Our weekly digest of articles about emerging Europe published elsewhere this week, all of which caught our eye and all of which are well worth your time. Listing them here, however, does not necessarily mean that we agree with every word, nor do they necessarily reflect Emerging Europe’s editorial policy.
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Contact tracing: Europes coronavirus tech tangle
As Europe gropes its way out of lockdown, countries are seeking tech-based paths back to normality. Central Europe leads the way.
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Foreign interference in the Zakarpattia region of Ukraine
The complex history of the Zakarpattia region explains the current geopolitical and cross-cultural dynamics of the region, as well as the persistent interest that neighbours Hungary and Russia have shown for it.
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Slovenia’s PM Janša channels Orbán with attacks on media and migrants
Janez Janša has criticised journalists and seems to want to use the coronavirus crisis for political advantage.
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Vera Caslavska and the forgotten story of her 1968 Olympics protest
Mexico City, 1968. A newly-crowned Olympic champion is about to make the life-changing decision to stage a political protest on the podium. Tommie Smith’s Black Power salute, right? Wrong.
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Rubles in the Near Abroad: Eurasian economic disunion
Even with coronavirus serving as a belated impetus to push through long-stalled reforms, the five members of the Eurasian Economic Union show limited willingness to help each other.
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EU woos Balkans with more aid as Russia, China vie for influence
Leaders of the European Union have reaffirmed their “unequivocal support” for six Western Balkan states to eventually become members of the bloc and offered them fresh financial support as the region struggles to cope with the coronavirus crisis.
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Prague revamp reveals Jewish gravestones used to pave streets
Dozens of paving stones made from Jewish headstones have been found during redevelopment work in Prague’s tourist district, confirming speculation that the former communist regime raided synagogues and graveyards for building materials.
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Hungary rejects opportunity to protect women from violence
Amidst a disturbing global uptick in reports of domestic violence during Covid-19 lockdowns, Hungary has taken a leap backwards in protecting women.
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Lessons for the world on how Estonia’s digital state is coping With coronavirus
Coronavirus is shaking the world out of all sorts of complacencies. Governments’ capacity – or lack of it – is suddenly under the microscope, which is making the case for digital government reforms in the image of Estonia not just attractive, which they have always been, but vital.
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Georgia plans corona-safe ‘tourist zones’
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has vowed to reopen Georgia to tourism in July, floating the possibility of creating ‘tourist zones’ that would be safe from the novel coronavirus.
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