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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Chaos of propagandists: hijacking traditions, armament blocking peace, and the invader deserving forgiveness
From hijacked traditions at Devín castle to calls for forgiving the Kremlin and quitting NATO—Slovakia's disinformation landscape is shifting fast. This report uncovers how propagandists blend anti-Western rhetoric, fake peace narratives, EU-bashing, and cultural manipulation to distort reality and sway public opinion.
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From Poland with Love. June
Poland’s narrowest presidential election in history has sparked outrage, investigations, and over 50,000 protests—while the legal tug-of-war continues. Meanwhile, Sławosz Uznański makes history aboard the ISS, LOT signs its biggest aircraft deal ever, and a piranha named Kasia turns 40. Dive into Poland’s political drama, scientific pride, and cultural milestones.
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Slovakia outside of NATO? Fair enough, provided there are only two sexes
Slovakia’s place in NATO and the role of “two sexes” in the constitution — what do they have in common? In the last two weeks, both became tools for manipulation in the Slovak information space. This bi-weekly report from the Adapt Institute uncovers how disinformation narratives are shaping public debate and undermining trust in democracy.
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Disinformers reacted like a pack of wolves to the threat to EU funds. However, they continue to legitimise corruption and praise Russia
In response to EU scrutiny over the misuse of agricultural funds in Slovakia, disinformation actors launched a coordinated smear campaign against the European Union and its representatives, portraying the audit as an attack on national sovereignty. The report by Infosecurity.sk reveals how Slovak politicians and far-right figures used manipulative narratives to legitimize corruption, deflect criticism, and praise Russia—while demonizing the EU and invoking inflammatory historical comparisons. Read the full analysis of how disinformation is reshaping public discourse around accountability and EU relations.
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From Poland with Love. May
Karol Nawrocki’s razor-thin presidential victory has shaken Poland’s political landscape, marking a shift toward anti-establishment conservatism. His controversial past, far-right alliances, and promises of institutional confrontation signal turbulent times ahead for Donald Tusk’s government. Meanwhile, Poland is asserting its strategic role in Europe—from building the continent’s largest logistics hub to signing a historic defense pact with France. Read more in the latest edition of monthly From Poland with Love newsletter.
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A year after the assassination attempt on the prime minister, Slovakia is rebelling against the pandemic treaty. Disinformation spreaders are enjoying the Pfizergate case
A year after the assassination attempt on Slovak PM Robert Fico, disinformation actors are reviving hostile narratives, blaming the opposition and media for spreading hatred. Slovakia's abstention from the WHO's Pandemic Agreement has been exploited by conspiracy theorists to fuel fears about global vaccination control and lost sovereignty. Meanwhile, the "Pfizergate" scandal—centered on undisclosed vaccine deal texts—has become a key tool for undermining the EU’s credibility, energizing anti-European rhetoric and far-right manipulation.
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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 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.
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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.
Social Media
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📝 Submit a short proposal (max 1,000 characters) by 15 July 2025. Selected essays will: ✅ Win €1,000 ✅ Be published in a Europe-wide collection ✅ Be brought to life by visual artists 🌐 Open to all – from across Europe and beyond. Proposals can be submitted in English or German. Whether you’re an expert or just passionate about freedom and democracy, share your vision with us. ❗ No full essays yet – just your proposal. 👉 Learn more and submit via link in comments #Europe2050 #ProjectEurope2050 #FNF #LiberalEurope #FutureOfEurope #EssayCompetition
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🌟 40 Jahre Schengen: Europas leise Revolution 🇪🇺 Am 14. Juni 1985 begann mit dem Schengen-Vertrag ein neues Kapitel: Ein Europa ohne Binnengrenzen. Heute ist Schengen ein Symbol für Freiheit, Handel und Zusammenhalt – und ein strategischer Anker für Deutschland und Europa. 📖 Artikel von Jules Maaten ➡️ https://www.freiheit.org/europe/40-years-schengen-treaty-europes-quiet-revolution-and-germanys-strategic-lifeline 💬 Interview mit MEP Jan-Christoph Oetjen ➡️ https://www.freiheit.org/de/40-jahre-schengen-bilanz-und-bedeutung
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🛡️ Security for Freedom Why liberal democracies must act NOW. ⚠️ Freedom, human rights & the rule of law are under threat. In a time of global instability, we need to act — not react. 🎥 In this video: 🔹 Europe's security challenges 🔹 How to counter authoritarian regimes 🔹 Why security is key to freedom 🔹 What it takes to defend democracy in the 21st century 🙌 Featuring insights from: Delphine Pronk (European External Action Service - EEAS) Alice Stollmeyer (Defend Democracy) Maria Martisiute (European Policy Centre) Laura Tatarelyte (@FNF Baltic States) 📣 Because hope is not a strategy. Let’s build a future rooted in freedom, security & democracy.
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