European Glimpse Podcast

On German Unity Day, Alice reflects on the reunification of Germany 35 years after the Berlin Wall fell, noting that a deep division still exists between the capitalist West and the socialist East. East Germany continues to lag behind in economic and demographic indicators and many East Germans faced hardship in the 1990s as factories closed and people lost their jobs. Guests Kristin and Josefine discuss the ongoing impact of the past, with Kristin highlighting a sentiment of pride and pessimism among East Germans. Josefine notes that a lack of trust in public institutions stems from a history of surveillance under the GDR. Despite these challenges, there are signs of positive change and a belief in the potential for a more united future, though the process is not yet complete

In this podcast episode, Alice discusses the pervasive pessimism in Europe, exploring its roots and implications. She highlights the contrast between personal optimism and national pessimism, the impact of education and political views, and the role of media in shaping perceptions. The conversation delves into the complexities of migration, demographic changes, and the influence of social media on public outlooks. Alice emphasizes the need for a shift in perspective, acknowledging successes while addressing challenges, and calls for a collective effort to foster optimism and embrace change for a better future in Europe.

Music by Jarek Rytelewski

This conversation explores the challenges faced by mothers in Germany, particularly in relation to labor market participation, child penalties, tax disincentives, cultural perceptions of motherhood, and the childcare system. The discussion highlights the urgent need for systemic change to support working mothers and families in navigating these complex issues.

Music by Jarek Rytelewski

In this episode, Alice discusses the pressing issue of demographic decline in Europe, particularly focusing on Bulgaria's changing fertility rates. She explores the historical context of population growth concerns, the economic implications of declining birth rates, and the effectiveness of various policy responses aimed at encouraging higher fertility. Alice also delves into the underlying causes of low birth rates, the role of immigration in addressing labor shortages, and the importance of fostering hope for the future as a potential solution to demographic challenges.

In this conversation, Alice and Ruben discuss the unique experience of living and working in Brussels, particularly within the EU institutions. Ruben shares his first impressions as a trainee at the European Parliament, highlighting the sense of detachment from the surrounding city and the culture that develops within the EU bubble. They explore the similarities among individuals working in these institutions, including their educational backgrounds and interests, and how labor conditions and competitive salaries contribute to a distinct culture. The discussion emphasizes the diversity of Brussels as a city while acknowledging the homogeneity within the EU district.

This conversation migration researcher Dr. Sara Bojarczuk explores the evolving landscape of migration policies in Poland, particularly focusing on the influx of Ukrainian refugees and the changing attitudes towards migrants. It delves into the historical context of migration in Poland, the current labor market dynamics, and the integration challenges faced by various migrant groups. The discussion highlights the need for more inclusive policies and the impact of political narratives on public sentiment towards migration.

Music by Jarek Rytelewski

This conversation explores the complex landscape of Bulgarian youth, focusing on their perspectives regarding the Eurozone, political attitudes, migration, and identity. The discussion highlights the optimism among young Bulgarians despite the challenges they face, including political instability and societal divisions. The youth's engagement in political processes and their evolving views on migration and identity are also examined, revealing a generation that is both hopeful and critical of their circumstances.

Youth Study Bulgaria. Optimism for the self, pessimism for society: Bulgariaʿs youth facing times of insecurity (2024) Youth Study - BULGARIA

More about Yanitsa: Yanitsa Petkova - MYARA

Music Music by Jarek Rytelewski

In this conversation, Dr. Alina Felder-Stindt discusses her research on the intersection of higher education and European Union policy, focusing on the mechanisms through which the EU influences universities. She highlights the importance of coordination in higher education, the role of the European Universities Initiative, and the challenges faced in balancing excellence and inclusion. The discussion also touches on the impact of geopolitical events on higher education and the relationship between industrial policy and the green transition.

Share your thoughts on the conversation or suggest new interview guests: [email protected]

Learn about Alina's research:

Felder-Stindt, A. (2025): The Territorial Dimension of EU Knowledge Policies: Higher Education Institutions for Europe. London: Routledge.

Durazzi, N.; Emmenegger, P.; Felder-Stindt, A. (2025): High Skills for High Tech: Higher Education as Industrial Policy. Governance 38(3), e70034, https://doi.org/10.1111/gove.70034

Felder-Stindt, A.; Vukasovic, M. (2025): Who you gonna call … when developing a flagship EU initiative? A resource exchange perspective on the co-creation of the European Universities Initiative (EUI). Journal of European Integration, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/07036337.2025.2498739

Felder, A.; Tamtik, M. (2024): How Geopolitics Shapes Higher Education Internationalization: Institutional Responses to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, in: Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education, 16(3), 163-177. https://doi.org/10.32674/jcihe.v16i3.6712

Felder-Stindt (2025): Allies in the combat against climate change? The role of climate change for the formation and missions of university alliances, in: Pineiro/Kekkäle (Eds.) Higher Education Policy for Tackling Climate Change: Drivers, Dynamics, and Effects, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

In this conversation, Dániel Kovács discusses the journey of Forum Europeanum (Forum Europaeum), a youth-led media platform aimed at fostering a European identity through cultural engagement. He shares insights on the evolution of the platform, the challenges of representing European culture in media, and the importance of dialogue in shaping political perspectives among young people. The discussion also touches on the impact of current events, the role of social media, and the vision for a more united Europe.

Do you want to share your thoughts on the episode or suggest a guest? Reach out: [email protected]

This podcast explores the evolving perceptions of aging and ageism in society, particularly in the workplace. Dr. Trudy Corrigan and Lucie Stecker discuss their insights from the SNAW project, which investigates ageism across various European countries. They highlight the importance of intergenerational collaboration, the need for accessible training opportunities, and the impact of technology and AI on age perceptions. The conversation also delves into legal frameworks surrounding age discrimination and strategies to combat ageism effectively.

More info on the SNAW project: https://www.snawproject.eu/

Reach out to me if you want to be on the podcast or share your thoughts on the episodes: [email protected]