Sebastian Schäffer
@sschaeffer.bsky.social
Director @idmvienna.bsky.social
Associate Fellow @GLOBSEC
Founder and CEO @SSCEurope
Associate Fellow @GLOBSEC
Founder and CEO @SSCEurope
Pinned
📖 1 Jahr "Vor 100 Jahren in der Zukunft". Der Titel ist inspiriert von einem Restaurant in Kyjiw, das ich 2023 besucht habe. Das Buch handelt von meiner Reise und meinen Eindrücken vor Ort. Ich empfehle allen sich ein Bild über die Situation in der Ukraine zu machen, und nicht vorschnell zu urteilen
Während die Ukraine immer stärker in Richtung Kapitulation gedrängt wird, gefährden wir unsere Freiheit auch im Inneren: Durch die Rückkehr von Binnengrenzkontrollen und populistische Scheinpolitik wird Schengen Schritt für Schritt ausgehöhlt.
November 22, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Während die Ukraine immer stärker in Richtung Kapitulation gedrängt wird, gefährden wir unsere Freiheit auch im Inneren: Durch die Rückkehr von Binnengrenzkontrollen und populistische Scheinpolitik wird Schengen Schritt für Schritt ausgehöhlt.
The US ‘peace plan’ for Ukraine dresses capitulation up as pragmatism. Freezing current lines, demanding concessions, blocking NATO membership and easing sanctions mean: rewarding aggression and inviting more war. A just peace must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and the rules that keep Europe secure.
Why the Reported US Peace Plan for Ukraine Misses the Target
Recent reporting on the allegedly proposed US peace plan for Ukraine suggests an attempt to ‘stabilise’ the conflict. Yet behind the language of pragmatism lies a set of proposals that would entrench ...
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-reported-us-peace-plan-ukraine-misses-target-sebastian-schäffer-v6vif/?trackingId=lKOOSrltS8%2B%2FVtpHlVm4ow%3D%3D
November 21, 2025 at 8:55 AM
The US ‘peace plan’ for Ukraine dresses capitulation up as pragmatism. Freezing current lines, demanding concessions, blocking NATO membership and easing sanctions mean: rewarding aggression and inviting more war. A just peace must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and the rules that keep Europe secure.
Make Europe Greater Again!
@sophiabeiter.bsky.social breaks down the EC's enlargement reports, while I highlight what the EU must change internally to make enlargement credible.
From 🇺🇦 and 🇲🇩 to the WB6 the message is clear: It is time to make enlargement real!
Watch here: www.idm.at/idm-short-in...
@sophiabeiter.bsky.social breaks down the EC's enlargement reports, while I highlight what the EU must change internally to make enlargement credible.
From 🇺🇦 and 🇲🇩 to the WB6 the message is clear: It is time to make enlargement real!
Watch here: www.idm.at/idm-short-in...
November 20, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Make Europe Greater Again!
@sophiabeiter.bsky.social breaks down the EC's enlargement reports, while I highlight what the EU must change internally to make enlargement credible.
From 🇺🇦 and 🇲🇩 to the WB6 the message is clear: It is time to make enlargement real!
Watch here: www.idm.at/idm-short-in...
@sophiabeiter.bsky.social breaks down the EC's enlargement reports, while I highlight what the EU must change internally to make enlargement credible.
From 🇺🇦 and 🇲🇩 to the WB6 the message is clear: It is time to make enlargement real!
Watch here: www.idm.at/idm-short-in...
The DRC annual conference has opened at the University of Tuzla feat. inspiring words from distinguished speakers: Daniel David, DRC President and Romania’s Minister of Education and Research, Nermina Hadžigrahić, DRC Vice-President, Friedrich Faulhammer, Chairman of the @idmvienna.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 10:08 AM
The DRC annual conference has opened at the University of Tuzla feat. inspiring words from distinguished speakers: Daniel David, DRC President and Romania’s Minister of Education and Research, Nermina Hadžigrahić, DRC Vice-President, Friedrich Faulhammer, Chairman of the @idmvienna.bsky.social
Glad to be back in Aachen for the Freedom of Research European Summit. Very proud of @sophiabeiter.bsky.social and her impressive work as Charlemagne Prize Fellow 2024/25. It has been a pleasure to work with her and see this relevant research coming together.
November 6, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Glad to be back in Aachen for the Freedom of Research European Summit. Very proud of @sophiabeiter.bsky.social and her impressive work as Charlemagne Prize Fellow 2024/25. It has been a pleasure to work with her and see this relevant research coming together.
Spannender Vormittag beim 1. Science Diplomacy Roundtable.
Als @idmvienna.bsky.social arbeiten wir seit 1953 an der Schnittstelle von Wissenschaft, Diplomatie, Politik und Zivilgesellschaft – umso erfreulicher, dass dieses Zusammenspiel nun auch auf nationaler Ebene stärker in den Fokus rückt.
Als @idmvienna.bsky.social arbeiten wir seit 1953 an der Schnittstelle von Wissenschaft, Diplomatie, Politik und Zivilgesellschaft – umso erfreulicher, dass dieses Zusammenspiel nun auch auf nationaler Ebene stärker in den Fokus rückt.
November 4, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Spannender Vormittag beim 1. Science Diplomacy Roundtable.
Als @idmvienna.bsky.social arbeiten wir seit 1953 an der Schnittstelle von Wissenschaft, Diplomatie, Politik und Zivilgesellschaft – umso erfreulicher, dass dieses Zusammenspiel nun auch auf nationaler Ebene stärker in den Fokus rückt.
Als @idmvienna.bsky.social arbeiten wir seit 1953 an der Schnittstelle von Wissenschaft, Diplomatie, Politik und Zivilgesellschaft – umso erfreulicher, dass dieses Zusammenspiel nun auch auf nationaler Ebene stärker in den Fokus rückt.
Reposted by Sebastian Schäffer
💼The IDM team's work is not limited to what happens at the institute! Here are some glimpses of their extra activities during this second half of October.
@sschaeffer.bsky.social, IDM Director:
🔸 Article for @thejamestownfdn.bsky.social on Ukrainians Work Toward Options for Post-War Justice;
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@sschaeffer.bsky.social, IDM Director:
🔸 Article for @thejamestownfdn.bsky.social on Ukrainians Work Toward Options for Post-War Justice;
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October 31, 2025 at 11:33 AM
💼The IDM team's work is not limited to what happens at the institute! Here are some glimpses of their extra activities during this second half of October.
@sschaeffer.bsky.social, IDM Director:
🔸 Article for @thejamestownfdn.bsky.social on Ukrainians Work Toward Options for Post-War Justice;
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@sschaeffer.bsky.social, IDM Director:
🔸 Article for @thejamestownfdn.bsky.social on Ukrainians Work Toward Options for Post-War Justice;
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My new article for @thejamestownfdn.bsky.social looks at how Ukrainians are preparing for post-war justice from accountability frameworks to reparations and memory work.
Read here: jamestown.org/program/ukrainians-work-toward-options-for-post-war-justice
Read here: jamestown.org/program/ukrainians-work-toward-options-for-post-war-justice
October 30, 2025 at 7:31 AM
My new article for @thejamestownfdn.bsky.social looks at how Ukrainians are preparing for post-war justice from accountability frameworks to reparations and memory work.
Read here: jamestown.org/program/ukrainians-work-toward-options-for-post-war-justice
Read here: jamestown.org/program/ukrainians-work-toward-options-for-post-war-justice
🇲🇩 Neue Gesichter, alte Herausforderungen – ein kurzer Blick auf das neue Parlament und Kabinett in Chișinău
Mit der Konstituierung des 12. Parlaments und der Bildung des Kabinetts von Alexandru Munteanu setzt Moldau seinen pro-europäischen Kurs fort – trotz fragmentierter Parlamentslandschaft.
Mit der Konstituierung des 12. Parlaments und der Bildung des Kabinetts von Alexandru Munteanu setzt Moldau seinen pro-europäischen Kurs fort – trotz fragmentierter Parlamentslandschaft.
October 28, 2025 at 3:12 PM
🇲🇩 Neue Gesichter, alte Herausforderungen – ein kurzer Blick auf das neue Parlament und Kabinett in Chișinău
Mit der Konstituierung des 12. Parlaments und der Bildung des Kabinetts von Alexandru Munteanu setzt Moldau seinen pro-europäischen Kurs fort – trotz fragmentierter Parlamentslandschaft.
Mit der Konstituierung des 12. Parlaments und der Bildung des Kabinetts von Alexandru Munteanu setzt Moldau seinen pro-europäischen Kurs fort – trotz fragmentierter Parlamentslandschaft.
Reposted by Sebastian Schäffer
A surveillance camera captured the moment a Russian strike hit a Kyiv resident’s apartment on Oct. 22. The strike killed two and injured 29 in the city, and several fires broke out.
Video: Tetyana Kotelenets
Video: Tetyana Kotelenets
October 24, 2025 at 1:17 PM
A surveillance camera captured the moment a Russian strike hit a Kyiv resident’s apartment on Oct. 22. The strike killed two and injured 29 in the city, and several fires broke out.
Video: Tetyana Kotelenets
Video: Tetyana Kotelenets
Since @idmvienna.bsky.social’s 70th anniversary, the conference is set around December 5. This year, we’ve added special events too.
Kicking off is Roman Chornomaz’s documentary photography - powerful and poignant:
Kicking off is Roman Chornomaz’s documentary photography - powerful and poignant:
The Optics of Battle: Documentary photography by Roman Chornomaz - IDM
December 4, 2025 @ 15:00 - 16:30 - IDM Seminar Room, Hahngasse 6/Mezzanin/17, A-1090 Wien & online Roman Chornomaz was a Ukrainian photographer, activist, and military volunteer with the call sign Cor...
www.idm.at
October 24, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Since @idmvienna.bsky.social’s 70th anniversary, the conference is set around December 5. This year, we’ve added special events too.
Kicking off is Roman Chornomaz’s documentary photography - powerful and poignant:
Kicking off is Roman Chornomaz’s documentary photography - powerful and poignant:
Reposted by Sebastian Schäffer
📚Am 21. Oktober öffnete das Institut für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa seine Türen für alle, die die Arbeit eines Think Tanks erleben wollten. @sschaeffer.bsky.social führte durch die zentralen Arbeitsbereiche des Instituts und gab spannende Einblicke in die vielfältigen Tätigkeiten des IDM.
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October 23, 2025 at 1:11 PM
📚Am 21. Oktober öffnete das Institut für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa seine Türen für alle, die die Arbeit eines Think Tanks erleben wollten. @sschaeffer.bsky.social führte durch die zentralen Arbeitsbereiche des Instituts und gab spannende Einblicke in die vielfältigen Tätigkeiten des IDM.
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“Belarus at a Crossroads” - On 16 Oct I spoke at a panel exploring whether the regime’s cautious return from isolation marks real change or a tactical pause. If true reform happens, the impact could resonate across Eastern Europe.
▶️ idm.at/belarus-at-a-crossroads
#Belarus #EU #Dialogue
▶️ idm.at/belarus-at-a-crossroads
#Belarus #EU #Dialogue
Belarus at a Crossroads: Managing the Regime’s Return from Isolation - IDM
idm.at
October 23, 2025 at 9:42 AM
“Belarus at a Crossroads” - On 16 Oct I spoke at a panel exploring whether the regime’s cautious return from isolation marks real change or a tactical pause. If true reform happens, the impact could resonate across Eastern Europe.
▶️ idm.at/belarus-at-a-crossroads
#Belarus #EU #Dialogue
▶️ idm.at/belarus-at-a-crossroads
#Belarus #EU #Dialogue
Reposted by Sebastian Schäffer
📚 Erleben Sie Think-Tank-Arbeit hautnah!
🗓️Beim Tag der offenen Tür lädt das Institut für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa in seine Räumlichkeiten im 9. Bezirk ein.
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🗓️Beim Tag der offenen Tür lädt das Institut für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa in seine Räumlichkeiten im 9. Bezirk ein.
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October 20, 2025 at 12:13 PM
📚 Erleben Sie Think-Tank-Arbeit hautnah!
🗓️Beim Tag der offenen Tür lädt das Institut für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa in seine Räumlichkeiten im 9. Bezirk ein.
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🗓️Beim Tag der offenen Tür lädt das Institut für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa in seine Räumlichkeiten im 9. Bezirk ein.
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The Danube is more than a river – it is a geopolitical corridor of Europe.
In my latest piece for European Voices, I explore how this region is crucial for EU enlargement.
Strengthening connections along the river means strengthening Europe’s future.
www.europeanvoices.eu/en/20111185/...
In my latest piece for European Voices, I explore how this region is crucial for EU enlargement.
Strengthening connections along the river means strengthening Europe’s future.
www.europeanvoices.eu/en/20111185/...
October 19, 2025 at 3:25 PM
The Danube is more than a river – it is a geopolitical corridor of Europe.
In my latest piece for European Voices, I explore how this region is crucial for EU enlargement.
Strengthening connections along the river means strengthening Europe’s future.
www.europeanvoices.eu/en/20111185/...
In my latest piece for European Voices, I explore how this region is crucial for EU enlargement.
Strengthening connections along the river means strengthening Europe’s future.
www.europeanvoices.eu/en/20111185/...
Reposted by Sebastian Schäffer
🍁 Curious about the IDM team's activities during the first half of October? Discover here a glimpse of their extra-activities, beyond their work at the institute!
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October 17, 2025 at 11:36 AM
🍁 Curious about the IDM team's activities during the first half of October? Discover here a glimpse of their extra-activities, beyond their work at the institute!
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They didn't have to go that hard, listen to this banger: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IA6...
Thank you Rebecca for spotting it!
(Yes I do ignore the current development because I was afraid that this would happen...)
Thank you Rebecca for spotting it!
(Yes I do ignore the current development because I was afraid that this would happen...)
October 16, 2025 at 8:41 AM
They didn't have to go that hard, listen to this banger: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IA6...
Thank you Rebecca for spotting it!
(Yes I do ignore the current development because I was afraid that this would happen...)
Thank you Rebecca for spotting it!
(Yes I do ignore the current development because I was afraid that this would happen...)
Reposted by Sebastian Schäffer
⚡️ Molfar Agency has identified some of the Russian troops involved in the Bucha massacre.
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October 15, 2025 at 5:14 PM
⚡️ Molfar Agency has identified some of the Russian troops involved in the Bucha massacre.
🧵 1/11
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Heute in Ruse bei der Konferenz Elias Canetti – Der Ohrenzeuge des Jahrhunderts.
Mein Vortrag „Zwischen den Zeiten – Vom Exil der Vergangenheit zur Zuflucht in der Zukunft“ drehte sich um Identität, Exil und historische Umbrüche.
Ein passender Ort, um über Erinnerung und Zugehörigkeit nachzudenken.
Mein Vortrag „Zwischen den Zeiten – Vom Exil der Vergangenheit zur Zuflucht in der Zukunft“ drehte sich um Identität, Exil und historische Umbrüche.
Ein passender Ort, um über Erinnerung und Zugehörigkeit nachzudenken.
October 14, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Heute in Ruse bei der Konferenz Elias Canetti – Der Ohrenzeuge des Jahrhunderts.
Mein Vortrag „Zwischen den Zeiten – Vom Exil der Vergangenheit zur Zuflucht in der Zukunft“ drehte sich um Identität, Exil und historische Umbrüche.
Ein passender Ort, um über Erinnerung und Zugehörigkeit nachzudenken.
Mein Vortrag „Zwischen den Zeiten – Vom Exil der Vergangenheit zur Zuflucht in der Zukunft“ drehte sich um Identität, Exil und historische Umbrüche.
Ein passender Ort, um über Erinnerung und Zugehörigkeit nachzudenken.
EU integration isn’t just policy, it’s protection.
I spoke with Caucasian Journal about how the European project safeguards democracy and freedom, from Moldova and Georgia to within the Union itself.
Read more: idm.at/en/role-of-eu-integration-in-preserving-democracy-and-freedom
I spoke with Caucasian Journal about how the European project safeguards democracy and freedom, from Moldova and Georgia to within the Union itself.
Read more: idm.at/en/role-of-eu-integration-in-preserving-democracy-and-freedom
October 13, 2025 at 3:28 PM
EU integration isn’t just policy, it’s protection.
I spoke with Caucasian Journal about how the European project safeguards democracy and freedom, from Moldova and Georgia to within the Union itself.
Read more: idm.at/en/role-of-eu-integration-in-preserving-democracy-and-freedom
I spoke with Caucasian Journal about how the European project safeguards democracy and freedom, from Moldova and Georgia to within the Union itself.
Read more: idm.at/en/role-of-eu-integration-in-preserving-democracy-and-freedom
Reposted by Sebastian Schäffer
📣 Möchten Sie die Arbeit eines Think Tanks kennenlernen und aktiv mitgestalten? Beim Tag der offenen Tür des Instituts für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa haben Sie dazu die einmalige Gelegenheit!
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October 13, 2025 at 12:25 PM
📣 Möchten Sie die Arbeit eines Think Tanks kennenlernen und aktiv mitgestalten? Beim Tag der offenen Tür des Instituts für den Donauraum und Mitteleuropa haben Sie dazu die einmalige Gelegenheit!
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After the elections, time for a closer look at Moldova 🇲🇩
I joined FO Talks for a deep dive into what lies beyond the headlines, from democratic resilience to the country’s European trajectory.
🎥 www.fairobserver.com/video/fo-tal...
I joined FO Talks for a deep dive into what lies beyond the headlines, from democratic resilience to the country’s European trajectory.
🎥 www.fairobserver.com/video/fo-tal...
FO° Talks: Moldova’s Pro-EU Party Wins Pivotal Election: A Turning Point or Trouble Ahead?
In this episode of FO° Talks, Atul Singh and Sebastian Schäffer discuss Moldova’s 2025 parliamentary election, exploring the country’s...
www.fairobserver.com
October 12, 2025 at 11:06 AM
After the elections, time for a closer look at Moldova 🇲🇩
I joined FO Talks for a deep dive into what lies beyond the headlines, from democratic resilience to the country’s European trajectory.
🎥 www.fairobserver.com/video/fo-tal...
I joined FO Talks for a deep dive into what lies beyond the headlines, from democratic resilience to the country’s European trajectory.
🎥 www.fairobserver.com/video/fo-tal...
A busy and impactful week including a meeting with @beate.neos.eu and an exchange with Alma Zadic at the 6th Speak Up! Meeting hosted by @idmvienna.bsky.social 🇪🇺
Engaging discussions on democracy, the rule of law, and the challenges facing our region.
Engaging discussions on democracy, the rule of law, and the challenges facing our region.
October 10, 2025 at 11:57 AM
A busy and impactful week including a meeting with @beate.neos.eu and an exchange with Alma Zadic at the 6th Speak Up! Meeting hosted by @idmvienna.bsky.social 🇪🇺
Engaging discussions on democracy, the rule of law, and the challenges facing our region.
Engaging discussions on democracy, the rule of law, and the challenges facing our region.
Reposted by Sebastian Schäffer
Ihr braucht euch dann aber nicht wundern, liebe Journos, weshalb sich Menschen den Trumps, Orbans und Putins dieser Welt zuwenden, wenn ihr Ihnen in Zeiten multipler Krisen (wo Angst das beherrschende Gefühl ist) aufmerksamkeitsheischend vom "totalen Kontrollverlust" der aktuellen Politik erzählt.
⚡️STERNSTUNDEN DES JOURNALISMUS⚡️
Faktenfreies Gequatsche, statt Einordnung, irgendeinen Knaller raushauen für Aufmerksamkeit. Es macht so müde. Not all media. But some and often the same. Gefasel vom "totalen Kontrollverlust", den man beim Autor selbst befürchten könnte. Keine Geduld mehr damit.
Faktenfreies Gequatsche, statt Einordnung, irgendeinen Knaller raushauen für Aufmerksamkeit. Es macht so müde. Not all media. But some and often the same. Gefasel vom "totalen Kontrollverlust", den man beim Autor selbst befürchten könnte. Keine Geduld mehr damit.
October 6, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Ihr braucht euch dann aber nicht wundern, liebe Journos, weshalb sich Menschen den Trumps, Orbans und Putins dieser Welt zuwenden, wenn ihr Ihnen in Zeiten multipler Krisen (wo Angst das beherrschende Gefühl ist) aufmerksamkeitsheischend vom "totalen Kontrollverlust" der aktuellen Politik erzählt.
Reposted by Sebastian Schäffer
IDM Director @sschaeffer.bsky.social and Research Associate Rebecca Thorne visited Moldova earlier this week.
We began our visit over coffee with Victoria Trares, director of the Erhard Busek Schule Chișinău. It's a great initiative and we are happy to have found out more about it!
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We began our visit over coffee with Victoria Trares, director of the Erhard Busek Schule Chișinău. It's a great initiative and we are happy to have found out more about it!
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October 3, 2025 at 11:01 AM
IDM Director @sschaeffer.bsky.social and Research Associate Rebecca Thorne visited Moldova earlier this week.
We began our visit over coffee with Victoria Trares, director of the Erhard Busek Schule Chișinău. It's a great initiative and we are happy to have found out more about it!
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We began our visit over coffee with Victoria Trares, director of the Erhard Busek Schule Chișinău. It's a great initiative and we are happy to have found out more about it!
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