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Pascale Harter introduces insight, wit and analysis from Â鶹Éç correspondents, journalists and writers from around the world. In this edition, European dilemmas old and new, from Tom Burridge in Spain and Alan Johnston in Rome.

From protesting to producing

If you're in Spain over the next few days, you might find yourself wondering why people are celebrating in the streets, even as their taxes are about to be used to bail out a toxic bank. There'll be processions, bands and dancing – just like a carnival. But this is is protesting, Spanish -style. As Tom Burridge has been discovering. Spaniards actually can't help but take action, even if what they're doing isn't having much effect.

A chill reminder on the Campo dei Fiori

It's now more than a year since Alan Johnston set up home in Italy, as our correspondent in Rome. And it seems to be going well. For instance, he could hardly be lonely in the Italian capital: wherever he goes, he seems to find company ... staring down at him, with a story to tell.