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MENA Stories: Episode 4 In March, nearly 64 million Turks in 81 provinces are expected to head to polling stations to vote for municipal elections. Turkish politics and elections are always a hot topic, and local polls are no exemption. After securing the majority in the national round in 2023, Erdoğan is aiming to take an easy win, but what can we expect? Will Erdoğan be able to regain control over major cities like Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir? Will the opposition manage to save face after last year’s defeat? What has changed since the 2019 local elections?  This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.  This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.  Script-edited by Luca Saviolo and Laura Montes Alonso. Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari. 

In this episode, hosts Oliwia Borek and Nikita Pia Jensen delve into the factors shaping Ireland's distinct pro-Palestine stance, setting it apart from other EU nations amid the ongoing crisis.  The episode traces Ireland's historical roots, highlighting pivotal moments such as the 1641 Uprising and the Irish War of Independence, which contributed to the nation's support for Palestine.  Sound Engineer: Eden Salviato Credit to music: ComaStudio

MENA Stories: Episode 3 Falling in-between history, politics, and controversy, Henry Kissinger – the famous American diplomat who has shaped American foreign policy and world diplomacy in the second half of the 20th century - passed away in November 2023 at the age of 100.  Many provided a detailed account of his controversial role around the world, but only a few have focused on his legacy in the Middle East. How has Kissinger, the US diplomat who had fled Nazi persecution, contributed to what the Middle East looks like today? How is Kissinger’s diplomacy important to understand the ongoing war in Gaza? And what was his real contribution to peace in the Middle East? This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.  This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.  Script-edited by Luca Saviolo and Blanca Gonzalez. Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari. 

Join host Claris Diaz, Deputy Head of the Security and Defense Working Group at the European Student Think Tank, for a compelling discussion with Professor Chris Adamczyk, a 20-year veteran in law enforcement and intelligence. In this episode, they dissect the complexities of Fifth Generation Warfare (5GW). Sound Engineer: Eden Salviato Credit to music: ComaStudio

MENA Stories: Episode 2 Amidst the looming spectre of climate crises - floods, storms, heatwaves, and wildfires - the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP28) emerges as a crucial battleground for climate action. As the world prepares for Dubai's negotiations that will start in less than a week, what can we expect from COP28? What are the main issues on the agenda? And the main actors? Will it pave the way for genuine change or offer empty promises? This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region. This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari Script-edited by Blanca González, Laura Montes Alonso and Luca Saviolo. Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.

MENA Stories: Episode 1 More than a year has passed since nationwide protests broke out in Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini under mysterious circumstances. The slogan 'Women, Life, Freedom' has long echoed through Iran's streets, but what does the protest movement look like one year later? How is the government reacting? Has the movement been successful? And if so, to what extent? This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region. This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari. Script-edited by Luca Saviolo. Edited and sound-engineered by Eden Salviato.

Urban environments play a pivotal role in addressing today's pressing environmental challenges, serving as both the epicentre of these issues and the potential crucible for innovative solutions. This episode dives into the challenges and opportunities of giving citizens a voice in shaping their cities, as we discuss the power of localized knowledge, contrasting opinions, and the delicate balance between environmental goals and public preferences. Discover why participatory democracy is key to creating sustainable and resilient urban environments. This episode was hosted by Marta Schwarz and Remina Aleksieva. Edited and sound-engineered by Eden Salviato.

Ski tourism in Europe has been facing severe challenges in recent years, the most pressing one being climate change and its diverse consequences. Some ski resorts with its local businesses are dependent on constant ski tourism while others have started engaging in a path towards more diversified and sustainable tourism. We talked to Christian Zwanziger, the spokesperson for tourism of the Bavarian Green Party, and Irene Berthod, the president of the merchants, bars and restaurants association in the popular ski resort Cervinia, Italy. Find out what this entails and how ski tourism can answer fundamental questions about its future, in the light of an ongoing climate, biodiversity and energy crisis.  This episode was hosted by Hannah Kleine and Silvie Carrel. Edited and sound engineered by Hannah Kleine. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

This week Silvie together with two professors- Serhan Afacan and Gabriel Garroum- will analyze some important questions on the Iran protests. What was the situation before? Will this be a revolution? And much more. This episode was hosted and researched by Silvie Carrel edited and sound engineered by Hannah Kleine.  Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

This week, Silvie and Anna - Researchers for the podcast team- and Hafssa Elabiari -Deputy Head of the Observatory on EU and MENA relations- dive head first into the current situation in Iran. What lead to this point and how does it impact the country and its relation with the West? This episode was hosted by Silvie Carrel. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Silvie Carrel, Anna Scherer and Hafssa Elabiari. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Numbering half a million and making up an estimated 10 percent of Slovakia’s population, Roma are the second-largest ethnic minority in the country. Yet, they are also one of the most discriminated against, both in the country and all o Europe. This week, Hannah -host and researcher from our podcast team- unpacks with the help of Abel Ravasz -Sociologist and founder of the NGO Purt- the current situation of the Roma community in Slovakia, and what is being done (or should be done) to improve their condition. If you want to know more about Purt, or find out how to support them, please visit their website https://purtdotorg.wordpress.com or ollow this link:  https://imb-bmi.org/en/ This episode was hosted by Hannah Kleine. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Hannah Kleine. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

This week, Hannah, host and researcher from our podcast team, has the pleasure of speaking with Paul Hutchings, co-founder of Refugee Support.  Founded in 2016, this organization's mission is to compensate for the failures of States when it comes to humanitarian help and to 'create a system that put dignity, equality and fairness' in the life of Refugees. In this episode, Paul tells us about their work since their creation, the double standard with which Europe treats refugees according to their country of origin, and the role of media representation in the public's perception of refugees.   If you want to know more about Refugee Support, or find out how to support them, please visit their website https://www.refugeesupporteu.com This episode was hosted by Hannah Kleine. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Hannah Kleine. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.