Energiegemeinschaften im Westbalkan

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In einem Gastbeitrag für die österreichische Tageszeitung Der Standard beleuchtet Rebecca Thorne erfolgreiche Energiegemeinschaftsprojekte in Albanien, Nordmazedonien und Serbien. Zudem werden die politischen Rahmenbedingungen sowie die Hürden auf dem Weg zu einer nachhaltigen Energiezukunft im Westbalkan analysiert. Der Beitrag erschien gleichzeitig auch auf dem Blog der Forschungsgruppe Osteuropa am Institut für Politikwissenschaft der Universität Wien.

Lesen Sie den ganzen Artikel hier.

Sebastian Schäffer for FO° Talks on the Russian Roulette in Ukraine

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IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer recently joined Atul Singh, Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Fair Observer for another episode of FO° Talks. In the interview, Schäffer shared insights from his recent visit to Ukraine and reflected on the country’s current situation. He emphasised that Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and NATO is critical for the security of the entire continent. Without stronger European unity and increased military assistance, Schäffer warned, the risk of the conflict spreading beyond Ukraine’s borders will continue to grow. While Ukraine has made remarkable progress in aligning with EU regulations, Schäffer cautioned that hesitation among member states could undermine the broader European integration project.

The discussion also covered the risk of a divided Europe, with some countries showing strong support for Ukraine and others growing weary or hesitant. Schäffer also addressed the risks of yielding to Vladimir Putin’s demands, warning that doing so could further destabilise Europe rather than bring lasting peace.

Watch the whole conversation here.

IDM Melange with Anne Kruse & Dr. Ágnes Sebestyén from Baden-Württemberg Stiftung

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We recently had the pleasure of meeting with Anne Kruse and Dr. Ágnes Sebestyén from the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung. During our exchange, we discovered many shared goals, particularly in the fields of education, culture and civil society in the Danube Region.

The discussion focused on our current activities, the foundation’s inspiring initiatives such as Perspektive Donau, and possible areas for future cooperation. With our common commitment to supporting young people, fostering intercultural dialogue and strengthening regional ties, we look forward to deepening our collaboration.

Thank you for joining us!

Péter Techet for Frankfurter Rundschau on Orbán’s Sovereignty Law

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Péter Techet commented in the German daily Frankfurter Rundschau on the (temporarily withdrawn) Sovereignty Law, through which Viktor Orbán seeks to exert greater control over NGOs and independent media. According to Techet, the draft law clearly shows that Orbán is prepared to do whatever it takes to remain in power even after the 2026 parliamentary elections. 

The full article can be read here.

Péter Techet for Die Presse on the significance of the next elections in Hungary

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In the Austrian daily newspaper Die Presse, Péter Techet writes an Op-Ed on whether and why the parliamentary elections in Hungary next year will be a turning point: either Orbán continues to expand his power in an authoritarian manner, or his new challenger, Péter Magyar, can stop this course. 

The article can be read here. 

Péter Techet’s op-ed was also picked up by the Hungarian media. The weekly newspaper HVG reported on it on its website and summarized the main arguments of the article; in addition, Klubrádió made an interview with Techet about the theses of his article. 

Péter Techet for Liechtensteiner Vaterland on the Pride Parade in Budapest

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In the daily newspaper of Liechtenstein, Vaterland, Péter Techet was asked about the political significance of the Pride Parade in Budapest, where 200,000 people – despite the official ban on the event – marched in protest against the government. 

The article can be read here. 

Péter Techet for Salzburger Nachrichten on the Pride in Budapest

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In the Austrian daily newspaper Salzburger Nachrichten, Péter Techet was asked about Viktor Orbán’s announced ban on the Pride parade in Budapest. According to Techet, Orbán is using identity politics to distract from social and economic problems while trying to divide the opposition. However, this strategy failed: this year’s Pride in Budapest turned into a large demonstration against the government. 

The article can be read here. 

Sophia Beiter for AlQahera News on the European Council summit

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Research Associate Sophia Beiter recently spoke with AlQahera News about the ongoing European Council summit on 26 and 27 June 2025, where EU heads of state address pressing economic challenges, as well as ongoing developments in Ukraine and the Middle East. Beiter commented on the proposed 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which Slovakia and Hungary have already indicated they may oppose. She also highlighted the divergent positions within the EU on the conflict in Gaza, as well as discussions about a trade agreement with the United States in view of the tariffs imposed by President Trump. 

You can find the interview here. 

Women in Security. Malwina Talik co-authors GLOBSEC report on women strengthening security on the Eastern Flank

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Malwina Talik was among the contributors and co-editors of the recent GLOBSEC report “Women Strengthening European and NATO’s Security and Resilience in the Countries of the Eastern Flank.” Her chapter focuses on the role of women in Poland’s security and resilience sector, highlighting key challenges and offering policy proposals for greater inclusion. The report, produced by an international research team led by Sigita Struberga (Latvia), also features contributions from Ionela Maria Ciolan (Romania), Barbora Hrozenská (Slovakia), and Emma Zagrapanova. It was officially presented at the GLOBSEC Forum 2025 in Prague and is available online.

Malwina Talik discussed the political economy of populist parties and governments

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At the panel “The Political Economy of Contemporary Populist Authoritarianism”, organized by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) and the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip) on 25 June 2025, Malwina Talik (IDM) discussed how populist parties and governments use economic narratives in electoral campaigns and how these narratives can be used to consolidate power. The panel, moderated by Vedran Džihić (oiip), also featured contributions from Meryem Gökten (wiiw), Cengiz Günay (oiip), and Branimir Jovanovic (wiiw). The event was part of the Europe in a Fragmented World seminar series, which explores the political and economic dynamics shaping Europe’s future.