In this episode of the Vienna Coffee House Conversations, Ivan Vejvoda is joined by Teresa Reiter, co-founder of Idemo!, a Vienna-based civil society initiative dedicated to strengthening ties between Austria and the Western Balkans. Reiter, a journalist and policy professional, shares insights into Idemo!'s mission to foster democratic engagement and transnational cooperation. Their discussion addresses the challenges facing the Western Balkans region, including democratic backsliding, ethnic divisions, and the complexities of EU integration. Reiter emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism and the role of diaspora communities in promoting democratic values and social cohesion. She highlights Idemo!'s initiatives, such as the "Speak Up!" program, which brings together young political leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina to collaborate across ethnic lines. The conversation also explores the significance of inclusive civic spaces and the need for sustained engagement to counter authoritarian tendencies. Reiter underscores the potential of transnational networks and community-driven efforts in shaping a more democratic and united Europe.
Discussion Highlights:
Idemo!'s Mission: Building bridges between Austria and the Western Balkans.
Democratic Challenges: Addressing political instability and ethnic divisions in the region.
Diaspora Engagement: Mobilizing communities to support democratic initiatives.
"Speak Up!" Program: Empowering young leaders to collaborate across ethnic lines.
EU Integration: Navigating the path toward European Union membership.
Grassroots Activism: The role of civil society in promoting democratic values.
Transnational Cooperation: Leveraging networks to foster regional stability.
Inclusive Civic Spaces: Creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration.
About Teresa Reiter
Teresa Reiter is a journalist and policy professional based in Vienna. She is a co-founder of Idemo!, an organization promoting civic engagement and cross-ethnic cooperation among Austria's Western Balkans diaspora. Most recently, Reiter worked as a political specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Vienna. Reiter previously led communications at the European Forum Alpbach, co-hosted The Defence Café podcast, and served as a foreign policy advisor for NEOS in the Austrian Parliament. She was a candidate in the 2019 European Parliament elections. Reiter was a 2020/21 Europe’s Futures Fellow of the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) and ERSTE Foundation.
Learn more about Idemo! at idemo.jetzt.
Further Reading & Resources
Idemo!'s Initiatives: idemo.jetzt
Facebook: IDEMO
X: @idemomedia
LinkedIn: Idemo Social Media