Perspective: Europe

Surreal rearguard state or foretaste of problems yet to come? David Van Reybrouck predicts that the underlying causes of Belgium's political crisis will repeat themselves throughout Europe as the new media call into question established democratic practices.

With the Tunisian revolution and increasing unrest in Algeria, it's time to reconsider our vision of islam. In a European context of spreading islamophobia, Marc Cheb Sun, founder and director the French “Respect Mag” magazine and initiator of an appeal refusing violence committed in the name of islam (1), invites us to change our view of Muslims inside and outside of Europe's borders.

The Greek government has decided to build a “wall of shame” along the border with Turkey because it is overwhelmed by a massive wave of immigration, which its economy can no longer absorb in the midst of an economic crisis. An analysis from our correspondent in Athens. 

Hungary's new media watchdog, barely created, is already scrutinising a small, independent radio. Two Hungarian dailies and a German newspaper published front-page protests at this infringement of press freedom. France and Germany officially call for a change in Hungary's law.