Frank Elbers
@franckelbers.bsky.social
Bucharest-based Southeast Europe correspondent @bnr.nl @groene.nl @nporadio1.bsky.social @vrtnws.be. Hoofdredacteur @donaustroom.bsky.social. Previously Beirut @ Arab Institute for Women. Home: https://frankelbers.info.
Pinned
Proletariaat aan de bal | Panenka Magazine
PROLETARIAAT AAN DE BALVoetbal achter het voormalige IJzeren Gordijn Clubs als Ferencváros, Dynamo Kyiv, Dinamo Zagreb, Steaua Boekarest, Rode Ster Belgrado en CSKA Sofia waren ooit vaste waarden in h...
www.panenka-magazine.com
Mijn nieuwe boek is uit! In *Proletariaat aan de bal* ga ik op op zoek naar de voetbalcultuur van (voormalige) Oost-Europese topclubs. Van Roemenië’s Gouden Generatie tot Sjachtar's Brazilianen tussen de mijnwerkers in Donetsk. www.panenka-magazine.com/product-page...
The European Union does not have a clear strategy for managing candidate countries’ engagement with China, @ecfr.eu warns in a new report, raising concerns about Beijing’s growing influence in the Western Balkans. #EU_accession
China in the Western Balkans: what does this mean for EU accession plans? In his policy brief, Vladimir Shopov highlights why the EU should take notice of the Red Flag in the region. buff.ly/4QBR5yl @ecfr.eu
Eyes wide shut: How to read China’s playbook in the Western Balkans | ECFR
The global order no longer favours Western dominance, and Europe's peripheries have become battlegrounds for competing powers. Yet, the EU’s enlargement policy
buff.ly
November 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
The European Union does not have a clear strategy for managing candidate countries’ engagement with China, @ecfr.eu warns in a new report, raising concerns about Beijing’s growing influence in the Western Balkans. #EU_accession
#Romania: State-owned hydropower operator and electricity supplier Hidroelectrica is expecting record-low output this year amid a severe #drought. #energy balkangreenenergynews.com/romanias-hid...
Romania's Hidroelectrica struck by worst hydrology so far
Hidroelectrica is expecting record-low output this year amid a severe drought, but also to achieve EUR 590 million in annual profit.
balkangreenenergynews.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:49 AM
#Romania: State-owned hydropower operator and electricity supplier Hidroelectrica is expecting record-low output this year amid a severe #drought. #energy balkangreenenergynews.com/romanias-hid...
Prosecutors in Milan have opened an investigation into allegations that Italian nationals paid members of the Bosnian Serb army to shoot at civilians in Sarajevo during the city’s four-year siege in the 1990s. www.intellinews.com/milan-prosec...
Milan prosecutors probe claims Italians paid to shoot civilians in Bosnian war
Prosecutors in Milan have opened an investigation into allegations that Italian nationals paid members of the Bosnian Serb army to shoot at civilians ...
www.intellinews.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Prosecutors in Milan have opened an investigation into allegations that Italian nationals paid members of the Bosnian Serb army to shoot at civilians in Sarajevo during the city’s four-year siege in the 1990s. www.intellinews.com/milan-prosec...
Deputy Chief Prosecutor of #Bosnia and Herzegovina Džermin Pašić has filed a criminal complaint against his superior, alleging abuse of office and obstruction of justice in a high-profile case involving Milorad Dodik, others. n1info.ba/english/news...
Deputy Chief Prosecutor files criminal complaint against Bosnia’s top prosecutor
Deputy Chief Prosecutor of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dzermin Pasic has filed a criminal complaint against his superior, Chief Prosecutor Milanko Kajganic, and pros
n1info.ba
November 12, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Deputy Chief Prosecutor of #Bosnia and Herzegovina Džermin Pašić has filed a criminal complaint against his superior, alleging abuse of office and obstruction of justice in a high-profile case involving Milorad Dodik, others. n1info.ba/english/news...
#Romania: Right-wing former presidential hopeful Călin Georgescu faces fresh legal trouble, this time for allegedly spreading fascist propaganda.
balkaninsight.com/2025/11/11/r...
balkaninsight.com/2025/11/11/r...
Romanian Populist Georgescu Faces Trial for Promoting Fascism
Right-wing former presidential hopeful Calin Georgescu faces fresh legal trouble, this time for allegedly spreading fascist propaganda.
balkaninsight.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:48 AM
#Romania: Right-wing former presidential hopeful Călin Georgescu faces fresh legal trouble, this time for allegedly spreading fascist propaganda.
balkaninsight.com/2025/11/11/r...
balkaninsight.com/2025/11/11/r...
The Western Balkan countries remain important corridors in Europe for drug and human trafficking and migrant smuggling, says the 2025 Organised Crime Index, produced by an anti-graft NGO.
balkaninsight.com/2025/11/10/w...
balkaninsight.com/2025/11/10/w...
Western Balkans Remains Key Smuggling Corridor in Europe: Report
The Western Balkan countries remain important corridors in Europe for drug and human trafficking and migrant smuggling, says the 2025 Organised Crime Index, produced by an anti-graft NGO.
balkaninsight.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:26 AM
The Western Balkan countries remain important corridors in Europe for drug and human trafficking and migrant smuggling, says the 2025 Organised Crime Index, produced by an anti-graft NGO.
balkaninsight.com/2025/11/10/w...
balkaninsight.com/2025/11/10/w...
#Moldova 's headline #inflation rose slightly, against the short-term trend, to 7.0% year-on-year (y/y) in October from 6.9% y/y in September, driven by higher prices for food and utilities, according to data published by the National Bureau of Statistics (BNS). www.intellinews.com/moldova-s-in...
Moldova’s inflation edges up to 7.0% y/y in October on higher food and utility prices
Moldova’s headline inflation (chart) rose slightly, against the short-term trend, to 7.0% year-on-year (y/y) in October from 6.9% y/y in ...
www.intellinews.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:36 AM
#Moldova 's headline #inflation rose slightly, against the short-term trend, to 7.0% year-on-year (y/y) in October from 6.9% y/y in September, driven by higher prices for food and utilities, according to data published by the National Bureau of Statistics (BNS). www.intellinews.com/moldova-s-in...
#Serbia: Parliament adopted a lex specialis enabling the redevelopment of the former General Staff building in central Belgrade — a decision that paves the way for a $500mn luxury hotel and residential complex backed by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. www.intellinews.com/serbia-s-par...
Serbia’s parliament approves law clearing way for Kushner-backed Belgrade project
The Serbian Parliament has adopted a lex specialis enabling the redevelopment of the former General Staff building in central Belgrade — a decision ...
www.intellinews.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:48 AM
#Serbia: Parliament adopted a lex specialis enabling the redevelopment of the former General Staff building in central Belgrade — a decision that paves the way for a $500mn luxury hotel and residential complex backed by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. www.intellinews.com/serbia-s-par...
#Bulgaria 🇧🇬 and #NorthMacedonia 🇲🇰 are set to take a significant step toward enhancing their regional connectivity, as the two countries prepare to sign an agreement for the construction and operation of a cross-border railway tunnel. m.novinite.com/articles/235...
Bulgaria and North Macedonia to Build Cross-Border Railway Tunnel Linking the Two Nations - Novinite.com - Sofia News Agency
Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia are set to take a significant step toward enhancing their regional connectivity, as the two countries prepare to sign an agreement for the construction and...
m.novinite.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:36 AM
#Bulgaria 🇧🇬 and #NorthMacedonia 🇲🇰 are set to take a significant step toward enhancing their regional connectivity, as the two countries prepare to sign an agreement for the construction and operation of a cross-border railway tunnel. m.novinite.com/articles/235...
Reposted by Frank Elbers
NATO chief Mark Rutte today played down a US announcement that it was withdrawing hundreds of troops from Romania just as the alliance grapples with an increasing number of suspected Russian hybrid attacks.
NATO downplays US troop drawdown as Russian hybrid attacks intensify
The announced withdrawal of troops “happens all the time,” says alliance Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
www.politico.eu
November 5, 2025 at 5:28 PM
NATO chief Mark Rutte today played down a US announcement that it was withdrawing hundreds of troops from Romania just as the alliance grapples with an increasing number of suspected Russian hybrid attacks.
European Commission warns #NorthMacedonia against delays in constitutional changes and anti-corruption efforts as political divisions threaten EU path. #EU_accession eualive.net/eu-urges-nor...
EU urges North Macedonia to deliver on constitutional changes and step up rule of law reforms
The European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Report urges North Macedonia to “adopt the necessary constitutional changes ...
eualive.net
November 5, 2025 at 6:58 PM
European Commission warns #NorthMacedonia against delays in constitutional changes and anti-corruption efforts as political divisions threaten EU path. #EU_accession eualive.net/eu-urges-nor...
Reposted by Frank Elbers
📖 Voetbal achter het voormalige IJzeren Gordijn
In Proletariaat aan de bal volgt Frank Elbers (BNR Nieuwsradio, NPO Radio 1, VRT Radio 1) 8 clubs uit Oost-Europa:
🇭🇺 Ferencváros 🇺🇦 Dynamo Kyiv & Sjachtar Donetsk 🇭🇷 Dinamo Zagreb 🇷🇴 Steaua Boekarest 🇧🇬 CSKA Sofia 🇷🇸 Rode Ster Belgrado 🇲🇩 Sheriff Tiraspol.
In Proletariaat aan de bal volgt Frank Elbers (BNR Nieuwsradio, NPO Radio 1, VRT Radio 1) 8 clubs uit Oost-Europa:
🇭🇺 Ferencváros 🇺🇦 Dynamo Kyiv & Sjachtar Donetsk 🇭🇷 Dinamo Zagreb 🇷🇴 Steaua Boekarest 🇧🇬 CSKA Sofia 🇷🇸 Rode Ster Belgrado 🇲🇩 Sheriff Tiraspol.
November 4, 2025 at 6:25 PM
📖 Voetbal achter het voormalige IJzeren Gordijn
In Proletariaat aan de bal volgt Frank Elbers (BNR Nieuwsradio, NPO Radio 1, VRT Radio 1) 8 clubs uit Oost-Europa:
🇭🇺 Ferencváros 🇺🇦 Dynamo Kyiv & Sjachtar Donetsk 🇭🇷 Dinamo Zagreb 🇷🇴 Steaua Boekarest 🇧🇬 CSKA Sofia 🇷🇸 Rode Ster Belgrado 🇲🇩 Sheriff Tiraspol.
In Proletariaat aan de bal volgt Frank Elbers (BNR Nieuwsradio, NPO Radio 1, VRT Radio 1) 8 clubs uit Oost-Europa:
🇭🇺 Ferencváros 🇺🇦 Dynamo Kyiv & Sjachtar Donetsk 🇭🇷 Dinamo Zagreb 🇷🇴 Steaua Boekarest 🇧🇬 CSKA Sofia 🇷🇸 Rode Ster Belgrado 🇲🇩 Sheriff Tiraspol.
Reposted by Frank Elbers
In #Servië voeren studenten al meer dan een jaar actie tegen de corrupte en repressieve regering. Vorige week trok een drie dagen durende protestmars door het land. Wij wandelden een stukje mee. ‘De nieuwe generatie is politiek ontwaakt.’ @marijnslijper.bsky.social www.donaustroom.eu/een-jaar-van...
Een jaar van anti-regeringsprotesten in Servië - Donau
Vorige week trok er een drie dagen durende protestmars door het land. Wij wandelden een stukje mee. ‘De nieuwe generatie is politiek ontwaakt.’
www.donaustroom.eu
November 4, 2025 at 6:34 PM
In #Servië voeren studenten al meer dan een jaar actie tegen de corrupte en repressieve regering. Vorige week trok een drie dagen durende protestmars door het land. Wij wandelden een stukje mee. ‘De nieuwe generatie is politiek ontwaakt.’ @marijnslijper.bsky.social www.donaustroom.eu/een-jaar-van...
Reposted by Frank Elbers
2025 was a year of significant progress for EU enlargement.
Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova stand out.
They advanced most on reforms in the past year.
Our candidates have ambitious goals to finish negotiations.
The coming year will be a moment of truth.
Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova stand out.
They advanced most on reforms in the past year.
Our candidates have ambitious goals to finish negotiations.
The coming year will be a moment of truth.
November 4, 2025 at 4:36 PM
2025 was a year of significant progress for EU enlargement.
Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova stand out.
They advanced most on reforms in the past year.
Our candidates have ambitious goals to finish negotiations.
The coming year will be a moment of truth.
Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova stand out.
They advanced most on reforms in the past year.
Our candidates have ambitious goals to finish negotiations.
The coming year will be a moment of truth.
#Moldova 's new government, led by private equity investor Alexandru Munteanu, took his oath of office on November 1 after winning a confidence vote supported by 55 deputies from the ruling pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). www.intellinews.com/moldova-s-ne...
Moldova’s new government sworn in with goal to sign EU accession treaty by 2028
Moldova’s new government, led by private equity investor Alexandru Munteanu, took his oath of office on November 1 after winning a confidence vote ...
www.intellinews.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:14 PM
#Moldova 's new government, led by private equity investor Alexandru Munteanu, took his oath of office on November 1 after winning a confidence vote supported by 55 deputies from the ruling pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). www.intellinews.com/moldova-s-ne...
#NorthMacedonia: The ruling centre-right party of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski confirmed its victory in Sunday’s #localelection runoffs - also winning the prize mayoralty of the capital, Skopje.
balkaninsight.com/2025/11/03/n...
balkaninsight.com/2025/11/03/n...
North Macedonia Municipal Runoffs Seal Ruling Party’s Triumph
The ruling centre-right party of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski confirmed its victory in Sunday’s local election runoffs - also winning the prize mayoralty of the capital, Skopje.
balkaninsight.com
November 3, 2025 at 12:16 PM
#NorthMacedonia: The ruling centre-right party of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski confirmed its victory in Sunday’s #localelection runoffs - also winning the prize mayoralty of the capital, Skopje.
balkaninsight.com/2025/11/03/n...
balkaninsight.com/2025/11/03/n...
The dotted line visible on Google Maps disappeared for users in Morocco just a day after the UN vote in favour of a plan by Rabat for the area. #WesternSahara #SaharaOccidental #SaharaOriental
#الصحراء_الغربية
www.newarab.com/news/border-...
#الصحراء_الغربية
www.newarab.com/news/border-...
Border line marking W.Sahara vanishes for Google Maps users in Morocco
The dotted line visible on Google Maps disappeared for users in Morocco just a day after the UN vote in favour of a plan by Rabat for the area.
www.newarab.com
November 2, 2025 at 7:09 PM
The dotted line visible on Google Maps disappeared for users in Morocco just a day after the UN vote in favour of a plan by Rabat for the area. #WesternSahara #SaharaOccidental #SaharaOriental
#الصحراء_الغربية
www.newarab.com/news/border-...
#الصحراء_الغربية
www.newarab.com/news/border-...
The UN security council has approved a US-backed resolution supporting #Morocco’s claim to the disputed #WesternSahara, despite fierce opposition from Algeria. #SaharaOccidental #SaharaOriental
#الصحراء_الغربية www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
#الصحراء_الغربية www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
UN approves resolution supporting Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara
Move is strongest endorsement yet for retained rule over disputed territory, despite fierce opposition from Algeria
www.theguardian.com
November 1, 2025 at 1:39 PM
The UN security council has approved a US-backed resolution supporting #Morocco’s claim to the disputed #WesternSahara, despite fierce opposition from Algeria. #SaharaOccidental #SaharaOriental
#الصحراء_الغربية www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
#الصحراء_الغربية www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Reposted by Frank Elbers
🗓️ Deze maand verschijnen: Panenka #41 - Voetbal in Indonesië 🌴, Proletariaat aan de bal, voetbal achter het voormalige IJzeren Gordijn ⚽, Complete Jaargangen - deel 8 (2022). Pre-orderen en meer info via ➡️ www.panenka-magazine.com
November 1, 2025 at 8:55 AM
🗓️ Deze maand verschijnen: Panenka #41 - Voetbal in Indonesië 🌴, Proletariaat aan de bal, voetbal achter het voormalige IJzeren Gordijn ⚽, Complete Jaargangen - deel 8 (2022). Pre-orderen en meer info via ➡️ www.panenka-magazine.com
The @odihr.pl opened an observation mission for the 23 November early #election of the president of Republika Srpska, #Bosnia and Herzegovina, following an invitation from the national authorities.
www.osce.org/odihr/electi...
www.osce.org/odihr/electi...
ODIHR opens special election assessment mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina
BANJA LUKA, 28 October 2025 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an observation mission for the 23 November early election of the president of Republika ...
www.osce.org
October 31, 2025 at 9:04 AM
The @odihr.pl opened an observation mission for the 23 November early #election of the president of Republika Srpska, #Bosnia and Herzegovina, following an invitation from the national authorities.
www.osce.org/odihr/electi...
www.osce.org/odihr/electi...
Reposted by Frank Elbers
Reposted by Frank Elbers
🚨 Nieuw op Donau📌 Prikbord: The 4th Amsterdam Polish Film Festival shines a spotlight on a new generation of Polish female film directors.
🕐 31 October–2 November 2025
📍De Balie, Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 10, Amsterdam
www.donaustroom.eu/4th-amsterda...
🕐 31 October–2 November 2025
📍De Balie, Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 10, Amsterdam
www.donaustroom.eu/4th-amsterda...
4th Amsterdam Polish Film Festival: Female Voices (31 October – 2 November 2025) - Donau
The 4th Amsterdam Polish Film Festival shines a spotlight on a new generation of Polish female film directors.
www.donaustroom.eu
October 29, 2025 at 9:13 AM
🚨 Nieuw op Donau📌 Prikbord: The 4th Amsterdam Polish Film Festival shines a spotlight on a new generation of Polish female film directors.
🕐 31 October–2 November 2025
📍De Balie, Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 10, Amsterdam
www.donaustroom.eu/4th-amsterda...
🕐 31 October–2 November 2025
📍De Balie, Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 10, Amsterdam
www.donaustroom.eu/4th-amsterda...
#Moldova: Prime minister-designate Alexandru Munteanu presented the new government’s programme and full list of ministers. Eight of them are from Dorin Recean’s cabinet and will keep their positions.
newsmaker.md/ro/lista-com...
newsmaker.md/ro/lista-com...
Lista completă a candidaților pentru funcția de miniștri în „Guvernul Munteanu”
Candidatul desemnat la funcția de prim-ministru, Alexandru Munteanu, a prezentat lista tuturor miniștrilor care ar urma să facă parte din viitorul Cabinet. Potrivit acesteia, opt miniștri din Guvernul...
newsmaker.md
October 29, 2025 at 7:44 AM
#Moldova: Prime minister-designate Alexandru Munteanu presented the new government’s programme and full list of ministers. Eight of them are from Dorin Recean’s cabinet and will keep their positions.
newsmaker.md/ro/lista-com...
newsmaker.md/ro/lista-com...
Zitten de Russen achter de #kunstroof uit het Louvre? En hoe zit het met de gouden helm? Interessant stuk van collega Job van Schaik @dvhn.nl.
dvhn.nl/drenthe/asse...
dvhn.nl/drenthe/asse...
Russische connectie bij kunstroof Louvre? Feiten en speculatie
Ontdek de mogelijke Russische betrokkenheid bij de spectaculaire kunstroof uit het Louvre en het Drents Museum. Analyse en feiten over Poetin, Malinowski en geopolitiek.
dvhn.nl
October 28, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Zitten de Russen achter de #kunstroof uit het Louvre? En hoe zit het met de gouden helm? Interessant stuk van collega Job van Schaik @dvhn.nl.
dvhn.nl/drenthe/asse...
dvhn.nl/drenthe/asse...
☀️ In de nieuwe *Donau* nieuwsbrief o.a.:
📌 Het apocalyptische werk van László Krasznahorkai
📌 De voetbalwedstrijd die een oorlog ontketende
📌 Kees Mercks over nieuwe vertaling 'De brave soldaat Švejk'
📌 Recensie: Geostrategische belangen steunen dictators
📌 Het apocalyptische werk van László Krasznahorkai
📌 De voetbalwedstrijd die een oorlog ontketende
📌 Kees Mercks over nieuwe vertaling 'De brave soldaat Švejk'
📌 Recensie: Geostrategische belangen steunen dictators
☀️ Nieuw op Donau: Het apocalyptische werk van László Krasznahorkai
www.donaustroom.eu
October 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
☀️ In de nieuwe *Donau* nieuwsbrief o.a.:
📌 Het apocalyptische werk van László Krasznahorkai
📌 De voetbalwedstrijd die een oorlog ontketende
📌 Kees Mercks over nieuwe vertaling 'De brave soldaat Švejk'
📌 Recensie: Geostrategische belangen steunen dictators
📌 Het apocalyptische werk van László Krasznahorkai
📌 De voetbalwedstrijd die een oorlog ontketende
📌 Kees Mercks over nieuwe vertaling 'De brave soldaat Švejk'
📌 Recensie: Geostrategische belangen steunen dictators