Back to the future: Berlin reconsiders fossil fuels

Germany is debating how to generate its electricity in the coming decades. After the Fukushima disaster, German voters made it clear they wanted to close the country's nuclear reactors. However, this means coming up with a substitute for nuclear power fast, since Germany currently relies on nuclear power for nearly a quarter of its electricity needs. Now, it seems, they may just have found the answer.

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30/04/2013 - ENVIRONMENT

EU bans three bee-harming pesticides for two years

Environmentalists hailed a "victory for bees" on Monday after the European Union voted for a ban on several nerve-agent pesticides blamed for the dramatic decline in global bee populations. Fifteen of the 27 member states, including France, voted for a two-year restriction on the neonicotinoids, despite strong opposition from chemical companies.

30/04/2013 - NETHERLANDS

Royal family remains popular as Willem-Alexander takes throne

The Netherlands is celebrating its new King, Willem-Alexander. His mother Queen Beatrix bid an emotional farewell after a reign that has spanned more than three decades. When she took the throne, back in 1980, Republicans hit the streets to protest against the monarchy. Now, the royal family enjoys the support of more than 80 percent of the Dutch people. We look at what has changed and examine the new king's role.

29/04/2013 - ALGERIA

Bouteflika's health: an endless source of speculation

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is undergoing treatment in Paris after suffering a mini-stroke on Sunday. The 76-year-old has been in power since 1999 and faces a presidential election next year. His health has been an endless source of speculation in recent years, but is the country ready for a post-Bouteflika era - and is there a succession plan in place?

29/04/2013 - USA

Keystone XL Pipeline: to build or not to build?

US President Barack Obama currently faces the biggest test of his green credentials. The administration is hesitating over whether to give the green light to the construction of the huge Keystone XL pipeline. If built, the pipeline would transfer 800,000 barrels of tar sands oil per day from Canada to Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. Will Obama side with the green lobby or with those demanding jobs and increased energy independence?

26/04/2013 - BALKANS

Serbia apologises for Srebrenica massacre

Serbia's president Tomislav Nikolic took the unprecedented step on Thursday of apologising for the Srebrenica massacre. Nikolic had previously denied that Serbian forces committed crimes during the wars in former Yugoslavia. Analysts see Serbia's hand being forced by Brussels in return for eventual EU membership.

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