Central Europe
In 2004, the Central European countries joined the European Union as new members. The Prague office seeks to strengthen liberal forces, both political and intellectual, in the region. Our project office particularly supports the 4liberty.eu network, which serves as a centre of competence and a platform for dialogue.
News
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From Poland with Love. March
In March, Polish politics were shaken by the death of Barbara Skrzypek, former chief of staff to PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński, following a controversial interrogation, sparking fierce political accusations and legal debates. As the presidential race heats up, a record number of candidates have entered, with polls showing KO’s Rafał Trzaskowski leading. Meanwhile, the government unveiled an EU-backed defence fund, and tensions with Germany over migration flared with a border protest. In cultural news, a botched shrine restoration caused national outrage, while internationally, Poland gears up to host its first CPAC conference, amplifying its conservative ties with the US.
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New enemy number one: European Union under the spotlight of Russian propaganda
The approaching 80th anniversary of the end of World War II is fueling a surge in propaganda narratives that glorify Russia. The disinformers continue their verbal attacks on European armaments and military aid to Ukraine. Quite predictably, the foot-and-mouth epidemic that swept Slovakia around 20 March 2025 opened the gates to disinformation narratives working with fear and scapegoating.
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The collapse of NATO, the militarised EU and dictator Zelensky. Disinformers would like to capitulate to Russia on behalf of Ukraine
Disinformers are ramping up their attacks on NATO, the EU, and Ukrainian President Zelensky, using a mix of fearmongering and pro-Kremlin narratives to push their agenda. While some gleefully predict NATO’s collapse, others accuse the EU of warmongering for strengthening its defense and supporting Ukraine. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico continues to parrot Russian-friendly rhetoric, painting Zelensky as the villain behind Europe’s energy crisis. Meanwhile, far-right figures and disinformation actors glorify Putin and Trump as peacemakers while dismissing European security efforts as a conspiracy. Infosecurity.sk’s latest report uncovers these manipulative narratives and their dangerous impact on public discourse.
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From Poland with Love. February
Poland's delicate political balancing act is under the spotlight this February, as it navigates tense transatlantic relations amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine. President Andrzej Duda’s awkward encounter with Donald Trump and growing opposition to his approach highlight the complexities of maintaining strong ties with the US. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Donald Tusk advocates for Europe's independence from the US, urging a unified European defense strategy. Amid these tensions, Poland continues its staunch support for Ukraine, despite the challenges posed by both domestic and international political pressures.
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From Poland with Love. January
The January edition of From Poland With Love covers the growing list of presidential candidates, as well as new ideological battle brewing within the ruling coalition. This issue explores the latest political developments, including challenges to election integrity. Plus, a look back at the solemn anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
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Polish EU Council Presidency: A Turning Point for Europe?
Poland's EU Council Presidency marks the start of a decisive phase for Europe. The focus is on security, resilience and border protection. Can Warsaw overcome the challenges and strengthen the EU?
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From Poland with Love. December
The December edition of From Poland with Love delves into critical developments shaping Poland and its role within the European Union. This issue examines the contentious asylum case of a Polish politician in Hungary, the implications of strategic reforms to media ownership in the lead-up to pivotal elections, and the socioeconomic impact of rising inflation exemplified by increasing butter prices. These topics offer a nuanced perspective on Poland's domestic and international challenges in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
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On the Path to Illiberal Democracy?
One year after Robert Fico's election, there is a trend towards illiberal democracy in Slovakia. He is centralizing power with pro-Russian, authoritarian policies, which reminds critics of Hungary and Poland.
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Trump's victory over the liberal conspiracy and Slovakia's new strategic partners. Disinformation agents legitimise cooperation with Russia and China
The Slovak disinformation ecosystem was shaken by the US presidential election. Donald Trump's win was presented as a disaster for the so-called progressive political elites and the media. The official government visit to China was accompanied by the publication of celebratory posts on social media. In addition to the visit to China, Prime Minister Robert Fico's appearance on the Russian propaganda television programme Rossiya-1 was supposed to be a manifestation of a sovereign foreign policy on all four sides of the world.
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From Poland with Love. October
Poland is at a crossroads with its new migration strategy and other significant political and cultural developments. In a dramatic policy shift, Prime Minister Donald Tusk introduced a strategy to strictly control migration, including a temporary suspension of asylum rights at the Belarusian border. At the same time, the government proposed a landmark bill to legalize same-sex civil unions, a first in Poland's history.
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Episode 2. The Baltics: Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia – An overview.
The Baltics' digital transformation: Estonia leads with e-voting and e-residency, while Lithuania and Latvia make strides in cybersecurity and digital education. How do they compare?
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The Baltic Vision: 35 Years of Progress, Unity, and Resilience
From September 13th to 15th, the Prague office of the FNF, in cooperation with the JuLis, held the fourth Eastern European Summit in Tallinn, Estonia. There, young liberals from Central and Eastern Europe elaborated a new position paper.
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World conflict, nuclear war and totalitarianism in the EU. Disinformers continue their attacks on the West and Ukraine
The disinformation ecosystem has returned to glorifying Russia and discrediting attacks on Ukraine. In particular, the so-called victory plan for Ukraine, which was presented by President Zelensky, has become a target. The European Union (EU) institutions also faced attacks and lies from disinformation agents.
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A gesture of solidarity with the victims of the terrorist act in 2022 has become a pretext for toxic and hateful attacks
The second anniversary of the terrorist attack in front of Bratislava's Tepláreň club on 12 October 2022 prompted not only a wave of solidarity, but also toxic and hateful posts on social media. Both politicians, as well as other actors from the disinformation environment, used the situation to sensationalize, boost fear and disillusionment about the alleged brainwashing of children, which is supposed to take place on a widespread basis in Slovak schools.
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Czech Senate & Regional Election Dynamics: Negative Campaigns, Floods and Victory of Opposition
Low voter turnout marked the Czech Senate and regional elections, with opposition party ANO making significant gains. The ruling ODS suffered losses, signaling shifting political dynamics in the country.
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Social Media
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🚗 ⚡️ Join us for the launch of our new study, "Charged with Consequence – How Europe Navigates the Risks of Chinese Electric Vehicles"! 🇪🇺 🇨🇳 Chinese Electric Vehicles (EV) are reshaping Europe's car market, but what does that mean for economic security, fair competition, and EU resilience ? A cooperation project by FNF Europe & CSRI, this event will bring together top minds to discuss how Europe can respond to the economic, security, and human rights risks of China’s EV expansion. 📆 Don't miss our discussion happening on 23 April 2025 at 12:00 PM! Click on the link below and get your tickets today!
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🗳️ Portugal heads to the polls — and it's more than just an election. It’s a reminder that democracy works, even under pressure. Discover why this upcoming vote is a ballot-proof sign of democratic strength. 🇵🇹 🖊️ By Odilia Abreu 👉 Read the full article: https://www.freiheit.org/europe/portugal-ballot-proof-democracy #Portugal #Democracy #Elections #freedom
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🚘⚡ New Study Alert! "Charged with Consequence – How Europe Navigates the Risks of Chinese Electric Vehicles" is out now! 🇪🇺🚗🇨🇳 As Europe accelerates its transition to clean mobility, the rapid rise of Chinese EVs is sparking urgent questions: How will this impact Germany’s and Europe's automotive industry? Are we becoming too dependent on Chinese manufacturers? What are the economic, security, and human rights risks? A cooperation project by FNF Europe & CSRI, this study dives deep into these challenges and what they mean for Europe’s future competitiveness. 🔍 “By overproducing and exporting EVs at artificially low prices, China is not only undercutting Germany's and Europe’s automotive industry but also creating a dangerous dependency. We have seen this playbook before, but now the stakes are even higher.” – Katharina Osthoff A big thank you to the author Sam Goodman! 📖 Read the full study here: Link below! #ElectricVehicles #EV #EVs #GreenMobility #CleanTech #SustainableTransport #Europe #EU #EuropeanUnion #EUPolicy #EUGreenDeal #Geopolitics #SupplyChain
