Katy Lee
- Writer, Freelance
- Co-Host and Co-Producer, The Europeans | European news, politics and culture
- Lecturer, The American University of Paris
Paris
Writer in Paris, co-host of @EuropeansPod, teacher @AUParis
Articles by Katy Lee
Britain is still stuck on its ex – but after 10 long, lonely years, does the EU feel the same way?
Let's imagine you've been dumped by someone you were expecting to stay with for the rest of your life. The breakup is bitter. The logistics, exhausting. The two of you spend an eternity negotiating who gets to keep the dog, the flat, the friends; it's hard to imagine that things will ever feel normal again. But the years have a way of softening these things. Some years later, a photo of your ex flashes up on your social media feed. And suddenly, you realise you feel no grudge.
Author Interview (and a Giveaway!): Katy Lee & Tracing a Kidnapper’s Trail Original
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Tracing a Kidnapper’s Trail by Katy Lee, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I’m delighted to have Katy on the blog today to chat about her book! You can read my review of this great book HERE.
Book Review: Tracing a Kidnapper’s Trail by Katy Lee
TRACING A KIDNAPPER’S TRAIL by Katy Lee SERIES: K-9 Search and Rescue #18 GENRE: Romantic Suspense (Christian) PUBLISHER: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense RELEASE DATE: February 24, 2026 PAGES: 208 Solving an abduction case means a relentless K-9 manhunt… When search and rescue worker Hunter Shelton and his bloodhound Libby are called to a crime scene, he discovers his ex-fiancée murdered and her young daughter missing—and he’s attacked.
The UK and the EU: best buds again?
You’d be forgiven for forgetting that Europe is bigger than Davos this week, but we’ve got three great stories to remind you. First up: it’s been a good week for Berliners making Kartoffelsalat, Kartoffelsuppe, Kartoffelknödel, et cetera et cetera, thanks to an initiative that is distributing more than 170 tonnes – TONNES – of potatoes across the German capital.
ChatGPT Is Ruining Weddings Now The Europeans
If you are the sort of person whose New Year’s resolutions read something like: “(1) Shoot for the moon, (2) Do what you love, (3) Change the world” – have we got a guest for you! We’re joined this week by former Icelandic prime minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, who resigned from office in 2024 in order to run for president and is now enjoying a second life as a successful crime novelist and climate activist. Be still, our hearts.
2026: The year Europe gets its act together?
We are returning from our winter holidays feeling refreshed, renewed, and optimistic about 2026. Ha ha ha ha! No, but seriously, Trump’s capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores was the New Year’s gift that Europe certainly did not ask for, and it raises a host of alarming questions. Among them: Does this move grant a permission slip for Vladimir Putin to encroach even further into Europe? And what does this mean for Greenland?
Pavarotti Is Trapped In An Ice Rink The Europeans
It’s that time of year when we gather together with friends from near and far, indulge in seasonal treats, and take a lighthearted look at the stories that are rounding out these past 12 wild months. It’s our annual Christmas extravaganza (🎄🎁🧑🎄✨ etc)! And in case you weren’t able to attend the party live over Zoom, not to worry – there’s plenty of revelry to be had in this episode.
Can the EU make Poland recognise gay marriage?
If the winter blues have got you down, these two things might lift your spirit: (1) the Christmas section at your local Lidl, and (2) the news that a same-sex marriage in one EU country must be recognised in another. But how this ruling is going to be implemented across the bloc—especially in the countries where there are no civil partnership rights—remains to be seen. This week, we unpack the manifold questions raised by this big-step-in-the-right-direction decision.
Europe's climate vibe has shifted. Now what?
It hasn’t been a Good Week for the climate since, er, 1820-something? And it wasn’t last week, either. But it is a good week for The Europeans, because we’re joined by Luisa Neubauer, one of Germany’s best-known climate activists. Luisa recently wrote a terrific piece for The Economist about Europe’s climate “vibe shift”. We got her insights on what has caused the greenlash and what we ought to be doing about it. It’s a thoughtful, self-reflective, heartening conversation we think you’ll enjoy.
How Ireland proved a basic income for artists actually works
We don’t often get to cover joyful policy news on this podcast, so this week we’re delighted to be discussing that rare thing: a European country that’s investing serious money in culture. For three years, Ireland has been experimenting with paying artists, musicians and other creative workers a basic income. And guess what? The scheme has worked so well that they’re keeping it going. But is the policy all it’s cracked up to be?
Help! My manager is an algorithm!
KATY IS BACK! And we are proud to report that her new baby no longer looks like far-right French politician Éric Zemmour. Relief all around! It’s been a hectic time in Europe, but we’re happy to be covering it all—or, you know, a sizable sliver of it—starting with Latvia’s potential withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention and the European Parliament’s call for new regulation of algorithmic tech in the workplace.
Drugs policy: Who Does It Best?
Should weed be legalised? What about heroin? Set aside any previously held opinions and prepare a far-out trip! In the final episode of 'Who Does It Best?' producer Wojciech is taking us across the landscape of Europe’s drug policies. From 90s Portugal to the coffee shops of Amsterdam to a little pit stop in Uruguay(!), we’re taking a deep dive into which policies are the sanest and safest on offer. MASSIVE THANKS: We want to give a HUGE shoutout to everyone who made this series possible.
Report from Novi Sad: Can students bring down a regime?
We’re taking a momentary break from “Who Does It Best?” to take a trip to Serbia with producer Wojciech Oleksiak. Wojciech was on the ground in Novi Sad last weekend to report from the massive demonstration marking the one-year anniversary of the tragic accident at the city’s railway station. And if you’re not following this story, you should be.
Childcare policy: Who Does It Best?
Childcare policy affects all of us at some point in our lives. And depending on where you live, your country’s parental leave and early-education policies can determine everything from what you do for a living to how you divide household labor to how you plan for your future. Reporters Maja Stepančič and Uršula Zaletelj took a whirlwind trip across Europe to find out which country does childcare policy best.
Housing policy: Who Does It Best? - Part 1
Why is your rent so high? What are the policies that created this housing crisis, and what policies can get us out of it? This week we launch the first two parts of our new series, ‘Who Does It Best?’. At a time when many people feel like their governments are not taking care of them, we wondered: how do policies actually shape our daily lives? And are there places getting it right?
Who Does It Best? - A new miniseries, coming this week
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Babiš is back
It’s been a busy week for European politics, European protests, and European wallabies. In the midst of the madness, we caught up with Kateřina Šafaříková of Czech news outlet Seznam Zprávy, who filled us in on the Czech Republic’s recent parliamentary elections. Is the probable next Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš, likely to be an Orbán-esque thorn in the EU’s side, or does he just kinda wanna text with Macron? Kateřina shares her thoughts.
Should we be worried about Russian drones in NATO’s skies?
There’s no denying it’s been a pretty dark week, but we’ve got a couple of bright spots for you. What could be a better job than dreaming up ways that Europe could be improved? That’s what this week’s guest, Johanna Fabrin, does each day at the Copenhagen think tank 21st Europe.
Terrible week for ABBA
The music industry is reeling due to what’s being called the 'largest intellectual property theft in history' — we’ll dig into the fight between Big Tech and the people who make the music. Meanwhile, Sweden’s new cultural canon has people fuming — not least because it leaves out ABBA. We’ll also hear from Der Spiegel’s Gunter Latsch about his chilling investigation into the shadowy world of organ trafficking.
【KOL睇真盤】 Cindy Wong 筍盤推介：THE YOHO HUB B期 1座 高層 B室
KOL睇真盤 – Cindy Wong 筍盤推介： 元朗 THE YOHO HUB 物業地址：THE YOHO HUB B期 1座 高層 B室（物業編號: CH46356014） 實用面積：934 呎 間隔 ： 4房1套 賣點 ：開揚深圳灣景, 樓皇四房套 網頁連結：https://ricacorp.ink/3I7mTAB 廣告日期： 4/9/2025 WhatsApp 查詢： https://ricacorp.ink/4g4q4FK —————————————————————————————————————— 此單位的物業資料及銷售狀況以利嘉閣二手真盤源網頁內的資訊為準。本短片內容為區內二手住宅物業之介紹，並非任何一手住宅項目的廣告，所有內容僅供參考之用。本公司不保證有關內容的完整性及準確性，而影片內嘉賓的言論純屬個人意見，並不代表本公司之立場 。如 閣下有任何疑問，應尋求獨立的法律意見。本公司不會就本網頁內所載的準確性、正確性及依賴，負上任何法律責任。
Could ‘Tinder leave’ be the key to happier employees?
Benefit could boost wellness and loyalty, but must not be discriminatory in any way Tinder Leave is essentially a wellness benefit. It is time off provided to an employee for the purpose of going on dates and pursuing romantic relationships, particularly via dating apps. It aims to encourage employees to take time off to build meaningful social connections outside of work.
Doubling Down On Protection: Increased Severance Payment Cap Under Hong Kong's Insolvency Fund
The Protection of Wages on Insolvency Ordinance was recently amended to increase the maximum amount of ex-gratia payment which could be paid to an employee under the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund (the "Insolvency Fund") in respect of statutory severance payment owed by their employer in the event the employer has become insolvent. This marks a significant step forward in bolstering the protection afforded to employees in Hong Kong in the event of their employers becoming insolvent.
Increased severance payment cap under Hong Kong’s insolvency fund
The Protection of Wages on Insolvency Ordinance was recently amended to increase the maximum amount of ex-gratia payment which could be paid to an employee under the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund (the “Insolvency Fund”) in respect of statutory severance payment owed by their employer in the event the employer has become insolvent. This marks a significant step forward in bolstering the protection afforded to employees in Hong Kong in the event of their employers becoming insolvent.
Did You Know - Failure To Pay Wages On Time May Lead To A PR Crisis?
LS Lewis Silkin More We have two things at our core: people – both ours and yours - and a focus on creativity, technology and innovation. Whether you are a fast growth start up or a large multinational business, we help you realise the potential in your people and navigate your strategic HR and legal issues, both nationally and internationally.
Hong Kong: Did you know – failure to pay wages on time may lead to a PR crisis?
Failure to pay wages on time is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of HK$350,000 and imprisonment for 3 years. In addition, the employer will also have to pay interest on the outstanding wages and failure to do so will also attract criminal penalties. Where the employer is a body corporate, officers of the employer (such as directors and senior management) who were involved in the breach could also be held personally liable for the offence.
Doubling Down on Protection: Increased Severance Payment Cap Under Hong Kong’s Insolvency Fund
The Protection of Wages on Insolvency Ordinance was recently amended to increase the maximum amount of ex-gratia payment which could be paid to an employee under the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund (the “Insolvency Fund”) in respect of statutory severance payment owed by their employer in the event the employer has become insolvent. This marks a significant step forward in bolstering the protection afforded to employees in Hong Kong in the event of their employers becoming insolvent.
Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025: Easier Access To Employment Benefits In Hong Kong
On 11 April 2025, the Hong Kong government published the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025 ("Bill") which proposes to amend the Employment Ordinance ("EO") to change the definition of "continuous contract". Currently, under the EO, "continuous contract" is defined as employment by the same employer for 4 or more consecutive weeks, with at least 18 hours worked each week. This is what is commonly referred to as the "418 requirement".
Easier Access to Employment Benefits in Hong Kong
Currently, under the EO, “continuous contract” is defined as employment by the same employer for 4 or more consecutive weeks, with at least 18 hours worked each week. This is what is commonly referred to as the “418 requirement”.
Hong Kong's Equal Opportunities Commission issues guidance on how to support employees with dementia at work – a summary for employers
Like many economies, Hong Kong faces an aging population. It is estimated that the proportion of elderly persons aged 65 and over will increase from 20.5% in 2021 to 36% in 2046. An aging population in turn means an aging workforce. As the number of older employees increase, employers need to be more aware of the challenges faced by older employees and be prepared to adapt workplace practices to ensure that their needs are taken care of.
Big news for The Europeans!
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Unlocking Love: Could Tinder Leave Be The Key To Happier Employees In Hong Kong?
Two companies in Asia, Gushcloud International and Whiteline Group, are reportedly offering their employees a new type of benefit - 'Tinder Leave'. This article explores what Tinder Leave is and whether it may benefit employees if employers introduced it in Hong Kong. Tinder Leave is essentially a wellness benefit. It is time-off provided to an employee for the purpose of going on dates and pursuing romantic relationships on the dating app, Tinder.
ECB urged to incorporate wider nature loss factors into collateral framework
Campaigners are urging the European Central Bank (ECB) to look beyond climate change in the forthcoming shake-up of its collateral framework and consider wider nature-related risks such as biodiversity loss.
Europe leaps while US lags in new Green Central Banking Scorecard
Several of Europe’s central banks have made major progress in using the tools at their disposal to address the climate crisis, according to the new Green Central Banking Scorecard, but the US continues to languish near the bottom of the table of G20 economies. France tops the table for a third time, followed by Germany and Italy – all of them leaping up by at least 26 points in their overall score and achieving final grades of B+.
Risers and fallers: the biggest moves in the 2024 Green Central Banking Scorecard, explained
Several countries saw double-digit jumps in their point scores in the latest Green Central Banking Scorecard, while others including the US, UK and South Korea have slipped down the ranking. What’s behind those moves? “The leading central banks are pulling ahead mostly due to very strong performance in the financial policy category,” said Zack Livingstone, senior researcher at advocacy group Positive Money, which produced the scorecard.
Italy’s central bank chief backs carbon incentive scheme to help poorer countries
Italy’s central bank governor Fabio Panetta has thrown his support behind the idea of a global carbon reduction incentive scheme, arguing that it could help provide financing for emerging economies seeking to speed up their transition to net zero.
Employment and HR
By the end of June, the new CIES had already received over 3,700 enquiries and 339 applications, with 88 of those applications receiving approval-in-principle and 3 applications receiving formal approval. This article provides a summary of the new CIES and highlight what it means for employers. The CIES is an investment-migration programme and was first introduced as a stimulus measure in 2003 when Hong Kong's economy was in a recession but it was suspended in January 2015.
Increase in applications received for Hong Kong’s new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme - what it means for employers
The Government launched the new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (new “CIES”) earlier this year, in line with its ongoing efforts to revitalise Hong Kong’s economy. By the end of June, the new CIES had already received over 3,700 enquiries and 339 applications, with 88 of those applications receiving approval-in-principle and 3 applications receiving formal approval. This article provides a summary of the new CIES and highlight what it means for employers. What is “CIES”?
Caution: Extreme reading!
Green Central Banking shares its top picks for reading on climate finance Forget the beach. It’s too damn hot. Instead, head to a cool air conditioned room and dig into how finance is shaping – or not – the heat – or cold – you are experiencing because of climate change. The Green Central Banking team offers our picks for some fascinating books on the climate and finance to delve into, plus some research offerings that push the envelope of thinking on green finance.
Climate change poses risks for India’s credit boom, warns RBI deputy governor
Climate change could reduce the ability of Indian borrowers to repay their loans amidst a credit boom in the country’s fast-growing economy, a deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has warned, creating risks for the overall financial sector.
Hong Kong Government Plans To Expand The Scope Of The Sexual Conviction Record Check Scheme
What is the SCRC scheme? Currently, employers may request prospective employees, contract-renewal employees or staff assigned to organisations by outsourced service providers who would be involved in work that requires frequent or regular contact with children or MIPs to apply for a Sexual Conviction Record Check to be conducted in relation to them as part of the recruitment process.
Books (and papers) for the beach: summer reading recommendations
Looking to catch up on some reading this summer? The Green Central Banking team offers our picks for some fascinating books on the climate and finance to delve into, plus some research offerings that push the envelope of thinking on green finance.
Hong Kong Government plans to expand the scope of the Sexual Conviction Record Check Scheme
The Hong Kong Government has announced its plans to expand the existing Sexual Conviction Record Check (“SCRC”) scheme to enhance the protection of children and mentally incapacitated persons (“MIPs”) from sexual abuse. What is the SCRC scheme?
Inside the Bank of Korea’s new climate team
The world’s central banks have been pouring resources into green initiatives – but few of them are on such an ambitious push right now as the Bank of Korea (BoK), which has a new specialised team with its sights set on becoming a world leader on climate risk analysis.
Sneak peak: we've got a new look! | Dominic Kraemer and Katy Lee
Hey Patreons! We wanted to give you a sneak peek at something very exciting that's being unveiled tomorrow: our brand-new look! Our beautifu...
The new vice-chair of the Network for Greening Financial Services says climate scenarios need updating everywhere - Climate and Capital Media
Improving the NGFS’s scenarios to reflect the real risks of climate change is the key priority for its new vice-chair, Fundi Tshazibana. “We’ve got our hands full,” Tshazibana says of herself and new chair Sabine Mauderer at the Network for Greening Financial Services (NGFS), based in Europe. “Sabine and I spent quite a bit of time discussing the things we want to focus on.
China and Singapore boost cooperation on green and transition finance
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and People’s Bank of China (PBoC) are set to boost their cooperation on green and transition finance, including by more closely aligning their taxonomies and developing a new platform for sharing companies’ environmental data.
G7 banks’ financed emissions exceed those of several member countries combined
More than 2.7bn tonnes of carbon emissions can be attributed to the major banks of G7 countries via their loans, according to a new report – more than the emissions of Germany, France, the UK and Italy put together. “Numbers like this really should be an important concern for key decision makers and financial regulators,” said Daniela Finamore, a finance and climate campaigner at ReCommon, the campaign group that compiled the report.
NGFS publishes 10 recommendations to speed up central banks’ sustainable investment
The Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) has published a list of 10 recommendations for central banks to speed up the greening of their investment portfolios. The NFGS, which includes more than 130 central banks and financial regulators around the world, made the suggestions in a report on sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) in central banks’ portfolio management.
Japan’s climate scenario analysis set to include financed emissions
Japan’s central bank and Financial Services Agency (FSA) have announced they are planning a second climate scenario analysis of the country’s three top banks which will potentially incorporate the lenders’ “financed emissions” – those created by their loans and investments.
Climate risks added to Basel Committee’s core principles
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has incorporated climate risks into an update of its core principles, which set out the overarching standards for regulations to keep the global financial system stable. The changes to the committee’s core principles acknowledge that “climate change may result in physical and transition risks that could affect the safety and soundness of individual banks and have broader implications for the banking system and financial stability”.
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