European Union

Bright graffiti with an astronaut on the wall of an industrial building

«Extractors» of Antwerp: recruitment of youth in the port

Antwerp combines economic prosperity with significant social inequality between neighborhoods. In the most vulnerable communities, adolescents face poverty, limited access to education and employment, which facilitates their recruitment by criminal groups. The port infrastructure is used for cocaine smuggling, and minors are drawn into…

French police van on a Paris street

France: protests and riots

In France, protests by high school students and university students dissatisfied with the conditions of education have been ongoing for several weeks. A general day of mobilization will take place on October 6. Teacher unions and other organizations will join the protesters. The reasons for their emergence We believe that the discontent that has manifested in protests and…

The pier of Blackpool with the Ferris wheel and tower

This is England: the social crisis of Blackpool

AI SUMMARY In Blackpool, the level of teenage pregnancy is significantly higher than the average in England: in 2023, approximately 65 conceptions were registered among girls under 18, with a rate of about 28 cases per 1000 compared to 13.5 nationwide. After a decline since 2004…

An old restaurant sign with the inscription «Comfort, tranquility, and beautiful view» against the backdrop of urban development

Northern Bulgaria: demographic crisis and poverty

AI SUMMARY Northern Bulgaria, especially the regions of Vidin, Vratsa, Pleven, and Montana, remains one of the most underdeveloped areas in the EU. Historical agricultural peripheral status, uneven industrialization, weak infrastructure, low investment, unemployment, and demographic decline exacerbate poverty and population migration. Socio-economic vulnerability contributes to the rise…

human trafficking romania

Human trafficking in Romania | Subtext

AI SUMMARY Romania remains one of the main countries of origin for victims of human trafficking in the EU, despite a relatively low level of violent crime. In 2020–2024, 2662 victims were identified, about half of whom were children, who were predominantly exploited sexually or through forced labor.…