East and Southeast Europe
The Regional Office FNF ESEE covers 23 countries in East and Southeast Europe. The Regional Office in Sofia coordinates the following Project Offices in the region: Bulgaria and North Macedonia, Greece, Romania and Moldova, Western Balkans, Russia and Central Asia, Ukraine and Belarus, South Caucasus and Turkey.
News
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1000 days of resistance: Ukraine fights for freedom and Europe's future
Since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, Ukraine has been fighting for its existence and sovereignty – with an unprecedented level of cohesion in the society. But the price is high: millions of displaced persons, destroyed cities, systematic human rights violations and cruel terror by Russia. Now is the time for the Western partners to make clear decisions – for a victory for Ukraine and a secure future for Europe.
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Understanding Populism vs. Authoritarianism: Why the Distinction Matters
Is Donald Trump a dictator? What differentiates autocrats and dictators from populists? Let’s map them all on a populism spectrum. Discover more in the new Populist Playbook Explainer Series.
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Prisoner of Conscience: Gubad Ibadoghlu
Gubad Ibadoghlu, a prominent Azerbaijani scholar and opposition figure, fled his home country back in 2017. Little did he know that when he returned to visit relatives in 2023, he would get arrested.
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“Alliance of Her” and European Women Politicians Came Together in Türkiye!
Europe's top women's leadership platform, "Alliance of Her," hosted its 2024 graduation in Istanbul, uniting women politicians from across Europe. The program aims to empower women to overcome political barriers and strengthen their leadership roles, fostering greater representation in politics across the continent.
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Getting A Step Ahead of the Tyrants: One TikTok at A Time
Discover insights from 5th Millennial Takeover - “Getting A Step Ahead of the Tyrants: One TikTok at A Time.” It focused on short-form video content, modern political communication, counter populism.
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Think Freedom: The Visible Man
Giorgi takes on a lot to stand up for what he believes is right. Something that in many European countries is already part of the norm. Giorgi Tabagari is a Georgian civil and queer activist who, as one of the founders of Tbilisi Pride, campaigns for the rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in Georgia. The documentary portrait “Think Freedom: The Visible Man” delves into his life, his struggles and his tireless commitment for human rights.
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Reshape Europe – The Future of Ukraine: SPRINTS Creative Bootcamp for Artists
15 Artists, 10 Countries, 2 Days, 1 Goal - Let‘s Reshape Europe and The Future of Ukraine Together! Learn more about the creative bootcamp for artists, SPRINTS, in cooperation with Fine Acts, a global nonprofit creative studio for social impact. Download for free hope-based communications and artwork for causes.Amplify your visual language and messaging/advocacy/campaign/educational work with these socially engaged artworks. Discover the Collection on TheGreats.co.
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Prisoner of Conscience: Sedat Yılmaz, Türkiye
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Beyond the Silk Road
What do people in Central Asia think of Chinese influence? With the support of the FNF our partners Central Asia Barometer (CAB) released a report on this topic. You can read it.
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Independent Films Go to International Festivals
Tashkent Film School, in partnership with FNF, stands out as a key supporter of independent filmmakers in Central Asia, addressing critical issues like human rights, gender, and migration.
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New Data Tool Empowers Journalists in Central Asia
A new search tool was developed and launched in Central Asia with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. It can be especially useful for journalists worldwide.
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Kafka and Orwell Reading Club Events
Three Reading Club events were held in Yerevan, Tbilisi and Batumi. All focused on the intersection of literature and current political issues, regarding Russia, human rights, and the war in Ukraine.
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NKVD ethnic operations
With the support of FNF Russia in Exile the Memorial Society released a podcast In English about NKVD ethnic operations made between 1937 and 1938.
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Political homophobia under the legal guise
Just a few weeks prior to the elections, the Georgian parliament has passed an anti-LGBTQI law package, which mirrors Russia’s “traditional values” law and threatens to erase LGBTQI visibility and rights. This legislation curbs freedom of expression, restricts public gatherings, bans same-sex adoption, limits gender identity recognition etc. While the government claims to protect family values, it uses hate speech against LGBTQI for its election campaign. It fuels political homophobia and deepens societal marginalization of the queer community.
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Freedom Team Interview: Lisa Beier in Focus
Meet our intern Lisa Beier, who was part of the FNF East and Southeast Europe Team for five months.
