Stories about Eastern & Central Europe
Fleeing home as a queer Ukrainian
After her own escape from Kherson just before Russian occupation, the LGBTQ+ activist coordinated with international volunteers and raised funds to help others evacuate from the city.
Russian series on Perestroika-era youth gangs breaks popularity records, defying attempts to ban it
Russian streaming services premiered the series "Slovo Patsana. Krov’ na asphalte" (The Boy’s Word: Blood on the Asphalt). Within just a month, it was breaking popularity records in Russia.
Belarusians returning home from immigration receive criminal charges
Human rights defenders say that despite the "agreements," criminal cases were initiated against people who believed the authorities and returned to Belarus.
Moldova chose finalists of the national selection for the Eurovision 2024
Among them, there are nine women and only two men, two songs called "Fever," and 10 out of 11 compositions are in English.
Documentary about the protest of soldiers’ wives, sisters and mothers created in Russia
Women demanding 'demobilisation' say: "Our topic, it's kind of forbidden. Do you understand? I'm scared to say what I think. I'm scared that I might never see my husband again."
The descendants of Buryat migrants in Mongolia have no feelings towards Russia
The Buryats left the Soviet Union for Mongolia in three waves in the beginning of the 20th century.
Slovenian rock stars Joker Out: From high school band to post-Eurovision success
Slovenian Eurovision sensation Joker Out discuss their creative process, touring and their upcoming album, which is going to feature songs in multiple languages.
Ukraine prepares to serve veterans with disabilities
By the time the war ends, Ukraine will get around a million and a half veterans. This is a huge number, which is beyond anything comparable across the neighboring countries
A horse for a car — a tale of modern diplomacy between Turkey and Hungary
Both Turkey and Hungary's leaders share more than their love for horsepower. They have both been fierce opponents to Sweden's NATO bid and share some authoritarian tendencies.
The Sniper Alley Project: Testimony to the resilience of Sarajevo siege survivors
Džemil Hodžić established the Sniper Alley Project in 2019, with the aim of collecting photographs, particularly those of children who lived through the siege of Sarajevo (1992–1996).
Russian musicians sing about war resistance — few people take them seriously
Through the musical project “We Exist” that premieres on December 12, anti-war artists oppose the narrative of Russian war resistance as a marginal point of view.
Georgia embarks on a journey toward EU membership
The December 14 decision comes amid a growing rift between Georgia's ruling government and Western allies, as well as the local civil society groups that insist the government has failed to fulfill 12 priority conditions.
The youth is a critical voice in addressing security challenges, Western Balkans expert says
"What is important in my view when discussing disinformation is addressing the structural problems, such as media literacy, because Western Balkans have some of the lowest media literacy rates in Europe."
Graves of Nepali migrant soldiers in Russia shocked their family members
Russia is recruiting job seeking Nepali migrants under a Special Military Operations agreement to fight for the country at the Russo-Ukrainian War and a number of Nepalis had been killed.
Is selective coverage of Israel’s war on Gaza in the Czech Republic following or creating anti-Semitism?
“Selective media coverage among the most-followed outlets polarizes society, fostering an environment conducive to aggression and hate speech.”
Police immediately raids LGBTQ+ clubs in Moscow after Russia bans ‘International LGBTQ+ movement’
LGBTQ+ people in Russia say that they are afraid that anyone identifying as LGBTQ+ could now be announced as "extremist" and criminally punished.
Interview with the political figure Boubacar Touré on the coup which overthrew Niger's president
The risk of pitting various African countries against one another since the Niger coup seems to be increasing while an ultimatum from the African Union lies fallow.
What can Taiwan learn from Ukraine? Interview with disinformation and civil defense expert Puma Shen
Can Taiwan learn from Ukraine as it faces military threats from China? Global Voices interviewed Puma Shen, a Taiwanese disinformation expert after his first visit to Ukraine in September.
North Macedonia journalists protest court order for enabling censorship
"No one can silence us or prevent us from raising our voice or publishing the truth that is important for the citizens."
‘The only white people who did not bring evil’: Serbian media narratives around Russia in Africa
Russian influence in Africa exists in some areas — notably in security and the arms trade — but most authors who have written on the subject conclude that the overall impact should not be overstated.
Russian artist Alexandra Skochilenko addresses the court in Saint Petersburg at her trial over anti-war messages
"My trial, widely followed in Russia and globally, will make history, regardless of the verdict. You're not judging a terrorist, extremist, or even a political activist. You're judging a pacifist."