European Student Think Tank Podcast

Ski tourism in Europe has been facing severe challenges in recent years, the most pressing one being climate change and its diverse consequences. Some ski resorts with its local businesses are dependent on constant ski tourism while others have started engaging in a path towards more diversified and sustainable tourism. We talked to Christian Zwanziger, the spokesperson for tourism of the Bavarian Green Party, and Irene Berthod, the president of the merchants, bars and restaurants association in the popular ski resort Cervinia, Italy. Find out what this entails and how ski tourism can answer fundamental questions about its future, in the light of an ongoing climate, biodiversity and energy crisis. This episode was hosted by Hannah Kleine and Silvie Carrel. Edited and sound engineered by Hannah Kleine. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

This week Silvie together with two professors- Serhan Afacan and Gabriel Garroum- will analyze some important questions on the Iran protests. What was the situation before? Will this be a revolution? And much more. This episode was hosted and researched by Silvie Carrel edited and sound engineered by Hannah Kleine. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

This week, Silvie and Anna - Researchers for the podcast team- and Hafssa Elabiari -Deputy Head of the Observatory on EU and MENA relations- dive head first into the current situation in Iran. What lead to this point and how does it impact the country and its relation with the West? This episode was hosted by Silvie Carrel. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Silvie Carrel, Anna Scherer and Hafssa Elabiari. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Numbering half a million and making up an estimated 10 percent of Slovakia's population, Roma are the second-largest ethnic minority in the country. Yet, they are also one of the most discriminated against, both in the country and all o Europe. This week, Hannah -host and researcher from our podcast team- unpacks with the help of Abel Ravasz -Sociologist and founder of the NGO Purt- the current situation of the Roma community in Slovakia, and what is being done (or should be done) to improve their condition. If you want to know more about Purt, or find out how to support them, please visit their website https://purtdotorg.wordpress.com or ollow this link: https://imb-bmi.org/en/ This episode was hosted by Hannah Kleine. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Hannah Kleine. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

This week, Hannah, host and researcher from our podcast team, has the pleasure of speaking with Paul Hutchings, co-founder of Refugee Support. Founded in 2016, this organization's mission is to compensate for the failures of States when it comes to humanitarian help and to 'create a system that put dignity, equality and fairness' in the life of Refugees. In this episode, Paul tells us about their work since their creation, the double standard with which Europe treats refugees according to their country of origin, and the role of media representation in the public's perception of refugees. If you want to know more about Refugee Support, or find out how to support them, please visit their website https://www.refugeesupporteu.com This episode was hosted by Hannah Kleine. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Hannah Kleine. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

When the UK officially left the European Union in January 2020, much speculation was made regarding the economic and social impact this would have on the country. One area has however been overshadowed: that of education and research. What impact has Brexit had on this field, and what could be the future of British Research? In this Episode, Niamh Axe answers all your question with the help of Giovanni Travaglino, Professor of Social Psychology and Criminology at Royal Holloway University in London and Director for the Institute of the Study of Power, Crime, and Society. This episode was hosted by Niahm Axe. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Niahm Axe and Victoria Bergström. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Since its candidacy in 1989, Turkey has been at the heart of the E.U Enlargement debate. Ioannis Grigoriadis, associate professor at Bilkent University will help us today to understand what are the challenges for the accession to the European Union for Turkey, and what impacts the debate has on the two entities relation. This episode was hosted by Semina Melissi. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Semina Melissi and Pauline Oléon. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Following the European Parliament recently declaring that Hungary 'no longer is a democracy', Silvie Carrel and Anna Scherer - Researchers for the Podcast Team- dive head first in the E.U vs Poland and Hungary case. What is going on, and what could be done? This episode was hosted by Silvie Carrel. Edited and sound engineered by Pauline Oléon. Research and content by Anna Scherer. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

For the final episode of this season, Nicole Cicognani - podcast editor at EST - meets Waltraud Heller, responsible for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). This conversation aims at analysing the challenges and difficulties facing CSOs, NGOs and Civil Societies in their broader sense, in a European landscape that becomes increasingly threatening to personal freedoms, and sets the tone for a better understanding of future actions and sustainable paths to ensure representation, effectiveness and protection for the crucial work of Civil Society. What will be Europe's next steps to protect its citizens' rights and freedoms? This episode was hosted and produced by Nicole Cicognani. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Olivia Serra Calvo - communications director at EST - is this week's guest on the podcast, bringing us a difficult but necessary conversation on the role of children in conflict, the legal tools, the ethical debates, the misconceptions and ramifications of this phenomenon. To read Olivia's article on this topic, visit our website. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Victoria Bergström. Research and content by Olivia Serra Calvo. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Joanna Pamoukoglu - EST Ambassador to the Netherlands - joins us again to discuss the Eurocentric discourse permeating conflict narratives from a ‘western' point of view, and how different war can look depending on what side of the world they affect - and how. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Asimina Melissi, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Joanna Pamoukoglu. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Kocha Changelia - member of the Working Group on Human Rights at EST - is our guest this week to discuss Europe's colonial legacy, how it impacts states' societies and what steps are required to recognise and redress discrimination. To learn more about the Working Group on Human Rights and their work, visit our website. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Nicole Cicognani and Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Kocha Changelia. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Federica Ballardini - EST Ambassador to France - joins our hosts to discuss how the words defining climate change have drastically shaped the policy-response driven by western powers and influence, transforming needs into threats, and migration into security concerns. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Nicole Cicognani, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Federica Ballardini. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Alessandra Cardaci – Project Manager at Debating Europe – explains why democracy might have become unfit for the 21st century, and how it should change to better fit the needs of today's societies. To know more about Debating Europe's work, visit their website. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Nicole Cicognani. Research and content by Alessandra Cardaci. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Soso Chachanidze – member of the Young European Ambassador Network – joins us this week to unpack the historical, cultural and political reasons behind the recent applications for EU membership submitted by Moldova and Georgia. Following last week's discussion on the enlargement process, this episode will unveil the hopes and challenges that EU membership represents for these countries and their citizens, the popular sentiment towards this decision and what is going to happen next, both in terms of obstacles and opportunities. To know more about YEA, visit their website. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Soso Chachanidze. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Juuso Järviniemi - Vice-President of JEF Europe - joins us in today's podcast to discuss the recent developments on the front of European enlargement. As one of two episodes created in collaboration with our external partners, this episode will explore the process behind membership applications, what will be the future of the new candidates and how that is going to affect EU policy and security. To know more about JEF Europe and their work, visit their website. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Florentin Ndizeye. Research and content by Juuso Järviniemi. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Anca Grigorescu - editor at EST - analyses the ongoing crisis of the international system, with the threats posed by new influences, military capabilities and the revival of ‘superpower' aspirations. While current crises and discussions bring us back to decades-old themes and talks of the Cold War, what could be the future of international stability, alliances and peace? This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Anca Grigorescu. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Lano Mahmood - writer at EST - is the guest for this week's episode, where she discusses how the European Union's normative power influences human rights policies and advocacy in Africa, and what it means to exercise such power within a form of ‘revitalised multilateralism'. To know more about this topic, read Lano's article on our website. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Asimina Melissi and Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Florentin Ndizeye. Research and content by Lano Mahmood. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Julia Blanken - EST president - joins the podcast to give her insight on what are the best aspects of being involved with youth organizations, how such an experience influences your skills and your personal growth, and what are the main challenges of volunteering. This episode was hosted and edited by Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Victoria Bergström. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou - editor at EST - joins us this week to evaluate the reasons behind Russia's invasion of Ukraine from the perspective of offensive realism theory. For more of our coverage of the conflict in Ukraine, visit our website at esthinktank.com. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Vasilis Psarras - writer at EST - discusses the meaning, implications and future of the rules regulating the public debt to GDP ratio across EU member states: the Sustainability and Growth Pact. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Asimina Melissi and Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Vasilis Psarrasi. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Giuseppe Peressotti and Manuel Torres Lajo - writers at EST - join our hosts to discuss the sanctions imposed on Russia in response to the war in Ukraine, and the impact these will have on EU markets and consumers. For more coverage of the conflict in Ukraine, read Giuseppe's and Manuel's articles, or visit our website at esthinktank.com. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited and sound engineered by Laura Sanzarello. Research and content by Giuseppe Peressotti and Manuel Torres Lajo. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Gabriele Bertani - writer at EST - discusses the implications of the war in Ukraine on the domestic politics and power balances in France, Poland and the UK. For more coverage of the conflict in Ukraine, read Gabriele's article or visit our website at esthinktank.com. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Gabriele Bertani. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces has brought war back at Europe's doorstep. In doing so, it has unveiled the heroism of the Ukrainian people, the depths to which one man is willing to take an entire continent, and the solidarity that people are able to show to neighbours in need. However, it has also revealed the weaknesses and mistakes of EU's foreign policy, which by repeatedly condoning Putin's provocations has possibly enabled an attack that had been announced for months. EST Editor-in-Chief Laura Sanzarello hears from POLITICO's Chief Europe Correspondent Matthew Karnitschnig, to better understand the dynamics behind what have been defined “among the darkest hours for Europe” in over 70 years, and try to draw the outline of a post-conflict world. For more analysis on the conflict, visit our website at esthinktank.com. This episode was hosted and produced by Laura Sanzarello. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Victoria Bergström - EST Podcast Host - discusses the many geopolitical issues of the arctic such as mineral extraction, the protection of Arctic minorities, debunking harmful stereotypes, and the future of the Arctic in the face of its current threats. This episode was hosted by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Laura Sanzarello and Asimina Melissi, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Victoria Bergström.

EST Talk meets Neus Vidal, journalist and a monitoring officer for press freedom violations, provides us with a frontline overview on the repression of journalism in Europe, the struggle of telling uncomfortable stories and how GDPR and social media have indirectly contributed to these growing trends. Hosted by Asimina Melissi, sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Apoorva Iyer - writer at EST - unpacks the recent humanitarian crisis that unfolded at the border between Belarus and the EU, with special attention to Lukashenko's application of lawfare and its geopolitical repercussions. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Edited by Laura Sanzarello and Asimina Melissi, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Apoorva Iyer.

Joanna Pamoukoglu - EST Ambassador to the Netherlands - is back on our podcast to discuss the growing threats to press freedom in Europe and analyse how the EU might prevent the situation from deteriorating further. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Asimina Melissi and Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Joanna Pamoukoglu. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Kocha Changelia - member of EST's working group on human rights - addressed youth civic activism and the role it plays in the process of European Integration. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Laura Sanzarello and Asimina Melissi, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Kocha Changelia. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Javier Arenas - member of EST's working group on environment - is our guest to discuss the recent climate summit, COP26, to assess its wins, defeats and outcomes. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Laura Sanzarello, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Javier Arenas. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Chilani Atalugamage - EST Ambassador to Sri Lanka - discusses the various aspects of EU - Sri Lanka relations, and the important roles played by development projects, terrorism and the respect for human rights. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Edited by Laura Sanzarello and Asimina Melissi, and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Chilani Atalugamage. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Joanna Pamoukoglu - EST Ambassador to the Netherlands - joins us to talk about the destructive impact of the pandemic on domestic violence, as October marked Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To know more about this topic, read Joanna's article on the EST website. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Asimina Melissi and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Joanna Pamoukoglu. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Krista Tammila - EST Ambassador to Spain - analyses the Catalan fight for independence, its resonance at the EU level and the possible implications for the future of separatist movements. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Asimina Melissi and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Krista Tammila. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

EST Talk meets Gwendolyn Albert, human rights activist, to discuss the issue of forced sterilization of Roma women in the Czech Republic, and a new law designed to redress decades of systemic and cultural abuses. Hosted by Asimina Melissi, sound engineered by Laura Sanzarello. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Niamh Axe - EST Ambassador for the UK - discusses the possibilities created by Brexit for regional politics, and how this might have contributed to strengthening European stability. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited by Asimina Melissi and sound engineered by Angeliki-Efraimia Markopoulou. Research and content by Niamh Axe. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

Pauline Oleon - International Officer at EST - unpacks the legislative condition of minorities in Europe, not only reconstructing a past of repression, but also unveiling a worrying present and concerning future possibilities. This episode was hosted by Victoria Bergström and Florentin Ndizeye. Edited and produced by Laura Sanzarello. Research and content by Pauline Oleon. Music by John Sib and Winking Fox Music.

On the last episode of the first season of the EST Podcast, our hosts receive Reinder de Vries - Former Head of the EST International Office - who will talk about his experience at EST, the successes of this year of activities, how the EST has contributed to his career and why one should join an organization like this. The EST Podcast will be back next year! Thanks for listening :) Check out EST Podcast on this ranking of EU Podcasts: https://blog.feedspot.com/european_union_podcasts/

Christos Tsagkaris - Vice-President for Events at EST - discusses the EST's recent partnership with the Coalition of Global Health, Primary Care, and Social Work Professionals to address an open letter to the G7 & the G20, and their relevance for health policy.

Liam Gibson - founder of Policy People - is interviewed by our host Laura Sanzarello on Policy People's mission and how the new generations of policy enthusiasts can benefit from his platform, podcast channel, and the Think Tank communities. Check out PP's webpage at: https://policypeople.substack.com/

Manuel Torres Lajo - Member of the CoronaNet Research Group - discusses the historical and contemporary relationship between the EU and Latin America, as well as some prospects for the future of this partnership.

Mateusz Ciasnocha - a member of COP26 - Race to Zero - comes to our channel to debate on how farmers can (and should) be part of the climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in a profitable way.

Mafalda Infante - Ambassador at EST - was the head organizer of the EST online event “Disinformation: Present and Future Challenges” that took place in April this year. She discusses the main points discussed at the event, such as the influence of false narratives in the youth and in European democracies in our digital age.

Harvey Dryer - full-time writer at the EST - discusses what 'decolonizing the curriculum' means and how to go about achieving greater racial equality within universities. Also, our guest speaker discusses the implications that the de-centering of white minds may have on our understandings of International Relations.

Daniel Mooney and Laura Sanzarello - editors at EST - unpack the reasons behind recent violence in Northern Ireland and what it means for the future of the Island.

Aparajeya Shanker - Ambassador at EST - comes to our Podcast to share some stories of Eastern European frontline medical professionals on the battle against the pandemic.

Laura Sanzarello - Editor at EST - has a conversation with Mick ter Reehorst, the co-founder and managing director of "Are We Europe", about a "borderless" Europe and a new idea of feeling European.

Vasilis Psarras - writer at EST - talks to our hosts about private and public debt as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our guest discusses the new challenges facing the Eurozone, considering a new wave of low-interest rates and the monetization of debt.

Ana Sofia Cabral - Ambassador at EST - comments on the state of migration policy in the EU, the 2015 migration and refugee crisis, and the escalation of right-wing parties' support in recent years.

James Balzer - Associate Editor of the European Policy Review and Writer at EST - discusses with our hosts Europe's Just Transition, the economics behind it, its challenges, and the potential it represents for "Green" implementations.

Pierfrancesco Lanza - International Officer and Board Member at the EST - explains the importance of the relations between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council's Member States. He analyses what can be the future role of the EU in the Gulf in regards to the actual developments in the region.

Daniel Mooney - Editor at EST - analyzes the policy of 'vaccine passports', discussing its most pressing problems as well as its possible benefits.