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.

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.

Episode 01: “The disaster is here” France presents itself as a global climate leader—but at home, environmental activists are facing increasing repression from the authorities. In this episode, host Seden Anlar speaks with activists Arthur Grimon and Lea Hobson of Les Soulèvements de la Terre, who share what it’s like to face police raids, surveillance, and accusations of “eco-terrorism” for protesting environmental destruction. With insights from Amnesty International’s Catrinel Motoc and trauma expert Guido Veronese, we explore how AI surveillance, counterterrorism rhetoric, and repressive laws are reshaping protest—and how this crackdown is affecting activists’ mental health, human rights, and the future of climate resistance in France and beyond.

In this episode, Sasha meets artist Robert Shepherd, a Canadian who has been living in Amsterdam for over a decade, providing a “front-row” perspective on the industry. Shepherd explains how the open mic community grew after the pandemic and lockdowns, with Amsterdam’s diversity and rich cultural life creating fertile ground.

In the third episode, Sasha goes behind the scenes of the open-mic community to talk to four concert organisers. They discuss why they host such events; what open mics mean to them and why they believe open mics have become a safe space for people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

In the second episode of With an Open Mic, Sasha delves more into the daily lives and migration backgrounds of protagonists Bobby Sunshine and Sofia Popova. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine disrupted their lives — as they adapt to their new lives in the Netherlands, music plays a key role.

With an open mic is an audio documentary series about the diverse music community in Amsterdam by Sasha Sadikov. In this episode, Sasha meets two musicians, Sofia Popova from Ukraine and Bobby Sunshine, from Russia, who both fled the war, ended up in Amsterdam, and began their journey toward a new creative life on the open stage.

With an open mic is an audio documentary series about the diverse music community in Amsterdam by Sasha Sadikov.

On the streets of Amsterdam, guest producers/media students from the Thomas More University in Flanders - Lukas Emmerechts and Nataliya Huchok - ask people one question: "Who or what influences who you vote for?"

If we expect our stories to truly portray European core values, identity, and politics, we need journalists where news doesn't make it out of local headlines. This podcast is about those stories and how they have been told by media makers. In this episode, recorded during The Circle's Design Sprint in Porto, Portugal, Are We Europe's Giada Santana speaks with Hostwriter's Tina Lee, editor in chief of Unbias the News, and local producer Luis Fernandes. They discuss Portuguese journalism, the difficult life of creatives in the country, and how to represent the underrepresented. This podcast is part of The Circle, a EU-funded project created to increase opportunities for local and cross-border media collaboration. Credits: Sound design & production: Giada Santana Project Overview: Teresa O' Connell Music: Fado da Mouraria, Joao Victoria

Are We Europe's Mya Berger interviews Jarek Oleszczynski, one of the creators behind the photo story “The Forgotten Remedy” from our latest magazine, Vices & Values.

On the streets of Martinique - still considered an overseas region of France - Producer Giada Santana asks people one question: "How has climate change affected you?"

From Minsk and London, a story about the meaning of freedom. Hanna Komar, a poet, was jailed for her activism in Belarus. This week, she tells us what it’s like to move from a place where people have to fight for basic rights, to a place where people take them for granted.

This week, a story about Mohamed, living in limbo while trapped in a labyrinth of bureaucracy.

A story that spans three generations of women: Sara, her mother, and her grandmother. In their collective lifetimes, Albania entered a communist dictatorship; the regime fell; and then there was a transition. And through it all, there was a dish: trahana.

On the streets of Berlin, Producer Stefano Montali asks people one question: "When's the last time you were very happy?"

Are We Europe's Creative Director, Eddie Stok and Designer, Ana Rodrigues, discuss the creation of the latest magazine, Down To Earth.

Climate activist Cass Hebron spoke to Are We Europe's Editor-in-Chief Anneleen Ophoff about her newsletter "The Green Fix", and making the changes needed to have a positive impact on the climate crisis.

Visual storyteller Diana Takacsova spoke to Are We Europe's Editorial Intern, Ioana Pleșea about Takacsova's photo series - "Between the Rows" - which tells the story of migrant workers in Portugal. It is featured in our latest magazine "Down To Earth".

Are We Europe's Editor-in-chief, Anneleen Ophoff and Deputy editor, Juli Simond, discuss the the latest issue, "Down to Earth".