Sofia
The Sofia office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom is responsible for the activities of the Foundation in Bulgaria and North Macedonia. Our mission is to facilitate the promotion of the principles of liberal democracy, the rule of law, political pluralism, and free markets, in a collaborative partnership with local and international partners.
Our standard instruments include political education, policy support, and political dialogue, realised through regular events and publications.
News
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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 (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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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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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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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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Strategic Decoupling: Phasing out russian economic influence in Germany
The study by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) examines the continuing entanglement between the German and Russian despite Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. The Russian corporate presence in Germany is highly concentrated in around 40 larger firms, which specialize in oil refining, natural gas supply and distribution, metal and plastic products manufacturing, glass production, and transport. Russia’s war upended European peace and security and intensified global power competition. The study shows that the Kremlin's long arm extends far beyond Germany's misguided Ostpolitik.
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Think Freedom: Freedom is an Action
The Premiere of the short documentary ‘Think Freedom: Freedom is an Action’ gathered more than 100 people on Friday, 17 June, in the Steps in Sofia, Bulgaria. The short documentary tells the story of Denitsa Lyubenova, a human rights lawyer and LGBTI activist. The film shows the process behind and the emotional journey of one of the most prominent legal battles. The screening of the film was followed by a discussion .
