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, Romania and Moldova, Western Balkans, Ukraine, South Caucasus and Türkiye.
News
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Pro-Europe Signal from Bucharest: Romania Votes against a Moscow course
The Romanian presidential election has become a geopolitical crossroads: with Nicușor Dan's victory, Romania is reaffirming its pro-European stance and protecting Europe from a security policy breakdown.
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Istanbul at the Crossroads of Crisis and Conversation
Istanbul hosts the world in the middle of May. From long-awaited peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to nuclear talks between Iran and European states, the city on the Bosphorus has become the beating heart of global diplomacy. Just weeks earlier, it also hosted a rare diplomatic round between the United States and Russia; focused on restoring consular operations. In a time when most global corridors are blocked by mistrust, Istanbul keeps its doors open.
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How to Become a Tyrant: The Populist Playbook
How can modern populists transform democracies into authoritarian regimes? In the “Populist Playbook” Sven Gerst examines the real threats posed by contemporary populists, contrasting them with historical tyrants. He outlines how populists identify societal grievances, polarize communities, and centralize power, ultimately undermining democratic institutions and consolidating control.
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Liberal Communicators Network: Brain Science and Hope Theory for Effective Social Change
How can brain science and hope help you drive social change? Discover why showing solutions—not just problems—makes all the difference. Watch our new video from the Liberal Communicators Network!
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Interview with Freed Prisoner of Conscience: Andrei Pivovarov
Andrei Pivovarov describes his harrowing imprisonment, from being pulled off a flight to enduring years of isolation. Despite the hardship, his commitment to democracy and human rights remained unbroken.
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Liberal Communicators Network (LCN): Non-Profit Academy 2025
The LCN-Non-Profit Academy will empower liberal communicators to adapt cutting-edge communication strategies, innovation, and marketing trends for the specific context of the mission-driven sector. Apply by April 21, join this professional community of non-profit communicators from civil society organizations, foundations, think tanks, change-makers, working on liberal topics in Europe. By innovating non-profit communications, liberals will be better equipped to win the hearts and minds, influence shifts in values and behaviour.
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Networks of Power: Russia’s Shadow Influence in Germany
Despite efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy, Germany remains vulnerable to Russian influence. Deep networks and political entanglements continue to threaten the country’s independence.
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China in Central Asia. Cooperation Dimensions and Implications
Download now 2024 Politik International, exploring the dimensions and implications of the cooperation of China in Central Asia.
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Prisoner of Conscience: Sedat Yılmaz, Türkiye
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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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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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