In this episode, we digest the outcomes of a chaotic Munich Security Conference, including reactions from around Central and Eastern Europe - and expectations for EU defence after an emergency summit in Paris.

This is the second episode of a two-part series, where we look at the hopes and fears of countries in Central and Eastern Europe regarding the potential outcomes of German elections on 23 February. It is hosted byGoran Buldioski and includes special guestsMarzenna Guz-Vetter,Zuzana Lizcová,Péter Krekó,Tomás Strážay,Alina Inayeh,Vessela Tcherneva andMárta Pardavi.

We hope you enjoy, and sign up for a number of online talks we’ll be running on the State of Germany after the elections by clicking this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGJL5GkZbasArUcdi9yP3HuyBQxtT3FAMJTqHlsNf6YdmqxQ/viewform 

This is the first episode of a two-part series, where we look at the current relations between Germany and countries in Central and Eastern Europe ahead of German elections on 23 February. It is hosted by Goran Buldioski and includes special guests Marzenna Guz-Vetter, Zuzana Lizcová, Péter Krekó, Tomás Strážay, Alina Inayeh, Vessela Tcherneva and Márta Pardavi.

Stay tuned for Part II, and sign up for a number of online talks we’ll be running on the State of Germany after the elections: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGJL5GkZbasArUcdi9yP3HuyBQxtT3FAMJTqHlsNf6YdmqxQ/viewform

In this episode, we look at a week of important gatherings on European defence, culminating with an Ursula Von der Leyen visit to Poland and the specially chosen port city of Gdansk.

Related Weekly Outlook: https://visegradinsight.eu/eu-focus-on-security-in-gdansk-rutte-urges-war-readiness/

In this episode, we look at what to expect next in Slovakia in the wake of country-wide demonstrations – which saw 100,000 Slovaks protest against the government of Robert Fico – and ahead of another upcoming motion of no-confidence. We are joined by special guests Beata Balogová, editor-in-chief of SME daily, one of the most popular broadsheets in Slovakia, and Rasťo Kužel, a media and election expert and director at MEMO 98.

Click here to read the related Weekly Outlook: https://visegradinsight.eu/from-freedom-square-to-europe-civil-society-rises-against-slovakias-pro-russian-turn/

In this episode, we break down the Central European response to Donald Trump’s inauguration and why economic security will dominate much of this year and beyond.

In this episode, we explore the run-up to Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, including the Baltic response to his comments on Greenland, and the Biden administration’s final US sanctions. We then look at growing signs that the Polish presidential race is heating up!

In this episode, we dive into Poland’s decision to uninvite Hungary from the gala opening of its EUCO Presidency – and why this is about far more than a political spat.

Read more in the Weekly Outlook: https://visegradinsight.eu/tusk-slams-door-in-hungarys-face-to-kick-off-eu-presidency/

In this episode, the hosts offer their account of the pitfalls and triumphs of European democracy in 2024 and look ahead to 2025 - the year that will test the European Democracy Shield initiative in the making.

References:

Our latest EU Values Foresight report ⁠https://visegradinsight.eu/eu-values-foresight/2024-shielding-european-democracy/⁠

European Democracy Shield Needs Defence Posture - Policy Brief ⁠https://visegradinsight.eu/reports/⁠

In this episode, we delve into the murky waters of Democracy Information Manipulation and Interference (DIMI) in Europe. With Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's controversial trip to Moscow, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's meddling in Polish politics, and the traces of an illegal TikTok campaign in Romania, we ask the pressing question: who is the leading DIMI in Europe? Join us as we uncover the intricate web of political manoeuvres, foreign influence, and digital manipulation shaping the European political landscape.

BONUS INTERVIEW:

A conversation with Christian Lequesne, a renowned French professor from SciencesPo about the importance of Paris embracing future EU enlargement. In this exclusive interview with Wojciech Przybylski, Lequesne proposes how to reframe the debate in France and the west of Europe.