In this episode, Adam and Nina review the week’s key developments, including the Zapad 2025 military exercises between Russia and Belarus, protests in Slovakia, a Russian drone incursion into Poland and Romania, and the latest updates from Romania and Georgia.

Following the news, Nina speaks with Ray Koçi, an advisor to the Mayor of Tirana on inclusive planning and coordinator of the Tirana School Streets Programme. They discuss the city’s architectural transformation, exploring its challenges, controversies, and the efforts to create a better environment for all its citizens.

Ray is currently working on the 25th International Walk21 Conference on Walking and Liveable Communities, taking place in Tirana from 6–10 October 2025. Read more about the conference here: https://walk21.com/conference/tirana-2025/

Read the latest news and analysis online at: www.neweasterneurope.eu

Support the podcast at: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope