En France, un demi million de femmes et d'hommes sont des bénévoles ou des volontaires qui secourent gratuitement leurs concitoyens. Salariés, étudiants ou retraités, ils sacrifient leurs vacances, jonglent avec leur vie privée et professionnelle pour porter assistance aux Français. Qu'ils soient pompiers volontaires, bénévoles de la Croix Rouge, de la Protection Civile ou sauveteurs de la Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer, ces secouristes sont devenus indispensables. Ils interviennent sur les attentats, aux domiciles des particuliers, sur les accidents de la route, les naufrages en mer, les grands évènements sportifs ou culturels… et remplacent de plus en plus les services publics en manque de moyens et d'effectifs.
With a staggering 1112 episodes across seven seasons, 'RE: European Stories' is not your average TV series; it's an immersive experience that takes viewers on a captivating tour of Europe. This reportage magazine showcases different aspects of the continent - from focusing on significant political events such as elections to painting detailed portraits of individual countries or highlighting the efforts of single persons driving small-scale European projects.
The series starts powerfully with episode 1 focusing on the right-wing populist 'Party for Freedom' (PVV) which could become the strongest force in the Dutch elections held on March 15, 2017. It portrays how this development becomes a nightmare for migrants and Muslims in the country, demonstrating how rigid positions in this once liberal flagship democracy are. The high-emotional election campaign is shown to change society significantly.
Moving further into Eastern Europe, episode 2 sheds light on Poland's growing fear of Russian invasion since the Ukraine crisis. It shows tens of thousands of men and women trading their everyday outfits for olive-green combat attire to train for defending their homeland. Even Polish education is seen embracing militarization trends with over 30,000 students attending uniform classes where they receive military training using real weapons.