An explicit content website in Italy called Phica, a misspelt slang for female genitalia, was finally shut down on Thursday after it was circulating photos of women without their consent.

Among those targeted were some of Italy’s most high-profile figures like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, opposition leader Elly Schlein, European Parliament member Alessandra Moretti and others. The images were often lifted from TV appearances or social media, then altered, sexualised, and accompanied by vulgar captions. But why are sites like this still operating with impunity?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.

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Denmark’s prime minister Mette Frederiksen and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the prime minister of Greenland apologised officially this Wednesday for the roles of their countries in the historic mistreatment of Greenlandic Indigenous girls and women, including forced contraception under the so-called “Spiral Case.” But can an apology alone deliver justice?

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Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.

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France is staring down at yet another political crisis. Prime Minister François Bayrou has announced a confidence vote for the 8th of September, a move that could very well bring down his government.

Bayrou is pushing through an austerity plan worth 44 billion euros to cut France’s soaring deficit, currently at 5.8% of GDP, nearly double the EU’s target. His proposals include scrapping two public holidays and freezing spending. But, why the gamble and what can happen after September 8th?

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Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.

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They call it Europe’s backbone: the rural heartlands. Covering more than 80 percent of the EU’s territory but home to less than 30 percent of its population, rural areas are vital for food, biodiversity, and climate resilience, yet face population decline, ageing communities, poor infrastructure, and limited digital access.

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Evi Kiorri explores what life is really like far from the cities, speaking with Emanuele Monaco, who left urban life to build a distillery in rural Puglia, Italy. Through his story, we uncover both the challenges and the opportunities of rural life: from revitalising communities and sustainable farming to attracting young families and new ideas. Join us as we examine how policies, investment, and community effort could shape the future of Europe’s countryside.

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.

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On Monday morning, Israeli forces launched not one, but two strikes on Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The first hit just after 10am. Then, around ten minutes later, as journalists and medics rushed to the scene, a second strike hit the same spot.

At least twenty people were killed. Among them: five journalists and four health workers. The journalists were working for outlets including Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye and others. But, how is Israel justifying this latest attack, one that, on many fronts, may amount to a war crime?

Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.

Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.

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Over the weekend, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stepped in to defend the EU- US tariff deal, after sharp criticism from Mario Draghi, economist, former ECB chief and former Italian prime minister who, just last year, was asked by von der Leyen to compile a report with ideas to ramp up the EU's economic growth.

So, is the tariff deal a smart compromise, or proof of Europe’s weakening influence?

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Our daily news podcast Long Story Short is currently on a break for the Summer period until the 25th of August. As a Summer treat for our audience, we are dropping every day an episode of one of our most successful podcast series: Disconnected in 2050. So, to make the most of this episode make sure you have listened to earlier episodes of Disconnected in 2050 on this feed.

About Disconnected in 2050

It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.

Episode 10

In Episode 10, Ezra is definitely taking the plunge. Grounded hacks Infinity. The resistance begins.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our daily news podcast Long Story Short is currently on a break for the Summer period until the 25th of August. As a Summer treat for our audience, we are dropping every day an episode of one of our most successful podcast series: Disconnected in 2050. So, to make the most of this episode make sure you have listened to earlier episodes of Disconnected in 2050 on this feed.

About Disconnected in 2050

It’s 2050 and young Ezra is hyperconnected to Infinity, a metaverse that has transformed Brussels and facilitates most actions in everyone’s lives. Almost everyone. One day, Ezra discovers archives from the 2020s that put her on the trail of a retired journalist, a "disconnected." This starts Ezra’s journey to uncover the mysteries of an oppressive and corrupt system.

Episode 9

In Episode 9, Ezra doesn't find Cy but meets up with Adrien and a group of disconnected people in a hidden bar for what looks like the beginnings of the resistance to Infinity.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.