Talk Eastern Europe

By Talk Eastern EuropeNews Politics

Talk Eastern Europe episodes

October 16 Trump's Russia U-Turn Sparks Alarm in Ukraine | Weekly News Roundup
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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!
19 min
October 13 Is the West Abandoning the Balkans? | Kurt Bassuener
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
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33 min
October 09 Dodik Gains Ground, Russia Cracks Down | Weekly News Roundup
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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 politics
10:21 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
21 min
October 06 Moldova’s Race to Join the EU | David Smith
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/
36 min
October 02 Drones Reach Beyond Ukraine as Political Instability Grows in Europe | Weekly News Roundup
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/
20 min
September 29 How Far Will Russia Test NATO? | Jakub Bornio
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 Introduction
01:45 How serious is the security situation on NATO’s eastern flank?
04:00 Russia’s growing provocations against NATO
06:45 What is Russia’s strategy towards NATO?
09:10 Moscow’s goal: weakening US influence in the region
11:30 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 term
18:45 A permanent US military presence in Poland
23:47 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/
26 min
September 25 Russia’s Election & NATO’s Eastern Flank: What Comes Next? | Weekly News Roundup
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
18 min
September 22 China’s Next Move in the Western Balkans | Stefan Vladisavljev
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/
33 min
September 18 Thaçi Found Guilty: What Comes Next for Kosovo? | Weekly News Roundup
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 voices
10:32 – Wildfires hit Croatia’s Brač Island
12:08 – Brief Eastern Europe
12:00 – BRICS summit: Ukraine disappears from the declaration
14:12 – China, BRICS and the Global South
16:31 – New security alarms on NATO’s eastern flank
18:34 – New Eastern Europe celebrates 15 years
20 min
September 15 Inside Kosovo’s Crisis of Justice: The Thaçi Verdict | Arber Ahmeti
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 Introduction
00:50 Why the Thaçi trial matters
01:24 The Kosovo war and the origins of the Specialist Chambers
03:48 Previous attempts to prosecute war crimes
07:13 Why the Specialist Chambers remain controversial
09:27 The problem of one-sided justice
11:49 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 gap
20:14 Has transitional justice failed?
23:27 Kosovo’s political deadlock explained
26:39 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/
30 min

About Talk Eastern Europe

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Talk Eastern Europe is your weekly deep dive into the heart of Central and Eastern Europe. Hosted by Adam Reichardt, Alexandra Karppi, and Nina Panikova, this podcast brings you expert…