Éric Lenoir, self-described 'punk gardener', advocates for a more observant and less interventionist approach to gardening, challenging the notion that humans are 'masters of nature'. He emphasizes the use of natural resources, such as young tree shoots and leaves, for sustainable fertilization. His methods inspire both the industry and research, including the European project BFerst, which is exploring bio-fertilizers to reduce environmental impact. Lenoir's philosophy is detailed in his book 'Le grand traité du jardin punk', and he promotes a 'punk approach' to gardening, which involves questioning mainstream practices and finding low-cost, effective solutions that respect nature's autonomy.

In Fehring, near Graz, Austria, the 60-person Cambium community has transformed a former military barracks into an ecological village, pioneering recycling and reuse practices. They have developed a 'Biomeiler', a wood compost pile that generates heat for their greenhouse. The greenhouse, constructed from repurposed barracks materials, is essential for cleaning the community's greywater, excluding toilet waste. Environmental engineer Marco Hartl from Alchemia-nova has implemented the VertECO solution, a nature-based system that uses plants and microorganisms to purify water without additional energy. The regenerated water is then used to irrigate a garden with about 70 crops. The community is crowdfunded and supported by the European Houseful project.

The article discusses the story of Salvatore, a brain cancer patient who made headlines for decrypting his medical records and sharing them online, which he described as a 'bio-political act'. It highlights the emotional and psychological challenges faced by cancer patients, who often feel reduced to their illness. The article also touches on the concept of 'narrative medicine', an approach that emphasizes the importance of listening to and valuing patients' experiences. Additionally, it mentions the European project Ulises, which is developing a nanotechnology-based therapy for pancreatic cancer, and the need for financial support from the pharmaceutical industry to advance clinical trials. The article underscores the urgency of developing new therapies, given the high mortality rate of pancreatic cancer.

Energy providers often market 'green tariffs,' which can range from 100% renewable energy to greenwashing. Greenwashing involves misleading claims about sustainability for marketing purposes. Kit Dixon of Good Energy, a fully renewable supplier, recalls a British provider that claimed 100% renewable energy after buying REGO certificates. REGOs and European Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) track renewable energy to the final consumer. Critics argue that these certificates allow providers to label non-renewable energy as green. Volker Kromrey of the Lake Constance Foundation and Gianluca Ruggieri of the Italian cooperative ènostra discuss the challenges consumers face in finding genuinely green tariffs and the importance of supporting renewable energy generators.

Le Recho, a female-led project founded by actress and cook Vanessa Krycève, aims to use the unifying power of cooking to foster connections between refugees and local residents. Since its inception in 2016, the association has prepared 22,000 meals with refugees. The initiative, which has been well received by locals, includes cooking workshops and communal meals. It is seen as a way to overcome prejudices and build a new world, contrasting with capitalist ideologies like those of Wall Street. Le Recho also runs a restaurant in Paris that helps refugees become professional chefs, further aiding their integration.

May 3 marks World Press Freedom Day, established by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a recommendation from UNESCO's 66th session. The 2017 event in Jakarta, Indonesia, carries the theme 'Critical minds for critical times.' UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutierres called for an end to the persecution of journalists, emphasizing their role in promoting freedom and peace. Amnesty International highlighted concerns over press freedom in Turkey and the United States. Reporters Sans Frontières' annual report noted a global decline in press freedom, with Turkey's ranking falling and the US also seeing a drop. Scandinavian countries topped the press freedom index, while Italy ranked 52nd, and North Korea remained at the bottom.

The self-proclaimed Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an attack that caused several casualties near the US embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. Ministry and security sources estimate 8 dead and over 20 injured. A NATO Resolute Support mission spokesperson informed that the target was a military convoy carrying personnel of the Atlantic Alliance, including three injured US soldiers. While an initial suspicion pointed towards the Taliban, especially in light of their recent announcement of a 'spring offensive' primarily against foreign troops, ISIL has since claimed responsibility for the attack.

Emmanuel Macron, the centrist candidate of the En Marche movement, appeals for unity ahead of the second round of the French presidential election on May 7 and the subsequent legislative elections in June. Flanked by his wife Brigitte and celebrating with supporters, Macron acknowledges the broad support from other defeated candidates and positions himself as the 'president of all' against the threat of nationalism, referencing his opponent Marine Le Pen. He emphasizes the challenge of writing a new chapter in France's history rather than voting against something.

Benoît Hamon, having won the Socialist Party primaries against Manuel Valls in January, represents a dreamful vision for a disillusioned French left. His proposals, including the legalization of cannabis and universal income, have alienated the more liberal and pragmatic wing of the party, leading to a lack of support. Hamon, once a voice out of line with President Hollande's policies, finds himself increasingly isolated, with centrists and the far-left closing ranks against him. His outreach to Jean-Luc Melenchon for an alliance was rejected, and many socialists have shifted their support to the centrist Emmanuel Macron.

Poland welcomes a predominantly U.S.-led NATO battalion as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression, a moment long awaited since World War II, according to President Andrzej Duda. Amidst deteriorating relations between Moscow and Washington, this move comes as the Polish Armed Forces face internal controversies, including a 90% turnover of senior staff and a contentious expansion to 150,000 personnel under Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz, who also canceled a helicopter deal with Airbus and reduced Poland's Eurocorps participation.

The European Parliament, through President Antonio Tajani, has emphasized the importance of citizens' rights in Brexit negotiations, stating that failing to reach an agreement on this issue means no deal at all. Guy Verhofstadt, aligned with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, reiterated the determination to use a veto if the set conditions are not met.

Benoît Hamon, the Socialist candidate in the French presidential campaign, responds to the defection of his party colleague Valls, who announced his support for centrist Macron, by calling for unity among the 'other left'. Hamon, speaking in Lille, urges left-wing voters to punish those who are opportunistic in their political support. Despite internal turmoil within the Socialist Party, Hamon's message remains focused on stopping Marine Le Pen's Front National. However, Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the more radical left, declines Hamon's invitation to unite, withholding a significant percentage of votes that could boost Hamon's position in the polls.

The Russiagate scandal is drawing closer to Donald Trump, implicating the House Intelligence Committee and particularly Trump's son-in-law and White House advisor, Jared Kushner, due to his contacts with the Russian bank Vnesheconombank (VEB), which has been under sanctions since the Obama administration. After confirmation of a December meeting with VEB's vice president Sergei Gorkov, both the bank and the White House acknowledged the encounter. The Senate Intelligence Committee seeks to determine if the meeting involved discussions about investments in Trump-related real estate. Trump has responded by suggesting the Committee should investigate Bill and Hillary Clinton's involvement with a uranium deal between Rosatom and a Canadian company. Meanwhile, David Nunes, the Republican president of a similar committee in the House of Representatives, is under scrutiny for his visit to the White House and subsequent revelations about possible wiretapping of Trump's associates, leading to calls for his resignation by Democrat Adam Schiff.

The third life sentence for the pro-Palestinian terrorist 'Carlos' in France for a 1974 drugstore attack in Paris has been met with mixed reactions. The attack resulted in 2 deaths and 34 injuries. Guillaume Denoix de Saint Marc, President of the Association of Victims of Terrorism, sees the verdict as a symbolic victory for the victims who have waited 43 years for accountability. Carlos' defense, including lawyer François Vullemin, contests the verdict, arguing a lack of evidence and suggesting media influence over justice. Carlos, already serving two life sentences and now 67, has called the trial absurd and plans to appeal the verdict.

On the same day PSA Group, which includes Citroën and DS, announced the acquisition of Opel-Vauxhall, its Peugeot 3008 was named Car of the Year 2017. The acquisition is set to make PSA the second-largest automotive company in Europe, surpassing Renault and approaching Volkswagen. The merger raises questions about market overlap and potential job cuts, but employees at the Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port are not overly concerned, with their main worry being learning French quickly.

WikiLeaks has revealed over 8,000 files, dubbed 'Year Zero,' which suggest the CIA and FBI were aware of vulnerabilities in widely-used smartphones in America. A software called 'Weeping Angel' reportedly turns Samsung Smart TVs into microphones for spying. The CIA's alleged operational base is in the U.S. consulate in Frankfurt, Germany. Cybersecurity expert Raphael Satter predicts significant repercussions within the CIA. The leaks come ahead of Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to President Trump, potentially straining international relations.

The House of Lords approved an amendment granting the UK Parliament the right to veto the activation of the process for Britain's exit from the European Union, with 366 votes in favor and 268 against. The bill for activating Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is expected to move to the House of Commons next week, where the Conservative majority is anticipated to overturn the Lords' vote. The lower house had previously opposed granting veto power to Parliament. Labour Lord Peter Hain tweeted about the importance of parliamentary sovereignty and suggested that a referendum that began with the people should end with them, supporting the amendment.

Pressure is growing on Donald Trump following a phone call with the Russian ambassador that led to the resignation of National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. Bipartisan calls for clarity on the relationship between the White House and the Kremlin are met with Trump's administration blaming illegal leaks. White House spokesman Sean Spicer stated that Flynn's actions were not illegal but had eroded the President's trust. Flynn tweeted accepting responsibility and his role as a scapegoat if it benefits the administration. Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi, suggest other individuals are also responsible and question why the White House did not reveal the case immediately after being informed by the Department of Justice.

Donald Trump criticizes the U.S. judiciary as his controversial 'anti-Muslim' decree is under review by a San Francisco Appeals Court. Trump describes the situation as a 'sad day' for the country, with 'security at risk' and a 'politicized' justice system. The Appeals Court must determine whether the decree is discriminatory or within the President's legitimate prerogatives. The case is likely to be escalated to the Supreme Court, which is currently evenly split between liberal and conservative judges, with Neil Gorsuch awaiting Senate confirmation.

Marine Le Pen declares herself as the people's candidate, positioning against both the right and left factions associated with financial interests, and emphasizes the risk to France's future as a free country.

The withdrawal of Romania's controversial 'save-the-corrupt' decree has not appeased protesters, who are now demanding the resignation of the government. Over 400,000 people took to the streets in Bucharest and other cities following the government's confirmation of the decree's withdrawal. Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu announced the decision to retract the decree and tasked the Minister of Justice with drafting a new version for parliamentary review. The protests, which have been ongoing for nearly a week, are the largest in Romania since the fall of Ceausescu. The government's backtracking came amid widespread accusations of corruption and intentions to protect the political class, with particular focus on the 'Dragnea case' and the decree's potential to halt the trial against Liviu Dragnea, a close associate of Grindeanu, for alleged abuse of office.

A shooting at the Islamic Cultural Center of Quebec City resulted in six deaths and eight injuries. Canadian police have identified only one suspect, releasing a Moroccan-origin student previously detained. The motive remains unclear. A moment of silence was held in Toronto, where people gathered to protest Trump's immigration freeze. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard condemned the attack, calling it a terrorist act against the Muslim community and advocating for love, compassion, and solidarity.

French President François Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, meeting in Berlin, emphasized the need for increased unity and cooperation among the remaining 27 EU member states in response to Brexit and Donald Trump's presidency. Merkel highlighted the importance of the commitment made in Bratislava to face upcoming challenges. Hollande stressed the importance of dialogue with Trump while defending European values and interests. Both leaders suggested that Europe's response to Trump's 'America First' policy should involve strengthening European identity and collaboration to resist the allure of populism.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May is set to meet with US President Donald Trump, becoming the first European leader to do so since his inauguration. The meeting is crucial for the UK as it seeks new trade partners ahead of its departure from the European Union and its single market. Trump, a supporter of Brexit, has expressed a desire to quickly conclude a trade deal with the UK. May will also attend the Republican Congress in Philadelphia before the White House visit, where she will emphasize the importance of the UK-US special relationship and address strategic interests within NATO, despite Trump's criticism of the alliance. Discussions will also touch on the Iranian nuclear deal and relations with Putin's Russia.

Celebrations erupted in Cairo following the High Administrative Court's unanimous decision to annul the Egyptian government's plan to transfer two uninhabited Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. The proposed cession, announced in April and perceived as a national humiliation, had sparked protests and was initially overturned by the judiciary before being reinstated last month. The islands, Tiran and Sanafir, are geostrategically significant, controlling access to the Red Sea and potentially affecting the Camp David Accords. The ruling exacerbates tensions between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, already strained over their differing stances on the Syrian crisis.

French President François Hollande made an unexpected announcement that he would not seek a new term, acknowledging that his candidacy could divide the left. The center-right criticizes this as an admission of failure, while some socialists describe the decision as courageous and dignified.

The United Nations has reported an escalation of violence by ISIL in the battle for Mosul, enhancing the capacity of refugee camps in the region in response. The UN's human rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani spoke in Geneva of hundreds of executions in the past week, the discovery of mass graves, and evidence suggesting the preparation of chemical weapons. Since the offensive against Mosul began on October 17, an estimated 45,000 people have fled, with over half finding refuge in four camps in the Niniveh region. The UN warns that the crisis could potentially affect up to one and a half million people.