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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Poland Faces Another Election: Will the Country Stay on the Path of Liberal Reforms?
A little bit less than two years after the change of power in parliament, Poles are now electing a new head of state. The presidential election will not only determine the political balance in the country, but could also have a decisive influence on the reform course of Donald Tusk's government – or block it altogether. Which direction will Poland take this time?
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The freeze is coming from the Kremlin, with Fico and co. lending a hand
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Moscow on May 9, 2025, marked a new low in the instrumentalization of history and spread of Kremlin disinformation, as he praised Soviet liberators while ignoring the USSR's role in starting World War II. The visit was used to legitimize Russian aggression, attack the EU, and portray Slovakia's alignment with Moscow as sovereign success—despite widespread criticism. Meanwhile, Slovak disinformation actors continued targeting Ukrainian President Zelensky and the EU with Kremlin-inspired narratives, amplifying false claims and far-right propaganda.
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From Poland with Love. April
Poland’s presidential race heats up with 13 candidates, viral debates, and explosive scandals—from ghoulish signature fraud to a real estate controversy and shocking live TV moments. Meanwhile, Poland bids farewell to its last “LGBT-free zone.” Don’t miss the latest twists shaping Poland’s politics, society, and identity. Read our latest edition of From Poland with Love newsletter.
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The specter of fascism in the EU and vaccine skepticism. Disinformation actors return to tried and tested tactics
The call by the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs for European leaders not to attend Victory Day celebrations in Moscow was used by the disinformation scene to further glorify the USSR. Narratives about WW2 are becoming increasingly prevalent and the Prime Minister Fico is planning his trip to Moscow.
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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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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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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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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.
Social Media
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🎥 Meet our Innovation Policy Lab Experts! 🌎 What’s next for EU Cohesion Policy? Meet Andrej Lavtar — Political Advisor at Renew Europe CoR. He shares his thoughts on how EU Cohesion Policy can address demographic challenges. 🌟 Andrej participated in the third edition of the @europeanliberalforum – FNF Innovation Policy Lab – a format that brings together experts from across Europe to debate the future of our continent. 👀 Follow us for updates on the lab and our upcoming publication featuring key takeaways – and join us for the fourth edition this September! Our Innovation Policy Lab Programme was co-financed by the European Parliament. #InnovationPolicyLab #CohesionPolicy #ELF #FNFEurope #FutureOfEurope #ReshapeEurope #OwntheFuture #PolicyInnovation #Innovation
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🎥 Meet our Innovation Policy Lab Experts! 🌎 What’s next for EU Cohesion Policy? Meet Maxime Bureau — Senior Director, Government Affairs & Sustainability, EMEA at M3. He shares his thoughts on how EU Cohesion Policy can address demographic challenges. 🌟 Maxime participated in the third edition of the @europeanliberalforum – FNF Innovation Policy Lab – a format that brings together experts from across Europe to debate the future of our continent. 👀 Follow us for updates on the lab and our upcoming publication featuring key takeaways – and join us for the fourth edition this September! Our Innovation Policy Lab Programme was co-financed by the European Parliament. #InnovationPolicyLab #CohesionPolicy #ELF #FNFEurope #FutureOfEurope #ReshapeEurope #OwntheFuture #PolicyInnovation #Innovation
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🎥 Meet our Innovation Policy Lab Experts! 🌎 What’s next for EU-China Relations? Meet Mareike Ohlberg — Senior Fellow, Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund. She shares her take on the EU’s strategic cooperation with China. 🌟 Mareike participated in the third edition of the @europeanliberalforum – FNF Innovation Policy Lab – a format that brings together experts from across Europe to debate the future of our continent. 👀 Follow us for updates on the lab and our upcoming publication featuring key takeaways – and join us for the fourth edition this September! Our Innovation Policy Lab Programme was co-financed by the European Parliament. #InnovationPolicyLab #euchina #ELF #FNFEurope #FutureOfEurope #ReshapeEurope #OwntheFuture #PolicyInnovation #Innovation
