Welcome to Europe Uncovered #6!
A new newsletter where we bring you the most hard-hitting investigative journalism from across Europe – stories that reveal hidden power, systemic failures, and financial misconduct. Handpicked from top media outlets from all across the continent, these investigations expose what others want to keep in the dark.
This week: investigations into why thousands of women in Europe must travel abroad for abortions, how Austria’s ex-chancellor found a new role in Israel’s spyware scene, and whether Frontex’s reform promises can withstand political resistance. Plus: fake experts in UK media, anti-money laundering failures in Swiss private bank, and the legacy of forced sterilisation in Slovakia.
Know a must-read investigation for our next issue? Send your tips to [email protected]
Under the spotlight🇪🇺🚗 Over 5,000 women in Europe have to travel abroad for abortions each year
Público & partners | 07 April 2025
This cross-border investigation reveals, through data and personal testimonies, how thousands of women in Europe still have to travel to neighbouring countries to get an abortion due to the barriers they face at home – even in states where abortion is legal. Coordinated by Público (Spain), conducted by journalists from across the continent and published by 11 media outlets.
🇪🇺🛑Poisoned chalice: Is Frontex director’s clean-up operation doomed to failure?
Balkan Insight | 08 April 2025
This investigation explores whether Hans Leijtens, the new director of EU border agency Frontex, can reform an institution long plagued by secrecy and implicated in illegal pushbacks of migrants and refugees. Despite his promises of transparency and rights-based leadership, the report reveals how Leijtens faces fierce resistance from member states like Greece and Bulgaria, where abuses persist, and how his cautious, diplomatic approach may be too weak to challenge the systemic violations occurring at Europe’s external borders.
🇦🇹🛰️ The talented Mr. Kurz: How Austria’s ex-leader made it big in Israel’s cyber industry
Follow the Money | 08 April 2025
This investigation reveals how former Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz partnered with controversial Israeli spyware figure Shalev Hulio to launch Dream Security, a secretive AI cybersecurity firm employing ex-spyware operatives and marketing its tools to governments and corporations – raising concerns over data privacy, political influence, and links to past surveillance abuses.
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We also liked🇨🇭💸 Anti-money laundering gaps at Swiss bank
Leaked letters show how the Swiss private bank Reyl failed to prevent money laundering while serving high-risk clients linked to autocratic regimes and corruption. A joint story between OCCRP, Le Monde, Irpi Media, and Paper Trail Media.
🇬🇧🤖British media increasingly quoting fake experts
This investigation by Press Gazette reveals how fake or unverifiable ‘expert commentators’ – often created or promoted via AI and PR firms – are increasingly being quoted in major UK media outlets.
🇸🇰⚖️ Slovakia’s sterilised Roma women
This investigation by Kapitál reveals how Romani women in Slovakia were illegally sterilised without informed consent and how, despite decades of activism and a formal government apology, most of the victims are still waiting for justice and compensation.
That’s all for this week – stay informed, stay critical, and see you next time with more must-read investigations from across Europe. Have feedback or a tip for our next edition? Reach out at nathan.do[email protected].