Illustration: Blue-green collage with various symbols of the European Union and bridge © Kapitál

Commentary on the results of the European elections. The author is thinking about what opportunities for cooperation the leader of the European Commission von der Leyen has. However, regardless of where she finds her majority, the future of the Union seems to be heading to the right at the moment.

Original Article in Slovakian language: Európska únia po voľbách: Všetky cesty vedú doprava  
by Oliver Cipov for Kapitál
Read the Article at Kapitál 

Photo: Vladas Gaidys – head of the Public Opinion and Market Research Center © Rytas Staselis

In a revealing interview with Bendra.lt journalist Rytas Staselis, Vladas Gaidys, head of the Public Opinion and Market Research Center, shares his perspective on the upcoming European Parliament elections. Contrary to the growing euroscepticism seen across Europe, Gaidys believes such political forces have limited prospects in Lithuania. He reflects on a past controversy over EU migrant quotas to underscore the complexity of EU discourse in Lithuania, where strong Europhilic tendencies persist despite occasional dissent. Gaidys's insights offer a nuanced view of why Lithuania remains steadfast in its support for the European Union.

Article in Lithuanian language: Euroskepticizmas Lietuvoje: interviu su sociologu Vladu Gaidžiu
by Rytas Staselis for Bendra.lt 
Read the Article at Bendra.lt/M4C

Photo: Election campaign billboard in the central Slovakian town of Detva for the Hlas party of President-elect Peter Pellegrini: "Slovakia is injured. Let's save it together". © Andrej Bán

After years of passivity, the European debate has arrived in Slovakia. A significantly higher voter turnout can be expected ahead of the fifth European elections in which the Slovakians are taking part. Eurosceptic forces could benefit.A comment by Peter Tkačenko.

Article in German language: Vorsicht mit den Wünschen!
by Peter Tkačenko for JÁDU
(also available in Slovakian Original & Ukrainian)
Read the Article at JÁDU

Photo: Moldovan and Gagauz flags in front of the parliament and government building in Comrat, a statue of Lenin in the background. © Yelizaveta Landenberger

The Republic of Moldova is striving to join the EU. However, pro-Kremlin politicians in the autonomous territory of Gagauzia are trying to prevent the country's EU integration with disinformation. They are receiving direct support from Moscow. There are Gagauz journalists who are fighting back, despite intimidation and hostility.

Original Article in German language: An der Frontlinie im Informationskrieg
by Young Reporter Yelizaveta Landenberger for JÁDU
(also available in Slovakian & Ukrainian)
Read the Article at JÁDU

Photo: At an election campaign event organised by the Progressive Slovakia party in Pezinok © Andrej Bán

Election campaigns also take place online. In the highly polarised Slovakian society, political players are aware of how important it is to shape debates in the digital space. Information security expert Tomáš Kriššák describes which issues could be decisive in Slovakia's elections.

Article in German language: An der Frontlinie im Informationskrieg
by Tomáš Kriššák for JÁDU
(also available in Slovakian Original & Ukrainian)
Read the Article at JÁDU

Photo: The flags of the EU and Ukraine. © Nataliya Melnychuk via Unsplash | CC0 1.0

To what extent do anti-European political parties pose a threat to Ukraine and a united Europe, and what dangers could the elections to the European Parliament hold for Ukraine's European integration? We asked experts.

Article in German language: Zwischen Moskau und Euroskepsis
by Oleksandr Kurylenko for JÁDU
(also available in Slovakian & Ukrainian Original)
Read the Article at JÁDU

Illustration: Blue-green collage with various heads of people and symbols of the European Union © Kapitál

The elections to the EuropeanParliament could attract a record number of voters to thepolls, including the youngest age group. Who the first-time voters vote for is more likely to be influenced by theirparents thanpoliticians. The author of the reportage talked to youngpeople about their motivation to vote.

Original Article in Slovakian language: V hlaveprvovoliča, ktorý chce voliť  
by Miroslava Grman for Kapitál
Read the Article at Kapitál 

Illustration: Green head of Donald Tusk on the blue background © Kapitál

After 20 years of EU membership,Poland is considered one of the most Euro-enthusiastic societies in the community. Theproblem lies in the fact that this enthusiasm may be rather superficial, largely due topoliticians reducing it to financial benefits for thePolish economy over the years.

Original Article in Slovakian language: Voľby do EÚ:Prečo sa voličstvo Tuska môže cítiťpodvedené?  
by Jakub Bodziony for Kapitál
Read the Article at Kapitál 

Illustration: Blue-green collage with two flags of European Union and a triangle roof © Kapitál

Current surveys andprojections indicate the historical success ofpolitical groups outside the so-called of the grand coalition, formed by theparties of the European mainstream, in the upcoming elections to the EuropeanParliament. A successful result would confirm the trend of the Euroscepticparties, especially the right-wing ones, of the last two decades, during which they managed to double their support. Growing right-wing Euroscepticism cannot be reduced only to a rejection of the idea of European integration. This increase is a symptom ofpublic dissatisfaction with thepolitical and institutional development of the Union over thepast thirty years. Thepro-European spectrum lacks a strategy to reverse this trend.

Original Article in Slovakian language: Nastal čas začať brať euroskepticizmus vážne  
by Oliver Cipov for Kapitál
Read the Article at Kapitál 

Illustration: Blue-green collage with various symbols of the European Union © Kapitál

Kapitál is preparing a series of articles about the European elections. In this commentary, the author maps the situation before the elections in the Czech Republic and compares it with Slovakia. Government parties in the Czech Republic are trying to mobilize in a campaign against the figure of Andrej Babiš. They sometimes help each other by comparing him with Putin or by referring to current events in Slovakia.

Original Article in Slovakian language: Kampaň pro eurovolby? Česko už žije volbami do sněmovny  
by Vojtěch Petrů for Kapitál
Read the Article at Kapitál 

Photo: Key Visual 'Survey: Eurosceptic parties' © Markus Spiske for Unsplash

Eurosceptic parties are expected to gain more seats in the next European Parliament

• Can such groups expect an increase in support in your country as well, and if so, why?

Photo: Key Visual 'Survey: How does the pressure to be successful affect the work culture in the media sector?' © Christian Erfurt on Unsplash

With the launch of our latest topic of the month, the PERSPECTIVES editorial team conducted another transnational survey. Together they looked into the question of how the pressure to be successful affects the work culture in the media sector. 
 

• How does the pressure to be successful affect the work culture in the media sector?

Photo: Key Visual 'Survey: Central Europe’s security two years into Russia's war in Ukraine' © Edoardo Ceriani on Unsplash

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has radically changed the security climate in Eastern and Central Europe. We asked local experts from Lithuania, Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia to learn more about this new reality as we approached the second anniversary of February 24. 
The questions for the experts were these:
 

• Which steps were taken towards strengthening the security of your country since Russia‘s full-scale invasion of Ukraine? 
• Which steps are planned to be taken in the future and how are these changes affecting your society? 

Photo: Key Visual 'Survey: Our Way of Life is Unsustainable' © Karsten Würth on Unsplash

The economic competitiveness is one of the main causes of the deepening climate crisis. Despite this knowledge, global capitalism still forces us to constantly accumulate capital and expand. This way of our existence is environmentally and economically unsustainable. In our survey of the month, we approached experts from our partner countries with two questions on the topic of sustainability:
 

• Is climate sustainability compatible with economic competitiveness? And should we even be concerned with such a dilemma?
• How to make the debate about the European Green deal “sexier”?

Photo: Key Visual 'Survey: How can constructive journalism help in fighting populism?' © Joël de Vriend for unsplash

Media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, and biased reporting can contribute to societal polarization by reinforcing populist beliefs and perspectives. Conversely, constructive journalism strives for a more balanced portrayal of reality. It aims to steer away from sensationalism and fear-driven narratives and promotes a more optimistic and hopeful approach to news reporting. As such, we asked the members of our international Newsroom:
 

• How can constructive journalism help in fighting populism?

Photo: Key Visual 'Solving the housing crisis - but how?/Die Wohnungskrise lösen - aber wie?' © Ján Jakub Naništa via unsplash | CC0 1.0

Affordable, dignified, and adequate housing is particularly (but not exclusively) scarce in urban centers across Europe. The affected groups are primarily those with lower incomes, such as younger generations or individuals marginalized for various reasons. It quickly became apparent to us in the PERSPECTIVES Newsroom that the housing crisis requires our collective attention and innovative solutions. To showcase the many dimensions of the housing issue, we conducted a joint Europe-wide survey. We sought input from experts in politics, academia, the private sector, and citizen initiatives and asked:
 

• In your opinion, what specific measures should be taken to address the housing crisis in your country/city?

Photo: Airidas, studying at Šiauliai Technology Training Centre © Aiste Kačkyte for Bendra.lt

In the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, educational choices are evolving. As the stigma surrounding vocational schools wanes, a growing number of individuals with higher education backgrounds are opting for vocational training in Lithuania. Through diverse narratives, we explore the success stories of those who have chosen this path, showcasing the transformative power and inclusive nature of vocational education in today's society.

Article in Lithuanian language: Nesimokysi – keliausi į profkę“ – mitas! Profesinių mokyklų atgimimas Lietuvoje
by Young Reporter Aiste Kačkyte for Bendra.lt 
Read the Article at Bendra.lt/M4C

Photo: Young woman lying on a white blanket in the grass © pexels photo

Explore the Hidden Reality of PMDD: A Radio Story by Aistė Kačkytė. Discover the lesser-known yet severe condition affecting millions of women globally. PMDD isn't just your typical PMS; it brings extreme emotional states, even suicidal thoughts. Through insightful discussions with psychiatric and gynecological experts, we unveil the complexities of this misunderstood disorder. Delve into non-drug treatments and essential support resources. It's time to shed light on PMDD and prioritize women's health.

Article in Lithuanian language: Priešmenstruacinis disforinis sindromas(PMDS): sunki būsena, kurią moterys vis dar renkasi kentėti
by Young Reporter Aiste Kačkyte for Bendra.lt 
Read the Article at Bendra.lt/M4C

Illustration: Collage of a black and white photo of a house window with yellow spots © by Olga Wawracz for revue Prostor

In the Czech Republic, apprenticeships evoke conflicting passions. The “dumber” ones go to “apprenticeships”, lower wages in the future are fine because “they should have learned better”, on the other hand “golden Czech hands” still have their “golden bottom” in the craft and “in general there are actually few craftsmen”. Manual workers are often noticed on purpose, we don't address their conditions, why some apprentices go to factories, who can afford to work “on their own” or why the situation is worse in the peripheries.

Original Article in Czech language: Svědectví z učňáků. Čekají zlaté ručičky také zlaté časy?    
by Young Reporters Olga Wawracz and Jiří Šimčík for revue Prostor 
Read the Article at revue Prostor

Illustration: Drawn portraits of three women against a violet, blue and grey background © Tetiana Kostyk for JÁDU

Since 24 February 2022, millions of Ukrainians have experienced first-hand what war and flight mean. In exile, they have to overcome many challenges and rebuild their lives. This takes a lot of strength. The three Ukrainian refugees featured in this series live in Warsaw, Berlin and Prague. They have experienced – and continue to experience – change and continuity in their identities at the same time. JÁDU author Daryna Melashenko met them.

Original Article in German language: Stark trotz Exil – eine Porträtserie von drei ukrainischen Frauen
by Young Reporter Daryna Melashenko for JÁDU
(also available in Ukrainian Original & translation to Czech)
Read the Article at JÁDU

Photo: Ten people sitting around a table, at the back of the wall there is a large mirror in the image of the frame © Eva Štefanková for Kapitál

The reportage about the Muslim community was created during the so-called Iftar - a joint dinner in the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. In it, the author talks to her hosts about migration policy, their life in Turkey and Slovakia. How to integrate into a new culture and at the same time not give up the one from which one comes?

Original Article in Slovakian language: Naša kultúra nie je len „slovenská a žiadna iná“  
by­ Young Reporter Eva Štefanková for Kapitál
Read the Article at Kapitál 

Illustration: Collage of two photos – on the left a corner of a four-story brick house, on the right a photo of rails © Kapitál

Eva, Helena and Banán almost fell to the bottom due to drug addiction, but thanks to the help of the non-profit sector, they found a way to reintegrate into society. Today, all three work in a company that helps people break free from addictions and return to full functioning. What is it like to help people with similar fates?

Original Article in Slovakian language: Keby som prestal brať, do pol roka umriem  
by­ Young Reporter Eva Štefanková for Kapitál
Read the Article at Kapitál 

Photo: A view into the application room. There are two trays with various medical supplies on the table, application boxes with orange chairs can be seen in the background. © Victor Detrez, Gaïa-Paris

Supervised drug use helps reduce the risks of problematic use of illegal substances, as long-term research shows. In localities where application rooms are created, crime and the number of people who use drugs in public are decreasing. We found out what practice looks like in Brno and Paris.  

Original Article in Slovakian language: Najväčším problémom je pocit hanby 
by­ Young Reporter Eva Štefanková for Kapitál
Read the Article at Kapitál

Photo: Housing units in Paupys, the new district in Vilnius that has both very old and very new housing units next to each other © Severina Venckutė

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is moving towards greater spatial segregation. Every new urban development in the city project contributes to this. This conversation with sociologist Tadas Šarūnas is an invitation to reflect on what kind of social reality exists in the city of Vilnius and how it affects the state of Lithuania's democracy.

Original Article in Lithuanian language: Būstas yra ne tik prekė, bet ir teisė. Apie Vilniaus kaitą su sociologu Tadu Šarūnu 
by­ Young Reporter Austėja Pūraitė for NARA
Read the Article at NARA

Photo: Three boys with their bikes in the Lithuanian village of Onuškis © Jonas Baltakis

A Lithuanian-Canadian writer reflects on his connection with a Lithuanian village he was visiting every summer as he was growing up. What remains when the village is slowly disappearing?

Original Article in Lithuanian language: Pievų oro įkvėpimu iš Monrealio grįžtu į Onuškį 
by­ Young Reporter Jonas Baltakis for NARA
Read the Article at NARA

Photo: The protests against the factories began in the city of Göd, where the South Korean company Samsung has been producing batteries for electric cars since 2017 © Tamás Farbaky

With the green transformation and the move away from fossil fuels, demand for electric cars is on the rise. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán wants to make Hungary the leading producer of electric car batteries in Europe. His plans are facing opposition from local residents.

Article in German language: Toxische Belastung durch Fabriken für Elektroauto-Batterien
by Young Reporter Johana Černochová for JÁDU
(also available in Czech Original)
Read the Article at JÁDU