The talk is available here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=3316821434995723&ref=watch_permalink

The talk addresses the developments and lock-down restrictions implemented in the countries of the so-called Western Balkans during the Coronavirus-Pandemic and its long-lasting effect on the political structures of these countries. Even before the current health crisis the status of democracy was fragile. During the corona-crisis, some political leaders have been taking advantage of the situation to further shape the political environment to their benefit. Moreover, the talk will elaborate on the relations between the Western Balkans and the EU, which despite the decision to start the accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania during the Croatian EU Presidency in March 2020, have not much improved.

Dr. Vedran Dzihic is a Senior Researcher at the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip) and lecturer at the University Vienna. Moreover, he is Co-Director of the Center of Advanced Studies South Eastern Europe (CAS SEE) at the University in Rijeka.

His expertise lies in the field of democratisation, European Integration, conflict research, civil society, protest movements, foreign policy and nationalism. The regional focus of his research is with the East- and South-East Europe, especially the Balkans and the US.

We would like to inform you, that the event is in English and will be online streamed per Facebook.