Central Europe Explained

🎧 Episode 58: How Democracy Can Fight Back? 🌍🎙️ In an age of growing far-right, nationalist and authoritarian movements across Europe and beyond, how can democracy respond? This episode of Central Europe Explained looks at the internal and external forces threatening European democracies and explores what it takes to safeguard democratic values. 💬 From the rise of populism and disinformation campaigns to the challenges of engaging citizens in the fight for democracy, this conversation highlights the urgent need for action. Discover how individuals, communities, and institutions can push back against polarising narratives and work together to protect the future of democracy.Tune in to uncover insights into the role of citizens and the shifting political landscapes, along with practical steps for building resilience in these challenging times.Host: Sophia BeiterGuest: Dr. Kinga Brudzińska Book recommendation: Autocracy, IncProduced by: Gloria Becerril#Democracy #HumanRights #Europe #CEEPodcast

🎧 Episode 57: Unlikely Activists? A Local View of the Polish-Belarus Border🌍🎙️ What drives everyday people to risk legal and social consequences to help migrants stranded at the Polish-Belarus border? In this episode of Central Europe Explained, host Malwina Talik speaks with Marianna Wartecka, a social activist deeply involved in supporting refugees.💬 From volunteering to full-time activism, Marianna shares her personal journey and the challenges her organization faces amidst increasing hostility toward migrants. Learn how local activism is reshaping lives and why the fight for dignity and human rights matters more than ever.🎞️ Host recommendation: Human Flow by Ai WeiweiHosted by: Malwina TalikGuest: Marianna WarteckaProduced by: Gloria Becerril#PolishBorder #Refugees #MigrationCrisis #HumanRights #CentralEuropeExplained #CEE

🎧 Episode 56: Hungary’s EU Presidency🌍🎙️ In this episode of Central Europe Explained, hosts Gloria Becerril and Peter Techet take a deep dive into Hungary's current presidency of the Council of the European Union. Join us as we discuss the implications of this controversial leadership with László Andor, a former EU Commissioner and renowned economist.💬 We explore public sentiment surrounding Hungary's presidency, hearing from everyday citizens about their concerns and hopes for the future. How does Viktor Orbán's government shape their views on EU values and decision-making?🔍 Tune in for insightful analysis on the potential impact of Hungary’s presidency on EU policies, defense, and enlargement, and learn why this moment in history is critical for Europe.Hosted by: Gloria Becerril & Peter TechetGuest: László AndorProduced by: Gloria Becerril#Hungary #EUPresidency #ViktorOrbán #EuropeanUnion #PublicSentiment #Podcast #CentralEuropeExplained #CEE

🎧 Episode 55: Schengen What does the Schengen Area represent for Europe, and why are Bulgaria and Romania still waiting for full access despite fulfilling all the requirements? 🎙️ In the latest episode of Central Europe Explained, we explore these pressing questions with the Romanian and Bulgarian ambassadors. 🔑 One of our guests shares a personal story from his student days, when his Eastern European passport led to countless struggles at the border. His experience sheds light on the broader challenges facing millions and the significance of Schengen membership today. 🚪 We also discuss “Air Schengen,” migration challenges, and the ongoing political obstacles delaying full membership for Romania and Bulgaria. Join us as we discuss what Schengen means for Europe’s future and why it’s about more than just crossing borders.Our host recommendation: European Museum SchengenHosted by: Sophia BeiterProduced by: Gloria Becerril #Schengen #Romania #Bulgaria #EuropeanUnion #Borders #Migration #Podcast #EuropeanIntegration #CentralEuropeExplained #CEE

🎙️✨ Welcome to Central Europe Explained episode 54 Join us as we explore the intriguing world of minilateralism in Europe. We will touch upon the aim of alliances like the Visegrad Four and the Three Seas Initiative and how they shape the future of the EU. Our special guest, Romain Le Quiniou, will share his insights on the effectiveness and challenges of these formats, offering a deep dive into their role in European integration. Tune in for an engaging discussion and a unique memory game to kick things off! Hosted by Malwina TalikProduced by Gloria Becerril#Minilateralism #VisegradFour #ThreeSeasInitiative #EuropeanIntegration #CentralEuropeExplained

🎧 Episode 53: Future Enlargement 🌍🎙️ In this episode of Central Europe Explained, host Francesco Danieli chats with Sebastian Schäffer, director of IDM, about the future of the EU. Join us as we discuss the potential and challenges of EU enlargement and what lies ahead for Europe. Tune in for an insightful and engaging conversation! 🇪🇺✨ Book: "Balkan nach Europa - Sofort!"Meet our target region through our interactive map here!Produced by: Gloria Becerril#EUFuture #EuropeanUnion #CEEPodcast #EuropeNext #IDM #EUPolitics

🎧 Episode 52: 20 Years of the EU enlargement💭 Do you remember May 1, 2004, when the European Union had its largest expansion? In this episode of Central Europe Explained, we hear personal stories from politicians, writers, and key figures who were part of this historic event.Listen to Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Noémi Kiss, Jiří Šitler, Juraj Droba and Rudolf Schicker share their memories and thoughts from that important day. We also look at the future, discussing the hopes of eight candidate countries working to join the EU.🇪🇺 This episode offers a heartfelt look at the past, present, and future of the EU. Produced by: Gloria Becerril🔗 Click here to read more about the event 20 Years of EU Enlargement & EU Elections 2024: Summary and Outlook from the Danube Region.#EUEnlargement #EU2004Expansion #CentralEurope #EUHistory #EuropeanUnion #EnlargementAnniversary #EUIntegration #EuropeanPolitics #EasternEurope #WesternBalkans #EUMembership

Episode 51:  2024 European Parliament elections  🌟 In our season 4 opener, Central Europe Explained unpacks the 2024 European Parliament elections with a diverse panel from across Europe. Discover personal stories, insights on the elections' impact, and the future of the EU. Tune in for a compelling discussion that goes beyond politics! 🌐 🎙️ Panel guests:Sebastian Schäffer, Kamila Bogdanova, Melanie Jaindl, Malwina Talik, Sophia Beiter, Daniel Martínek, Péter Techet. Produced by:Gloria Becerril🔗 Click here to discover more about Parliamentary elections in our Youtube channel.

Central Europe Explained is back for a fourth season!As the world evolves, so do the narratives within the Danube Region and Central Europe. Our next season aims to foster the engagement between our listeners and all the pivotal issues taking place in our target region and the world. We want to show our audience that everything that happens around us in the spheres of finance, politics and science shapes our personal journeys too.  In this season, our podcast takes a bold step towards the heart of civil society, inviting guests to share their intimate narratives and personal journeys. Combining storytelling and the expertise of our team in ten episodes, our objective is to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that define our region.  With the support and expertise of the IDM team, we will offer a unique lens through which we will examine these personal narratives. Our experts enrich each story with their insights, contextualizing individual experiences within the broader landscape of the Danube Region and Central Europe. Are you interested in the future of the Danube Region? Then stay tuned to Central Europe Explained and remember to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite streaming platform!Central Europe Explained is a podcast series produced by the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) and powered by Erste Group.