Stories about Eastern & Central Europe
From inbox to front page: How the media fuels hate speech in North Macedonia
This is not the first time the media has carelessly published politicians’ statements without critically analyzing them, using the situation to generate sensationalism and boost viewership.
‘The Sky Above Zenica’: A symbol of the fight against pollution in Bosnia and Herzegovina
By highlighting the issue of unchecked pollution from foreign investments in the industrial town of Zenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the film encourages financial institutions to demand better environmental practices.
In Russia, people with diabetes face an unending financial burden
For many in Russia's interior regions, many of whom are barely making ends meet, managing diabetes can be an expensive and stressful process.
Montenegrin civil society condemns initiative for Russia-style ‘Foreign Agents’ Law
Montenegro is the latest Balkan country trying to adopt a Foreign Agents Law, which would effectively cripple civil society and force any NGOs receiving foreign aid to be labeled "foreign agents."
What the Kremlin tells Russians about the West
All-gender restrooms have even been cited as one of the reasons for the war in Ukraine, as they represent Western values, thus clash with those that Russia is fighting for.
A divided Moldova: Why the diaspora had to rescue President Maia Sandu's victory, and what's next?
The second Moldova lives mainly in Moldova's emptying villages and small towns, often lacking basic utilities like centralized water and sewage systems.
A temporary welcome: Russians in Turkey since February 2022
Since early 2023, Turkey is increasingly a stopover before further migration or sometimes a return home, with many Russian exiles being refused residence permits
Moldova's presidential elections face the second round
Only slightly more than 50 percent of voters supported the inclusion of the European course in the Constitution. Moldova will hold the second round of the presidential election.
When there is no homeland: Stateless people of the former USSR
Being stateless often means that you cannot open a bank account, register property, get married, enroll a child in school, find a job, or even see a family doctor.
Sarajevo photographer Almin Zrno and art as an act of giving
“I try to raise awareness of certain taboos in our society and break down prejudices."
Belgrade Mayor wants to erect monument to Nazi collaborator from Second World War
The initiative to remove the tomb of Yugoslav antifascist leader Josip Broz Tito and erect a monument to Nazi collaborator Draža Mihailović in Belgrade incited wave of criticism.
Croatian band Nemeček won the Milan Mladenović Award for young musicians from former Yugoslavia
The spirit of legendary Yugoslav musician and peace activist Milan Mladenović “continues to live through the Award, inspiring new generations to be courageous, authentic and passionate in their art.”
Reporting from a psychiatric ward housing Russian soldiers who fought Ukrainians
Soldiers live for months in the psychiatric ward. None of the patients the journalist spoke to wanted to return to the war, saying they'd rather go to prison or die.
Song titled ‘Give birth to 1000 children for me’ was banned in Russia
It includes the lyrics: Give birth to 1000 children for me. Give each of them a name — soldier. Our president will send them to die — to shoot in Donbas.
Russia’s hybrid book censorship and propagandistic agenda
The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller and A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, among other books, are suspected of spreading “LGBT propaganda.”
Censorship in the modern world
Communication expert from Bosnia and Herzegovina warns that "censorship through noise" blurs the distinction between fact-based reporting and completely fabricated information.
What is behind the Kremlin’s increasingly anti-immigration line?
Anti-immigration rhetoric is meant to introduce into the official nationalism the idea that “Russian civilization” must be protected not only from the West but also from the south.
Research indicates that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs a law on media ownership transparency
For a large number of online media in Bosnia and Herzegovina, information about ownership structure, funding sources, and employees is completely unknown.
Regional Award honoring Milan Mladenović highlights creativity of young rock bands from former Yugoslavia
The five finalists of Milan Mladenović Award contest include young performers and bands, representing the avant garde of contemporary music in the region of former Yugoslavia, chosen by an international jury.
How can Moldova unite the country amid Russian pressure?
The report’s authors called on Western partners to support Moldova’s struggling independent media and encourage the creation of trustworthy Russian-language media outlets
Armenia's path out of Russia's orbit
A series of decisions taken by the government of Armenia in recent years signals the country moving further out of Russia's orbit of influence.
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