Stories about Eastern & Central Europe from May, 2024
Explaining Tatars tea-loving nature, and the ‘never-ending teatime’
If you ask, “What is Tatar tea?”, then you will receive several answers to this question at once with the statement that this type of tea is considered truly Tatar.
Azerbaijan's President Aliyev cozies up to authoritarian leaders
In all of these cases, Azerbaijani government and its leadership got away with its dubious financial transactions and deals all the while, building new friendships and cracking down on freedoms.
Maja Milinković: The musician blending Portuguese fado music with Bosnian sevdah
Sixteen years ago, singer-songwriter Maja Milinković first heard Portuguese fado music (meaning ʻfateʼ in Portuguese). She has since become a pioneer in introducing this musical genre to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Why May 21 is a day of mourning for the Circassian people
Explaining what happened to the residents of the Northwestern Caucasus during the Caucasian War which ended on May 21, 1864. For Circassians, it was a tragedy.
In Russia, a journalist is detained for ‘apology’ for the Taliban
Nadezhda Kevorkova’s pro-Palestinian information and human rights activities could also have been the reason for her arrest.
The čajovna: a Czech interpretation of tea culture
In the Czech Republic, tea is consumed in čajovna — a term meaning a “tea-place” that is a mainstream space for socializing and enjoying all kinds of teas and other drinks.
Strange brew: The stories and culture of tea in Russia
Russian tea: samovar, special tea cozies, food ... but the essential part is that the tea time has always been a setting for discussing important matters and socializing.
The jury from Moldova gave highest points to Ukraine during Eurovision 2024
Viewers and the jury from Moldova awarded the maximum number of points — 12 points each — to the performance of representatives from the neighboring country, Ukraine
Turkey joins the ranks of countries considering a foreign agent law
Turkey, is muling to adopt its own version of the foreign agent law, which has been proposed within the scope of the 9th Judicial Package.
Exiled Russian journalist scores interview with Moldovan president
Like many other opposition figures and media outlets, Yurii Dud is a Russian journalist who continues his work in exile.
Georgia's ruling party adopts controversial foreign agent bill despite widespread protests
As protests raged in the capital and elsewhere across the country, the ruling Georgian Dream members continued pushing the foreign agent law.
Did the president of North Macedonia violate an international agreement?
North Macedonia's European aspirations hinge upon the meticulous adherence to international treaties and the negotiation framework endorsed by the European Council in July 2022, which is not subject to revision.
Right wing victory in North Macedonia presidential and parliamentary elections
Political life in North Macedonia in the next weeks will focus on the forming of the new government based on the coalition of VMRO-DPMNE and VLEN, with Mickoski as future prime minister.
Israel's war on Gaza takes center stage at Eurovision 2024
While the annual Eurovision Song Contest is supposed to be a fun, apolitical event, organizer's decision to allow Israel to participate is drawing controversy and boycotts.
Don't give me no jazz: what is happening with jazz festivals in Russia
Some projects ceased to exist after the start of the Russian war with Ukraine, while others continue to be held, albeit often dependent on local authorities and state grants
Marijeta Mojasevic's journey from stroke survivor to disability rights activist
"I want [young people] to change their viewpoint, and I want them to accept people with disabilities as members of their same society, as their friends, as their colleagues.”
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