Sebastian Schäffer
@sschaeffer.eurosky.social
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📥 178
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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
about 1 year ago
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Russia is not just fighting one war – it is enabling two. I spoke with Asharq News on the links between Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the escalation involving Iran, and what this means for EU unity and Europe’s strategic capacity:
www.idm.at/idm-director...
about 15 hours ago
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Almost two weeks before Hungary’s parliamentary elections on 12 April, the political landscape remains uncertain. Depending on the outcome, the vote could lock in more years of Orbán’s course, open a phase of political fragmentation, or trigger deeper institutional and constitutional tensions.
about 24 hours ago
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Great exchange today at the Lithuanian Embassy in Vienna with Ambassador Lina Rukštelienė, together with Sophia Beiter. We discussed Lithuania’s role in the region, continued support for Ukraine, and what comes next for EU enlargement. Looking forward to taking this forward together!
9 days ago
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Great to welcome Igor Kogut at IDM yesterday! We worked together on the study “Ukrainian Parliament in Wartime“ and are planning to deepen our cooperation in the coming months. We also discussed my upcoming visit to Kyiv. Always a pleasure to build on our shared efforts for Ukraine’s future.
11 days ago
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The initial idea for this publication started almost exactly a year ago, when I asked myself a simple but unsettling question: what can the EU actually do if a head of state or government refuses to accept that they have lost an election and still shows up at the next European Council summit?
16 days ago
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Back in Berlin again, keynoting tonight at the 11th Danube Salon at the Representation of Baden-Württemberg. My case: EU enlargement is Europe’s smartest strategic investment. The Danube doesn’t ask permission to flow eastward. Neither should Europe. 🌊
23 days ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
UNITED24
28 days ago
You might think they’re kidding, unless you already know russia’s mouthpieces can be funny only unintentionally. Mind-blowing lack of self-awareness.
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JETZT.at
ist sicherlich eines der spannendsten Medienprojekte der jüngsten Zeit. Ein Morgenbriefing, eine lange Story sowie eine weitere am Abend, die sogenannte B-Seite. Montag bis Freitag. Und dann gibt es noch die Kooperation mit The Atlantic.
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JETZT.at
Echt unabhängiger Journalismus, von Mitgliedern finanziert
https://JETZT.at
about 1 month ago
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Since one month I have been giving lectures together with Oleksandra Demianenko on European integration for the Austro American Institute of Education. Today we had the pleasure of welcoming the wonderful author and filmmaker Iryna Tsilyk as our guest. Thank you Ganna Gnedkova for the connection!
about 1 month ago
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TIL: CIA shuts down its global reference after decades, leaving researchers, educators, and the curious in the dark. Knowledge dies in silence. Knowledge dies in silence:
www.cia.gov/stories/stor...
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
Darth Putin
about 2 months ago
OTD in 2022 I gave Emmanuel Macron my personal assurances that I would not invade Ukraine. So you can trust any promise we make now.
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Back on Alghad TV last night. Trump’s June deadline is creating pressure and has coincided with limited movement, including a POW exchange. That matters. But the pressure is volatile: Washington’s priorities shift quickly, and speed currently outweighs sustainability.
#Ukraine
about 2 months ago
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Lectured on EU enlargement for Next Visionaries, solid talk with young Ukrainians on WB/Ukraine. Thanks Oleksandra for the invite,
@sophiabeiter.bsky.social
’s Charlemagne Prize Fellowship research laid the solid foundation that let me build on with a few thoughts.
#EUenlargement
#Ukraine
about 2 months ago
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Hin und wieder verbinden sich meine zwei Lieblingsdinge: Fußball und Politik. Danke an Daniel Michel für die Möglichkeit, meine Perspektive zur WM-Boykott-Debatte in der Frankfurter Rundschau zu teilen und ganz besonders schön, dass das Thema auch in der tz meiner Heimatstadt München erschienen ist.
about 2 months ago
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EU-Erweiterung, Ukraine, Moldau, Westbalkan – das sind keine abstrakten Themen, sondern Fragen unserer europäischen Zukunft. Im Rahmen des @oeadworldwide.bsky.social-Programms „Wissenschaftsbotschafter/innen“ durfte ich an der HLS Erla mit Schüler:innen darüber diskutieren.
2 months ago
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Glad to see progress here!
add a skeleton here at some point
2 months ago
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Moldova–Romania unification is back in the debate, but not because it’s imminent. In AzerNews, I argue this reflects security realism under Russian pressure, not a political roadmap. EU integration remains the priority; Transnistria remains the obstacle.
#Moldova
#Romania
2 months ago
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Spoke with Alghad TV today, referring also to Trump’s remarks in Davos. Pressure first, announcements second, reversals later — without a clear framework. Saying today that tariffs will not be imposed does not mean the position will not change tomorrow. That uncertainty is part of the problem.
2 months ago
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Die Einladung der AfD zur Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz war kein Protokollfehler, sondern ein politisches Signal. Im Interview mit Expresso habe ich erklärt, warum sicherheitspolitische Foren klare rote Linien brauchen –
2 months ago
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Freue mich über das Gespräch mit Gunther Fehlinger zu Europas Zukunft im geopolitischen Wandel. Über strategische Partnerschaften, EU-Erweiterung und die Rolle des Donauraums zwischen West und Ost. Warum 🇺🇦, 🇲🇩 + WB6 für Europas Zukunftsfähigkeit entscheidend sind.
www.idm.at/schaeffer-im...
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Europas Zukunft: IDM-Direktor Sebastian Schäffer im Gunther Fehlinger-Podcast - IDM
Sebastian Schäffer, Direktor des Institut für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa (IDM), spricht in einem aktuellen Podcast mit Gunther Fehlinger über zentrale Herausforderungen und Perspektiven für Europa...
https://www.idm.at/schaeffer-im-gunther-fehlinger-podcast/
2 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
Beate Meinl-Reisinger
3 months ago
#Grönland
ist ein autonomes Territorium des Königreichs Dänemark 🇩🇰. Dänemark hat unmissverständlich klargestellt: Drohungen und Annexionsfantasien sind nicht akzeptabel. Schon gar nicht gegenüber einem Volk, das klar sagt, dass es nicht zum Verkauf steht. 1️⃣
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
POLITICO Europe
3 months ago
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has chosen intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov to be his top aide, replacing Andriy Yermak who was fired amid a corruption scandal.
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Zelenskyy picks spy chief Budanov as new top aide to replace Yermak
Laconic 39-year-old is a former soldier who has fought the Russians in Donbas and Crimea.
https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-picks-spy-chief-budanov-replace-yermak/
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My last interview of the year, this time with AzerNews. We discussed Robert Fico’s criticism of the European Union, why it is best understood through the lens of domestic politics, and what it tells us about broader debates on sovereignty, integration, and political positioning within the EU.
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Why Fico’s EU critique reflects Slovak politics more than European reality [COMMENTARY]
At a time when the European Union is grappling with internal divisions, strategic uncertainty, and growing debates over its future direction, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has openly questioned th...
https://www.azernews.az/analysis/252385.html
3 months ago
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Earlier this year, the complex a close friend in Kyiv was hit. Yesterday, another close friend’s building, on the other side of the river, was struck. This is not random. It takes massive, systematic attacks on civilians to make this “chance” possible. Fuck Russia. And fuck those who enable it.
3 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
3 months ago
At IDM, we regularly organize meetings with other organisations from the region to exchange, learn about each other's work and explore opportunities for collaboration. This December, we were delighted to host two insightful meetings about EU integration and cross-border cooperation. (1/5)
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Yesterday I spoke live with AlQaheraNewsTv- القاهرة الإخبارية about what a sustainable peace in Ukraine would require. A ceasefire alone is not enough. Without robust security guarantees and continued support for Ukraine’s defense, any agreement risks collapsing.
3 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
3 months ago
Dear followers! Once again this year, our team recommends you movies and TV series to watch this winter. 🎥 ❄️ (1/3)
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
4 months ago
Last week, the IDM held its annual conference, marking the think tank's 72nd anniversary. Hosted by the House of the European Union, the event focused on the efforts and changes required for the EU enlargement process, both by the candidate countries and Member States. (1/4)
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Productive exchange at the Foreign Ministry today on Austria’s engagement in the Eastern and Southeastern neighbourhood with the European Diplomatic Academy. We also discussed the role of QMV in EU foreign policy, a debate that will only gain relevance as the Union continues to enlarge.
4 months ago
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Good exchange today with MPs Marcel Spatari and Marina Morozova. Moldova needs committed friends on its EU path - from think tanks to policymakers and civil society - and we also need to prepare the member states. Thanks to the Austrian Parlamentsdirektion for facilitating the meeting!
4 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
4 months ago
Last Friday, the IDM had the pleasure of hosting a deeply moving presentation on the book "Looking at Women, Looking at War – A War and Justice Diary". The book was initiated by the Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina, who tragically lost her life in a Russian missile strike in 2023. (1/4)
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Grateful to return so soon to speak with Rohan at FO° Talks. The renewed talk about territorial concessions and Moscow’s latest demands raises serious concerns for Europe. A peace that rewards aggression is no peace at all. Ukraine’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
4 months ago
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Spoke on Asharq News. A “very close” deal on Ukraine is far from guaranteed. Donbas and Zaporizhzhia are core sovereignty issues, and Europe’s divisions—especially over frozen Russian assets—only invite more pressure from Moscow. This isn’t just about Ukraine; it’s about Europe’s security future.
4 months ago
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The presentation of “Looking at Women, Looking at War” at IDM left me deeply shaken. Conceived by Victoria Amelina, and shared together with Sasha Dovchyk and Juri Durkot, we ended with a video message from Victoria – a reminder of her courage and of the voices we must keep amplifying.
4 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
4 months ago
On 20 November, as part of our Ambassador Talks series, IDM had the pleasure of hosting a discussion with H.E. Victoria Rosa, Ambassador of the Republic of
#Moldova
to Austria and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Moldova to the OSCE and other International Organizations in Vienna. (1/3)
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At today’s TimeToDecide Summit the focus was clear: Europe must become the most attractive place to live, work, and invest. From finally delivering a true Capital Markets Union to creating conditions that draw talent and ambition rather than lose them.
4 months ago
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Spoke with Al-Qahera News about the latest debate on ceasefire. Any negotiation must include Ukraine itself and only a just peace can be a lasting one. EU unity and credible security guarantees remain essential. Short clip:
m.youtube.com/shorts/_upFC...
Full interview:
m.youtube.com/watch?v=zx7y...
4 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
UNITED24 Media
4 months ago
On this day 34 years ago, Ukrainians stood united and cast their votes in a historic referendum. An overwhelming 90% voted for independence, breaking free from the Soviet Union and paving the way for a sovereign Ukraine.
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December at IDM brings events that address the realities shaping our region: from Victoria Amelina’s and Roman Chornomaz’s legacy to documentary photography, women’s experiences of war, EU enlargement, and Moldova’s current challenges. Join us in Vienna or online for these essential conversations.
add a skeleton here at some point
4 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
4 months ago
A series of events await this December! ❄️ Join us for a wide range of discussions, lectures and expert talks on developments in our region. (1/7)
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If the latest reports are accurate, then Donald Trump is not only prepared to sell out Ukraine - he is prepared to sell out all of us. Recognising occupied Ukrainian territory as Russian would shatter the basic principles of European security and reward aggression in a way that invites more of it.
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Trump hands Putin Ukraine’s occupied territories
US president sends envoys to Moscow with peace plan that recognises Russia’s war gains
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/28/trump-to-recognise-occupied-ukraine-part-of-russia/
4 months ago
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Grateful for the invitation to speak at last night’s dinner hosted by H.E. Ambassador Peter Potman at the Dutch Residence in Vienna. A great opportunity to exchange views with colleagues active across the region on the future of European integration, enlargement and democratic resilience.
4 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
4 months ago
You may be aware of IDM's work, but do you know about the team’s extra activities? Here are some highlights from this month 👇 🔹 Sebastian Schäffer & Sophia Beiter contributed a comment for
@diepressecom.bsky.social
on the long-term consequences of Germany's extension of border controls. (1/11)
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Tomorrow starts the IDM birthday week with lots of events! Looking forward to moderating our annual IDM Conference on 4 December at the House of the European Union in Vienna: "Shifting Narratives of Enlargement." Register here:
www.idm.at/events/shift...
4 months ago
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🇲🇩➡️🇪🇺 I had the pleasure of moderating this discussion with Ambassador Victoria Roșa on Moldova’s European path last week. A key moment for Chișinău and the wider region. Thanks also for sharing Moldovan culture with the wine at the reception. 🎥
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUAE...
4 months ago
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Vielen Dank für den guten Austausch mit Benedikt Schmidinger, Geschäftsführer des Europa-Forum Wachau. In Kooperation mit der UWK und der ARGE Donauländer freuen wir uns darauf, den Donau-Salon auch im kommenden Jahr gemeinsam weiterzuführen und neue Impulse für die Region zu setzen.
4 months ago
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reposted by
Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
4 months ago
The European Commission recently published its enlargement package and its assessments of Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans. From Brussels, Sophia Beiter highlights which candidates have made real progress – and where concerns remain, from rule of law to economic convergence. (1/2)
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Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Vienna
4 months ago
🗓️ As next week marks IDM’s anniversary, we cordially invite you to our annual IDM conference, along with two additional events. (1/4)
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Participating in the WB Fellowship Jubilee Event at the Austrian Parliament today highlighted once again how essential credible EU integration remains for the region. Great to exchange with policymakers, experts, and alumni on strengthening cooperation, institutional exchange, democratic resilience.
4 months ago
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Während die Ukraine immer stärker in Richtung Kapitulation gedrängt wird, gefährden wir unsere Freiheit auch im Inneren: Durch die Rückkehr von Binnengrenzkontrollen und populistische Scheinpolitik wird Schengen Schritt für Schritt ausgehöhlt.
4 months ago
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