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Alejandro Esteso Pérez

@aestesop.bsky.social
548 followers 485 following 189 posts

Political analyst & researcher | Western Balkans, EU enlargement & illiberalism | PhD candidate @uni-graz.at | Burek, memes, all things camp 📍 Belgrade

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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
🇮🇸 🗳️ Today, Iceland is holding a referendum on whether to resume EU membership negotiations with Brussels—which, if positive, would be a gamechanger for the EU's enlargement policy. Montenegro, the current frontrunner, could benefit the most from this. I wrote this piece a few months ago 👇🏻
balkaninsight.com
Icelandic Bid for EU Membership Would Boost Montenegro’s Chances
If Iceland restarts its European Union accession talks following a referendum this summer, Balkan membership bid frontrunner Montenegro stands to benefit from the revived enlargement momentum.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Acabo de lanzar mi nuevo proyecto divulgativo, Balcones y Balcanes, para acercar la región de los Balcanes al público español e hispanohablante de forma entretenida. Si estás interesado, asómate. ¡Se agradece difusión! 😊🗺 ✨️ instagram.com/BalconesyBalcanes 📽 youtube.com/@BalconesyBalcanes
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Considering the vast information resources we have nowadays and how straightforward it is to contrast information *if you are willing to do so*, my conclusion is: being a bigot is a choice.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
"Oh, I didn't know that" he said. "It seems that the media did not mention that." Well duh. The convo went on for way longer, but I just picked two samples of how easy it seems to be to debunk the bullshit of a misinformed conspiracy theorist.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
I explained that the move targeted migrants that had arrived in Spain before 2026, that a huge share of them had been living in Spain for years & had been participating in the country's economy and job market (usually in worse conditions than the rest), and that this would not apply overnight.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
He then went on to say that the Ceuta tragedy was proof of an invasion: "the Spanish government gave citizenship to half a million illegal immigrants overnight, so no wonder Spain is now in this situation." I didn't have to resort to Google for that one.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
After a simple Google search (and obviously skipping the stupid AI info box) he was able to find a reliable source (i.e. the Red Cross) that fully *debunked* his claim and exposed the lie. It took him literally two clicks. "Oh, but it's not that they're being hosted in four-star hotels, you know."
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
He insisted that "illegal Muslim migrants" in the UK "were immediately hosted in hotels for free and given social benefits". I immediately called bullshit and asked him to show me a reliable source/proof confirming those claims.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
I recently had an unpleasant conversation with a young, white, well-educated and well-travelled European man who affirmed that there is "no better time to be a Muslim in Europe" than now.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Okay I think teleworking is going a little too far now.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Following its announcement in June, KFOR starts its slow withdrawal from the bridge over the Ibar river in Mitrovica, with Kosovo's police forces gradually taking over.
slobodnaevropa.org
KFOR počeo 'postepenu tranziciju' stalnog prisustva na mostu preko Ibra u Mitrovici
Misija NATO-a na Kosovu (KFOR) saopštila je u ponedeljak da je započela postepeno povlačenje stalnog prisustva sa glavnog mosta u Mitrovici. Ovaj grad je nakon sukoba 1999. godine podeljen na severni...
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vlado @mejs.eurosky.social · 01/08/2026
The past 48 hours have shown the absolute worst of Europe - hypocrisy, pettiness, absence of solidarity, shortsightedness, deep and prevailing racism, inability to lead, and an overwhelming subservience to hostile powers subjugating us Meanwhile, at least 67 people are dead and we don't care at all
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
So how exactly does one pack for ten months across nine cities, three seasons and three climates?
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
What's striking is that only eight (!) EU members are opposing this farce. europeanwesternbalkans.com/2026/07/08/e...
europeanwesternbalkans.com
Eight EU member states oppose opening of Claster 3 for Serbia - European Western Balkans
BRUSSELS – Ambassadors of the EU member states failed to reach a consensus on opening Cluster 3 in the accession talks with Serbia. At today’s meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of ...
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Spent some amazing days in colourful Catania 🇮🇹 attending the @ecprsgeu.bsky.social's 🇪🇺 13th Biennial Conference & presenting preliminary findings of an upcoming paper with Natasha Wunsch. Greatest setting for meeting old & new connections! 🌟 @uni-graz.at
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
The moment they seriously hold football to the same ethical standards as they hold the gays every time Eurovision's politics are discussed I will maybe (only maybe) show a little bit of respect for them.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
So you are telling me that Trump is openly acknowledging he has orchestrated one of the most blatant scandals in international football history, and not a single participating country's football federation is having the decency of pulling out until this decision is overturned? Alright, I guess.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Sarajevo is gearing up for its 7th Pride Parade 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️✊🏻
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David @davideneldni.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
🎙🇦🇱 Algunos apuntes míos sobre las actuales protestas en Albania para @rne5continentes.bsky.social 🔗 rneaudio.rtve.es/a/17103543
rneaudio.rtve.es
Cinco Continentes - Miles de albaneses, en contra de un "pelotazo urbanístico" de la familia Trump
Emisión del programa Cinco continentes titulado Miles de albaneses, en contra de un "pelotazo urbanístico" de la familia Trump. Todos los contenidos de RNE l...
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
For #Eurovision night, I strongly recommend everyone—whether you are boycotting or not—to watch this excellent summary.
youtube.com
Eurovision is Dying... It Can Only Blame Itself.
YouTube video by Stuart MacLean
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Tomorrow is #Eurovision. For the second time in 26 years, I will not be watching. I am saddened to miss a yearly event that has shaped so much of who I am right now, but I cannot tolerate it being manipulated and instrumentalised to accommodate and whitewash a State that is committing genocide.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
🎞️🇽🇰 My latest policy paper "Five risks for #Kosovo amid the US-EU rift" has been picked up by @rferl.org.web.brid.gy's service in Albanian. My findings and conclusions, në gjuhën shqipe, from 04:38 on: www.evropaelire.org/a/aleatet-ko...
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
No es presidente, sino primer ministro, y tampoco ha sido electo todavía. Lo elige (elegirá) el parlamento.
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Dejan Pantic @serbianism.com · 12/04/2026
Just FYI, the public discourse in Serbia has consigned the whole Serbia-Hungary gas pipeline bombing plot to oblivion, after most people here came to conclusion that it was a false flag to help Orban with the election.
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Gabriela Greilinger @gabrielagreilinger.com · 29/03/2026
T-14 days until the Hungarian election. 🇭🇺🗳️ In this thread, I discuss Magyar's prospects of success in restoring (liberal) democracy (if he wins) and will tell you he's not the saviour you might think he is (but that he’s still good enough for now). 🧵 1/
Magyar on stage with a huge Hungarian flag
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
What if #Iceland 🇮🇸 resumed EU membership talks? My optimistic take is that #Montenegro 🇲🇪 could benefit from it—if both countries worked on a joint accession timeline. 🖋️ My latest op-ed for Balkan Insight
balkaninsight.com
Icelandic Bid for EU Membership Would Boost Montenegro’s Chances
If Iceland restarts its European Union accession talks following a referendum this summer, Balkan membership bid frontrunner Montenegro stands to benefit from the revived enlargement momentum.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
No vas desencaminado, eh. Esto lo explica muy bien Fernando Reinares en "Matadlos".
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
📝 Recommendations ✔️ A stable & sovereign government in Kosovo is a must ✔️ The EU needs to promote its assertiveness in Kosovo & WB ✔️ Kosovo’s European integration must become a real deliverable ✔️ Kosovo should not take its security provisions for granted & must expand bilateral alliances
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
5️⃣ Hindering of Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic integration Trump’s imperialism underpins the current geostrategic rift between the US & (much of) the EU, showing how DC can sow discord among the 27 MS. Trump's rejection of multilateralism & the EU's own enlargement scepticism will damage 🇽🇰's integration.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
4️⃣ Authoritarian consolidation in the Western Balkans Trump's WB policy remains out of his current priority list, yet the main actor that is stoking the flames of authoritarianism is the EU. Govts in 🇷🇸 and 🇦🇱 are benefitting more from Brussels' inaction than from DC's interference.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
3️⃣ Erosion of sovereignty in Europe EU far-right voices are gaining traction and support, and Kosovo’s standing viz European partners could see itself highly damaged. Over one-fifth of all MEPs are questioning Kosovo’s EU bid in some form, and EU enlargement is becoming more and more transactional.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
2️⃣ Insecurity and vulnerability to external threats The Banjska and Ibër-Lepenc attacks laid bare that Kosovo's main security issues are related to Serbia. The US seems committed to its KFOR presence, but its decision to suspend the strategic dialogue in 2025 entails urgent security problems.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
1️⃣ Illiberal meddling in Kosovo's domestic affairs Trump's prior politics in the country, added to his transactionalist agenda, can make Kosovo vulnerable to DC's illiberal influence and geopolitical shenanigans. Meanwhile, the EU remains unable to assert its role as Kosovo's main interlocutor.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
The US has lost its self-proclaimed status as the world's democratising superpower, whereas the EU remains split amid Trump's global gamble. What does this all mean for #Kosovo? 🇽🇰 ✏️ In my latest paper for GLPS, I highlight 5️⃣ main risks. 🔗 legalpoliticalstudies.org/standing-on-... 🧵👇🏻
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
🌸🇧🇦 As spring is slowly springing, I am back in the Balkans. Over the upcoming semester, I will be working on my PhD dissertation at the University of Sarajevo under the guidance of @damirkapidzic.bsky.social. For now, you'll find me in B&H. Looking forward to the many exciting things to come 💫
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
📣 INSCRIPCIÓN ABIERTA (+ POSIBILIDAD DE BECA) 📣 Diploma Online "Conflictos en la periferia europea: frontera oriental" en @ucm.es, coordinado por @ruthferrero.bsky.social. ⭐ Programa de Becas Santander (300€) 📆 4 mayo - 12 julio 📚 15 ECTS Más info aquí: www.ucm.es/icei/diploma...
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Curro Peña 🏳️‍🌈 @currikitaum.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
El Gobierno de España habla de prohibir el uso de redes sociales a millones de personas como si eso fuera algo sencillo y “de sentido común”. En la newsletter de hoy, os cuento 10 razones por las que no es una buena idea.
open.substack.com
10 riesgos de prohibir las redes a los menores
Lo que el Gobierno no te cuenta de su nueva medida estrella
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Reposted by Alejandro Esteso Pérez
◥◤Kriston Capps 250 @kristoncapps.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
The Board of Peace comprises leaders from 18 of the world's least democratic states (plus the US) and its charter pledges $1 billion from each of them to be used at the discretion of the board's chairman (you already know who it is) www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-ch...
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Tarik Abou-Chadi @tabouchadi.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
X is the megaphone of 21st century fascism and authoritariansim. It has poisoned public debate. It is a tool for bullying, abuse, and assault. X needs to disappear from our discourse. When people and institutions post there, it gives X credibility. It keeps it relevant. It's time to stop.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
The Serbs wanting to get revenge on Denmark's Kosovo recognition by supporting US annexation of Greenland is giving the exact same level of stupidity as the Kosovo peeps supporting a US coup in Venezuela. But they don't know that do they.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Muchas gracias por leernos 😊 un abrazo
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Aida A. Hozic @hozic.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
@seva.bsky.social is, of course, correct. Venezuela was a pre-arranged gift to (or from) Putin; Cuba is next. The spheres of influence and control are back. Yalta without the spectacle of Yalta.
open.substack.com
Venezuela Is a Gift to Putin
and a harbinger of more Russian aggression in Europe
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
Adem Kastrati, "Mikpritja" (1975)
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
🇨🇭📸 Casually dropping four of my favourite snapshots from the past semester in Switzerland. Thanks to @unifr.bsky.social for having me!
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Why is it always the bangers 😩
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Last week, @ruthferrero.bsky.social and I poured some thoughts into this op-ed for Balkan Insight. "The silence is deafening. The tragedy is not only that 16 lives were lost under the collapsed canopy a year ago, but that an entire generation no longer believes that Europe can shelter them." ✍🏻📰
balkaninsight.com
As Serbia’s Students Continue Fighting, the EU Keeps Drowning in its Own Irrelevance
The students’ refusal to frame their struggle in explicitly pro-EU terms is not mere indifference – it is the expression of a generational break.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
"With the ultimate sense of awareness that nobody in Brussels will come to their rescue, the final reckoning is that only #Serbia can save itself." ✍🏻💥 New op-ed just out for Balkan Insight, authored alongside @ruthferrero.bsky.social 🇷🇸 🇪🇺
balkaninsight.com
As Serbia’s Students Continue Fighting, the EU Keeps Drowning in its Own Irrelevance
The students’ refusal to frame their struggle in explicitly pro-EU terms is not mere indifference – it is the expression of a generational break.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Yep! That's definitely going well for them.
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Alejandro Esteso Pérez @aestesop.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
I randomly just remembered there's an EUSR for the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue called Peter Sørensen. Wondering what he's been up to.
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