Eurovision and Olympics: can culture be separated from politics?
As the Olympic Games and Eurovision once again claim political neutrality, ongoing wars, selective bans, and public protests expose how fragile that statement really is. By comparing the IOC’s and EBU’s inconsistent decisions on participation, this article questions whether events built on national representation can ever be apolitical — and whether continuing to pretend so only deepens public distrust.
Blame it on the Newcomers: Who is really to blame for the Dutch housing crisis?
In the Netherlands, finding a place to live has become harder than getting admitted to university. As politicians point to international students as part of the problem, the real question remains: is the housing crisis caused by the people arriving, or by the houses that were never built?
Those of us who live on the social outskirts of our own country – a collection of queer stories.
“…One wrong turn and you may end up dead.” – Here’s what queer people are saying about the rising pressure they face in Georgia.
Too tired to care? What regulatory and climate fatigue are doing to the EU
Simplification comes hand-in-hand with the recently approved Omnibus package. But, is this shift merely technical or does it reflect something deeper about the Union? A growing sense of fatigue may be at the heart of this transformation.
The Rise of the “Instagram Face”: When Beauty Becomes a Template
Scroll through Instagram long enough and the faces begin to blur together. The same lips, the same cheekbones, the same sculpted jawline. In the age of the “Instagram face,” beauty is no longer about individuality — it’s about fitting the algorithm.
The Vital Role of Third Places in Society
Cafes, parks, libraries—these “Third Places” are more than hangouts. Outside home and work, they spark conversation, forge friendships, and shape young minds. In a world of screens and social distance, preserving these spaces isn’t optional—it’s essential for connection, growth, and a healthy society.
Malta Pays Drivers €25,000 to Quit — But the Traffic Keeps Coming
Malta’s latest transport policy offers €25,000 to drivers who surrender their licence, but many argue the scheme risks becoming an expensive distraction from the island’s deeper traffic crisis.
Noma Island Controversy Deepens as Political Links and Permit Questions Emerge
Public concern grows over the Noma Island floating platform, with mayors, NGOs, and residents citing environmental risks and overcrowding. A petition demands transparency and safeguards. Momentum leader Arnold Cassola highlights potential political links, fueling fears of lobbying and weak regulation. The project has become a test of Malta’s governance and public trust.
Can Young People Still Afford to Live in Malta?
For young Maltese, homeownership is slipping away. Apartment prices soared 10% last year, leaving minimum-wage couples able to afford just 2% of listings. Many rely on family support, while apartments shrink and costs rise. Government schemes help some, but independence is a struggle. Across the EU, rising prices and lagging supply echo Malta’s crisis, reminding young buyers that a home is more than walls—it’s security, stability, and hope.
