Erstellt am: 12. 12. 2011 - 16:07 Uhr

A tale of two Europes

Reality Check: UK-EU, China environment, Russia protests, Egypt, Burmese supermonk

On Friday, Brussels was all of a-flap because British Prime Minister, David Cameron had carried out his threat to veto changes to the EU treaty, which he said was not in Britain's interests. Initally, a few other countries other countries, such as Hungary and Sweden, seemed to be on his side, but as the day wore on, mainland Europe came into line, leaving the UK isolated as the only country to reject the idea.

Today, David Cameron has to face Parliament at home and explain his actions. Although most of his own party support the move, the opposition and his own deputy, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, are criticising the decision. Other Lib Dems, are now trying to blame the French, saying President Sarkozy turned down a perfectly reasonable request from David Cameron to safeguard the British financial sector. Of course, blaming the French is not unusual in Britain - it's a tradition that goes back over a thousand years.

In the meantime, Nicholas Sarkozy is saying there are now "two Europes" - though it seems to be more the UK and Europe. Either way, it may be a bumpy ride for Cameron both at home and abroad in the run up to Christmas. Our London correspondent, Olly Barratt, explains the British response to the British veto.

China and the environment

Dutch filmmaker, Floris-Jan van Luyn, discusses the often misunderstood relationship between the Chinese people and the environment, and why he made the documentary "Rainmakers" about it.

Escalating protests in Russia

As anti-Putin protests escalate, Medvedev promises an investigation into election fraud. Our Moscow correspondent, Charles Maynes, has been out on the streets assessing the mood and the potential for the opposition parties to start working together.

Egypt's uncertain future

Young Egyptian activist, Yasmin Ibrahim, met Chris Cummins at the Salzburg Global Seminar last weekend. She told him how young people in Egypt are viewing their country's delicate transition to democracy.

The Burmese Supermonk

Johnny Bliss meets the 23 year old monk who is shaking up the social system in Burma.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.