Europe Rendezvous

In this second part of the show we focus on social issues. The Netherlands is often seen as one of the most liberal countries in the world. On the legalisation of soft drugs, prostitution or abortion, it has led the way. We bring you a report on a proposed new law which would broaden the right to euthanasia. We also report on Dutch electric trains which run on wind power. Finally, we visit the European Space Agency in The Hague with MEP Cora Van Nieuwenhuizen.

The Netherlands is gearing up for general elections on March 15. This time the vote is seen as something of a litmus test for the rest of the EU. Geert Wilders, the leader of the far-right PVV, the Party for Freedom, has been leading the polls and has promised to put Dutch membership of the EU to a vote if he becomes the next prime minister. We take a closer look at the PVV. We also meet the Mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, who was born in Morocco and has run the city since 2009.

Bulgarian MEP Andrey Kovatchev joins us to speak to young people. We visit a call centre, TELUS International Europe, and Sofia's History Museum (pictured), with the aim of analysing the challenges of tomorrow. Meanwhile, Luke Brown reports on migrants who are stopped directly at the Turkish-Bulgarian frontier by the new European border guards, and on the problem of pollution in Bulgarian cities.

Ten years after joining the European Union, Bulgaria is still the poorest member of the bloc. EU membership has not been the magic solution to corruption or economic problems that many Bulgarians had hoped for, and a new president who took office this month hopes to improve relations with Russia. We meet the country's Vice-president, Iliana Iotova, and visit the university of food technology and OPTIX, a lens manufacturer.

In this edition we're taking a look back at our best reports from the past year, which was marked by a series of crises for the EU: terrorism, migration and Brexit. In Slovakia (pictured) the government is suing the EU over plans to resettle refugees, in Hungary there is a crackdown on freedom of speech, in Finland refugees are not so welcome and in France, British citizens are worried about their future in light of the Brexit vote.

This month, we look at the major changes afoot in Finland. A long-standing social democratic culture is now under pressure from right-wing forces. The country’s government is allied with the nationalist "True Finns" party, putting Finland’s traditional pro-European identity to the test. FRANCE 24 meets two young Finnish women, Linda and Carolina, who confront Finnish Members of the European Parliament.

This month, we look at the major changes afoot in Finland. A long-standing social democratic culture is now under pressure from right-wing forces. The country’s government is allied with the nationalist "True Finns" party, putting Finland’s traditional pro-European identity to the test. FRANCE 24 meets two young Finnish women, Linda and Carolina, who confront Finnish Members of the European Parliament. Linda, who is involved in humanitarian work, takes us to discover her Helsinki, with its libraries open for public debate, Suomenlinna island and the Design museum. Linda debates with "True Finns" MEP Jussi Halla-aho, from the European Conservatives and Reformists Group.

Chief editor: Caroline de Camaret

Presenter: Eve Irvine

Production and reports: Johan Bodin

Camera operators: Stéphane Bodenne and Johan Bodin

In the second half of Europe Now, we focus on Slovakia's economy. It produces more cars per capita than anywhere else in the world. Over one million rolled off factory floors last year alone, representing 43% of the country's industry. Volkswagen, Kia and Peugeot Citroen have all set up shop here. We find out why.

In Slovakia, the ruling Smer party of Robert Fico has been trying to reinforce borders and keep migrants out. The Prime Minister has lodged a legal complaint against the EU over plans to relocate migrants across the bloc. As Slovakia gears up for elections, FRANCE 24 finds out what life is like for foreigners in the country and what locals think of it all.

Gambling makes up 12% of Malta’s GDP, its second-biggest industry after tourism. Yan Grech works with a French online betting agency. He explains the Maltese love of gambling and tells us of the growing foreign workforce on the islands of Malta, attracted in particular by tax breaks. Jan also interviews MEP Roberto Metsola and finds out how Malta benefits from EU membership.

Chief editor: Caroline de Camaret

Presenter: Eve Irvine

Production: Alix Le Bourdon

Reports: Alix Le Bourdon

Camera operators: Stéphane Bodenne and Luke Brown