Malwina Talik on Anne Applebaum’s Warning Speech at the Opening of the Salzburg Festival for Polskie Radio

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The publicist Anne Applebaum, recipient of the Pulitzer Prize and the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, opened the Salzburg Festival with a warning speech. She addressed the dangers facing democracy and the rule of law. In a conversation with Jakub Kukla from Polskie Radio, Malwina Talik commented on how Applebaum’s speech was received in Austria and how attitudes toward Russia have changed since the full-scale invasion. 

You can listen to the whole interview (in German) here. 

Sebastian Schäffer for Fair Observer: “How to Write Disinformation, I Mean, the Truth”

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In June 2025, IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer and Research Associate Malwina Talik co-authored the article “Russian Influence in Central Europe Evolves From Disinformation to Democratic Erosion” for Fair Observer. When the piece was finally published, Schäffer remarked on social media: “I could write an article about writing this article.” Fair Observer took him at his word.

In his follow-up contribution, Schäffer warns of a growing trend of self-censorship within media, think tanks, and policy circles. Based on his ongoing research into Russian disinformation, he argues that avoiding clear terms like disinformation undermines democratic discourse. He calls on institutions to resist ambiguity and defend intellectual integrity in the face of rising authoritarian influence.

Read the whole article here.

Péter Techet for N1 Info on the Far-Right Instrumentalization of Srebrenica

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For the Bosnian news channel N1 Info, Péter Techet spoke about why far-right forces in Europe, especially in Germany, are instrumentalizing the genocide in Srebrenica for their own purposes, as if a heterogeneous society would inevitably lead to such conflicts. 

Techet emphasized that Srebrenica did not become a symbol of ethnic violence because of its heterogeneity, but as a result of the attempt to homogenize the town.  

In this context, Techet explained that Bosnia and Herzegovina can only function as a state if its constitution does not further entrench ethnic divisions. A society can indeed be composed of various ethnic groups; however, this does not mean that these differences alone should be the defining basis for the structure of the state and society. 

The interview can be listened here.

Péter Techet for Die Presse on Srebrenica

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On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, Péter Techet wrote an op-ed for the Austrian daily newspaper Die Presse. In his article, he emphasizes that attempts to create homogeneity in an ethnically and religiously diverse society lead to violence and contradict the idea of a pluralistic democracy: In a pluralist democracy, the people are not meant to form a homogeneous unit. 

The article can be read here.

The Bosnian news channel N1 also reported on Techet’s commentary.

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.

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.