Moldova’s Race to Join the EU | David Smith

Moldova is racing towards European Union membership, but can it meet its ambitious 2030 goal, and will the EU be ready to welcome it? In this episode of the Talk Eastern Europe Deep Dive, Adam Reichardt speaks with David Smith, Moldova expert and author of the Moldova Matters Substack, about the country’s rapidly changing political and security landscape.They discuss the state of Moldova’s pro-European reforms, the challenges facing the government in Chișinău and whether Moldova and Ukraine will continue to move towards EU membership together. The conversation also looks at the renewed debate over unification with Romania. Is it simply a symbolic issue, or could union with Romania become a genuine “Plan B” if Moldova’s path towards EU membership stalls?David also explains how Russia’s war against Ukraine is increasingly affecting Moldova directly, from drones crossing and crashing inside Moldovan territory to continued Russian disinformation and information warfare. Finally, the episode takes a closer look at Transnistria, where economic decline and growing dependence on the rest of Moldova are creating new possibilities for reintegration. Could Chișinău’s new strategy of “convergence” fundamentally change the future of the breakaway region?Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:41 – Moldova’s political landscape one year after the elections04:29 – Government changes and Moldova’s reform agenda08:37 – Can Moldova be ready for EU membership by 2030?12:02 – Are Moldova and Ukraine still tied together on EU enlargement?15:15 – Could Moldova unite with Romania?20:40 – Russia’s war, drones and Moldova’s security25:54 – Russian disinformation and information warfare27:56 – What is happening in Transnistria?30:42 – Moldova’s new “convergence” strategyFollow David Smith and Moldova Matters for analysis ofMoldovan politics, economics and regional affairs: https://www.moldovamatters.md/ Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.ABOUT THIS PODCASTWe publish twice weekly:· Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars· Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developmentsAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms.  Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/Support us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeFOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Russia’s war against Ukraine is increasingly being felt beyond Ukraine’s borders. In this week’s Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, Adam Reichardt and Alexandra Karppi discuss the intensifying Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including the growing use of faster jet-powered drones and mounting pressure on Ukraine’s air defences.They also look at the wider security consequences for the region: a drone crashing in Moldova, repeated NATO fighterscrambles along the eastern flank, and Estonia formally accusing Russia of involvement in an arson attack targeting a defence technology company.Elsewhere, Romania remains stuck in a prolonged political crisis as efforts to form a government falter, while renewed discussion in Brussels about EU enlargement raises questions about the prospects of Ukraine, Moldova, Albania and Montenegro and what happens to countries increasingly left behind in the accession process.The episode also looks at the increasingly debated question of Moldova’s future, including speculation about closer integration, or even eventual unification, with Romania.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction  01:18 Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian cities  04:20 Ukraine’s changing air-defence challenge 06:11 Russian drones spill into Moldova and NATO airspace concerns grow 07:59 Estonia accuses Russia over sabotage operation  09:27 Romania’s political crisis and possible snap elections  12:29 Can the EU enlargement process be revived?  14:02 Moldova, Romania and the debate over unification  15:43 Which EU candidates are being left behind?  17:11 This week’s Deep Dive: How far will Russia test NATO?Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from NewEastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.ABOUT THIS PODCASTWe publish twice weekly:Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholarsEvery Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developmentsAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms.Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/Support us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeFOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Russia’s provocations against NATO countries are becomingincreasingly difficult to dismiss as isolated incidents. How far is Moscow prepared to go — and how should Poland and its allies respond?In this Deep Dive, Adam Reichardt speaks with Jakub Bornio,security analyst and scholar at the University of Wrocław, the Institute of Central Europe and the Jamestown Foundation, about the deteriorating security environment on NATO’s eastern flank.They discuss Russia’s strategy towards Poland and the Balticstates, the danger of escalation and miscalculation, why Bornio is sceptical of the term “hybrid war”, and whether Moscow is deliberately testing the credibility of NATO’s Article 5 guarantees.The conversation also examines plans for a permanent US military presence in Poland, what American troops can realistically contribute to deterrence, and why the coming winter could become another major test for both Ukraine and NATO’s eastern flank. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:45 How serious is the security situation on NATO’s eastern flank?04:00 Russia’s growing provocations against NATO06:45 What is Russia’s strategy towards NATO?09:10 Moscow’s goal: weakening US influence in the region11:30 Could a provocation escalate into direct confrontation?13:35 How should NATO respond to Russian provocations?15:19 Why “hybrid war” may be the wrong term18:45 A permanent US military presence in Poland23:47 What should we watch for this winter?Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-formanalysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/Support us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeFOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

What comes next after Russia's parliamentary “election”? And how is NATO's eastern flank preparing for the possibility of a wider security crisis?In this week's Talk Eastern Europe news roundup, Adam Reichardt and Alexandra Karppi discuss Russia's parliamentary election results, speculation about a possible new wave of military mobilisation, and the implications for the war in Ukraine and security across Central and Eastern Europe.With Poland warning of potential Russian provocations and Lithuania preparing civilian evacuation plans, the conversation turns to how NATO's eastern flank is responding to growing uncertainty. What does civilian preparedness look like, and how are Poland and Lithuania working together?We also turn to Romania, where another attempt to form a government faces significant parliamentary obstacles. Can the country's political parties find a way out of the deadlock, and what role will the Social Democrats play?BONUS for Patrons:Alexandra has just returned from Serbia, where she attended student protests and spoke with people on the ground. In an exclusive bonus conversation, she shares her impressions of Belgrade, the protest movement and the political atmosphere ahead of Serbia's elections.Watch the extended episode and join our community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeWe are an independent, listener-supported podcast covering politics, security and society in Central and Eastern Europe. Your support helps us produce regular news roundups, in-depth interviews and bonus content.Subscribe to Talk Eastern Europe for our weekly news roundup and Deep Dive interviews with experts from across the region.What do you make of the security preparations taking place in Lithuania and Poland? Share your thoughts in the comments below.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:57 Russia’s parliamentary election results03:30 Could Russia launch a new wave of mobilisation?06:08 Ukraine, the approaching winter and security concernsin Poland9:45 Lithuania’s evacuation plans and cooperation withPoland11:05 Romania’s political crisis and the struggle to form agovernment15:36 China’s influence in Serbia and the Western Balkans

China’s role in the Western Balkans is changing. Once associated primarily with infrastructure projects, loans and the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing is increasingly turning towards AI, digital technologies, telecommunications and deeper political partnerships with Serbia at the centre of its regional presence.In this Deep Dive, Alexandra Karppi speaks with Stefan Vladisavljev, Programme Director at Foundation BFPE in Belgrade, about what China actually wants from the Western Balkans and what countries like Serbia gain from the relationship.They discuss why Serbia has become China’s closest partner in the region, Chinese investment and access to raw materials, Beijing’s position on Kosovo, the growing presence of Chineseworkers and tourists, Serbian public opinion towards China, and concerns surrounding surveillance technology, transparency and political influence.The conversation also asks a bigger question: are we looking at China in the region clearly — or are we still caught between fear-mongering and overly positive narratives?BONUS FOR PATRONS: Stefan stays with us for an extendedconversation looking beyond the Western Balkans to China’s evolving role across Central and Eastern Europe. They discuss why Beijing prefers bilateral relationships, Europe’s difficulty developing a common approach towards China, and why AI, digital cooperation and technology could define the next phase of China’s engagement with the region. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:11 What is China doing in the Western Balkans?04:56 From Belt and Road to AI and digital technology06:33 China’s political interests, Kosovo and Serbia10:17 Why Serbia has become China’s key regional partner17:11 Chinese tourism and workers in Serbia22:17 China, Serbia and a changing Hungary25:23 What do Serbians actually think about China?28:53 Surveillance, transparency and the risks of Chinese technology32:29 Bonus conversation for Patrons – China’s role in the wider regionTalk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. ABOUT THIS PODCASTAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms.Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Support us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeFOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

A major verdict has been handed down in The Hague: formerKosovo president Hashim Thaçi has been found guilty of war crimes and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Adam and Alexandra discuss what the ruling could mean for Kosovo, its politics and the wider debate over transitional justice in the Western Balkans.We also look at a new wave of repression against independent voices in Azerbaijan, devastating wildfires in Croatia, and the latest BRICS summit in New Delhi – where Russia’s war against Ukraine was notably absent from the final declaration.Finally, we return to growing security concerns on NATO’s eastern flank, including reports of a Russian drone entering Lithuanian airspace, an attack drone washing ashore in Poland, and recent attacks on railway infrastructure near the Polish-Ukrainian border.In the extended version of the podcast, for Patrons only,Adam reflects on the developments in the region over the last 15 years, in the context of the latest issue of New Eastern Europe which is commemorating the magazine’s 15 years of publication.Get access to the full episode and support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeTIMESTAMPS00:00 – Intro01:20 – Hashim Thaçi found guilty: what happens next in Kosovo?06:10 – Azerbaijan’s crackdown on independent voices10:32 – Wildfires hit Croatia’s Brač Island12:08 – Brief Eastern Europe12:00 – BRICS summit: Ukraine disappears from the declaration14:12 – China, BRICS and the Global South16:31 – New security alarms on NATO’s eastern flank18:34 – New Eastern Europe celebrates 15 years

Kosovo is facing a critical moment. As the verdict approaches in the war crimes trial of former president Hashim Thaçi and other senior Kosovo Liberation Army figures, questions over justice, accountability and the legacy of the Kosovo war have returned to the centre of public debate.In this Deep Dive, Alexandra Karppi speaks with Arber Ahmeti, doctoral candidate at the University of Vienna specialising in transitional justice and the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. They discuss why the Specialist Chambers were established in The Hague, why they remain so controversial in Kosovo, and whether their work has helped or hindered reconciliation and transitional justice.They also examine Kosovo’s continuing political gridlock, its impact on relations with the European Union and the United States, and what the country’s domestic instability means for its international ambitions.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:50 Why the Thaçi trial matters01:24 The Kosovo war and the origins of the Specialist Chambers03:48 Previous attempts to prosecute war crimes07:13 Why the Specialist Chambers remain controversial09:27 The problem of one-sided justice11:49 Why has the verdict been delayed?13:27 How could Kosovo react to a guilty verdict?17:32 Could the verdict reshape Kosovo’s politics?19:54 Kosovo’s unresolved accountability gap20:14 Has transitional justice failed?23:27 Kosovo’s political deadlock explained26:39 What the crisis means for Kosovo’s EU and international ambitionsSupport us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access,behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeRead the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis.https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates,expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeFOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Donald Trump’s latest attempt to revive negotiations over Russia’s war against Ukraine has produced plenty of meetings but little sign of a breakthrough. Adam and Alexandra discuss Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff’s latest diplomacy with Moscow and Kyiv, Vladimir Putin’s demands, and why the fundamental obstacles to any peace deal remain unchanged.Meanwhile, Russia’s intensifying drone campaign is increasingly spilling beyond Ukraine’s borders, raising concerns ahead of another difficult winter. We also turn to mass protests in Croatia over a hazardous waste and corruption scandal, growing pressure on protesters and activists in Albania, Serbia’s increasingly fraught relationship with the EU, Aleksandar Vučić’s new podcast – and what the AfD’s electoral success in eastern Germany could mean for Ukraine and Europe’s political future.Timestamps00:00 Intro02:07 Trump’s Ukraine peace push gets another restart03:46 Trump, Putin and Luke Harding’s new book04:31 Russia’s drone war escalates ahead of winter06:25 Zelenskyy’s plane reportedly has a near miss07:00 Croatia rocked by hazardous waste scandal10:00 Albania protests approach 100 days11: 59 Ratko Mladić’s funeral and Brussels’ response14:07 Aleksandar Vučić launches a podcast16:06 AfD victory in eastern Germany18:30 Patreon and closing remarksTalk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Support us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeFOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Award-winning journalist and author Luke Harding joins Talk Eastern Europe to discuss his new book, Betrayal: Trump, Putin, and the New Age of Conquest and what it tells us about Russia’s war against Ukraine, Donald Trump’s relationship with Vladimir Putin, and the erosion of the post-war international order.Speaking with Adam Reichardt, Harding reflects on the manyforms of “betrayal” at the heart of the book: the changing US approach towards Ukraine, the weakening of the transatlantic relationship, and the broader challenge to the idea that sovereignty, international law and borders still matter.The conversation also examines Trump’s unusual relationship with Putin, the prospects for peace in Ukraine, Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian civilians, Ukraine’s growing long-range drone capabilities, and the expanding campaign of sabotage and political interference across Europe.Harding argues that Europe needs to stop treating these threats as something short of war. He also considers whether Russia could eventually test NATO’s Article 5; and what might finally bring the Putin era to an end.Luke Harding’s new book: Betrayal: Trump, Putin, and the New Age of Conquest. Order it online here: https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9781783353378-betrayal/Read the review on New Eastern Europe: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/08/28/show-me-your-friend/ABOUT THIS PODCASTWe publish twice weekly!Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholarsEvery Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developmentsAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms.Read the New Eastern Europe MagazineBimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/Support us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeFOLLOW USInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Russia’s war against Ukraine intensified over the summer, with increasingly sustained drone and missile attacks raising new questions about what comes next and whether Moscow’s confrontation with the West could extend beyond Ukraine. In this week’s Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, Alexandra Karppi and Adam Reichardt discuss the latest wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s reported visit to Moscow and growing concerns about Russian operations against NATO countries. They also look at Germany’s accusations of Russian involvement in a suspected sabotage plot near Leipzig airport.Turning to the Western Balkans, Alexandra and Adam discuss the death of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić and the troubling glorification of his legacy in parts of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. They also look ahead to Serbia’s newly announced parliamentary elections, the challenge posed by the student-led opposition movement to Aleksandar Vučić’s ruling party, and a new effort in the US Congress that could pave the way for sanctions against Serbian officials.Finally, they preview this week’s Deep Dive with Professor James Ker-Lindsay on Russia, European security, Serbia, Turkey and the changing geopolitical landscape.In our extended version, for Patrons only, Adam and Alexandra reflect upon their summers in the United States and the overall mood there. Become a patron of the podcast to listen to this and get other great benefits: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeRead more on the death of Ratko Mladić and its impact on the upcoming Serbian election: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/09/04/ratko-mladic-is-dead-his-nationalist-legacy-lives-on/