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Moldova has resisted Russian interference and maintained itsEuropean course. But can it secure its future in the EU before geopolitical pressures and domestic challenges threaten its progress? In this episode second part of Talk Eastern Europe’s focuson Moldova, Alexandra Karppi speaks with Anastasia Pociumban, Research Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), about Moldova's changing geopolitical position, its relationship with Ukraine, and the uncertain future of EU enlargement. After navigating Russian election interference, economicpressures and political scandals, Moldova faces a crucial moment. Its European ambitions are closely linked to Ukraine, while Russia continues to pose security threats across the region. Meanwhile, developments in Transnistria are reshaping a conflict long considered frozen. But there is another question: Is the European Union itself ready for enlargement? Drawing lessons from Georgia and the Western Balkans, Alexandra and Anastasia explore what could happen if the EU fails to deliver on its promises — and why the costs of leaving Moldova and Ukraine in a geopolitical grey zone could be far greater than Europe realises. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Moldova's geopolitical crossroads00:50 – Political scandals and public confidence in Moldova05:34 – How Moldova resisted Russian interference10:13 – Can Moldova and Ukraine take different paths to EU membership?14:29 – Why Ukraine is crucial to Moldova's security18:45 – Transnistria: Is the frozen conflict beginning to change?22:26 – Is the EU ready for enlargement?26:53 – Georgia's warning for Moldova and Europe29:55 – Can Moldova sustain its European momentum? Check out Part One of our focus on Moldova with David Smith:https://youtu.be/7HupaWRS-7c?si=Dyhxl7h_U0CmGJS7 Subscribe to Talk Eastern Europe for in-depth conversationsabout the politics, security and future of Eastern Europe. #Moldova #EuropeanUnion #Russia #Ukraine #EUE nlargement#Transnistria #TalkEasternEurope

Serbia has entered a new political era. In a stunning electoral upset, the student-led movement has defeated Aleksandar Vučić’s ruling party, bringing an end to 14 years of political dominance. Support this podcast become a TEE Patron – https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope With nearly 53% of the vote and turnout approaching 70%, the Student List has secured a decisive parliamentary majority. But after years of protests against corruption, state capture and authoritarianism, the biggest challenge may still lie ahead: turning a protest movement into a functioning government. In this special Talk Eastern Europe Quick Take, Alexandra Karppi is joined by Nikola Burazer, Programme Director at the Centre for Contemporary Politics, for an immediate reaction to Serbia’s historic parliamentary election results. They discuss how the students achieved such an extraordinary victory, why Vučić conceded defeat, what lies ahead for his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), and whether the new government can deliver on its promises to restore democratic institutions and the rule of law. They also examine what Serbia’s political transformation could mean for the Western Balkans, the country's European future, and its relations with Russia and Kosovo. Is this simply the end of an era, or the beginning of a democratic transformation that could inspire the entire region?

Just days before a crucial election in Serbia, reports emerge of spyware targeting activists and prominent public figures. Meanwhile, Albania's anti-government protests are turning increasingly violent, putting Prime Minister Edi Rama under growing pressure. In this week's Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, Alexandra Karppi and Adam Reichardt examine two unfolding political crises in the Balkans and what they could mean for the region's democratic future. We also discuss Azerbaijan's crackdown on protests over restrictions on hijabs in schools, Bulgaria's upcoming presidential election, and growing security concerns in the Black Sea as Russia's war against Ukraine continues to affect neighbouring countries. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction: Protests, surveillance and elections 00:34 – Welcome and updates from Talk Eastern Europe 01:54 – Albania: Violent protests and mounting pressure onEdi Rama 06:37 – Azerbaijan: Hijab restrictions spark protests andarrests 08:52 – Serbia: Spyware targets activists ahead of theelection 12:00 – Bulgaria: Presidential elections and politicaluncertainty 14:18 – Black Sea: Maritime attacks and regional securityconcerns 15:48 – Poland scrambles fighter jets as the war spills over 16:40 – Trump's Russian diesel deal and its implications forUkraine 18:05 – Final thoughts and election weekend ahead  Support independent analysis of Central and Eastern Europe We need jut 5 more! Join our Patreon community for additional content, discussions and opportunities to connect with the Talk Eastern Europe team: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to Talk Eastern Europe for weekly news roundups, expert interviews and in-depth analysis of the politics and security of Central and Eastern Europe. What do you expect from Serbia's upcoming election? Could the growing protest movement in Albania force political change? Share your thoughts in the comments.

The Trump administration's decision to ease restrictions onRussian diesel has raised serious questions about US sanctions policy and its consequences for Ukraine. While Washington argues that importing Russian fuel could help American consumers struggling with rising energy prices, critics warn that the move risks providing Moscow with additional revenue and political legitimacy as Russia continues its war against Ukraine. In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, host Adam Reichardtspeaks with Mark Temnycky, journalist and Forbes contributor, non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center and adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago. Drawing on his recent analysis for Forbes, Mark explains why the proposed Russian diesel purchase would cover little more than half a day's US consumption and questions whether it can meaningfully reduce prices. The conversation also explores the contradictions in Western sanctions policies, Trump's changing strategy towards Russia, Moscow's unwillingness to compromise in ceasefire negotiations, and the growing pressure on Kyiv. Finally, they look ahead to the upcoming US midterm elections and discuss whether a shift in Congress could change Washington's policy towards Ukraine. Read Mark’s commentary on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marktemnycky/2026/10/10/why-russian-sanctions-relief-would-do-little-for-us-fuel-prices/ Read more: Europe Steps Up: Ukraine Support After Four Years of War - https://www.kielinstitut.de/publications/europe-steps-up-ukraine-support-after-four-years-of-war-19486/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction01:40 Why Trump wants Russian diesel03:51 Half a day's fuel: the economics of the deal06:40 How Russian energy revenues support the war10:49 Europe's continued reliance on Russian energy11:43 Is Washington offering Putin new concessions?13:41 Trump's changing strategy towards Russia17:53 Why ceasefire negotiations keep failing19:49 Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine20:30 Is Washington increasing pressure on Kyiv?21:54 What could happen in the US midterm elections?23:31 Could Congress change US policy towards Ukraine?27:00 Final thoughts: democracy and political accountability Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europemagazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. ABOUT THIS PODCAST We publish twice weekly: - Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars- Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developments Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all majorplatforms. Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine  Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Support independent analysis of Central and Eastern Europe by joining our Patreon community. Help us reach our goal of 85 patrons! Join us: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Washington is changing course on Russia once again. A controversial new deal between Donald Trump and VladimirPutin to ease sanctions on Russian diesel is raising serious questions about US support for Kyiv, just as Ukraine faces intensifying Russian attacks and another difficult winter. In this week's Talk Eastern Europe news roundup, Adam Reichardt and Alexandra Karppi discuss the implications of Washington's latest policy reversal, including worrying reports about disruptions to Ukraine's early-warning capabilities and Starlink communications. Could the United States be increasing pressure on Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept a deal with Moscow? Meanwhile, there is some positive news for Ukraine and Moldova as both countries advance their EU accession processes. But can European integration offer reassurance amid growing security uncertainty? We also turn to Georgia, where European institutions are stepping up their criticism of the government's crackdown on opposition parties and civil society, and Albania, where escalating protests, allegations of police violence and growing student mobilization are putting Prime Minister Edi Rama under pressure. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 02:50 – Trump's Russia sanctions U-turn: What does it mean for Ukraine? 05:35 – Russian missile attacks, early-warning concerns and Starlink 09:05 – Ukraine and Moldova move forward on EU accession 10:45 – Georgia's democratic crisis and European pressure 13:00 – Albania: Protests, police violence and calls for Rama's resignation 16:40 – Final reflections and this week's Deep Dive  What do you think Washington's latest moves mean for Ukraine? Can Europe fill the gap if US support weakens?Share your thoughts in the comments!

In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Alexandra Karppi speaks with Kurt Bassuener, co-founder of the Democratization Policy Council (DPC), about the changing geopolitical landscape in the Western Balkans and the growing challenges facing democratic movements across the region. Starting with Bosnia and Herzegovina's elections, the conversation explores the Trump administration's increasingly transactional approach to the Balkans, the influence of political and business interests on US foreign policy, and the EU's reluctance to move beyond its established enlargement framework. They also discuss Serbia's student-led movement, the prospects for democratic change, and why European leaders may be overlooking the region's most important democratic forces. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Kurt Bassuener joins Talk Eastern Europe 02:00 – Bosnia's elections and the limits of political change03:45 – Is Washington changing its approach to the Balkans?06:55 – Why the concept of "the West" no longer works10:00 – US foreign policy and democratic principles14:05 – Can Europe still defend democracy in the region?21:22 – Serbia's student movement and the prospects for change 25:03 – What would a democratic transition in Serbia require? 31:41 – Why the Western Balkans matter for Europe's future32:02 – Final reflections: An "angry optimist" Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.                     Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine  Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Support Talk Eastern Europe and join our Patreon community: https://patreon.com/talkeasterneurope  Election season is reshaping the political landscape across Central and Eastern Europe — while signs of political tensionare emerging inside Russia itself. In this week’s Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, Alexandra Karppi and Adam Reichardt look at the latest election results in Latvia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Milorad Dodik’s political camp has strengthened its position and concerns over Republika Srpska’s separatist ambitions remain very real. They also discuss growing tensions over transitional justice in Kosovo, the deteriorating environment for civil society in Georgia following the closure of German political foundations, and an unusual protest in Moscow where more than 60 people were detained after demonstrators called for fair elections and freedom for political prisoners. Plus: what could growing frustration and renewed fears of mobilization tell us about what is happening beneath the surface of Russian society? And don’t miss this week’s Deep Dive with Moldova expert David Smith, looking at Moldova’s EU path, relations with Romania, Transnistria and the growing spillover from Russia’s war against Ukraine. Timestamps 01:40 Latvia’s election and the security challenge  05:13 Bosnia elections: Dodik’s influence grows 07:26 Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia’s nationalist politics10:21 Kosovo and the fight over transitional justice  12:59 Georgia: German foundations shut down operations  15:23 Russia detains protesters at an authorised rally  16:40 Is frustration growing inside Russia? 17:42 This week’s Deep Dive: Moldova

Moldova is racing towards European Union membership, but can it meet its ambitious 2030 goal, and will the EU be ready to welcome it? In this episode of the Talk Eastern Europe Deep Dive, Adam Reichardt speaks with David Smith, Moldova expert and author of the Moldova Matters Substack, about the country’s rapidly changing political and security landscape. They discuss the state of Moldova’s pro-European reforms, the challenges facing the government in Chișinău and whether Moldova and Ukraine will continue to move towards EU membership together. The conversation also looks at the renewed debate over unification with Romania. Is it simply a symbolic issue, or could union with Romania become a genuine “Plan B” if Moldova’s path towards EU membership stalls? David also explains how Russia’s war against Ukraine is increasingly affecting Moldova directly, from drones crossing and crashing inside Moldovan territory to continued Russian disinformation and information warfare. Finally, the episode takes a closer look at Transnistria, where economic decline and growing dependence on the rest of Moldova are creating new possibilities for reintegration. Could Chișinău’s new strategy of “convergence” fundamentally change the future of the breakaway region? Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:41 – Moldova’s political landscape one year after the elections04:29 – Government changes and Moldova’s reform agenda 08:37 – Can Moldova be ready for EU membership by 2030? 12:02 – Are Moldova and Ukraine still tied together on EU enlargement? 15:15 – Could Moldova unite with Romania? 20:40 – Russia’s war, drones and Moldova’s security 25:54 – Russian disinformation and information warfare 27:56 – What is happening in Transnistria? 30:42 – Moldova’s new “convergence” strategy Follow David Smith and Moldova Matters for analysis ofMoldovan politics, economics and regional affairs: https://www.moldovamatters.md/ Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. ABOUT THIS PODCAST We publish twice weekly: · Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars · Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developments Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms.   Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine  Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Russia’s war against Ukraine is increasingly being felt beyond Ukraine’s borders. In this week’s Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, Adam Reichardt and Alexandra Karppi discuss the intensifying Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including the growing use of faster jet-powered drones and mounting pressure on Ukraine’s air defences. They also look at the wider security consequences for the region: a drone crashing in Moldova, repeated NATO fighterscrambles along the eastern flank, and Estonia formally accusing Russia of involvement in an arson attack targeting a defence technology company. Elsewhere, Romania remains stuck in a prolonged political crisis as efforts to form a government falter, while renewed discussion in Brussels about EU enlargement raises questions about the prospects of Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro and what happens to countries increasingly left behind in the accession process. The episode also looks at the increasingly debated question of Moldova’s future, including speculation about closer integration, or even eventual unification, with Romania. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction  01:18 Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian cities  04:20 Ukraine’s changing air-defence challenge 06:11 Russian drones spill into Moldova and NATO airspace concerns grow 07:59 Estonia accuses Russia over sabotage operation  09:27 Romania’s political crisis and possible snap elections  12:29 Can the EU enlargement process be revived?  14:02 Moldova, Romania and the debate over unification  15:43 Which EU candidates are being left behind?  17:11 This week’s Deep Dive: How far will Russia test NATO? Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from NewEastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. ABOUT THIS PODCAST We publish twice weekly: Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developments Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms. Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Russia’s provocations against NATO countries are becomingincreasingly difficult to dismiss as isolated incidents. How far is Moscow prepared to go — and how should Poland and its allies respond? In this Deep Dive, Adam Reichardt speaks with Jakub Bornio,security analyst and scholar at the University of Wrocław, the Institute of Central Europe and the Jamestown Foundation, about the deteriorating security environment on NATO’s eastern flank. They discuss Russia’s strategy towards Poland and the Balticstates, the danger of escalation and miscalculation, why Bornio is sceptical of the term “hybrid war”, and whether Moscow is deliberately testing the credibility of NATO’s Article 5 guarantees. The conversation also examines plans for a permanent US military presence in Poland, what American troops can realistically contribute to deterrence, and why the coming winter could become another major test for both Ukraine and NATO’s eastern flank.   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction01:45 How serious is the security situation on NATO’s eastern flank?04:00 Russia’s growing provocations against NATO06:45 What is Russia’s strategy towards NATO?09:10 Moscow’s goal: weakening US influence in the region11:30 Could a provocation escalate into direct confrontation?13:35 How should NATO respond to Russian provocations?15:19 Why “hybrid war” may be the wrong term18:45 A permanent US military presence in Poland23:47 What should we watch for this winter? Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine  Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-formanalysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

What comes next after Russia's parliamentary “election”? And how is NATO's eastern flank preparing for the possibility of a wider security crisis? In this week's Talk Eastern Europe news roundup, Adam Reichardt and Alexandra Karppi discuss Russia's parliamentary election results, speculation about a possible new wave of military mobilisation, and the implications for the war in Ukraine and security across Central and Eastern Europe. With Poland warning of potential Russian provocations and Lithuania preparing civilian evacuation plans, the conversation turns to how NATO's eastern flank is responding to growing uncertainty. What does civilian preparedness look like, and how are Poland and Lithuania working together? We also turn to Romania, where another attempt to form a government faces significant parliamentary obstacles. Can the country's political parties find a way out of the deadlock, and what role will the Social Democrats play? BONUS for Patrons:Alexandra has just returned from Serbia, where she attended student protests and spoke with people on the ground. In an exclusive bonus conversation, she shares her impressions of Belgrade, the protest movement and the political atmosphere ahead of Serbia's elections. Watch the extended episode and join our community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope We are an independent, listener-supported podcast covering politics, security and society in Central and Eastern Europe. Your support helps us produce regular news roundups, in-depth interviews and bonus content. Subscribe to Talk Eastern Europe for our weekly news roundup and Deep Dive interviews with experts from across the region. What do you make of the security preparations taking place in Lithuania and Poland? Share your thoughts in the comments below. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:57 Russia’s parliamentary election results 03:30 Could Russia launch a new wave of mobilisation? 06:08 Ukraine, the approaching winter and security concernsin Poland 9:45 Lithuania’s evacuation plans and cooperation withPoland 11:05 Romania’s political crisis and the struggle to form agovernment 15:36 China’s influence in Serbia and the Western Balkans

China’s role in the Western Balkans is changing. Once associated primarily with infrastructure projects, loans and the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing is increasingly turning towards AI, digital technologies, telecommunications and deeper political partnerships with Serbia at the centre of its regional presence. In this Deep Dive, Alexandra Karppi speaks with Stefan Vladisavljev, Programme Director at Foundation BFPE in Belgrade, about what China actually wants from the Western Balkans and what countries like Serbia gain from the relationship. They discuss why Serbia has become China’s closest partner in the region, Chinese investment and access to raw materials, Beijing’s position on Kosovo, the growing presence of Chineseworkers and tourists, Serbian public opinion towards China, and concerns surrounding surveillance technology, transparency and political influence. The conversation also asks a bigger question: are we looking at China in the region clearly — or are we still caught between fear-mongering and overly positive narratives? BONUS FOR PATRONS: Stefan stays with us for an extendedconversation looking beyond the Western Balkans to China’s evolving role across Central and Eastern Europe. They discuss why Beijing prefers bilateral relationships, Europe’s difficulty developing a common approach towards China, and why AI, digital cooperation and technology could define the next phase of China’s engagement with the region. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction01:11 What is China doing in the Western Balkans? 04:56 From Belt and Road to AI and digital technology 06:33 China’s political interests, Kosovo and Serbia 10:17 Why Serbia has become China’s key regional partner 17:11 Chinese tourism and workers in Serbia 22:17 China, Serbia and a changing Hungary 25:23 What do Serbians actually think about China? 28:53 Surveillance, transparency and the risks of Chinese technology 32:29 Bonus conversation for Patrons – China’s role in the wider region Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.  ABOUT THIS PODCAST Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms. Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine  Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/   Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

A major verdict has been handed down in The Hague: formerKosovo president Hashim Thaçi has been found guilty of war crimes and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Adam and Alexandra discuss what the ruling could mean for Kosovo, its politics and the wider debate over transitional justice in the Western Balkans. We also look at a new wave of repression against independent voices in Azerbaijan, devastating wildfires in Croatia, and the latest BRICS summit in New Delhi – where Russia’s war against Ukraine was notably absent from the final declaration. Finally, we return to growing security concerns on NATO’s eastern flank, including reports of a Russian drone entering Lithuanian airspace, an attack drone washing ashore in Poland, and recent attacks on railway infrastructure near the Polish-Ukrainian border. In the extended version of the podcast, for Patrons only,Adam reflects on the developments in the region over the last 15 years, in the context of the latest issue of New Eastern Europe which is commemorating the magazine’s 15 years of publication. Get access to the full episode and support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro 01:20 – Hashim Thaçi found guilty: what happens next in Kosovo?06:10 – Azerbaijan’s crackdown on independent voices10:32 – Wildfires hit Croatia’s Brač Island12:08 – Brief Eastern Europe12:00 – BRICS summit: Ukraine disappears from the declaration14:12 – China, BRICS and the Global South16:31 – New security alarms on NATO’s eastern flank18:34 – New Eastern Europe celebrates 15 years

Kosovo is facing a critical moment. As the verdict approaches in the war crimes trial of former president Hashim Thaçi and other senior Kosovo Liberation Army figures, questions over justice, accountability and the legacy of the Kosovo war have returned to the centre of public debate. In this Deep Dive, Alexandra Karppi speaks with Arber Ahmeti, doctoral candidate at the University of Vienna specialising in transitional justice and the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. They discuss why the Specialist Chambers were established in The Hague, why they remain so controversial in Kosovo, and whether their work has helped or hindered reconciliation and transitional justice. They also examine Kosovo’s continuing political gridlock, its impact on relations with the European Union and the United States, and what the country’s domestic instability means for its international ambitions. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction00:50 Why the Thaçi trial matters01:24 The Kosovo war and the origins of the Specialist Chambers03:48 Previous attempts to prosecute war crimes07:13 Why the Specialist Chambers remain controversial09:27 The problem of one-sided justice11:49 Why has the verdict been delayed?13:27 How could Kosovo react to a guilty verdict?17:32 Could the verdict reshape Kosovo’s politics?19:54 Kosovo’s unresolved accountability gap20:14 Has transitional justice failed?23:27 Kosovo’s political deadlock explained26:39 What the crisis means for Kosovo’s EU and international ambitions Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access,behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis.https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates,expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Donald Trump’s latest attempt to revive negotiations over Russia’s war against Ukraine has produced plenty of meetings but little sign of a breakthrough. Adam and Alexandra discuss Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff’s latest diplomacy with Moscow and Kyiv, Vladimir Putin’s demands, and why the fundamental obstacles to any peace deal remain unchanged. Meanwhile, Russia’s intensifying drone campaign is increasingly spilling beyond Ukraine’s borders, raising concerns ahead of another difficult winter. We also turn to mass protests in Croatia over a hazardous waste and corruption scandal, growing pressure on protesters and activists in Albania, Serbia’s increasingly fraught relationship with the EU, Aleksandar Vučić’s new podcast – and what the AfD’s electoral success in eastern Germany could mean for Ukraine and Europe’s political future. Timestamps00:00 Intro02:07 Trump’s Ukraine peace push gets another restart03:46 Trump, Putin and Luke Harding’s new book04:31 Russia’s drone war escalates ahead of winter06:25 Zelenskyy’s plane reportedly has a near miss07:00 Croatia rocked by hazardous waste scandal10:00 Albania protests approach 100 days11: 59 Ratko Mladić’s funeral and Brussels’ response14:07 Aleksandar Vučić launches a podcast16:06 AfD victory in eastern Germany18:30 Patreon and closing remarks Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine  Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/   Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/