New Eastern Europe is the exclusive bimonthly news magazine dedicated to covering Central and Eastern European affairs and is published by the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in Wrocław 

The mission of New Eastern Europe is to shape the debate, enhance understanding and further the dialogue surrounding issues facing the states that were once a part of the Soviet Union or under its influence. New Eastern Europe takes a more journalistic approach with commentary/analysis from journalists, experts, analysts, writers, historians, as well as leaders and political figures from the East and the West. Our editorial philosophy is to provide a voice to the region. 

New Eastern Europe is a not-for-profit journal written in English. The journal is dedicated to producing a high-quality, engaging publication sharing the most current in-depth analyses and ideas that are emerging out of the region. 

Print subscriptions — which also include free access to all the digital issues — are available from New Eastern Europe's web shop priced from 50 EUR/year — click here for details

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 More than three decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the countries of Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus continue to face the legacy of authoritarianism and fragile democratic institutions. In this context, civil society has emerged as a space where citizens negotiate power, demand accountability, and strive to shape their collective futures. 

This issue brings together critical reflections on the current state of civil society and the NGO sector in Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine and Serbia. While each country follows its own political trajectory, the authors highlight a shared concern: democratic backsliding, repression of civic actors, and dependence on external funding. Yet, they also reveal stories of resilience, dignity, and transformative civic engagement that continue to shape the democratic aspirations of these societies. 

One of the most urgent concerns is the financial vulnerability of civil society organisations. The recent cut in USAID support has intensified fears about long-term sustainability and autonomy. However, funding is only one facet of a broader struggle. Weak institutional frameworks, limited political commitment to democratic norms, and mounting external pressures, particularly from authoritarian neighbors, further constrain the ability of civil society to fulfill its watchdog role. 

Beyond that, this issue closes with a special section dedicated to NATO after this past summer’s summit in The Hague. Our authors highlight the real security challenges the region faces and what it will take to overcome them.