Liberal network

United for freedom in Southern Europe

FNF Madrid and various partner organizations of the foundation have launched in a festive inauguration ceremony the new network for ideas and impact in Southern Europe. The “Free³ Network” unites liberal think tanks from Spain, Italy and Portugal for the common goal of promoting freer societies and economic growth through intensified cooperation. The launch event in Madrid “underlines the importance of Spain and the country's capital as an engine of growth, employment and social progress in Southern Europe," said David Henneberger, FNFs country director in Spain.

Guests from all three countries and Germany were present at the event in Madrid. Konstantin Kuhle MP, vice president of the liberal group in the German parliament, stated that the project combining the liberal initiatives of Italy, Spain and Portugal as a point of reference is of great benefit for German liberals. Common challenges and issues, such as economic reforms, youth unemployment or an aligned response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, need a joint approach and intensified dialogue between Northern and Southern Europe.

The "Free³" network comprises almost 20 think tanks and institutions from Spain, Italy and Portugal. The slogan is "Para mais libertá" - a message that unites the Spanish, Portuguese and Italian languages to highlight the core value of freedom. The network addresses joint challenges in Southern Europe, such as (youth) unemployment, regional disparities, energy transformation, sustainability, public debt or bureaucratic burden by developing evidence-based liberal policy solutions. The key theme for 2023 will be inflation, energy transformation and cooperation in Southern Europe, also highlighting the crucial relations with the Southern neighborhood. The new network will be managed from Madrid, adding to the important landscape of scientific institutions, which comes at a perfect time ahead of the EU presidency.