The Balkan Talks

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world, Nelson Mandela famously said. But what happens when education is used to deepen divisions within countries and between people? Education in the Western Balkans is in need of important reforms, and we need to talk about this. We discuss what is currently happening with the educational system in the region, and what our own experiences and benefits have been from going through the system of formal (and informal) education here in the Netherlands. 

Have we not all dreamed of owning real estate on the Croatian Riviera, or somewhere in the Bosnian wilderness? But where to start, and what are the advantages or disadvantages of looking for property in the various Western Balkan countries? Don't worry, we got you! Sanir and Sandro give you an analysis of the real estate markets in all the Western Balkan countries, and what places are especially of interest with regards to investments. Remember to always consult with people or companies who are familiar with the local real estate situation before you start venturing in the region yourself. 

Everybody with some kind of relationship to the Western Balkans has encountered it: Yugonostalgia. A fascinating phenomenon found among younger and older generations of Western Balkan people, and something that has been debated often. But what does the term even mean? Do people still identify as Yugoslavs, and why do they do so? Sanir and Sandro discuss their opinions on the matter, and try to put this complicated feeling into words. Was everything really better in the good old times, or should we put off those rose-coloured glasses and see Yugoslavia for what it really was? We would love to hear from you on this topic, so please let us know your opinions through social media! 

What has the US presidency done for the Western Balkan region the past 4 years? Would a re-election of Donald Trump be the best outcome for the region, of would they be better off with a Biden-led administration? The upcoming US election will have an impact all over the world, and not the least in the Western Balkans. We analyse what has happened the last few years with regards to US-Western Balkans relations and the geopolitical game that surrounds the region. There are important differences between both presidential candidates when it comes to their Western Balkan-policy (or lack thereof), and believe it or not, Donald Trump and Joe Biden both have their own history related to the Balkans. 

What does your path look like when you make your way from Bosnia and Herzegovina during the war, and wind up building and scaling a successful IT company in the United States 20 years later? What are the lessons learned from that process and what do you have to keep in mind when you want to do international business? Sanin Saracevic, CEO of Maestral Solutions takes us through the years and tells his story as a successful entrepreneur. Having built his company in the US and now settling in the Netherlands, he is somebody who showed that everything is possible if you are willing to work for it and persevere. 

A lot has been happening in Serbia over the last few weeks. Protests have made a big impact on the country, and are exposing underlying problems in the relationship between citizens and government. These problems are seen in more countries around the Western Balkans, and now it is putting Serbia at a crossroads. Sanir and Sandro discuss the recent events and what they mean for Serbia. What does the future look like for the country, and what direction will the government take the coming months and years? This and more in the last episode before our summer break!

Does being a woman in the Western Balkans differ fundamentally from other developed countries? What is there to say about the position of women in the region, and how has this developed over time? In this episode, we invited Marjolein Koster, a freelance journalist who often reports on the region to talk about her views on these topics and her experiences in the region. Bringing a balanced and unique perspective to the table, Marjolein walks us through the way she has gotten to know the region and how this has impacted her as a woman, but also as a journalist and as a non-native who regularly visits the region. 

Renewable energy is the future! Why are the Western Balkans seen as the potential battery of Europe, and why is the renewable energy sector one of the most promising sectors in the region? Sanir and Sandro talk about the current state of the sector, and all the opportunities that exist within the sector with regards to hydroelectric, wind and solar energy. They also take the time to answer questions from you, the listeners, again. Keep sending in your questions and you will get a reply from Sanir and Sandro in another episode of The Balkan Talks!

What are our favourite places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Why should you consider the country for your next visit in the Western Balkans? If you like active vacations or if you would like an unique culture to immerse yourself in, then look towards Bosnia and Herzegovina for your next trip! We invited Vildan Korjenić from Dit Is Bosniē (This Is Bosnia) and Dit Is Bosnië TV to tell us about why he believes everybody should visit this beautiful country, and why he started promoting Bosnia and Herzegovina with his popular online channel. Please let us know your favourite spots in Bosnia and Herzegovina and we might include them in our next episode!

How does reputation affect your relations with others? What influences reputation? What does this mean for the nations of the Western Balkans? And why is Aleksandar Vucic featured on a Chinese poster? All of these questions are answered in our sixth podcast of this season, where we dive into the dynamics and details of reputation, popularity and how these could potentially affect your success in the world. Of course we examine the Balkan nations in particular.