In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Alexandra Karppi speaks with Kurt Bassuener, co-founder of the Democratization Policy Council (DPC), about the changing geopolitical landscape in the Western Balkans and the growing challenges facing democratic movements across the region.

Starting with Bosnia and Herzegovina's elections, the conversation explores the Trump administration's increasingly transactional approach to the Balkans, the influence of political and business interests on US foreign policy, and the EU's reluctance to move beyond its established enlargement framework.

They also discuss Serbia's student-led movement, the prospects for democratic change, and why European leaders may be overlooking the region's most important democratic forces.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Kurt Bassuener joins Talk Eastern Europe

02:00 – Bosnia's elections and the limits of political change03:45 – Is Washington changing its approach to the Balkans?06:55 – Why the concept of "the West" no longer works10:00 – US foreign policy and democratic principles14:05 – Can Europe still defend democracy in the region?21:22 – Serbia's student movement and the prospects for change 25:03 – What would a democratic transition in Serbia require? 31:41 – Why the Western Balkans matter for Europe's future32:02 – Final reflections: An "angry optimist"

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.

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Election season is reshaping the political landscape across Central and Eastern Europe — while signs of political tensionare emerging inside Russia itself. In this week’s Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, Alexandra Karppi and Adam Reichardt look at the latest election results in Latvia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Milorad Dodik’s political camp has strengthened its position and concerns over Republika Srpska’s separatist ambitions remain very real.

They also discuss growing tensions over transitional justice in Kosovo, the deteriorating environment for civil society in Georgia following the closure of German political foundations, and an unusual protest in Moscow where more than 60 people were detained after demonstrators called for fair elections and freedom for political prisoners.

Plus: what could growing frustration and renewed fears of mobilization tell us about what is happening beneath the surface of Russian society?

And don’t miss this week’s Deep Dive with Moldova expert David Smith, looking at Moldova’s EU path, relations with Romania, Transnistria and the growing spillover from Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Timestamps

01:40 Latvia’s election and the security challenge
05:13 Bosnia elections: Dodik’s influence grows 07:26 Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia’s nationalist politics
10:21 Kosovo and the fight over transitional justice
12:59 Georgia: German foundations shut down operations
15:23 Russia detains protesters at an authorised rally
16:40 Is frustration growing inside Russia? 17:42 This week’s Deep Dive: Moldova

Moldova is racing towards European Union membership, but can it meet its ambitious 2030 goal, and will the EU be ready to welcome it? In this episode of the Talk Eastern Europe Deep Dive, Adam Reichardt speaks with David Smith, Moldova expert and author of the Moldova Matters Substack, about the country’s rapidly changing political and security landscape.

They discuss the state of Moldova’s pro-European reforms, the challenges facing the government in Chișinău and whether Moldova and Ukraine will continue to move towards EU membership together. The conversation also looks at the renewed debate over unification with Romania. Is it simply a symbolic issue, or could union with Romania become a genuine “Plan B” if Moldova’s path towards EU membership stalls?

David also explains how Russia’s war against Ukraine is increasingly affecting Moldova directly, from drones crossing and crashing inside Moldovan territory to continued Russian disinformation and information warfare. Finally, the episode takes a closer look at Transnistria, where economic decline and growing dependence on the rest of Moldova are creating new possibilities for reintegration. Could Chișinău’s new strategy of “convergence” fundamentally change the future of the breakaway region?

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
01:41 – Moldova’s political landscape one year after the elections04:29 – Government changes and Moldova’s reform agenda
08:37 – Can Moldova be ready for EU membership by 2030?
12:02 – Are Moldova and Ukraine still tied together on EU enlargement?
15:15 – Could Moldova unite with Romania?
20:40 – Russia’s war, drones and Moldova’s security
25:54 – Russian disinformation and information warfare
27:56 – What is happening in Transnistria?
30:42 – Moldova’s new “convergence” strategy

Follow David Smith and Moldova Matters for analysis ofMoldovan politics, economics and regional affairs: https://www.moldovamatters.md/

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

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