Talk Eastern Europe

Talk Eastern Europe
  • 4.8 (53)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Talk Eastern Europe is your weekly deep dive into the heart of Central and Eastern Europe. Hosted by Adam Reichardt, Alexandra Karppi, and Nina Panikova, this podcast brings you expert analysis, thought-provoking commentary, and engaging interviews on the region's most pressing issues. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to the rise of populism and the challenges of European integration, we explore the complexities of the region and the forces shaping its future. Join us as we delve into the latest news and trends, uncovering the stories that matter most to Central and Eastern Europe. Support the podcast. Join our patreon page: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj

  1. 1D AGO

    US Tensions, NATO Risks & Serbia Elections | Weekly news roundup

    In this week’s Talk Eastern Europe news roundup, Adam Reichardt, Alexandra Karppi, and Nina Panikova break down the latest developments across the region. We start with Ukraine, where growing tensions with the United States over potential peace conditions raise serious questions about future security guarantees and military support. With the war in the Middle East reshaping global priorities, the episode explores how shifting geopolitics may be weakening Ukraine’s position while strengthening Russia’s hand. The discussion then turns to wider regional security concerns, including whether NATO could face a real test in the Baltics and how countries like Poland are preparing for a potential escalation. We also look at Moldova’s newly declared energy state of emergency following Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, highlighting how the war continues to impact the broader region. Finally, we head to the Balkans to unpack local elections inSerbia, where reports of irregularities and political pressure raise fresh concerns about democratic standards under Aleksandar Vučić. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and check outour full episodes and bonus content.

    26 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Are anti-corruption protests in Albania genuine? | Gresa Hasa

    Albania is often presented as a success story in the Western Balkans, especially on its path to the EU. But what’s really happening beneath the surface? In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, we dive into Albania’s evolving political landscape with researcher Gresa Hasa from the University of Graz. Following a landslide victory by Edi Rama’s Socialist Party, Albania is entering a new phase, one marked by growing concerns over power concentration, weakened opposition, and shrinking civic space. In the conversation we discuss: Why Albania increasingly resembles a dominant one-party system The collapse and fragmentation of the opposition, including Sali Berisha’s roleWhat’s really behind the so-called “anti-corruption protests” The paradox of anti-corruption efforts led by Albania’s special prosecutor (SPAK) Why these protests are less grassroots—and more about elite power struggles The gap between Albania’s EU progress on paper and its democratic reality How international media may be misreading the situation We also explore the concept of “stabilitocracy”—where leaders promise stability to the EU whileundermining democratic institutions at home—and what this means for Albania’sEU future. Learn even more: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/03/26/building-a-collective-desire-the-rise-of-kamza-tells-the-story-of-post-communist-albania/ Support us - join our patron community! https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

    28 min

  3. MAR 27

    Mass Protests in Prague and Spy Leak Allegations in Hungary | Weekly News Roundup

    Talk Eastern Europe is a patron-supported podcast – please support us by becoming a patron here: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope In this week’s Talk Eastern Europe news round-up, hosts Adam Reichardt and Alexandra Karppi unpack major political developments across Central and Eastern Europe – from the high-stakes election dynamics in Hungary to massive anti-government protests in Prague and constitutional changes in Kazakhstan. The episode explores how shifting political alliances, right-wing transnational networks, and allegations of foreign influence are shaping the region’s political landscape. The hosts also discuss Slovenia’s razor-thin election outcome and reflect on their latest deep-dive interview investigating alleged Slovak connections to the Epstein files. In this episode: Polish-Hungarian political tensions and ViktorOrbán’s election strategy CPAC Hungary and the rise of conservativetransnational alliances Allegations of intelligence leaks betweenHungarian officials and Moscow Huge anti-government demonstrations in Prague Slovenia’s unexpectedly tight election results Kazakhstan’s constitutional referendum andpotential power consolidation   Subscribe on YouTube and follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform to stay updated on the latest developments shaping Eastern Europe.

    23 min

  4. MAR 24

    Epstein Files: Inside the Slovakia Connection | Karin Kőváry Sólymos

    What do the Jeffrey Epstein files reveal about Slovakia? Inthis episode of Talk Eastern Europe, investigative journalist Karin Kőváry Sólymos joins us to unpack the surprising links between Epstein and former Slovak foreign minister Miroslav Lajčák. We discuss what the documents show, why the story matters, and how the revelations shook Slovak politics. Read Karin’s investigation in VSquare: https://vsquare.org/and-most-importantly-friend-mapping-miroslav-lajcaks-encounters-with-jeffrey-epstein/ Support this channel – become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Bonus interview: In the bonus section we discuss the investigation into the Ukrainian corruption scandal which broke recently, called Operation Midas. The scandal is considered to be one of the most high-profile anti-corruption investigations in Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion, and there appears to be a significant Slovak connection as well. Watch and the bonus content here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-content-to-153813167

    37 min

  5. MAR 20

    Hungary election, Poland politics, Serbia judicial purge | Weekly news roundup

    In this week’s episode of our new Talk Eastern Europe Weekly News Roundup, Adam Reichardt and Alexandra Karppi break down the biggest developments from across Central and Eastern Europe. This week’s topics include: Hungary’s high-stakes parliamentary electionPoland’s defence bill veto and rising political tensionsSerbia’s controversial judicial changesGeorgia’s embattled oppositionWe also introduce our new podcast format: one DeepDive interview earlier in the week, followed by a separate news roundup later in the week. Watch, listen, and subscribe for weekly analysis on Eastern Europe, EU politics, Russia’s war against Ukraine, cultural developments, and regional security. Support us on Patreon for early access and bonus content - https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

    29 min

  6. MAR 17

    Iran war fallout: oil, sanctions and Moscow | Marek Menkiszak

    How does the war in Iran affect Europe’s security and Russia’s war against Ukraine? In this inaugural video episode of TalkEastern Europe, Adam Reichardt speaks with Marek Menkiszak, Head of the Russia Department at the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) in Warsaw. They discuss how the Middle East conflict is reshaping global attention, influencing energy markets and sanctions policy, and potentially creating new opportunities and risks for Moscow. The conversation explores Russia’s strategic calculations, the impact of rising oil and gas prices on the Kremlin’s war effort, the future of Western support for Ukraine, and the broader geopolitical implications involving the United States and China. Read more analysis by Marek Menkiszak: https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/eksperci/marek-menkiszak Check out the latest issue of New Eastern Europe now available online here: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/02/23/issue-1-2-2026-europe-in-the-new-disorder/ Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly newsletter Brief Eastern Europe: www.briefeasterneurope.euJoin our Patron community, get early access and additional content ➤ www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Follow NEE on Instagram ➤  www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag Website ➤ https://www.talkeasterneurope.eu

    37 min
  7. Ukraine: four years of resistance. Part 3: journalism in times of war

    MAR 6

    Ukraine: four years of resistance. Part 3: journalism in times of war

    In episode 257 of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam and Alexandrareact to the breakout of war in the Middle East and what it might mean from the regional aspect. They look specifically at relations with Russia, the war in Ukraine and also the South Caucasus, which borders the conflict zone. They also catch on the situation in Albania and discuss Hungary’s latest tactics ahead of the elections in April. For the main interview Alexandra is joined by Toma Istomina,deputy chief editor of The Kyiv Independent, on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Tome reflects on how the newsroom transformed overnight from a small startup into a major international outlet covering the war, and how journalists balance urgent battlefield reporting with deeper coverage of Ukrainian culture, history, and everyday life. The conversation explores the challenges of reporting during prolonged conflict, the importance of global understanding of Ukraine, and the role international audiences can play in supporting independent journalism covering the war. Check out the Kyiv Independent online: https://kyivindependent.com/ Watch the special YouTube series “Dare to Ukraine” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cjMmGeLq0I&list=PLmOj0Ur_xinRpYyt31pbGt48Z6YGwX6Zt Support the podcast and become a patron here: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope

    47 min
  8. Ukraine: four years of resistance. Part 2: Negotiations and occupation

    FEB 27

    Ukraine: four years of resistance. Part 2: Negotiations and occupation

    In episode 256 of Talk Eastern Europe, hosts Adam, Alexandra and Nina mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine with a heavy week of reflections – as well as some other news from the region. They discuss ongoing protest movements across the Balkans (includingfresh demonstrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina following a deadly tram derailment), tensions in Serbia, and what these cycles of civic anger say about corruption and accountability. The episode then features an interview with Nedim Useinow - a Crimean Tatar originally from Crimea and now a program manager with the German Marshall Fund. Adam and Nedim discuss where the war stands after four years, why current “peace talks” feel hollow, what occupation has meant for Crimea and Crimean Tatars, and how Ukrainians’ resilience has shifted from shock to long-term adaptation. The conversation also touches on Poland’s evolving public mood, disinformation, and why continued support for Ukraine still matters for European security. Read online: “Tortured into confession. The plight of Ukrainian prisoners of war” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/02/24/tortured-into-confession-the-plight-of-ukrainian-prisoners-of-war/ Listen to Part 1 of this series here - https://talkeasterneurope.eu/episodes/ukraine-four-years-of-resistance-part-1-mobilizing-empathy-for-stolen-children

    56 min
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4.8
out of 5
53 Ratings

About

Talk Eastern Europe is your weekly deep dive into the heart of Central and Eastern Europe. Hosted by Adam Reichardt, Alexandra Karppi, and Nina Panikova, this podcast brings you expert analysis, thought-provoking commentary, and engaging interviews on the region's most pressing issues. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to the rise of populism and the challenges of European integration, we explore the complexities of the region and the forces shaping its future. Join us as we delve into the latest news and trends, uncovering the stories that matter most to Central and Eastern Europe. Support the podcast. Join our patreon page: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj

Information

  • Creator
    Talk Eastern Europe
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    283
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Talk Eastern Europe
  • Show Website
    Talk Eastern Europe

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