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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Eternal liberators, ignoring war crimes and undesirable NGOs
How do you glorify “liberators” while turning a blind eye to war crimes? The latest bi-weekly report from Infosecurity.sk reveals how disinformation actors — including Slovak government figures — continue to distort history, excuse Russian aggression, and vilify civil society. From rewriting WWII narratives to smearing NGOs and spinning conspiracy theories about food safety, the disinfo machine is in full swing. Discover the key trends shaping the Slovak information landscape.
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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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Requests For Proposals
For our projects in 2025, the FNF Baltic States office in Vilnius requires proposals from potential service providers and partners. Please contact us if you want to apply for any of the following.
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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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Even the disinformers are consolidating at the end of the year. The opposition and the EU are slandered, while odes to Russia are underscored by Fico's planned visit to Moscow
In the past two weeks in Slovak disinformation enviroment, a large number of posts contained negative sentiment towards the EU. Domestic topics were again dominated by attacks on the mainstream media and denigration of the opposition. And at the end of the year, there was no shortage of narratives glorifying Russia again,
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From Poland with Love. November
Poland is already immersed in the presidential campaign, with elections scheduled for May. The public has been taken aback by revelations concerning the dubious academic degrees conferred by a private university established by PiS. This month, we also present an array of cultural updates.
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[NEW PUBLICATION]: Understanding the Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact of Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Policy Roadmap for the European Union
Our partner from Slovenia, Zavod 14, just released a publication on the socioeconomic and environmental impact of AI. The publication highlights the immense potential of AI to drive innovation and competitiveness within the EU but also emphasizes the need to mitigate risks related to workforce displacement, social inequality, privacy concerns, and the environmental costs associated with AI technologies.
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Fearmongering of world conflict and glorification of Russian liberators. In the disinformation scene, nothing new
Passions were inflamed in particular by US President Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to use US long-range missiles on Russian territory. ● The topic of the war in Ukraine was also accompanied by posts that heavily glorified Russia, for example through videos allegedly showing the abundance of goods in Russian shops and therefore the ineffectiveness of Western sanctions.
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Episode 3. The Baltics: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - An overview
Baltic nations push for energy independence with offshore wind farms, aiming to boost capacity and cut reliance on Russia. Despite defense and security challenges, innovation and AI are paving the way forward.
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35 Years after the Velvet Revolution: A Reflection on Democracy and Its Challenges
On November 17, the Czech Republic and Slovakia marked the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, a pivotal moment in 1989 that changed the trajectory of both nations.
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🗓 Liberal Afterwork – Special Edition 📍 Brussels | 🕖 May 13, 19:00 Disinformation is going global—and so is the liberal response. Join us for an evening of ideas, dialogue, and networking. 🌍 Meet our delegation with members from RELIAL (Latin America) and CALD (Asia) 🤝 Insights, networking & exchange 🔗 Only 50 spots – register now: link below
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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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