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Inside Europe: The Inside Take on European Affairs
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Russia goes to court over French cathedral
More than 100 years ago, the last Russian Tsar built the imposing Saint-Nicolas Cathedral at his Mediterranean watering hole of Nice on the French Riviera. Now, Russia is trying to wrest possession of the building from the religious association that runs it. Moscow says the lease has now run out and ownership must return to the Russian state. The church's occupants disagree. A legal battle that promises to be long and bitter has just begun in a Nice court.
Report: John Laurenson, Nice German soup kitchen feeds needy pets
At this time of year, charities provide a bit of Christmas cheer for the homeless. But it's not only people who queue up at soup kitchens: here in Germany, animals are too. In 2006, Claudia Hollm founded Germany's first soup kitchen for animals, called the Tiertafel, after seeing a TV report about a family that had to give their dog to an animal shelter when the father was made redundant. This story had such an impact on Claudia that there are now 21 Tiertafel centers across the country that feed around 19,000 animals every month.
Report: Cinnamon Nippard, Berlin Credit crunch leads to pocket-sized opera in Italy
For a lot of people, money is tight this festive season - as it is for companies and institutions. In Rome, a small, historic theater was having a hard time surviving. So it turned to trills and arias to help keep it afloat - in other words, opera. But this is not the usual hours-long, mega-productions. This is a new - short - twist on a centuries-old art form. Hear about a night at the opera at the Piccolo Teatro Lirico in Rome's historic center.
Report: Megan Williams, Rome Book reviews Italy's liturgical highlights
Italy has as many beautiful churches as it has fine restaurants. If you want to find a good place to dine, there's a variety of food guides advising what to eat and how much you'll spend. Now, for those who want to find a good place to pray, Italy has its first ever "good mass guide." It's been compiled by Catholic journalist Camillo Langone, and has been selling like hotcakes since it hit the bookstores earlier this year. The Guide to Masses contains over 200 reviews of the most inspiring liturgy and spiritual settings Italy's churches have to offer. Meet the man who proudly defines himself as "Italy's first liturgical critic."
Report: Dany Mitzman, Parma Christian values changing in Poland
Poland is, like Italy, a predominantly Roman Catholic country. The Poles are fervent defenders of Christian values - including marriage. The divorce rate there has traditionally been amongst the lowest in Europe. But times are changing. Marriage vows are no longer so sacred to the younger generation.
Report: Kate Laycock German bikers prove a godsend to church congregations
Church attendance here in Germany has continued to fall over the years. But some religious leaders are looking to tap into a community that, up till now, has rarely been associated with Christian values: namely motorcyclists. Biker clubs like the Flying Angels and the Halleluja Division are springing up across the country. And for churches in search of growing congregations, they are - well, a godsend.
Report: Jennifer Abramsohn, Wermelskirchen Scotland wraps up its Homecoming celebrations
New Year's Eve is almost upon us and, as always, it'll be a night to remember in Scotland. The country's Hogmanay festivities attract tens of thousands of people. But Scotland's been celebrating right throughout 2009 thanks to its Year of Homecoming. More than 400 events have been held to showcase the country's culture and heritage. Kathy Hayes, the Programme Manager for Homecoming Scotland, spoke to Helen Seeney about the festivities. British slapstick comedy rounds out New Year's Eve in Germany
New Year's Eve in Germany is, not surprisingly, one big party with the usual cheering crowds and popping champagne corks. But there's also a slightly more unusual tradition which is strictly observed before revelers hit the streets to watch the fireworks. And that is to sit down in front of the television and watch a crackly, 18-minute black and white comedy sketch called "Dinner for One" - which is in English. It's wildly popular in the German-speaking countries yet it's largely unknown throughout the rest of the world.
Report: Neale Lytollis, Berlin
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