politicians and analysts about this ongoing geopolitical issue.

The Crisis in the Sahel

 This in-depth focus on France’s military intervention and the wider insurgency problem in the Sahel region interviews citizens, soldiers, politicians and analysts about this ongoing geopolitical issue.

War in Mali

How the Russian president has used poisoning as a strategic weapon and an integral part of Kremlin policy at home and abroad. Episode 1: The Litvinenko affair.

The Threat

How Putin has used poisoning as a strategic weapon at home and abroad. Episode 1: The Litvinenko affair.

Putin's Poison (1/3)

Assal, Sudi and Roozbeh live in Los Angeles in the heart of the largest Iranian diaspora. Whether Democrat or Republican, they all have one thing in common: they were born in Iran and fled over thirty years ago. Today they are all critical of the Iranian government.

Los Angeles: Capital of the Iranian Opposition

The Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles is the largest in the world and most of the community is critical of the Iranian regime.

From Rome to Dubrovnik, European touristic hotspots are feeling the negative impacts of overtourism and it's sparking a backlash among local communities. But with post-pandemic travel confidence booming; there is no consensus on what to do about it. Also, a European night-train renaissance paves the way for a greener, cleaner travel experience.

Overtourism plagues Europe

Europe’s historic cities are overwhelmed with overtourism but with continental travel set to rebound, no one knows what to do about it.

The dream of a better life in Germany leads many Eastern European women from poverty directly into forced prostitution. The criminal traffickers usually get away with it because in Germany, prostitution is legal. However 90 percent of prostitutes are unwilling and exploited workers.

The dream of a better life in Germany leads many Eastern European women from poverty directly into forced prostitution. 

Re: Forced Prostitution in Europe

"For the sake of all lives" is the motto of the voluntary Sanitary Battalion Hospitallers. Amidst the fighting, the approximately 500 medics provide medical care to both soldiers and civilians. The volunteers come from all walks of life in Ukraine and often leave their jobs to save the lives of their fellow countrymen on the frontline.

"For the sake of all lives" is the motto of the voluntary Sanitary Battalion Hospitallers.

Re: Ukrainian Paramedics on the Frontline

Fentanyl is fifty times stronger than heroin. The illicit trade of fentanyl has triggered a new health crisis in the United States, overwhelming emergency services with a surge of overdoses, often among the young. The synthetic opioids are from Mexico, where they've disrupted the drugs market. There is no need to cultivate poppies or rely on rural communities for opium production. Fentanyl, disguised as harmless-looking pills, is easy, inconspicuous, and simple to produce and transport. However, a single pill can be lethal. The devastating effects of this substance are gradually spreading throughout the American continent.

Mexico: The Cartels Switch to Fentanyl

The illicit trade of fentanyl has triggered a new health crisis in the United States.

About 500,000 to 800,000 people in Germany are addicted to porn and many are no longer in control of their lives due to their sexual disorder. The problem is a taboo subject. But sex sells, especially on the internet: In Germany alone, online porn providers turn over an estimated 4.5 billion euros a year.

When Pleasure turns into Pain

About 500,000 to 800,000 people in Germany are addicted to porn with severe consequences for their lives and relationships.

Re: Porn Addiction

How the Putin regime has used poison as a strategic weapon to eliminate opponents at home and abroad. Episode 2:  The Magnitsky Affair sours relations with the USA and Sergei Skripal’s poisoning shocks Britain.

A New Cold War

How Putin uses poison as a strategic weapon at home and abroad. Episode 2: Sergei Skripal is poisoned in Britain.

Putin's Gift (2/3)

Since the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, the Chin have taken up arms to defend their territory, their identity and their ideals against the all-powerful junta.

Myanmar: The Chin against the Junta

Since the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, the Chin have taken up arms against the all-powerful junta.

Online gambling is a multi-billion business which is embroiled in corruption and organised crime. Millions are laundered by the mafia, while gambling addicts’ lives are ruined. Malta is Europe’s centre for the industry with more than 300 companies registered in a sector which represents 12% of the Maltese economy.

Focus on a multi-billion business which is embroiled in corruption and organised crime.

The Murky World of Online Gambling

15 years after the sovereign debt crisis, Greece is still facing numerous challenges: corruption, an insufficient public service, mistrust towards political elites, migration, rivalry with Turkey, and China's takeover of infrastructure. But the country still has some strengths it could leverage.

Greece: the Sick Man of Europe?

15 years after the sovereign debt crisis, Greece is still facing numerous challenges.

Mapping the World

Most popular

Could we be heading to an EU without priests? In Poland, Catholicism dominates despite a drop in nuns and priests, ARTE Europe Weekly finds out why. Elsewhere, we visit a once-devout Portugal, where more than a million young Catholics from around the world will join the pope in the capital for a weeklong World Youth Day celebrations.

Europe loses its Religion

Europe is moving towards a post-Christian society as young people snub formal religion in favour of spirituality. But can the Vatican turn things around? 

ARTE EUROPE WEEKLY

A new wave of young activists has taken to the streets around the world. They want real action on climate change and they want it to happen now. Focus on the urgent civil disobedience in Extinction Rebellion in London, Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future and similar movements in France and Germany.

Time to question

Focus on the urgent civil disobedience in Extinction Rebellion in London, Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future and similar movements in France and Germany.

Extinction Rebellion and the Battle of the Century

Tortured, murdered, or kidnapped, migrants held in Libya go through hell. Shot on location, this poignant documentary reveals a system ruled by impunity and collusion between smugglers, militias and authorities, to which Europe turns a blind eye.

Tortured, murdered, or kidnapped, migrants held in Libya go through hell

Libya: Migrant Camps Scandal

The apocalyptic blast in the Port of Beirut on 4 August 2020 led to renewed anger at those in power. Protests have crossed religious boundaries as the Lebanese people rage against corruption, nepotism, gross economic mismanagement and squandering of resources. How did a country with so much to offer allow itself to get into such a dire situation? And will the Land of Cedars be able to bounce back?

How did the Land of Cedars allow itself to get into such a dire situation? And will it be able to bounce back?