Revelations of corruption involving public funds and media control in Croatia led to the dismissal of key political figures. The Croatian Journalists’ Association highlights systemic issues in media funding, with local media often dependent on political goodwill, compromising journalistic integrity. Research shows widespread non-transparent funding practices, with local governments using public money for political promotion. The Media Freedom Act by the European Union aims to address these issues, though its scope is limited. Efforts are underway to establish independent juries for media funding to protect both media independence and local administrations.

The Croatian government is proposing new legislation to criminalize unauthorized leaks from criminal proceedings, which has sparked significant backlash from journalists and legal experts who argue it will stifle journalistic freedom and deter potential sources. The proposed law, known as 'Lex A.P.', has been criticized for lacking protective clauses for journalists and potentially allowing the seizure of their communication tools. Additionally, a new media law draft, which includes controversial measures such as creating a registry of journalists and requiring them to reveal sources, has been put on hold. These legislative changes come as Croatia approaches a 'super election' year in 2024, with high stakes for the country's political landscape.

The Balkans' rail network has suffered from decades of underinvestment, leading to deteriorating infrastructure and slow, unreliable services. Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina exemplify the region's struggles, with outdated technology and fragmented railway companies. Despite new development projects and EU funding, modernization is slow, and liberalization poses risks to local companies. Historical context, such as the impact of the Yugoslav wars and subsequent national restructuring, further complicates the situation. The article highlights the need for better maintenance and strategic investment to revitalize the rail network.

Lauren Brody discusses the challenges faced by working mothers, emphasizing the need for workplace flexibility and better parental leave policies. She introduces the concept of the 'fifth trimester,' a transitional period for new mothers returning to work. Brody highlights the pervasive 'mom guilt' and the lack of social support for parents in the US. She advocates for companies to offer paid family leave, support childcare needs, and encourage fathers to take paternity leave to promote gender equality. Brody also stresses the importance of speaking up for workplace needs and supporting cultural change to improve conditions for working parents.

The interview with Zilka Spahić-Šiljak explores the impact of ethnic divisions on human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly focusing on women's rights. It highlights the challenges posed by patriarchal structures, domestic violence, and the lack of systemic support for victims. The discussion also touches on the influence of religious teachings and the need for educational reform to promote gender equality. Spahić-Šiljak emphasizes the importance of using cultural and religious narratives to advance human rights and criticizes the insufficient political attention to women's issues, especially those affected by war.

Chefs like Alexis Gauthier, Susanne Kirlew, Oscar Holgado, Tom Hunt, and Chantelle Nicholson are pioneering sustainable cuisine by adopting veganism, reducing food waste, and promoting local and seasonal produce. Gauthier transitioned his London restaurant to a fully vegan menu, inspired by Aymeric Caron's writings on animal consciousness. Kirlew uses her media presence to advocate for veganism and health benefits. Holgado emphasizes sustainable farming at Coombeshead Farm, while Hunt campaigns against food waste through initiatives like Forgotten Feast. Despite challenges, these chefs believe in the potential of plant-based cuisine to drive environmental change and influence consumer habits.

The Netherlands, a global agricultural powerhouse, faces significant water pollution challenges due to intensive farming practices. Environmental scientist Marina Vijver from the University of Leiden highlights the subtle yet pervasive contamination affecting aquatic ecosystems. Despite advanced purification systems, excess nutrients and pesticides harm aquatic life. The EU's water protection legislation aims to address these issues, but implementation delays persist. Researchers like Wijnand Sukkel at Wageningen University explore sustainable farming methods, while small-scale farmers like Joke Wierenga advocate for community-supported agriculture. High land prices and EU subsidies favoring large farms complicate widespread adoption of sustainable practices.

Croatia's Pelješac bridge, funded largely by EU Cohesion Policy funds, aims to connect the southern and northern parts of the country, bypassing Bosnian territory. The project, awarded to the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), marks China's first EU tender win and is part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Despite accusations of price dumping from competitors like Strabag and Astaldi, the project has faced no environmental issues. The bridge is seen as a strategic move for China to enter the EU market, with future Chinese investments in Croatia anticipated. The construction is on track for completion by February 2022, despite disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The article explores the moral conflict faced by individuals working in polluting industries like aviation and oil. Todd Smith, a former pilot, and Neil Rothnie, a retired oil industry worker, both became environmental activists after realizing the impact of their careers on climate change. Antoine, a young engineer, believes in driving change from within the industry but faces social pressure. The narrative highlights the growing awareness and activism against climate change, the internal struggles of those in high-emission jobs, and the urgent need for a faster transition to sustainable energy sources.

In 1856, Melbourne stonemasons' successful demand for an eight-hour workday led to the construction of the Victorian Trades Hall, one of the oldest continuously operating union buildings. Similar buildings emerged globally, such as Germany's oldest union building in Friedrichsthal and Ghana's Hall of Trade Unions. The Museum of Workers in Denmark is spearheading efforts to have these buildings recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, highlighting their historical and cultural significance. The initiative aims to showcase the global nature of labor movements and the universal values of workers' dignity, equality, and solidarity.