The article discusses the severe poverty and lack of basic amenities such as running water in Moldova, Europe's poorest country according to the UN's Human Development Index. It highlights the hardships faced by villagers in Grozesti, where water from wells is the only source and is contaminated with iron and fluoride, leading to health issues. The article mentions a project funded by Austrian and Swiss aid to bring running water to Grozesti. It also covers the widespread emigration of Moldova's working-age population, the social problems arising from it, and efforts by Gabrielle Damian's institute to support vocational education. The recent EU Association Agreement signed by Moldova is seen as a potential lifeline for economic development and modernization. Despite the challenges, some young Moldovans, like radio journalist Daniel Voda, are committed to staying and improving their country's situation.

A three-day youth climate conference, the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), is being held in Vienna to gather climate action ideas from young people and present them at the COP27 in Egypt. The conference, organized by groups like CliMates, aims to empower youth aged 14 to 30 through workshops and idea exchanges. Austrian youth delegates will represent the country's youth at COP27, aiming to ensure their voices are heard on an international stage. Despite past frustrations with youth delegates being ignored at climate conferences, there is hope for more engagement at local and national levels. The event also offers networking, empowerment, and lighter moments like a pub quiz. The LCOY is seen as complementary to more direct activism like Fridays For Future, providing different avenues for climate action.

The article discusses various lifestyle and cultural aspects of living in Vienna, including the city's vegan food options, its historical love affair with coffee, the growing range of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages, and the adaptation of Austrian vintners to modern sales tactics during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also touches on the fun of becoming a self-taught wine writer and explores the meaning and connections of Viennese slang terms.

Two forest rangers, Liviu Pop and Raducu Gorcioaia, were recently murdered in Romania amid escalating violence over illegal logging in the country's virgin forests. Gabriel Paun, head of the environmental group Agent Green, expressed outrage over the killings and the impunity of the perpetrators, criticizing the Romanian authorities for their inaction. Despite the dangers, Paun and his team continue to monitor the forests, using technology like solar-powered phones to detect illegal activity. Conservationist Magor Csibi highlighted the ecological importance of virgin forests, which are being destroyed at an alarming rate, with illegal logging outpacing legal cuts. Gabriel Paun has called on the designated head of government, Ludovic Orban, to take decisive action against the 'forest mafia' and protect what remains of Europe's last great virgin forests.

Nearly three decades after the Velvet Revolution, the legacy of communism continues to influence Czech politics. The new Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš, has controversially sought support from Communist Party MPs, and his past as an informer for the secret police has been scrutinized. Protests reminiscent of the Velvet Revolution have occurred, opposing figures like Zdeněk Ondráček, a former riot squad officer. The Czech Republic's growth as one of the fastest economies in the EU contrasts with the historical economic suppression under communism. The 50th anniversary of the Prague Spring highlights a lack of historical education on the period, despite its significance in shaping Czech society and its spirit of protest.

The Hobby Tennis Tour (HTT) in Austria offers amateur tennis players a competitive experience similar to the professional ATP tour, with over 100 tournaments from January to November. Organized by Claus Lippert, the HTT accommodates players' schedules and has grown to over 1,000 participants. The tour features tiered entry systems and Grand Slams on different surfaces, mirroring the ATP's structure. Players like Marcus Schischlik and Markus Göbel appreciate the HTT for the increased number of competitive matches and the performance-oriented atmosphere. Clubs hosting the tournaments benefit from the influx of players, and the HTT has seen increased popularity since the internet's rise. The HTT provides an opportunity for players to live out their tennis dreams and improve their skills, with the potential for some to follow in the footsteps of Austrian tennis stars like Thomas Muster and Dominic Thiem.

Galle Cricket Club, set against the Indian Ocean and the fortified old city, is a historic and picturesque cricket ground in Sri Lanka. The city of Galle is known for its passion for cricket, with informal matches played by schoolboys against the backdrop of the fort. The ground has witnessed cricketing milestones, such as Muttiah Muralitharan's 400th and 800th wickets, and Shane Warne's 500th wicket. It also symbolizes resilience after serving as a refuge following the devastating 2004 tsunami. The author describes attending a local match, the 'Lovers' Quarrel' between Richmond College and Mahinda College, and the vibrant cricket culture, including the camaraderie and festivities surrounding the game.