Europe
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Europe (FNF Europe) operates offices in Brussels, Prague, Vilnius, and Geneva.
By connecting EU experts, civil society, and decision-makers, we aim to foster open dialogue and explore liberal policy solutions to European challenges. In collaboration with our liberal partners, we create engaging formats and campaigns to promote fundamental rights, the rule of law, geopolitics, and geoeconomics. Additionally, we coordinate EU co-funded projects in areas such as the internal market, digitalization, and innovation.
News
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Portugal: A Ballot-Proof Democracy?
Portugal's democracy faces new challenges after nine elections since 2020. With snap legislative elections in May, regional elections in Madeira, and local elections later in the year, the political calendar is packed. Amid this turbulence, the Portuguese liberal party, Iniciativa Liberal (IL) is gaining ground as a reform-driven force, promoting stability and economic growth. Can IL's rise prove Portugal's democracy is truly ballot-proof?
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Greenland voted
Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical attention, the parliamentary election in Greenland marked a pivotal moment for the country. Voters were presented with a choice to maintain the status quo in relations with Denmark, to seek closer ties with the United States or to pursue further independence. The outcome was a signal for new politics, but the directions remain unclear.
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European Commission: The First 100 (Stormy) Days
The new European Commission is embarking on a turbulent journey: In the midst of geopolitical upheaval, it must balance the demands of a changing security and threat landscape and weakening economic competitiveness with its own demands for green change. Ursula von der Leyen aims to strengthen Europe's resilience with centralized leadership and a raft of policy proposals - but success depends on execution.
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How Belgium’s new multi-party coalition tempers the far-right agenda
Belgium’s new multi-party “Arizona” coalition government is an example of constructive pragmatism in complex times. It also shows how compromise within a highly fragmented political landscape can keep far-right extremists at bay.
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Liberal Chronicle 2024/25
European Perspectives and Global Challenges: Explore our New Magazin - Liberal Chronicle!
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New Directions in Brussels: From a Geopolitical to an Investment Commission
A new era begins this week in Brussels with the launch of the European Commission. Following the European elections in June and lengthy negotiations, Ursula von der Leyen's team is now starting work.
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Advancing EU Enlargement for a Safer Europe
EU enlargement offers a pivotal opportunity to enhance European security in an increasingly complex global landscape. With key portfolios in the new EU Commission held by liberals, a holistic strategy intertwining enlargement, defence, and non-military threats—like climate change and disinformation—could reshape Europe's resilience. Explore how deeper collaboration, liberal leadership, and shared values are driving a secure, united continent ready to tackle emerging challenges.
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NATO top job goes to Mark Rutte
Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte officially took over as NATO Secretary General today, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg. In his new role, he will have to deal with challenges such as the war in Ukraine, hybrid threats and potential geopolitical changes.
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(11.09.2024) Liberal Afterwork: Welcome (back) to Brussels Pub Quiz Evening
Welcome (back) to Brussels! Join us for a lively Pub Quiz Evening as the new legislative term kicks off! This fun and engaging edition of our Liberal Afterwork will test your knowledge on European politics, history, and culture.
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(11.09.2024) Report Launch: Grand Challenges for Europe in 2050
FNF’s Grand Challenges for Europe 2050 Report aims to provide a human-centred horizon scan of Europe in 2050. The report identifies and addresses challenges faced by individuals of different age groups in 2050. It highlights the interconnected challenges of transitioning to a future state, emphasising the broad perspective needed.
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A larger and reformed European Union #EU30+
The enlargement of the European Union is an absolute geopolitical imperative for the EU and a litmus test for its long-term ambition as a global power. Yet the dossier remains a critical and complex one for the EU in the current geopolitical context transfixed by Russia’s war in Ukraine. The position paper takes a closer look at why EU enlargement matters for the EU and the countries aspiring to join, evaluates the support that the EU provides to the candidates, and considers the EU reforms needed to ensure that a European Union of 30+ members remains functioning.
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A long-term take on populist success: Presenting Timbro’s Authoritarian Populism Index (API) 2024
The 2024 Authoritarian Populism Index (API) from Timbro reveals a significant trend: the growing influence of populist and authoritarian parties in Europe. The 2023 national elections in Finland, Greece, and Spain show that populism, emphasizing conflict between 'the people' and 'the elite,' is becoming increasingly dominant. Currently, 26.9% of European support goes to these ideologies. Want to understand the full picture? Read more about the Index.
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Explaining the rise of authoritarian populism in Europe: Five take-aways for policymakers
The 2024 European Parliament elections have confirmed a growing trend: populist parties are gaining significant ground, with groups like the new Patriots for Europe Group (PfE) and the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) seeing substantial gains. But what does this surge mean for the future of the European Union?
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Lymec Digital Assembly #2 - 2024
In ongoing efforts to provide opportunities to meet with current leadership and discuss key issues facing Europe today, LYMEC invites you to their second Digital Assembly of 2024! We are happy to support the Digital Assembly by LYMEC this year. Click here for more information.
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Podcast: The Defence Café
The Defence Café is the security and defence podcast of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Brussels (FNF Europe).
Social Media
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🗓 Liberal Afterwork – Special Edition 📍 Brussels | 🕖 May 13, 19:00 Disinformation is going global—and so is the liberal response. Join us for an evening of ideas, dialogue, and networking. 🌍 Meet our delegation with members from RELIAL (Latin America) and CALD (Asia) 🤝 Insights, networking & exchange 🔗 Only 50 spots – register now: link below
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🚗 ⚡️ Join us for the launch of our new study, "Charged with Consequence – How Europe Navigates the Risks of Chinese Electric Vehicles"! 🇪🇺 🇨🇳 Chinese Electric Vehicles (EV) are reshaping Europe's car market, but what does that mean for economic security, fair competition, and EU resilience ? A cooperation project by FNF Europe & CSRI, this event will bring together top minds to discuss how Europe can respond to the economic, security, and human rights risks of China’s EV expansion. 📆 Don't miss our discussion happening on 23 April 2025 at 12:00 PM! Click on the link below and get your tickets today!
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🗳️ Portugal heads to the polls — and it's more than just an election. It’s a reminder that democracy works, even under pressure. Discover why this upcoming vote is a ballot-proof sign of democratic strength. 🇵🇹 🖊️ By Odilia Abreu 👉 Read the full article: https://www.freiheit.org/europe/portugal-ballot-proof-democracy #Portugal #Democracy #Elections #freedom
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Agreement with the IMF - important milestone for Argentina's resurrection
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Small Island, Big Impact: What Europe can learn from Taiwan
Taiwan -
“Fighting Starts When Talking Stops”: The South China Sea Conflict in the Light of a New US Foreign Policy
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Bringing the Vote Closer
Model Youth Parliament