Péter Techet for STVR Pátria Rádió about Friedrich Merz’s criticism of migration

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On the occasion of the critical remarks made by the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, claiming that the appearance of German cities had changed, Péter Techet analyzed the right-wing shift in the rhetoric of the CDU/CSU on the Hungarian-language program of Slovak Radio. 

The interview can be listened to here: https://patria24.stvr.sk/2025/10/23/a-nemet-kancellar-szerint-a-migracio-megvaltoztatta-a-nemet-varoskepet-es-a-nok-nem-erzik-magukat-biztonsagban/ 

Sebastian Schäffer for Caucasian Journal on the role of EU integration in preserving democracy and freedom

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In an interview for Caucasian Journal, Sebastian Schäffer, Director of the IDM, enhances the importance of European integration for preserving freedom and democracy, both in candidate countries and in Member States. The discussion addressed the European Union’s perception of the Caucasus region, particularly Georgia, which obtained official EU candidate status in 2023 but has since experienced a slowdown in its accession process. The loss of this momentum results from the internal situation, including political instability and foreign interference, and from the stance of Member States which are not unaware to their cultural ties with Georgia and are blocking progress.

While in Moldova on the day of the parliamentary elections, Sebastian Schäffer shared his insights on the country’s prospects with the European Union. Although this country has made significant progress towards accession in recent years, it remains subject to considerable Russian meddling, as was particularly evident in the last elections in September 2025.

Regarding the future of the EU, Schäffer concludes by emphasising that democratic achievements, even within the member states, should never be taken for granted – if they are not actively safeguarded, they risk being lost.

You can find the full interview here: Sebastian SCHÄFFER: “The best way to preserve freedom is European integration” – YouTube

Interview with Péter Techet at the Austrian Academy of Sciences about Illiberalism

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Péter Techet gave an interview to the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) in which he discussed what illiberalism means in general – and specifically in Hungary –, why there is no single, homogeneous people and therefore no genuine popular sovereignty, and why legal scholarship should describe politics and law, but must not seek to control them. 

The interview can be read here: https://www.oeaw.ac.at/news/ungarns-illiberale-demokratie-wenn-die-verfassung-zum-machtinstrument-wird 

Sebastian Schäffer for Fair Observer on Moldova’s future path towards the EU

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In a recent interview for Fair Observer, Sebastian Schäffer, IDM Director, discussed the significance of the latest parliamentary elections in Moldova, where the pro-European PAS party came out on top with an absolute majority. After these elections, one key question remains: Will Moldova join the EU?

While the victory of PAS seems promising for Moldova’s path toward the European Union, Schäffer points out that many obstacles remain.  The country is particularly marked by a polarisation between pro-Eastern and pro-Western factions, a division inherited from its past in the USSR. He emphasized the role of Transnistria, a region with its own identity, closely tied to Russia both culturally and economically, and which therefore serves as a strategic foothold for Russian meddling. Moreover, this issue is even more pronounced in Gagauzia, an autonomous region of Moldova where the Patriotic Bloc won 80% of the vote in the September parliamentary elections.

Moldova must therefore continue to take action to preserve democracy by combating disinformation, corruption and foreign interference. Finally, Schäffer stresses that some Member States do not seem willing to accept new members, and the ratification stage by the 27 could be an obstacle in the future.

You can find the full interview here: Moldova’s Pro-EU Party Wins Pivotal Election: Turning Point or Trouble Ahead? | FO° Talks – YouTube

The Danube as a Strategic Corridor for EU Enlargement

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The Danube as a Strategic Corridor for EU Enlargement

In his article for the latest edition of European Voices, IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer examines the Danube – not just as a river but as a dynamic strategic corridor, its twists and turns meandering through EU member and candidate states alike. He argues that in countering Russia, the Danube should serve as an artery for strengthening EU enlargement, especially with respect to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, and more broadly for projecting Europe’s geopolitical resilience.
This piece underscores how the Danube can become both a connective infrastructure and a symbolic backbone of integration – tying together political, economic, and security dimensions across borders. Schäffer highlights the river’s potential to support infrastructure, transport, cooperation, and shared responsibility, all of which are essential if enlargement is to be more than a slogan.
Read the full article:
🔗 In Countering Russia, the Danube Is a Strategic Corridor for EU Enlargement

Péter Techet for Die Presse about the Czech elections

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In an Op-Ed for the Austrian daily Die Presse, Péter Techet analyzed the outcome of the Czech parliamentary elections. Techet emphasized that while the populist Andrej Babiš had indeed won the election, he lacked a parliamentary majority. Moreover, a coalition with two other populist parties (the anti-green Motorists’ Party and the anti-EU SPD) would likely prove unstable. Thus, according to Techet, the situation in Prague points more toward a “Slovak” rather than a “Hungarian” scenario. 
The article can be read here.

Péter Techet for STVR Pátria Rádió on Merkel’s Refugee Policy

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In the Hungarian-language program of Slovak Radio STVR, Péter Techet spoke about the reasons for and the consequences of the refugee policy that Angela Merkel implemented 10 years ago – also in contrast to the policy of Viktor Orbán. 

The interview can be listened to here: https://patria24.stvr.sk/2025/09/30/naiv-volt-e-merkel-tizeves-a-menekultvalsag/  

Péter Techet for Salzburger Nachrichten on Orbán’s Family Policy

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For the Austrian daily Salzburger Nachrichten, Péter Techet explained why Orbán’s family policy is essentially a neoliberal tax policy serving the interests of the upper middle class; the financial support for mothers and children does not really benefit the poorer families. 

The article can be read here: https://www.sn.at/politik/weltpolitik/orban-wahlzuckerl-muetter-184898038  

Péter Techet for Kurier on the Protests in Slovakia

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In the Austrian daily newspaper Kurier, Péter Techet was asked about the ongoing protests against Robert Fico’s austerity policy. Techet argues that the current protests address social issues and could therefore become more dangerous for Fico’s government in Bratislava than the previous demonstrations against Fico’s pro-Russian course. 

The article can be read here. 

From autonomy to deterrence: IDM Director on ReArm Europe for Azernews

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ReArm Europe marks a decisive turn in the European Union’s security and industrial trajectory. In his recent interview with Azernews, IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer outlines that the initiative, targeting €2 trillion in defence by 2030, signals a major step towards strategic autonomy. Schäffer emphasizes that success depends on real coordination among member states to avoid fragmented efforts and ensure genuine European capacity. While ReArm can strengthen Europe’s self-defence and reduce certain dependencies on external actors, NATO’s role — especially U.S. nuclear and intelligence guarantees — remains vital and irreplaceable in the near future. 

On Ukraine, Schäffer highlights Europe’s clear preparation for a long-term challenge rather than a quick peace. “Without a just peace, there will be just peace,” Schäffer warns, pointing to the necessity of solutions rooted in justice to prevent recurrent hostilities. The interview also discusses the complexities of de-risking from Chinese supply chains, emphasizing gradual shifts rather than immediate decoupling. Schäffer concludes that political leadership and unity are essential for making ReArm Europe more than a historic opportunity – a test of Europe’s resilience and strategic foresight. 

Read the whole interview here: https://www.azernews.az/analysis/247258.html