When 'Entropa' was unveiled at the European Council building in Brussels, it was met with disapproval. The artist, David Cerny, besides fooling decision makers into thinking they had comissioned work from 27 artists from Europe, depicted countries of the EU in an unfavorable light. Bulgaria was represented by squat toilets and Romania by a Dracula theme park. You can see details of the installation piece here: Entropa Installation in Pictures Have something to say about how one or all of the countries were depicted in this artwork? Leave a comment!

Vilnius has been designated a European Capital of Culture for the year 2009. If you are planning a trip to Vilnius this year, or if you are still considering where your next visit to Eastern Europe will take you, the events planned for this year in Lithuania's capital city may interest you.

• Events Calendar for Vilnius European Capital of Culture
• Vilnius City Profile
• Lithuania Culture in Photos

Croatia's castles are architecturally charming. Some are UNESCO protected, some serve a theaters, and others house museums. Visit Croatia's castles for great photo opportunities and for their historic value.

Croatia's Castles in Photos

While countries all over Europe suffer with below-freezing temperatures, unable to heat homes, schools, places of work, and other public buildings, Russia still hasn't turned on the gas, even though news reports say it is "ready" when all its requirements have been met by Ukraine. News agencies have been following the political (or commercial, as the Czech Republic calls it) problem, yet few have touched on the human problem. While individuals are using electric space heaters to replace lost heat, these cannot stave off winter's chill. How many of those who feel the cold the most, like the elderly and ill, are affected by this gas cutoff? What will be the human toll when Russia finally decides to quit bullying Europe?