Sebastian Schäffer for Der Pragmaticus about Russia’s Hybrid Warfare and Disinformation

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In a recent episode of Der Pragmaticus podcast, host Karin Pollack speaks with IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer about Russia’s disinformation strategies as part of hybrid warfare. Schäffer explains how Russian propaganda manipulates elections, fuels euroskeptic and far-right movements, and exploits social media tactics like bot farms and deepfake news. The conversation also covers the TikTok phenomenon in Romanian elections, the role of foreign actors in spreading disinformation, and the geopolitical risks of a fragmented European Union.

The episode can be listened to here, and the transcript can also be read.

Péter Techet for HVG on Orbán’s “anti-imperial” rhetoric

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In an Op-Ed for the Hungarian weekly HVG, Péter Techet analyzes Viktor Orbán’s “anti-imperial” rhetoric. The Hungarian Prime Minister repeatedly compares today’s Brussels to Habsburg Vienna. Techet argues—referring to an article by Hermann Bahr from 1911—that this “Hungarian” rhetoric was already used in the Habsburg Monarchy to maintain the power of an oligarchy. 

You can read the article here.

Péter Techet for Der Standard on Péter Magyar’s Chances in Hungary

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In an article for the Austrian daily newspaper Der Standard, which was also published on the blog of the Research Group for Eastern Europe at the Institute of Political Science of the University of Vienna, Péter Techet analyzes the path of Viktor Orbán’s challenger, Péter Magyar, and his chances in the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2026. 

The article can be read here. 

Sebastian Schäffer for FO° Talks on Europe’s geopolitical challenges and US policy shifts

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In this FO° Talks, IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer and Fair Observer Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief Atul Singh dive into the growing geopolitical challenges Europe faces amid shifting US policies. They explore the implications of US actions on European unity, highlighting concerns over the US’s evolving role as a stabilizing force in the region. From the rise of nationalism and internal EU divisions to the challenges posed by Russian aggression, they examine Europe’s struggle to maintain cohesion in the face of both internal and external threats. Schäffer emphasizes that Europe is at a critical juncture, warning of the potential consequences if the EU fails to act decisively. The conversation also touches on Europe’s social market model and explores the future of European defense and integration amidst rising far-right movements and growing divisions within the EU.

Watch the whole discussion here.

Péter Techet for Kyiv Independent on pro-Ukrainian demonstrations in Slovakia

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In the English-language online daily newspaper Kyiv Independent, Péter Techet writes in his Op-Ed about the reasons why people in Slovakia are demonstrating against the pro-Russian policies of Robert Fico and why Fico is, in fact, more pragmatic on the Ukraine issue than Viktor Orbán in Hungary. 

The article can be read here.

Péter Techet for Klubrádió on the Suspension of the Debt Brake in Germany

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In an interview with the Hungarian Klubrádió, Péter Techet spoke about the reasons why the CDU/CSU and SPD want to suspend the debt brake in Germany and whether the Greens will support the constitutional amendment. 

The full interview can be listened here.

Sebastian Schäffer for Cross-border Talks on the new Austrian government

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​In a recent interview for Cross-Border Talks Sebastian Schäffer, IDM Director, analysed the formation of Austria’s new tripartite coalition government. He emphasised the necessity for the conservative ÖVP, the social-democratic SPÖ, and the liberal NEOS to seek compromises to ensure effective governance.  He also noted that the exclusion of the far-right FPÖ, despite its electoral success, underscores the centrist parties’ commitment to pro-European values and liberal democracy. Schäffer remains optimistic that through negotiation and mutual concessions, the coalition can effectively govern and serve the Austrian populace.

Watch the whole interview here.

Péter Techet for ORF on the Slavkov Meeting

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In the ORF‘s minority program, Péter Techet’s conversation with the APA about the Slavkov Meeting was quoted. On March 5, 2025, the Austrian, Slovak, and Czech presidents met in Slavkov (Austerlitz) near Brno. Techet explained why this format was established 10 years ago and whether it can serve as an alternative to the Visegrád Group. 

The report can be read here. 

Péter Techet on STVR Pátria Rádió about the new Austrian government

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In the Hungarian-language program of Slovak Radio STVR, Péter Techet spoke about the new Austrian government and the challenges it faces. 

The program can be listened here.

Sebastian Schäffer für upgrade: Das Einstimmigkeitsprinzip muss fallen

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Sebastian Schäffer, Direktor des Instituts für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa, plädiert für eine umfassende Reform der EU-Institutionen. In dem Gespräch mit Christian Ultsch (Leiter Ressort Außenpolitik Die Presse) fordert er die Abschaffung des Einstimmigkeitsprinzips und schlägt vor, die Ministerräte durch eine Kammer der Regionen zu ersetzen. Dieses Modell soll Entscheidungsprozesse effizienter gestalten und die Handlungsfähigkeit der EU stärken. Lesen Sie das ganze Interview in der neuesten Ausgabe von upgrade – Das Magazin für Wissen und Weiterdenken der Universität für Weiterbildung Krems:

https://www.donau-uni.ac.at/de/aktuelles/upgrade-das-magazin-fuer-wissen-und-weiterdenken-der-universitaet-fuer-weiterbildung-krems/alle-ausgaben/upgrade-1-25-souveraen-bleiben/das-einstimmigkeitsprinzip-muss-fallen.html