MENA Stories: Episode 6
As the European Parliament elections approach, the stakes are higher than ever. From June 6th to 9th, nearly 400 million Europeans in 27 countries will head to polling stations to determine those who’ll sit in the European Parliament for the next five years, and consequently the composition of the next European Commission. But European elections are not exclusively about Europe, not anymore.
Beyond European borders, how could the EP vote redefine relations with the MENA region? What lessons can be learned from the past? And what strategies should the EU adopt to build a more sustainable and effective partnership?
This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.
This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.
Script-edited by Luca Saviolo.
Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.
MENA Stories: Episode 6
One year since the beginning of the war in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the consequences on the population have been devastating and the external component of the conflict, merging with the interests of domestic elites, have made the process of conflict resolution extremely complex. The new US special envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, has promoted a new diplomatic push since his appointment in late February, and now represents the closest hope for ending the Sudanese civil war. Who is the new US Special Envoy? Can he be a game-changer? And how far is a peaceful outlook for the country?
This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.
This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.
Script-edited by Luca Saviolo.
Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.
MENA Stories: Episode 5
More than five months into the Gaza war, many pieces have started to come together: the power of the Israeli lobby, the complexity of negotiations and the varieties of actors involved, as well as the prospects for ceasefire. However, the positions of Arab states remain unclear. Some have relied on the war of words to condemn Israel; others opted for wooden language. While those groups are different, the common denominator is that no substantial action has been taken so far. What are the actual positions of Arab states? And what explains them?
This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.
This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.
Script-edited by Luca Saviolo and Blanca González.
Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.
Join Maria Tsanova, EST Ambassador to Germany, on "Speaking of EU" as she explains the vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving the European Union's economic engine. With SMEs comprising 99% of all businesses in the EU, their significance cannot be overstated.
Listen in as she discusses how the EU prioritizes supporting SMEs to secure employment for millions and foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Sound Engineer: Eden Salviato
Credit to music: ComaStudio
MENA Stories: Episode 4
In March, nearly 64 million Turks in 81 provinces are expected to head to polling stations to vote for municipal elections. Turkish politics and elections are always a hot topic, and local polls are no exemption. After securing the majority in the national round in 2023, Erdoğan is aiming to take an easy win, but what can we expect? Will Erdoğan be able to regain control over major cities like Istanbul, Ankara and İzmir? Will the opposition manage to save face after last year’s defeat? What has changed since the 2019 local elections?
This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.
This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.
Script-edited by Luca Saviolo and Laura Montes Alonso.
Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.
In this episode, hosts Oliwia Borek and Nikita Pia Jensen delve into the factors shaping Ireland's distinct pro-Palestine stance, setting it apart from other EU nations amid the ongoing crisis.
The episode traces Ireland's historical roots, highlighting pivotal moments such as the 1641 Uprising and the Irish War of Independence, which contributed to the nation's support for Palestine.
Sound Engineer: Eden Salviato
Credit to music: ComaStudio
MENA Stories: Episode 3
Falling in-between history, politics, and controversy, Henry Kissinger – the famous American diplomat who has shaped American foreign policy and world diplomacy in the second half of the 20th century - passed away in November 2023 at the age of 100. Many provided a detailed account of his controversial role around the world, but only a few have focused on his legacy in the Middle East. How has Kissinger, the US diplomat who had fled Nazi persecution, contributed to what the Middle East looks like today? How is Kissinger’s diplomacy important to understand the ongoing war in Gaza? And what was his real contribution to peace in the Middle East?
This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.
This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.
Script-edited by Luca Saviolo and Blanca Gonzalez.
Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.
Join host Claris Diaz, Deputy Head of the Security and Defense Working Group at the European Student Think Tank, for a compelling discussion with Professor Chris Adamczyk, a 20-year veteran in law enforcement and intelligence. In this episode, they dissect the complexities of Fifth Generation Warfare (5GW).
Sound Engineer: Eden Salviato
Credit to music: ComaStudio
MENA Stories: Episode 2
Amidst the looming spectre of climate crises - floods, storms, heatwaves, and wildfires - the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP28) emerges as a crucial battleground for climate action. As the world prepares for Dubai's negotiations that will start in less than a week, what can we expect from COP28? What are the main issues on the agenda? And the main actors? Will it pave the way for genuine change or offer empty promises?
This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.
This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari
Script-edited by Blanca González, Laura Montes Alonso and Luca Saviolo.
Edited and sound-engineered by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.
MENA Stories: Episode 1
More than a year has passed since nationwide protests broke out in Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini under mysterious circumstances. The slogan 'Women, Life, Freedom' has long echoed through Iran's streets, but what does the protest movement look like one year later? How is the government reacting? Has the movement been successful? And if so, to what extent?
This is MENA Stories, the EST Observatory EU-MENA's podcast series that uncovers and narrates facts and events from the region.
This episode was hosted by Hafssa Fakher Elabiari.
Script-edited by Luca Saviolo.
Edited and sound-engineered by Eden Salviato.
Urban environments play a pivotal role in addressing today's pressing environmental challenges, serving as both the epicentre of these issues and the potential crucible for innovative solutions. This episode dives into the challenges and opportunities of giving citizens a voice in shaping their cities, as we discuss the power of localized knowledge, contrasting opinions, and the delicate balance between environmental goals and public preferences. Discover why participatory democracy is key to creating sustainable and resilient urban environments.
This episode was hosted by Marta Schwarz and Remina Aleksieva.
Edited and sound-engineered by Eden Salviato.
Ski tourism in Europe has been facing severe challenges in recent years, the most pressing one being climate change and its diverse consequences. Some ski resorts with its local businesses are dependent on constant ski tourism while others have started engaging in a path towards more diversified and sustainable tourism. We talked to Christian Zwanziger, the spokesperson for tourism of the Bavarian Green Party, and Irene Berthod, the president of the merchants, bars and restaurants association in the popular ski resort Cervinia, Italy. Find out what this entails and how ski tourism can answer fundamental questions about its future, in the light of an ongoing climate, biodiversity and energy crisis.
This episode was hosted by Hannah Kleine and Silvie Carrel.
Edited and sound engineered by Hannah Kleine.
Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.
This week Silvie together with two professors- Serhan Afacan and Gabriel Garroum- will analyze some important questions on the Iran protests. What was the situation before? Will this be a revolution? And much more.
This episode was hosted and researched by Silvie Carrel edited and sound engineered by Hannah Kleine. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.
This week, Silvie and Anna - Researchers for the podcast team- and Hafssa Elabiari -Deputy Head of the Observatory on EU and MENA relations- dive head first into the current situation in Iran. What lead to this point and how does it impact the country and its relation with the West?
This episode was hosted by Silvie Carrel. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Silvie Carrel, Anna Scherer and Hafssa Elabiari. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.
Numbering half a million and making up an estimated 10 percent of Slovakia’s population, Roma are the second-largest ethnic minority in the country.
Yet, they are also one of the most discriminated against, both in the country and all o Europe.
This week, Hannah -host and researcher from our podcast team- unpacks with the help of Abel Ravasz -Sociologist and founder of the NGO Purt- the current situation of the Roma community in Slovakia, and what is being done (or should be done) to improve their condition.
If you want to know more about Purt, or find out how to support them, please visit their website https://purtdotorg.wordpress.com or ollow this link: https://imb-bmi.org/en/
This episode was hosted by Hannah Kleine. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Hannah Kleine.
Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.
This week, Hannah, host and researcher from our podcast team, has the pleasure of speaking with Paul Hutchings, co-founder of Refugee Support.
Founded in 2016, this organization's mission is to compensate for the failures of States when it comes to humanitarian help and to 'create a system that put dignity, equality and fairness' in the life of Refugees. In this episode, Paul tells us about their work since their creation, the double standard with which Europe treats refugees according to their country of origin, and the role of media representation in the public's perception of refugees.
If you want to know more about Refugee Support, or find out how to support them, please visit their website https://www.refugeesupporteu.com
This episode was hosted by Hannah Kleine. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Hannah Kleine.
Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.
When the UK officially left the European Union in January 2020, much speculation was made regarding the economic and social impact this would have on the country. One area has however been overshadowed: that of education and research. What impact has Brexit had on this field, and what could be the future of British Research? In this Episode, Niamh Axe answers all your question with the help of Giovanni Travaglino, Professor of Social Psychology and Criminology at Royal Holloway University in London and Director for the Institute of the Study of Power, Crime, and Society.
This episode was hosted by Niahm Axe. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Niahm Axe and Victoria Bergström.
Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.
Since its candidacy in 1989, Turkey has been at the heart of the E.U Enlargement debate.
Ioannis Grigoriadis, associate professor at Bilkent University will help us today to understand what are the challenges for the accession to the European Union for Turkey, and what impacts the debate has on the two entities relation.
This episode was hosted by Semina Melissi. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Semina Melissi and Pauline Oléon.
Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.
Following the European Parliament recently declaring that Hungary 'no longer is a democracy', Silvie Carrel and Anna Scherer - Researchers for the Podcast Team- dive head first in the E.U vs Poland and Hungary case. What is going on, and what could be done?
This episode was hosted by Silvie Carrel. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Anna Scherer.
Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.
For the final episode of this season, Nicole Cicognani - podcast editor at EST - meets Waltraud Heller, responsible for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). This conversation aims at analysing the challenges and difficulties facing CSOs, NGOs and Civil Societies in their broader sense, in a European landscape that becomes increasingly threatening to personal freedoms, and sets the tone for a better understanding of future actions and sustainable paths to ensure representation, effectiveness and protection for the crucial work of Civil Society. What will be Europe's next steps to protect its citizens' rights and freedoms?
This episode was hosted and produced by Nicole Cicognani.
Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.