Sebastian Schäffer
@sschaeffer.bsky.social
📤 255
📥 174
📝 273
Director
@idmvienna.bsky.social
Associate Fellow @GLOBSEC Founder and CEO @SSCEurope
pinned post!
📖 1 Jahr "Vor 100 Jahren in der Zukunft". Der Titel ist inspiriert von einem Restaurant in Kyjiw, das ich 2023 besucht habe. Das Buch handelt von meiner Reise und meinen Eindrücken vor Ort. Ich empfehle allen sich ein Bild über die Situation in der Ukraine zu machen, und nicht vorschnell zu urteilen
8 months ago
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Glad to be back in Aachen for the Freedom of Research European Summit. Very proud of
@sophiabeiter.bsky.social
and her impressive work as Charlemagne Prize Fellow 2024/25. It has been a pleasure to work with her and see this relevant research coming together.
7 days ago
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Spannender Vormittag beim 1. Science Diplomacy Roundtable. Als
@idmvienna.bsky.social
arbeiten wir seit 1953 an der Schnittstelle von Wissenschaft, Diplomatie, Politik und Zivilgesellschaft – umso erfreulicher, dass dieses Zusammenspiel nun auch auf nationaler Ebene stärker in den Fokus rückt.
9 days ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
13 days ago
💼The IDM team's work is not limited to what happens at the institute! Here are some glimpses of their extra activities during this second half of October.
@sschaeffer.bsky.social
, IDM Director: 🔸 Article for
@thejamestownfdn.bsky.social
on Ukrainians Work Toward Options for Post-War Justice; 1/8
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My new article for
@thejamestownfdn.bsky.social
looks at how Ukrainians are preparing for post-war justice from accountability frameworks to reparations and memory work. Read here:
jamestown.org/program/ukrainians-work-toward-options-for-post-war-justice
14 days ago
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🇲🇩 Neue Gesichter, alte Herausforderungen – ein kurzer Blick auf das neue Parlament und Kabinett in Chișinău Mit der Konstituierung des 12. Parlaments und der Bildung des Kabinetts von Alexandru Munteanu setzt Moldau seinen pro-europäischen Kurs fort – trotz fragmentierter Parlamentslandschaft.
16 days ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
The Kyiv Independent
20 days ago
A surveillance camera captured the moment a Russian strike hit a Kyiv resident’s apartment on Oct. 22. The strike killed two and injured 29 in the city, and several fires broke out. Video: Tetyana Kotelenets
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Since
@idmvienna.bsky.social
’s 70th anniversary, the conference is set around December 5. This year, we’ve added special events too. Kicking off is Roman Chornomaz’s documentary photography - powerful and poignant:
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The Optics of Battle: Documentary photography by Roman Chornomaz - IDM
December 4, 2025 @ 15:00 - 16:30 - IDM Seminar Room, Hahngasse 6/Mezzanin/17, A-1090 Wien & online Roman Chornomaz was a Ukrainian photographer, activist, and military volunteer with the call sign Cor...
https://www.idm.at/en/events/documentary-photography-by-roman-chornomaz/
20 days ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
21 days ago
📚Am 21. Oktober öffnete das Institut für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa seine Türen für alle, die die Arbeit eines Think Tanks erleben wollten.
@sschaeffer.bsky.social
führte durch die zentralen Arbeitsbereiche des Instituts und gab spannende Einblicke in die vielfältigen Tätigkeiten des IDM. (1/3)
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“Belarus at a Crossroads” - On 16 Oct I spoke at a panel exploring whether the regime’s cautious return from isolation marks real change or a tactical pause. If true reform happens, the impact could resonate across Eastern Europe. ▶️
idm.at/belarus-at-a-crossroads
#Belarus
#EU
#Dialogue
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Belarus at a Crossroads: Managing the Regime’s Return from Isolation - IDM
https://idm.at/belarus-at-a-crossroads
21 days ago
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Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
24 days ago
📚 Erleben Sie Think-Tank-Arbeit hautnah! 🗓️Beim Tag der offenen Tür lädt das Institut für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa in seine Räumlichkeiten im 9. Bezirk ein. (1/3)
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The Danube is more than a river – it is a geopolitical corridor of Europe. In my latest piece for European Voices, I explore how this region is crucial for EU enlargement. Strengthening connections along the river means strengthening Europe’s future.
www.europeanvoices.eu/en/20111185/...
25 days ago
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Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
27 days ago
🍁 Curious about the IDM team's activities during the first half of October? Discover here a glimpse of their extra-activities, beyond their work at the institute! (1/5)
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They didn't have to go that hard, listen to this banger:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IA6...
Thank you Rebecca for spotting it! (Yes I do ignore the current development because I was afraid that this would happen...)
28 days ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
UNITED24 Media
29 days ago
⚡️ Molfar Agency has identified some of the Russian troops involved in the Bucha massacre. 🧵 1/11
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Heute in Ruse bei der Konferenz Elias Canetti – Der Ohrenzeuge des Jahrhunderts. Mein Vortrag „Zwischen den Zeiten – Vom Exil der Vergangenheit zur Zuflucht in der Zukunft“ drehte sich um Identität, Exil und historische Umbrüche. Ein passender Ort, um über Erinnerung und Zugehörigkeit nachzudenken.
30 days ago
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EU integration isn’t just policy, it’s protection. I spoke with Caucasian Journal about how the European project safeguards democracy and freedom, from Moldova and Georgia to within the Union itself. Read more:
idm.at/en/role-of-eu-integration-in-preserving-democracy-and-freedom
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
about 1 month ago
📣 Möchten Sie die Arbeit eines Think Tanks kennenlernen und aktiv mitgestalten? Beim Tag der offenen Tür des Instituts für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa haben Sie dazu die einmalige Gelegenheit! (1/3)
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After the elections, time for a closer look at Moldova 🇲🇩 I joined FO Talks for a deep dive into what lies beyond the headlines, from democratic resilience to the country’s European trajectory. 🎥
www.fairobserver.com/video/fo-tal...
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FO° Talks: Moldova’s Pro-EU Party Wins Pivotal Election: A Turning Point or Trouble Ahead?
In this episode of FO° Talks, Atul Singh and Sebastian Schäffer discuss Moldova’s 2025 parliamentary election, exploring the country’s...
https://www.fairobserver.com/video/fo-talks-moldovas-pro-eu-party-wins-pivotal-election-a-turning-point-or-trouble-ahead/
about 1 month ago
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A busy and impactful week including a meeting with
@beate.neos.eu
and an exchange with Alma Zadic at the 6th Speak Up! Meeting hosted by
@idmvienna.bsky.social
🇪🇺 Engaging discussions on democracy, the rule of law, and the challenges facing our region.
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
Legalitätsprinzip
about 1 month ago
Ihr braucht euch dann aber nicht wundern, liebe Journos, weshalb sich Menschen den Trumps, Orbans und Putins dieser Welt zuwenden, wenn ihr Ihnen in Zeiten multipler Krisen (wo Angst das beherrschende Gefühl ist) aufmerksamkeitsheischend vom "totalen Kontrollverlust" der aktuellen Politik erzählt.
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
about 1 month ago
IDM Director
@sschaeffer.bsky.social
and Research Associate Rebecca Thorne visited Moldova earlier this week. We began our visit over coffee with Victoria Trares, director of the Erhard Busek Schule Chișinău. It's a great initiative and we are happy to have found out more about it! (1/8)
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
about 1 month ago
Moldova has voted. The pro-european PAS party has won a surprise majority, giving them the power to push the reforms forward, especially toward EU membership.
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Moldova’s elections are behind us, now comes the hard part: delivering on the promise of stability and progress. I have written down some observations and recommendations in the article below
www.linkedin.com/pulse/moldov...
about 2 months ago
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about 2 months ago
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Pleasure to speak again during "How Europe Works", a programme by Martens Centre, Campus Tivoli & Schuman Institute. Presented four strategies to rethink EU enlargement thanks to
@sophiabeiter.bsky.social
comparative analysis that she developed in the framework of her Charlemagne Prize Fellowship.
about 2 months ago
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It’s a privilege to moderate conversations that dig deep into how a country’s foreign policy could shift after an election - especially when joined by sharp minds like Pavlína Janebová and Vit Dostal from AMO.
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about 2 months ago
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Excited to be in Chișinău soon for Moldova’s pivotal elections! Big thanks to Faustine, my co-author, for the great teamwork on our briefing. We're hosting an event on this vote’s impact. 🇲🇩 is very important to me, can’t wait for the on-the-ground experience!
www.idm.at/en/briefing-...
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
about 2 months ago
How did the crisis of Russian identity, beginning in the 1990s, lead to Putin’s genocidal “quest for symbolic immortality,” of which the invasion of Ukraine is one manifestation? (1/5)
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Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
about 2 months ago
Vor 30 Jahren ist Österreich der EU beigetreten. Welche Auswirkungen hatte die österreichische EU-Mitgliedschaft auf Mittel- und Südosteuropa, und wie hat sie zur weiteren Integration in der EU beigetragen? (1/3)
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Reflecting on ReArm Europe via
#Azernews
: Coordination is key if EU wants real security autonomy. US & NATO remain crucial, but our capacity is growing. No shortcuts: lasting peace in Ukraine means justice, not fragile ceasefires.
www.azernews.az/analysis/247...
2 months ago
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Outstanding collaboration from Sophia Beiter, Peter Techet, and Faustine Boudaud! If you want to know what the
#SOTEU
is and why Eastern Europe matters for European security, you find answers here in under four minutes:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSDa...
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IDM Short Insights 49 : Why Eastern Europe Matters for Europe’s Security ?
YouTube video by IDM Vienna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSDamLsgpc8
2 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
2 months ago
The Battle for Identity: Understanding Russia’s War on Ukraine 22.09., 18:00 CEST IDM and online Programme: Book presentation: “Russia against Ukraine” -
@shekhovtsov.substack.com
, Centre for Democratic Integrity (1/4)
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Sebastian Schäffer
In Brussels this summer, I used a phrase that stayed with me: “Without a just peace, there is just peace.” I’ve now written more on why the distinction matters for the IDM Blog:
www.idm.at/there-is-jus...
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2 months ago
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In Brussels this summer, I used a phrase that stayed with me: “Without a just peace, there is just peace.” I’ve now written more on why the distinction matters for the IDM Blog:
www.idm.at/there-is-jus...
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2 months ago
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The Weimar Triangle came to Chișinău for the first time this week, standing with Moldova on its Independence Day. A strong symbol of support for its European path — and a reminder of how formats like the Weimar Triangle can shape EU security and enlargement.
3 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
3 months ago
Watch the discussion online! 📽 3/3
youtu.be/xWiFTNzmmCE?...
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Danube Salon Europa-Forum Wachau 2025
YouTube video by IDM Vienna
https://youtu.be/xWiFTNzmmCE?si=GoUTHIr0Io674dVR
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Mein Beitrag „Die Donau – Plattform und Prüfstein europäischer Integration“ ist in der neuen Urban Forum Zeitung erschienen. Danke an Bernhard Müller für die Einladung! 👉
www.idm.at/idm-in-urban...
3 months ago
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Featured in AzerNews “Ukraine’s Security Dilemma: Experts Debate Western Guarantees.” I argue for a binding EU Article 42.7 compact: pre-agreed defense aid, intelligence sharing, sanctions snap-back, and maritime defense. And: justice must anchor peace, not be forgotten. Thanks to Akbar Novruz!
3 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
European External Action Service
3 months ago
🇺🇦 Today we join Ukraine in celebrating its Independence Day. In the 21st century, no country should have to defend its independence on the battlefield. Yet Ukrainians continue to fight for their freedom and their future. → Discover more in our web article:
europa.eu/!m3P4G7
#StandWithUkraine
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
UNITED24
3 months ago
On Independence Day of Ukraine, let's honor those who gave their lives for its freedom🕯️
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🎥 Facing Polarization – Embracing Dialogue: The fifth Danube Salon in the framework of the Europa-Forum Wachau brought together voices from across Europe to explore how remembrance culture can counter division and foster understanding. Now available to watch online 👉
youtu.be/xWiFTNzmmCE
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Danube Salon Europa-Forum Wachau 2025
YouTube video by IDM Vienna
https://youtu.be/xWiFTNzmmCE
3 months ago
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Es ist zwar nicht verwunderlich, aber trotzdem schwer erträglich wie insbesondere die Union die Demokratie in Deutschland zersetzt.
www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/bund...
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3 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
The Kyiv Independent
3 months ago
⚡️ Putin, Trump to meet in the coming days, Moscow confirms. Preparations for the meeting are underway, and the venue has already been agreed upon, Russian foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said.
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Putin, Trump to meet in the coming days, Moscow confirms
Preparations for the meeting are underway, and the venue has already been agreed upon, Russian foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said.
https://kyivindependent.com/russia-confirms-putin-trump-meeting/
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
POLITICO Europe
3 months ago
A Moldovan court sentenced the leader of the autonomous Gagauzia region, Evghenia Guțul, to seven years in prison for funneling Russian funds to the illegal Shor party between 2019 and 2022.
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Moldova sentences pro-Russian politician to 7 years in prison
Imprisonment of the pro-Putin leader comes as Moldova warns Russia is trying to influence its upcoming election.
https://ow.ly/7OCj50WA30o
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
3 months ago
Curious about the IDM’s additional activities in July? Discover what else we've been up to! 👇
@sschaeffer.bsky.social
, IDM Director: ➡️ Interview for
@myfairobserver.bsky.social
on the current war situation in Ukraine; ➡️Participant in the final Central Europe Plus workshop hosted by the KAS. 1/4
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
Alberto Alemanno
4 months ago
The EU has supinely accepted the trade termed imposed by Trump thus doubling down on its transatlantic dependence, by extending it from defense to energy. This is a lost opportunity for the EU to leverage on its unique market power. So much for EU’s strategic autonomy.
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
4 months ago
#IDMRewind
The year 2024 went down in history as a super election year, drawing significant attention to the state of democracy worldwide. At IDM, the analysis of elections in Central and Eastern Europe remains a core focus, whether in a super election year or not. (1/3)
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I did write an article about writing this article:
www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-wr...
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4 months ago
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Plahotniuc has apparently been arrested in Greece:
newsmaker.md/ru/novye-det...
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Новые детали задержания Плахотнюка. Глава полиции: он был в Греции проездом и направлялся в Дубай
Молдавского олигарха Владимира Плахотнюка задержали в аэропорту Афин по пути в Дубай. Он находился в Греции проездом. Информацию подтвердил NewsMaker глава полиции Виорел Чернэуцану. По его словам, те...
https://newsmaker.md/ru/novye-detali-zaderjaniya-plahotnyuka-glava-policzii-on-byl-v-greczii-proezdom-i-napravlyalsya-v-dubai
4 months ago
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As I mentioned earlier this week, I had the opportunity to attend an expert workshop in Brussels. Based on the deliberations made during the workshop, I summarized five vectors of Russian influence and proposed five strategic recommendations:
www.linkedin.com/pulse/enlarg...
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Enlargement Is Security: Why We Must Tackle Russian Influence Now
In July 2025, the Expert Workshop “Central Europe Plus: The Enlargement–Security Nexus”, was organized by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Brussels. The event brought together policymakers, analysts, a...
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/enlargement-security-why-we-must-tackle-russian-now-sch%25C3%25A4ffer-6ve5f
4 months ago
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