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Astrid Benölken

Reporter and editor

Astrid studied journalism and digital communication in Germany and the United States before gaining a place in DW's prestigious journalism traineeship in 2022. She now reports from and on Europe.

Skip next section Featured stories by Astrid Benölken

Featured stories by Astrid Benölken

Several police officers in a park (in Tirana), during a protest

Albania: No end to anti-corruption protests in sight

For months, people in Albania have been taking to the streets to protest corruption in the country.
PoliticsFebruary 12, 202604:03 min
A young woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a simple white button-up shirt with a collar, looking at the camera. She is lit by a purple light and sits next to a feathery lamp and a colorful wall hanging.

LGBTQ+ people in Moldova embrace hope amid homophobia

The victory of a pro-EU party in September's parliamentary elections brought relief to LGTBQ+ communities in Moldova.
PoliticsOctober 18, 2025
A woman runs past the government building, decorated with European Union and Moldovan flags in Chisinau

Is this 'the most important election' in Moldova's history?

Voters are split between the pro-EU and pro-Russia parties as Moldova prepares for Sunday's parliamentary elections.
PoliticsSeptember 22, 2025
Skip next section Stories by Astrid Benölken

Stories by Astrid Benölken

The front page of the National Security Strategy and President Trump's signature

Will Trump 'pull' Italy, Austria, Poland, Hungary from EU?

Will Trump 'pull' Italy, Austria, Poland, Hungary from EU?

A leaked draft strategy paper appears to show the US wants to exert its influence over four EU countries in particular.
PoliticsDecember 12, 2025
A large hanging installation made of translucent textile materials floats beneath the ceiling of a light-filled room at the Venice Biennale.

Knitted canopy from Serbia turns heads at Venice Biennale

Knitted canopy from Serbia turns heads at Venice Biennale

Serbia turns heads at the Venice Architecture Biennale with a gigantic knitted canopy.
ArchitectureOctober 26, 202503:57 min
Tilted view of Hungarian opposition politician Peter Magyar waving a Hungarian flag as he speaks to supporters

Peter Magyar: The man who could end Orban's rule

Peter Magyar: The man who could end Orban's rule

For the first time in 15 years, there is an opposition candidate who could defeat Viktor Orban in next year's election.
PoliticsOctober 23, 202503:26 min
Waiter working in the Kafana SFRJ in Belgrade

Yugo-nostalgia: The restaurant where Yugoslavia never died

Yugo-nostalgia: The restaurant where Yugoslavia never died

Kafana SFRJ in Belgrade is the place to go for those yearning for — or just curious about — the former Yugoslavia.
LifestyleJuly 23, 202504:36 min
Riot police looks on as demonstrators take part in an anti-government protest demanding snap elections, in Belgrade, Serbia on June 28, 2025.

Serbia: Police clash with anti-government demonstrators

Serbia: Police clash with anti-government demonstrators

The organizers of nationwide protests are threatening a civil disobedience campaign against President Aleksandar Vucic.
PoliticsJune 28, 2025
A Greenpeace campaigner holds up a megaphone to his mouth during a fossil fuel protest in Bucharest

Greenpeace in court: Romania takes aim at environmental NGOs

Greenpeace in court: Romania takes aim at environmental NGOs

State-owned company Romgaz is going to court to try to shut down Greenpeace. Critics warn of an attack on civil society.
PoliticsJune 10, 2025
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