We bring immersive, border-breaking stories about identity and culture from all corners of Europe straight to your ears. Every week you can listen to a readout from our print magazine, an episode from one of the podcasts in our Podcast Family, an exclusive behind the scenes interview or an original narrative story. Using cutting-edge audio storytelling techniques, we tell the stories of Europeans from Moldova to Ireland.
03. Security or Surveillance? Climate Activism Under Watch in France: “Hope after the algorithm"'
Artificial intelligence is reshaping public life in Europe – not just through automation, but through surveillance.
In the final episode of Security or Surveillance?, host Seden Anlar explores how AI-powered monitoring tools are increasingly being used to police protests, monitor dissent, and chill political participation in France and across the EU.
We hear from legal expert Erik Tuchtfeld, who breaks down the complex legal landscape surrounding AI surveillance, fundamental rights, and the challenges of pushing back through European courts. Climate activists Arthur Grimon and Lea Hobson reflect on what it means to resist in the face of surveillance, police violence, and criminalisation – and how solidarity, resilience, and international connections fuel their fight.
With insights from psychologist and trauma researcher Prof. Guido Veronese and human rights advocate Caterina Rodelli, we explore the power of activism as a coping mechanism and a path to human connection – as demonstrated by ongoing struggles across climate justice, migration, and anti-racist movements.
This podcast was produced within the scope of FOCUS, a project co-financed by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EU CERV. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
17 Jul 2025
02. Security or Surveillance? Climate Activism Under Watch in France: “The algorithm is watching"
Algorithmic Video Surveillance (AVS) is quietly reshaping how public spaces are monitored – turning everyday life into a site of constant observation, prediction, and control.
In this episode, host Seden Anlar continues her conversation with digital rights groups, mental health experts and activists, to explore the human cost of surveillance technologies that go beyond watching to predicting behaviour.
AVS, first developed for large-scale sports events, is now being deployed to monitor city streets, protests, and daily routines. As surveillance shifts from investigating crimes to anticipating dissent, activists face not only political repression but a deeper psychological toll – anxiety, depression, and exhaustion by design.
We ask: what happens when surveillance isn’t about stopping crime, but about making people hesitate? And how does this dissolve solidarity, trust, and the very foundations of resistance?
This podcast was produced within the scope of FOCUS, a project co-financed by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EU CERV. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
23 Jun 2025
01. Security or Surveillance? Climate Activism Under Watch in France: “The disaster is here”
Host Seden Anlar interviews activists Arthur Grimon and Lea Hobson about facing police raids and surveillance for protesting environmental destruction in France, exploring the impact on mental health and human rights with insights from Catrinel Motoc and Guido Veronese.
Who has been a guest on ARE WE EUROPE
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Arthur Grimon
Lea Hobson
Robert Shepherd
four concert organizers
Bobby Sunshine
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