Stories about Eastern & Central Europe from June, 2018
The dark side of World Cup fun in Russia: Online mobs are bullying women getting ‘too friendly’ with foreigners
The World Cup euphoria will fade in a few weeks, but hard questions about women's rights in Russia are still lingering, it seems.
Central European University remains in ‘legal limbo’ under Hungary's new higher education amendment
Central European University (CEU) announced that it will remain open in Budapest for the next academic year amidst a legal battle and debate over its destiny with the Hungarian government.
With new anti-migration laws, the space for civil society in Hungary continues to shrink
"Hungary's gov targets NGOs...because Hungary is small and these happen to also be the only NGOs working on civil rights of Hungarian citizens: looking into police abuses, representing protesters..."
What were Global Voices’ readers up to last week?
During the week of June 18-24, 2018, our stories and translations attracted readers from 201 countries. Number 2 on the list? Iraq. And number 15? Jordan.
During the World Cup, Mexico gets in trouble when their fans’ chants are called ‘foul’
"In addition to being considered a homophobic scream, the “EEEEEH P…” could cause serious problems for the Mexican National Team" according to FIFA rules.
Protesting Polish students stall controversial bill that would clamp down on academic freedom
"The new law on higher education centralises responsibility at universities and withdraws autonomy from individual faculties...In addition, smaller Universities are marginalized in favor of the larger ones."
A new generation picks up the struggle against coal in the Czech Republic
"With decision makers still jammed in the vicious cycle of coal and nuclear, building a strong climate movement that crosses borders seems more important than ever."
What were Global Voices’ readers up to last week?
During the week of June 11-17, 2018, our stories and translations attracted readers from 205 countries. Number 17 on the list? Philippines. And number 78? Senegal.
Balkan right-wing populists continue attempts to rehabilitate the legacies of World War II Nazi collaborators
Revision of the history of World War II is an important element of extremist right-wing indoctrination in Europe and recent examples from Serbia and Croatia indicate complacency of ruling elites.
Greek and Macedonian nationalists oppose agreement that would end a quarter-century name dispute
"Today's agreement betw. Athens and Skopje is a historic and very courageous achievement that will benefit both sides and the entire region."
Russians thrilled by World Cup's kick off, despite looming pension and tax reforms
With the effect of soft power on display for the rest of the world to see, how have Russians been reacting to the influx of large, eager crowds of foreigners?
What were Global Voices’ readers up to last week?
During the week of June 4-10, 2018, our stories and translations attracted readers from 200 countries. Number 2 on the list? Brazil. And number 40? Mozambique.
Russian journalist forced to resign for criticizing pro-Putin propaganda on Instagram
"We wish the Earth could live in peace, but if our commander in chief Beckons to fight the final battle, we are with you, Uncle Vova!"
What were Global Voices’ readers up to last week?
During the week of May 28-June 3, 2018, our stories and translations attracted readers from 206 countries. Number 20 on the list? Oman. And number 117? Togo.
Romanian government considering following Trump's move and relocating its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem
The possibility to move Romania's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem is yet another episode in the conflict between the PSD-led government and President Iohannis.