European Talks

European Talks
European Talks

European Talks podcast is a short form conversation that aims to untangle difficult questions on various topics related to Serbia’s relations with the EU and its member states, by talking to experts, diplomats, and other relevant actors. Whether you are a researcher, a politician, or just genuinely curious about the topic, European Talks podcast will provide you with valuable ideas, answers as well as new questions. The producer is European Policy Centre - CEP, non-governmental, non-profit, independent think tank based in Belgrade.

  1. Fear, identity and the future: Young voices from Greece

    29 JAN

    Fear, identity and the future: Young voices from Greece

    Welcome to the second episode of our podcast series, "REACHing Citizens" part of the "Reshaping Engagement through Affirmative Citizen Consultations (REACH) project". Launched in 2024, this initiative is funded by the European Commission’s SAV 2023 program and brings together organizations from across Europe to explore pressing social and political issues. Interviewer: Ioanna (Host) & Nikos (Co-host) Citizens: Emilia, Actress based in Athens, and Omar, Student in France, both of Greek-French nationality and participants in the citizen consultation in Athens In this episode, we take you to Greece, where we hear from Emilia and Homere, two young participants in a recent citizen consultation. Coming from both French and Greek backgrounds, they share their insights on topics such as climate change, EU enlargement, and the rule of law, reflecting on generational and cultural perspectives. They discuss how environmental awareness differs between Greece and France, how young people engage with climate activism, and how freedom of expression in the arts is shaped by political and social realities. Emilia and Homere highlighted that climate change was the most engaging topic for them. They reflected on the differences in environmental education and awareness between Greece and France, noting that Greek youth often lack access to the same level of information and sustainable lifestyle opportunities as their French counterparts. They pointed out that while young people in Greece want to adopt eco-friendly habits, systemic barriers such as poor city infrastructure and social stigmas around sustainability make it difficult. Regarding EU enlargement, both participants were surprised by the fear-driven responses from other attendees. They shared their experiences of hearing concerns about security, economic instability, and the role of military power in the EU. As individuals with dual national identities, they also reflected on the power dynamics within the EU and how different member states perceive integration. On the topic of freedom of expression, Emilia and Homere discussed their experiences as young artists in France and Greece. They noted that while theoretically free speech is protected, they often self-censor due to social and political pressures. They also acknowledged the privilege of artistic expression, emphasizing that some voices are more easily heard than others in both countries. In conclusion, Emilia and Homere emphasized the need for open dialogue and education on these critical topics. They encouraged young people to engage in discussions and consultations, challenge dominant narratives, and advocate for meaningful change.

    19 min
  2. Disinformation, corruption and hope: Youth perpectives in Bulgaria

    24/12/2024

    Disinformation, corruption and hope: Youth perpectives in Bulgaria

    Welcome to our new podcast series, "REACHing Citizens," part of the "Reshaping Engagement through Affirmative Citizen Consultations (REACH)" project. Launched in 2024, this initiative is funded by the European Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) and brings together organisations from across Europe, including Serbia, Belgium, Kosovo, BiH, Bulgaria, France, Croatia, and Greece. In this first episode, we take you to Bulgaria, where we hear from Giulia-Maria Alberghi, a university student and participant in one of the citizen consultations in Plovdiv. She shares her insights on the challenges of democratic engagement in Bulgaria, focusing on the rule of law, media independence, and the role of critical thinking in the fight against disinformation. Join us as she talks about important topics and explore how civic participation can pave the way for positive change in Bulgaria. Interviewer: Daniela Mineva, Senior Analyst, Center for the Study of Democracy, Bulgaria Citizen: Giulia - Maria Alberghi, University Student of Philosophy, Politicacs and Society, University of Radboud, the Netherlands (nationality: Bulgarian), participant in the citisen consultation in the city of Plovdiv Giulia-Maria Alberghi emphasized that, in her view, the rule of law is the most critical of the three discussed topics. She highlighted Bulgaria's ongoing struggle to elect a stable government, with no resolution even after seven consecutive elections. Voter participation continues to decline, reflecting a broader erosion of trust in democratic institutions. Citizens increasingly distrust the media and question the independence of the Bulgarian judiciary. Giulia noted that while numerous legal and institutional reforms have been implemented under pressure from the European Union, these changes have failed to produce tangible benefits for ordinary people due to pervasive corruption. She referenced the widespread protests in Bulgaria during 2020-2021, pointing out that the grievances that fueled these demonstrations remain unresolved today. Another significant issue raised by Giulia was the lack of investigative journalism in Bulgaria. She explained that mainstream media often avoid publishing investigative reports, largely because of ownership ties to authoritarian or corrupt individuals. While social media provides an alternative platform for journalists, she shared instances where journalists using platforms like YouTube have faced threats. Additionally, both journalists and the public encounter challenges in accessing public data. Giulia also addressed the pervasive lack of critical thinking among the population, noting that people of all ages are susceptible to disinformation and propaganda. This contributes to widespread misunderstandings on topics like the Green Deal and the Euro. The absence of official fact-checking mechanisms on social media further exacerbates the problem. Despite these challenges, Giulia highlighted a positive aspect: many people are eager to discuss political issues. She urged civil society organizations (CSOs) to harness this interest by fostering dialogue and engagement. Platforms like Discord, for instance, host numerous groups dedicated to political discussions. In conclusion, Giulia-Maria Alberghi called for greater efforts to promote citizen discussions and consultations, education, and awareness-raising to address these pressing issues effectively.

    21 min
  3. Sustainable Development Meets EU Accession: Insights from French Development Agency (AFD)

    23/12/2024

    Sustainable Development Meets EU Accession: Insights from French Development Agency (AFD)

    In the 79th episode of European Talks, Milena Mihajlović Denić, European Policy Centre - CEP Programme Director, sat down with Rémy Rioux, the Chief Executive Officer of the French Development Agency (AFD). The conversation brings together key insights on the Western Balkans' opportunities and challenges as it strives for a prosperous, sustainable future. The episode starts by discussing the economic trajectory of the Western Balkans, examining the region’s growth slowdown and the roadblocks impeding its full convergence with the European Union. Insights are shared on the importance of accelerating reforms to ensure the region's economic trajectory remains on track and aligns with EU standards. The second segment dives into the need for stronger governance, innovation, and regional cooperation as essential drivers for the Western Balkans’ long-term success. The conversation highlights how technology, digital transformation, and fostering innovation can be key enablers of growth, paving the way for the region’s integration into the broader European economy. The final part of the episode explores how strengthening local institutions, promoting inclusive development, and fostering strategic partnerships can empower the Western Balkans. With a focus on collaboration between governments, civil society, and international actors, the discussion underscores the importance of building strong, sustainable relationships for lasting growth and prosperity. For more information about AFD, visit: www.afd.fr For more information about CEP, visit: www.cep.org.rs

    35 min
  4. Democracy Under Pressure: Insights from Freedom House’s Nations in Transit and EC Enlargement Package in the Western Balkans

    15/11/2024

    Democracy Under Pressure: Insights from Freedom House’s Nations in Transit and EC Enlargement Package in the Western Balkans

    In this episode of the European Talks, CEP's host Miloš Pavković sits down with Alexandra Karppi, a Policy Analyst at Freedom House and co-author of the latest Nations in Transit report and Nikola Burazer, Program Director of the Centre for Contemporary Politics and the author of the Nations in Transit report for Serbia. Together, they explore the pressing challenges facing democracy globally, with a particular focus on the democratic backsliding evident in Central Europe, Central Asia, and the Western Balkans. Burazer emphasises key democratic challenges in Serbia and analyses the latest Enlargement Package of the EU. Karppi shares insights from the 2023 Nations in Transit report, highlighting a concerning two-decade-long trend of democratic decline. The conversation delves into how authoritarian regimes have grown more entrenched, impacting democratic institutions worldwide and intensifying geopolitical tensions. Karppi discusses the unique regional dynamics observed in the Western Balkans, where issues like weakening independent media, compromised judicial systems, and rampant corruption have led to stagnant or regressive democratic outcomes. This thought-provoking dialogue also addresses the nuanced classification of “hybrid regimes” in the Balkans and how countries like Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia face distinct obstacles that hinder their democratic progression. Pavković and Karppi reflect on the role of international bodies like the European Union and the Council of Europe in addressing these challenges. With a recent EU report grading Montenegro as the region’s top-performing democracy, they discuss whether external evaluations and support can spur meaningful reforms. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of the regional and global challenges to democracy and why supporting civil society, independent journalism, and the rule of law remains essential to reversing these trends. Whether you’re a policymaker, activist, or simply concerned about the state of global democracy, this episode offers invaluable insights into the democratic resilience needed for the years ahead.

    1h 7m
  5. Democracy Under Review: North Macedonia and the EU’s 2024 Enlargement Package

    08/11/2024

    Democracy Under Review: North Macedonia and the EU’s 2024 Enlargement Package

    In this episode of European Talks by the European Policy Centre, host Miloš Pavković sits down with Stefan Ristovski, a researcher with expertise in regional cooperation, economic reform, and the EU integration of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. The discussion centres on the European Commission’s latest enlargement package, providing a thorough analysis of the democratic landscape, regional reforms, and the future of EU accession for the Western Balkans. Ristovski offers a critical look at the European Commission’s evolving approach in its 2024 reports, highlighting both the package’s more direct language and its selective focus on certain countries. While Moldova and Montenegro receive positive feedback for electoral reforms, North Macedonia faces concerns about political polarisation and challenges in democratic institution-building. Ristovski reflects on the current political climate in North Macedonia, which has been marked by a recent government change and stalled accession talks due to unresolved issues with Bulgaria, leading to delayed EU negotiations. The conversation also dives into the regional assessment variances between EU, Freedom House, and V-Dem reports, noting the Commission’s new “mostly satisfactory” assessment for North Macedonia, compared to Freedom House’s classification as a hybrid regime. Ristovski discusses the need for standardised reporting on civil oversight in intelligence sectors and questions the transparency of the Commission’s evaluative framework. Looking to the future, Pavkovic and Ristovski explore the potential pathways and challenges for North Macedonia’s EU membership, especially in light of the EU's 2030 enlargement target, where Montenegro currently leads. Although optimistic, Ristovski š the importance of North Macedonia’s commitment to democratic reform, even if the 2030 goal is ambitious. This episode is supported by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Policy Center, and other regional partners, aiming to foster insightful dialogue on the pressing issues shaping the future of EU integration in the Western Balkans.

    24 min

About

European Talks podcast is a short form conversation that aims to untangle difficult questions on various topics related to Serbia’s relations with the EU and its member states, by talking to experts, diplomats, and other relevant actors. Whether you are a researcher, a politician, or just genuinely curious about the topic, European Talks podcast will provide you with valuable ideas, answers as well as new questions. The producer is European Policy Centre - CEP, non-governmental, non-profit, independent think tank based in Belgrade.

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