News stories by Daan Bauwens

GHENT, Belguim, Dec 06 (IPS) - Unjustified extra charges on drinking water, exploitation of labourers in the countryside and uncontrolled property speculation. In Europe's periphery, citizens' initiatives show how all too prevalent modern-day ailments can be tackled successfully. More often than not with the help of artists.

BRUSSELS, Nov 30 (IPS) - At the end of this year, migrants will have sent 466 billion dollars to family and friends in their countries of origin. Despite this record amount these remittances have little to no effect on the dire economic state of affairs in those home countries. Earlier this week in Brussels, a group of experts convened to think of ways to make the sent money work in a way that benefits more than just a few lucky families. 

BRUSSELS, Jun 08 (IPS) - Lawmakers at the highest levels urgently need a "revolution in thinking" to tackle the twin problem of sustainable food production and migration. Starting with an inaugural event in Brussels, then travelling on to New York and Milan, an international team of experts led by the Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition (BCFN) is urging far-reaching reforms in agricultural and migration policy on an international scale.

RIGNANO GARGANICO, Italy, Dec 12 (IPS) - Despite deplorable living conditions, loneliness and unemployment, many African migrants in Italy choose to stay - even when they have the means to return.

BRUSSELS, Nov 27 (IPS) - In the run-up to the fifth EU-Africa summit in Côte d'Ivoire, the future of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between Europe and its former colonies looks bleaker than ever. While most of Europe's trade partners around the world keep refusing to sign the deals, the African Union's Commissioner for Trade will most likely announce a moratorium on all EPAs.

FOLLONICA, Italy, Nov 09 (IPS) - As countless refugees arriving on Italy's shores report torture, extortion and forced labour in Libyan detention centers, many say they never intended to make the journey to Europe until the chaos in Libya left them no other choice.

BRUSSELS, Jul 12 (IPS) - In an unexpected move, European parliamentarians have approved a new biofuel regulation that will take emissions from indirect land use change into account. The new text allows the biofuel sector to expand, sending a clear signal to world food markets and jeopardising food security for the world's poorest.

BRUSSELS, May 16 (IPS) - International donors pledged yesterday to mobilise 3.25 billion Euros to rebuild Mali, a figure that surpassed all expectations. But experts warn that the country does not have the absorption capacity for so much aid, while others say donors should pressure the Malian government to stop ongoing human rights abuses.

TOKYO, Mar 02 (IPS) - After two decades of economic stagnation and serial natural disasters, a growing number of young Japanese believe social entrepreneurship is the best way to rebuild their society.

TOKYO, Feb 04 (IPS) - Funding for reconstruction is beginning to decline after the tsunami almost two years ago - but in large parts of Japan's north-eastern region reconstruction has yet to begin. More and more young Japanese are now moving into this area for reconstruction in a new way.