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. 2d ago

    Russia Escalating, Serbia's Election Test | Weekly News Roundup

    Russia’s war against Ukraine intensified over the summer, with increasingly sustained drone and missile attacks raising new questions about what comes next and whether Moscow’s confrontation with the West could extend beyond Ukraine. In this week’s Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, Alexandra Karppi and Adam Reichardt discuss the latest wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s reported visit to Moscow and growing concerns about Russian operations against NATO countries. They also look at Germany’s accusations of Russian involvement in a suspected sabotage plot near Leipzig airport. Turning to the Western Balkans, Alexandra and Adam discuss the death of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić and the troubling glorification of his legacy in parts of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. They also look ahead to Serbia’s newly announced parliamentary elections, the challenge posed by the student-led opposition movement to Aleksandar Vučić’s ruling party, and a new effort in the US Congress that could pave the way for sanctions against Serbian officials. Finally, they preview this week’s Deep Dive with Professor James Ker-Lindsay on Russia, European security, Serbia, Turkey and the changing geopolitical landscape. In our extended version, for Patrons only, Adam and Alexandra reflect upon their summers in the United States and the overall mood there. Become a patron of the podcast to listen to this and get other great benefits: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Read more on the death of Ratko Mladić and its impact on the upcoming Serbian election: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/09/04/ratko-mladic-is-dead-his-nationalist-legacy-lives-on/

  2. 5d ago

    Russia, Trump and the Battle for the Balkans | James Ker-Lindsay

    We are back after our August break! In this episode of the Talk Eastern Europe Deep Dive, Alexandra Karppi speaks with James Ker-Lindsay, professor and specialist on conflict, security and diplomacy, with particular expertise on the Western Balkans. They discuss the increasingly complicated geopolitical landscape across the Balkans and wider Eastern Europe. The conversation covers the stalled political processes in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro’s progress towards EU membership, and the growing divergence between Washington and Brussels over how to approach the region. They also examine the Trump administration’s hanging engagement with the Balkans and why US business interests appear to be playing a larger role in its regional policy. Alexandra and James also look at Russia’s war against Ukraine, Moscow’s influence in the region and the possibility of increasingly aggressive hybrid operations against NATO members, particularly the Baltic states and Poland. Finally, they explore Turkey’s increasingly independent foreign policy, its relationship with Russia and the United States, and why Ankara – alongside Belgrade and Baku – has become an increasingly important player in the emerging geopolitical order. Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europemagazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. ABOUT THIS PODCAST We publish twice weekly!Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholarsEvery Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developments Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all majorplatforms. Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis.https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access,behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates,expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

  3. Jul 28

    Russia is Weaker than the West Thinks | Anna Danylchuk

    Russia’s war against Ukraine is being fought not only on thebattlefield, but also in the information space. In this Talk Eastern Europe deep dive, Adam Reichardt speaks with Ukrainian media professional, researcher and YouTube creator Anna Danylchuk, better known as Anna from Ukraine. Since March 2022, Anna has provided daily English-language updates explaining how the Russian invasion affects ordinary Ukrainians—and challenging the myths and propaganda that continue to shape Western perceptions of the war. Anna discusses why Russian disinformation remains effective,how the Kremlin exploits fear of escalation and nuclear war, and why outdated assumptions about Russian power can lead western governments towards the wrong policies. She also explains how Ukrainian drones and missiles are bringing the consequences of the war inside Russia, why Russia’s military and economic weaknesses are becoming increasingly visible, and how Ukrainians continue to adapt to missile attacks, power cuts and another potentially difficult winter. Is Ukraine gaining the upper hand? Why have negotiationsrepeatedly failed? And what does the West still misunderstand about Russia? ABOUT THIS PODCAST We publish twice weekly: - Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives withleading analysts, journalists, and scholars - Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updatesand commentary on the latest developments Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all majorplatforms.  Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis.https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates,expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

  4. Jul 24

    Ukraine's Top General Fired, Secret Russia Talks & Serbia Stuns Vučić | Weekly News Roundup

    In this week’s news roundup, Talk Eastern Europe co-hosts Adam Reichardt and Aleksandra Karppi provide the latest developments in the region. Firstly, Ukraine has replaced its commander-in-chief in oneof the biggest wartime leadership changes since Russia's full scale invasion, sparking debate about military reform, democracy during wartime, and the future of Ukraine's defence strategy. Meanwhile, reports of secret meetings between Russian andGerman representatives in Azerbaijan have raised fresh questions about Europe's approach to Russia and the future of the war. We also head to the Balkans, where Kosovo remains trapped in political deadlock after coalition talks collapsed, while Serbia's student movement has overtaken President Aleksandar Vučić's party in the latest opinion polls—potentially reshaping the country's political future. In our extended version of the podcast goes even deeper intopolitical developments in Serbia, available exclusively to the patrons of the podcast. 👉 Support Talk Eastern Europe on Patreon: https://patreon.com/talkeasterneurope 🌍 Read New Eastern Europe: https://neweasterneurope.eu 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly analysis of Central & Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Russia, the Balkans, EU politics, NATO, security, democracy and geopolitics. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

  5. Jul 21

    Can Czech Democracy Survive Andrej Babiš? | Mikuláš Minář

    With Andrej Babiš back in power, Czechia’s civil society is warning the country may follow Hungary and Slovakia down an authoritarian path. In this Talk Eastern Europe Deep Dive, Nina Pániková speaks with Mikuláš Minář, founder and chairman of Million Moments for Democracy, at the UNLOCK Summit in Prague. Minář recounts how a single moment before the 2017 Czech election transformed him from a philosophy student into one of the country’s most prominent civic activists. He explains how Million Moments for Democracy mobilized hundreds of thousands of people, helped strengthen democratic participation ahead of the 2021 election and became an inspiration for civic movements elsewhere in Europe. The conversation examines Andrej Babiš’s return to power, threats to Czech public media and civil society, the role of opposition parties and the danger of the Czech Republic following the political trajectory of Viktor Orbán’s Hungary or Robert Fico’s Slovakia. Minář also explains why protest alone is no longer enough, why civic movements must remain independent while still engaging with politicians, and how small everyday actions can generate the collective power needed to protect democracy. Can grassroots activism once again change the direction of Czech politics? Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. ABOUT THIS PODCAST We publish twice weekly: - Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars - Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developments Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms. Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine  Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

  6. Jul 17

    Hungary after Orbán, Ukraine’s Reshuffle & NATO’s New Turn | Weekly News Roundup

    Hungary’s new government is rapidly dismantling Viktor Orbán’s political legacy, Ukraine is preparing another major government reshuffle, and the latest NATO summit has delivered potentially significant news for Kyiv. In this episode of the Talk Eastern Europe Weekly News Roundup, Nina Panikova, Alexandra Karppi and Adam Reichardt discuss the political transformation underway in Hungary under Péter Magyar, including the removal of President Tamás Sulyok and efforts to reform institutions shaped by years of Fidesz rule. The co-hosts also examine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposed government changes and what they could mean for Ukraine’s wartime management, economy and foreign policy. They assess the outcome of the NATO summit, including reports that Ukraine could receive access to technology needed to produce Patriot missiles. The discussion then turns to deteriorating Polish-Ukrainian relations, growing anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland and the political consequences ahead of future elections. Finally, the team looks at warnings of possible Russian provocations, cyberattacks and hybrid operations against Poland and the Baltic states and asks whether Moscow is preparing for a much longer confrontation with Europe. Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.   ABOUT THIS PODCAST We publish twice weekly: · Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars · Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developments Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine  Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/   Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free toyour inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

  7. Jul 14

    How Europe Can Stay Competitive Without Abandoning Its Values | Special TEE Discussion

    Is Europe losing its competitive edge? Can the EuropeanUnion remain economically strong while protecting its social model, environmental ambitions and democratic values? In this special episode of Talk Eastern Europe, recorded at the Connecting EU Seminar in Sofia, Bulgaria and organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Adam Reichardt moderates a wide-ranging discussion on Europe's biggest economic and political challenges. Joining the discussion are: • Cillian Lohan – President, Civil Society Organisations Group (EESC)• Sandra Parthie – President, Employers' Group (EESC)• Philipp Lausberg – Senior Analyst, European Policy Centre• Florian Marin – Workers' Group (EESC) Topics include: As Europe faces growing geopolitical competition, economicfragmentation and rising security challenges, this conversation explores what the EU must do to remain prosperous—and united. This episode was produced in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).Learn more about the event, including recordings from the discussions here: https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/agenda/our-events/events/defence-european-values-power-civil-society Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europemagazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all majorplatforms. Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine  Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/   Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates,expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

  8. Jul 10

    Russia Planning an Attack on Poland? Plus NATO, Moldova, & Bulgaria | Weekly News Roundup

    Reports suggesting Russia may be planning a limited attack against Poland have sparked intense debate ahead of the NATO Summit. This week, Adam and Alexandra are in Sofia, Bulgaria, where they unpack the intelligence reports, discuss what they could mean for NATO deterrence, and examine thewider implications for European security. They also look at the sudden collapse of Moldova's government, what it means for the country's EU ambitions, and the growing anti-government protests in Albania, where demonstrators are now openly demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. Finally, reporting from Sofia, Adam and Alexandra shareobservations from discussions on European security, disinformation, and the country's changing political landscape. In this episode: Reports of a possible Russian attack scenario involvingPoland What to expect from the NATO Summit Ukraine's air defence challenges Moldova's political crisis and EU accession Albania's growing anti-government protests Bulgaria's political direction after joining the Eurozone European security, public trust and disinformation   Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europemagazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.   Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all majorplatforms.   Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine  Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/   Support us on Patreon Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope   Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates,expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe   FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

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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
    319
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Talk Eastern Europe
  • Show Website
    Talk Eastern Europe

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