Podcast: European Perspectives for Western Balkan Countries – Challenges and Opportunities

In the second episode of the podcast: Struck by Science produced by the Polish Academy of Sciences in Vienna, IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer spoke extensively with Univ.-Prof. Dr. Piotr Szlanta.  

As the EU continues its enlargement process, many Western Balkan nations have been waiting for membership for years—some for over a decade. The discussion examines the prospects of EU accession for these post-Yugoslav states and explores the challenges as well as opportunities ahead. Szlanta and Schäffer touch upon key issues, including economic stability, alternatives to EU membership, the impact of geopolitical influences like Russia and China, and the role of religious diversity in shaping the region’s future. 

Listen to the whole podcast on YouTube and Spotify.