In this week’s news roundup, Talk Eastern Europe co-hosts Adam Reichardt and Aleksandra Karppi provide the latest developments in the region.

Firstly, Ukraine has replaced its commander-in-chief in oneof the biggest wartime leadership changes since Russia's full scale invasion, sparking debate about military reform, democracy during wartime, and the future of Ukraine's defence strategy.

Meanwhile, reports of secret meetings between Russian andGerman representatives in Azerbaijan have raised fresh questions about Europe's approach to Russia and the future of the war.

We also head to the Balkans, where Kosovo remains trapped in political deadlock after coalition talks collapsed, while Serbia's student movement has overtaken President Aleksandar Vučić's party in the latest opinion polls—potentially reshaping the country's political future.

In our extended version of the podcast goes even deeper intopolitical developments in Serbia, available exclusively to the patrons of the podcast.

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With Andrej Babiš back in power, Czechia’s civil society is warning the country may follow Hungary and Slovakia down an authoritarian path.

In this Talk Eastern Europe Deep Dive, Nina Pániková speaks with Mikuláš Minář, founder and chairman of Million Moments for Democracy, at the UNLOCK Summit in Prague.

Minář recounts how a single moment before the 2017 Czech election transformed him from a philosophy student into one of the country’s most prominent civic activists. He explains how Million Moments for Democracy mobilized hundreds of thousands of people, helped strengthen democratic participation ahead of the 2021 election and became an inspiration for civic movements elsewhere in Europe.

The conversation examines Andrej Babiš’s return to power, threats to Czech public media and civil society, the role of opposition parties and the danger of the Czech Republic following the political trajectory of Viktor Orbán’s Hungary or Robert Fico’s Slovakia.

Minář also explains why protest alone is no longer enough, why civic movements must remain independent while still engaging with politicians, and how small everyday actions can generate the collective power needed to protect democracy.

Can grassroots activism once again change the direction of Czech politics?

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.

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Hungary’s new government is rapidly dismantling Viktor Orbán’s political legacy, Ukraine is preparing another major government reshuffle, and the latest NATO summit has delivered potentially significant news for Kyiv.

In this episode of the Talk Eastern Europe Weekly News Roundup, Nina Panikova, Alexandra Karppi and Adam Reichardt discuss the political transformation underway in Hungary under Péter Magyar, including the removal of President Tamás Sulyok and efforts to reform institutions shaped by years of Fidesz rule.

The co-hosts also examine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposed government changes and what they could mean for Ukraine’s wartime management, economy and foreign policy. They assess the outcome of the NATO summit, including reports that Ukraine could receive access to technology needed to produce Patriot missiles.

The discussion then turns to deteriorating Polish-Ukrainian relations, growing anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland and the political consequences ahead of future elections.

Finally, the team looks at warnings of possible Russian provocations, cyberattacks and hybrid operations against Poland and the Baltic states and asks whether Moscow is preparing for a much longer confrontation with Europe.

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

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 toyour inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Is Europe losing its competitive edge? Can the EuropeanUnion remain economically strong while protecting its social model, environmental ambitions and democratic values?

In this special episode of Talk Eastern Europe, recorded at the Connecting EU Seminar in Sofia, Bulgaria and organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Adam Reichardt moderates a wide-ranging discussion on Europe's biggest economic and political challenges.

Joining the discussion are:

• Cillian Lohan – President, Civil Society Organisations Group (EESC)• Sandra Parthie – President, Employers' Group (EESC)• Philipp Lausberg – Senior Analyst, European Policy Centre• Florian Marin – Workers' Group (EESC)

Topics include:

As Europe faces growing geopolitical competition, economicfragmentation and rising security challenges, this conversation explores what the EU must do to remain prosperous—and united.

This episode was produced in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).Learn more about the event, including recordings from the discussions here: https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/agenda/our-events/events/defence-european-values-power-civil-society

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.

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

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Reports suggesting Russia may be planning a limited attack against Poland have sparked intense debate ahead of the NATO Summit. This week, Adam and Alexandra are in Sofia, Bulgaria, where they unpack the intelligence reports, discuss what they could mean for NATO deterrence, and examine thewider implications for European security.

They also look at the sudden collapse of Moldova's government, what it means for the country's EU ambitions, and the growing anti-government protests in Albania, where demonstrators are now openly demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation.

Finally, reporting from Sofia, Adam and Alexandra shareobservations from discussions on European security, disinformation, and the country's changing political landscape.

In this episode:

Reports of a possible Russian attack scenario involvingPoland

What to expect from the NATO Summit

Ukraine's air defence challenges

Moldova's political crisis and EU accession

Albania's growing anti-government protests

Bulgaria's political direction after joining the Eurozone

European security, public trust and disinformation

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.

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

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In this second part of our special two-part series on Serbia's protest movement, we speak with Mila Pajić, activist with STAV (Students Against Authoritarian Rule) and the Youth Initiative for Human Rights, about the movement that emerged after the deadly Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse.

Mila explains how a tragedy became a nationwide movement, why students became the driving force behind the protests, and how government pressure escalated from intimidation to criminal charges against activists.

After authorities accused her and several colleagues of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order, Mila fled Serbia and now remains in exile.

In this conversation we discuss:

- What happened after the Novi Sad tragedy

- Why the student movement became so powerful

- Government repression against activists

- Life in political exile

- The future of democracy in Serbia

- Whether snap elections can be free and fair

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 withleading analysts, journalists, and scholars

- Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updatesand 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

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Serbia is heading towards snap elections after President Aleksandar Vučić announced he will resign within weeks, but will this lead to real political change or simply reinforce the ruling party's grip on power?

In this week's Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, AlexandraKarppi and Nina Pániková unpack the latest developments in Serbia, including growing pressure on civil society, the renewed investigation into the alleged use of a sonic weapon against protesters, and what early elections could mean for the country's democratic future.

They also discuss Ukraine's newly announced pressure campaign against Russia, constitutional tensions ahead of the NATO summit in the Czech Republic, growing concerns over democratic backsliding in Slovenia, and one piece of encouraging news from Hungary as the controversial Sovereignty Protection Office is finally dismantled.

🎧 In the extended Patreon edition, Alexandra shares her reflections from the FIFA Club World Cup and discusses what football reveals about politics, identity and memory in the Balkans.

👉 Support the podcast and access bonus episodes: https://patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

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

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

The Serbian protest movement has captured internationalattention—but how did it really begin?

In this first episode of a special two-part Talk Eastern Europe series, we speak with Serbian civil rights and environmental activist Nikola Ristić, who was among the first activists to organize after the deadly collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy in November 2024.

Nikola shares his extraordinary personal story, from being detained by Serbia's security services and having spyware installed on his phone to witnessing the birth of the Red Hand symbol and the rise of the student movement that continues to shape Serbian politics today.

We also discuss:

• What happened in the days following the Novi Sad tragedy

• Why young people became the driving force behind theprotests

• State surveillance, intimidation and digital repression

• The student movement's political future

• Expo 2027 and corruption in Serbia

• Whether Serbia is approaching political change

This interview was recorded in early June 2026, before President Aleksandar Vučić announced his intention to resign. The conversation provides important context for understanding the protest movement that has transformed Serbian politics.

➡️ This is Part One of our special mini-series on Serbia. In the next episode, we speak with a Serbian activist now living in exile after being forced to leave the country.

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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Romania could be heading back to the polls after itsproposed government failed to win parliamentary approval, raising fears of another political crisis. Meanwhile, the European Union has officially opened the first cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova – but are new obstacles already emerging?

In this week's Talk Eastern Europe Weekly News Roundup, Adam Reichardt and Alexandra Karppi discuss:

• Romania's government collapse and the possibility of earlyelections• NATO reducing its troop presence in Kosovo• The EU opening accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova• Hungary's surprising position on EU enlargement• Growing tensions between Poland and Ukraine over historical memory
• Why President Zelenskyy skipped the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk
• Our latest interview on Belarus with David Marples and Veronica Laputska

🎧 Extended discussion for our Patreon supporters
After the regular episode, we continue with an exclusive conversation examining the growing Polish-Ukrainian memory dispute, the Volhynia massacres, domestic politics in both countries, and what this could mean for Ukraine's European future.

➡️ Join us on Patreon for the extended version:
https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

📖 Read the latest issue of New Eastern Europe:
https://neweasterneurope.eu

📰 Subscribe to our newsletter, Brief Eastern Europe, to stay up to date with the region: https://www.briefeasterneurope.eu

If you enjoy our reporting and analysis, please like, subscribeand leave a comment – we'd love to hear your thoughts.

In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam Reichardt speaks with David Marples and Veronica Laputska, authors of the new Oxford University Press book Belarus: What Everyone Needs to Know, about the country that sits at the heart ofEurope's security.

They discuss why Belarus is far more than "Russia's puppet state," how the 2020 protests permanently transformed the Belarusian society, why hundreds of thousands have fled into exile, and whether Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s regime can survive if Vladimir Putin weakens.

The conversation also examines the Trump administration's renewed engagement with Lukashenka, the continued repression inside Belarus, and what a democratic future mightactually look like.

Guests
David Marples – University of Alberta
Veronica Laputska – Political scientist and Belarus expert

Check out their book: Belarus: What Everyone Needs toKnow published by Oxford University Press: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/belarus-9780197772959?cc=pl&lang=en&

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.

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

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