Central Europe Explained

🎧 Episode 60: What Will 2025 Bring? A View from the IDM 🌍✨ In this special season finale of Central Europe Explained, the IDM team gathers for a roundtable discussion reflecting on the decisive moments of 2024 and looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities of 2025. 💬 From personal highlights to professional achievements, we explore the lessons learned about democracy, resilience, and integration in Central and Eastern Europe. What role will citizens play in shaping the future? And how can institutions like the IDM continue to drive meaningful change? 🔍 Tune in for diverse perspectives from a team uniquely connected to the region, blending expert insights with heartfelt hopes for the year ahead. Hosted by: The IDM team Produced by: Gloria Becerril #CEEPodcast #CentralEuropeExplained #2024Reflections #2025Predictions #Democracy #EuropeanIntegration Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

EP 59 Ukraine recovery facilities 🌍🎙️ How do you rebuild a country while it’s still at war? In this episode of Central Europe Explained, host Sebastian Schäffer explores Ukraine's financial recovery and the immense challenges of reconstruction amidst ongoing war. 💬 Featuring insights from Olga Pindyuk, an economist at the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, we dive into the urgent priorities for Ukraine, the need for international partnerships, and the critical role of private investment in rebuilding a stronger, more resilient nation. 🔍 From energy infrastructure repairs to leveraging Ukraine’s vast resources in renewable energy and IT, this conversation unpacks the strategies required to secure both immediate and long-term recovery. Discover why safeguarding financial sovereignty and addressing corruption are essential for Ukraine's future. 🎞️ Host recommendations: * EU should drastically increase aid to Ukraine [https://wiiw.ac.at/eu-should-drastically-increase-aid-to-ukraine-n-652.html] * Front-loading financial support to Ukraine: It’s now or never [https://wiiw.ac.at/front-loading-financial-support-to-ukraine-it-s-now-or-never-p-7074.html] Written by our guest Olga Pindyuk * Anthology «State of War»  [https://www.meridiancz.com/de/anthology-state-of-war/] * Нотатки про українську музику [https://notatky.com.ua/mesedzh-90-ostannikh-dniv-lita/] Thank you for joining us for this powerful discussion on resilience, recovery, and hope. Hosted by: Sebastian Schäffer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-schaeffer/] Guest: Olga Pindyuk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-pindyuk-3aa3552/] Produced by: Gloria Becerril [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriabemej/] #UkraineRecovery #Reconstruction #EconomicResilience #CEEPodcast #CentralEuropeExplained Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

🎧 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 Beiter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-beiter-70868a276/] Guest: Dr. Kinga Brudzińska [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinga-brudzi%C5%84ska-346727183/] Book recommendation: Autocracy, Inc [https://www.thalia.at/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1069091490?ProvID=10907923&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0rW6BhAcEiwAQH28ItSSqjBWdaANR6GjUTU1NgTyH9r4BrsvCAy8xk61OBI8a7Wa3K_25BoCiX8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds] Produced by: Gloria Becerril [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriabemej/] #Democracy #HumanRights #Europe #CEEPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

🎧 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 Weiwei Hosted by: Malwina Talik [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtalik/] Guest: Marianna Wartecka [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianna-wartecka/] Produced by: Gloria Becerril [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriabemej/] #PolishBorder #Refugees #MigrationCrisis #HumanRights #CentralEuropeExplained #CEE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

🎧 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriabemej/] & Peter Techet [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-techet-a93709206/] Guest: László Andor [https://www.linkedin.com/in/l%C3%A1szl%C3%B3-andor-0b72452/] Produced by: Gloria Becerril #Hungary #EUPresidency #ViktorOrbán #EuropeanUnion #PublicSentiment #Podcast #CentralEuropeExplained #CEE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.