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. 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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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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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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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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Job Advertisement: CEO of 4liberty.eu Network
Are you passionate about advancing freedom, liberty, and democratic values across Europe? Do you have a vision for influencing public policy and expanding think tank networks? If so, 4liberty.eu is looking for a visionary leader to become its next CEO!
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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?
Social Media
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🇵🇱 Shifting Paradigms in Poland’s EU Policy: A New Leader for Europe? 🇪🇺 With Poland now holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU (Jan–June 2025), can Poland step up as a key player in shaping Europe’s future? A new FNF report explores Poland’s strategic shift in EU policy and its ambitions for leadership. 🔍 Key insights from the report: 🔹 Defence policy: From NATO-first to pushing for an EU defence union – Poland backs joint military funding, the ‘East Shield’, and a European ‘Iron Dome’. 🔹 EU Enlargement: Poland has been a strong advocate for Ukraine’s & Moldova’s EU accession, but facing tensions over trade & competition. 🔹 Economic transformation: Balancing decarbonisation with economic competitiveness – Poland’s coal transition remains a major challenge. 🔹 Shifting Alliances: Moving away from the Visegrád Group & strengthening ties with Nordic-Baltic states & the Weimar Triangle. 📖 Read the full report now! Link below! #poland25eu #Poland #EU2025 #FNF #FNFEurope #Geopolitics #EU #security
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How safe is European democracy? 🇪🇺 From China’s growing influence in the EU to Russia-backed disinformation and transatlantic uncertainties, the threats to democracy are evolving. At our latest expert roundtable, organized by Dr. Nele Fabian and Katharina Osthoff, experts tackled the hybrid threats that shape today’s geopolitical landscape. 🛑 Political and digital interference 🛑 The influence of authoritarian regimes like China and Russia & non-state actors, including influential individuals like Elon Musk 🛑 The future of transatlantic relations under Donald Trump Special thanks to our incredible speakers: 🎤 Kara Němečková | Felix Kartte | Zoë van Doren | Dr. Péter Krekó | Toni Skorić In cooperation with liked-minded partners, Europe has to take greater efforts to detect and counter malignant interference, and stand its ground in global power politics. The biggest key to tackling foreign influence and disinformation effectively, is to enhance expertise-building strategies and mobilize resources for effective counter-strategies. What are your thoughts on tackling foreign interference? Let us know in the comments! 👇
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🕊️27 January 1945: Hashtag#Auschwitz Liberation Day and International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Hashtag#Holocaust 80 years ago today, the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated. We commemorate the millions of men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust. Auschwitz, the symbol of the unprecedented cruelty of National Socialism, is a powerful reminder of where hatred, anti-Semitism and misanthropy can lead. It is our responsibility not to forget these crimes and to address the depressing question of why hashtag#anti- semitism is once again so widespread in Germany today. We are all called upon to remain vigilant, to actively combat prejudice and to preserve a society that stands for hashtag#diversity, respect and humanity. Indifference must never again find a place in our midst. Hashtag#Up4Democracy Hashtag#NeverAgain Hashtag#Shoa Hashtag#Freedom Hashtag#Human Rights
