FRONTLINE #1 - Do You Feel Safe?

The European continent is a broad and complex system of nations. From more than 50 of these nations, 27 are in the European Union, and 32 are in NATO. Some are on the waiting list for becoming EU or NATO member states, some have been in this position for years. The Baltic states have been lucky enough to be part of the EU and NATO for over 20 years now. This time we want to know more about different perspectives of European countries. Can we speak of a “European Community” and what are the dynamics of them, especially regarding the role of the EU and NATO?FLF participants from Ukraine, Georgia, and North Macedonia discuss the metaphorical existence of a common European community.

Brian Whitmore is a journalist and analyst specializing in Russian politics and foreign policy. He is the author of the Power Vertical blog and podcast, senior non-resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center. Whitmore frequently contributes to outlets like Foreign Policy and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. During his early visit to Riga we had the opportunity to get his expert analysis on Russia’s political landscape and international relations, especially regarding the Baltic states and Latvia.

Looking at the European Parliament election results and discussing the importance of the youth vote. Young people in the EU show an overall growing interest in political and social issues that directly affect their future. Should centrist parties keep trying to adopt far right narratives on immigration at both national and EU levels, hoping to retain voters who might otherwise consider defecting to far right parties? Is the younger generation turning to the right for the indecisiveness of the ruling powers in Europe? Is populism to blame?

In this episode we explore the factors influencing the sense of safety among youth in the Baltic states.Young people from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia discuss feeling safe in the Baltic states.Starting from the perception of Russia as a threat during childhood, to youth engagement in politics after Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine and planning a secure future as a young person in the Baltic states.