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.
—
Darkness you can dance to: Baasch’s gothic electro pop captures young Poland’s fear and daring
Warsaw musician Baasch never set out to be the voice of a generation. “I don’t have it in me,” he says, laughing. Yet the singer-songwriter’s latest album, Noc [Night] — a heady blend of icy synth textures, trance-inspired beats, and nimbly melodic vocals — has captured the mood of Poland’s urban youth like few before it.
Read the full story here.
—
Bitcoin blackouts: Russian cryptocurrency ‘miners’ minting millions while sucking Abkhazia’s electricity grid dry
In the side streets and narrow alleys of Abkhazia’s main city, a low growl and an oily stench are common once again. Thrumming diesel generators provide power amid rolling blackouts that have infuriated residents and evoked memories of the postwar chaos nearly three decades ago.
Read the full story here.
—
War and peace in Bosnia
In the 25 years since the Dayton Agreement, Bosnia has avoided a return to war, even as it has fallen short of the hoped-for political reconstruction and reconciliation. The task now is to support a new generation of leaders who are ready to move on, while never forgetting the two most important lessons of the past.
Read the full story here.
—
Albanians spend millions on Covid-19 treatment in Turkey
As the healthcare system in Albania strains to deal with the pandemic, air ambulance operators have boomed, transporting sick patients to private hospitals in Turkey and elsewhere.
Read the full story here.
—
In remote, offline Kyrgyzstan, the best of the internet comes in a box
The internet has never had a year like 2020. With the pandemic forcing people everywhere to retreat into their homes, our lives are virtual like never before. But what if you don’t have internet access? For schoolchildren in remote parts of Kyrgyzstan, that’s not a hypothetical question.
Read the full story here.
—
What’s behind Russia’s disinformation campaign in Georgia?
The US state of Georgia and the post-Soviet Republic of Georgia have more in common than a similar name: allegations of voting irregularities and disinformation campaigns. How is the latter dealing with Russian meddling?
Read the full story here.
—
Hungary’s Golden Squad: The greatest football team never to win it all?
The Magical Magyars embarked on one of football’s most remarkable streaks, only to fall short in the Miracle of Bern.
Read the full story here.
—
Bargain-hunting Bulgarians fuel boom in Turkish Thrace
As Turkey’s tumbling currency makes its products a lot cheaper for foreigners, Bulgarians are flocking to the nearest cities in Turkey to buy, buy, buy – much to the delight of the local traders.
Read the full story here
—
Czech nuclear plant expansion may be delayed amid concerns of opposition, secret services
A tender to decide who builds a new unit at a Czech nuclear power plant may face delays after security services and opposition parties raised concerns about the possible participation of bidders from China and Russia.
Read the full story here.
—
Bosnian ‘energy pyramids’ boosted by Djokovic visits
Large numbers of people still believe a hill in Bosnia is part of an ancient man-made pyramid complex with healing powers.
Read the full story here.
—
How vegan leather brand Nanushka aced affordable luxury
What’s the secret behind the seemingly sudden success of the Hungarian fashion brand Nanushka? Its founder and creative director, Sandra Sandor, has an answer. “It’s definitely my skill to make things look more expensive than they are.”
Read the full story here.
—
Photo: Baasch official Facebook page.
—
Unlike many news and information platforms, Emerging Europe is free to read, and always will be. There is no paywall here. We are independent, not affiliated with nor representing any political party or business organisation. We want the very best for emerging Europe, nothing more, nothing less. Your support will help us continue to spread the word about this amazing region.
You can contribute here. Thank you.
