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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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 freeze is coming from the Kremlin, with Fico and co. lending a hand
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Moscow on May 9, 2025, marked a new low in the instrumentalization of history and spread of Kremlin disinformation, as he praised Soviet liberators while ignoring the USSR's role in starting World War II. The visit was used to legitimize Russian aggression, attack the EU, and portray Slovakia's alignment with Moscow as sovereign success—despite widespread criticism. Meanwhile, Slovak disinformation actors continued targeting Ukrainian President Zelensky and the EU with Kremlin-inspired narratives, amplifying false claims and far-right propaganda.
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From Poland with Love. April
Poland’s presidential race heats up with 13 candidates, viral debates, and explosive scandals—from ghoulish signature fraud to a real estate controversy and shocking live TV moments. Meanwhile, Poland bids farewell to its last “LGBT-free zone.” Don’t miss the latest twists shaping Poland’s politics, society, and identity. Read our latest edition of From Poland with Love newsletter.
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The specter of fascism in the EU and vaccine skepticism. Disinformation actors return to tried and tested tactics
The call by the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs for European leaders not to attend Victory Day celebrations in Moscow was used by the disinformation scene to further glorify the USSR. Narratives about WW2 are becoming increasingly prevalent and the Prime Minister Fico is planning his trip to Moscow.
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Eternal liberators, ignoring war crimes and undesirable NGOs
How do you glorify “liberators” while turning a blind eye to war crimes? The latest bi-weekly report from Infosecurity.sk reveals how disinformation actors — including Slovak government figures — continue to distort history, excuse Russian aggression, and vilify civil society. From rewriting WWII narratives to smearing NGOs and spinning conspiracy theories about food safety, the disinfo machine is in full swing. Discover the key trends shaping the Slovak information landscape.
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From Poland with Love. March
In March, Polish politics were shaken by the death of Barbara Skrzypek, former chief of staff to PiS leader Jarosław Kaczyński, following a controversial interrogation, sparking fierce political accusations and legal debates. As the presidential race heats up, a record number of candidates have entered, with polls showing KO’s Rafał Trzaskowski leading. Meanwhile, the government unveiled an EU-backed defence fund, and tensions with Germany over migration flared with a border protest. In cultural news, a botched shrine restoration caused national outrage, while internationally, Poland gears up to host its first CPAC conference, amplifying its conservative ties with the US.
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New enemy number one: European Union under the spotlight of Russian propaganda
The approaching 80th anniversary of the end of World War II is fueling a surge in propaganda narratives that glorify Russia. The disinformers continue their verbal attacks on European armaments and military aid to Ukraine. Quite predictably, the foot-and-mouth epidemic that swept Slovakia around 20 March 2025 opened the gates to disinformation narratives working with fear and scapegoating.
Social Media
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🎥 Meet our Innovation Policy Lab Experts! 🌎 What’s next for EU Cohesion Policy? Meet Andrej Lavtar — Political Advisor at Renew Europe CoR. He shares his thoughts on how EU Cohesion Policy can address demographic challenges. 🌟 Andrej participated in the third edition of the @europeanliberalforum – FNF Innovation Policy Lab – a format that brings together experts from across Europe to debate the future of our continent. 👀 Follow us for updates on the lab and our upcoming publication featuring key takeaways – and join us for the fourth edition this September! Our Innovation Policy Lab Programme was co-financed by the European Parliament. #InnovationPolicyLab #CohesionPolicy #ELF #FNFEurope #FutureOfEurope #ReshapeEurope #OwntheFuture #PolicyInnovation #Innovation
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🎥 Meet our Innovation Policy Lab Experts! 🌎 What’s next for EU Cohesion Policy? Meet Maxime Bureau — Senior Director, Government Affairs & Sustainability, EMEA at M3. He shares his thoughts on how EU Cohesion Policy can address demographic challenges. 🌟 Maxime participated in the third edition of the @europeanliberalforum – FNF Innovation Policy Lab – a format that brings together experts from across Europe to debate the future of our continent. 👀 Follow us for updates on the lab and our upcoming publication featuring key takeaways – and join us for the fourth edition this September! Our Innovation Policy Lab Programme was co-financed by the European Parliament. #InnovationPolicyLab #CohesionPolicy #ELF #FNFEurope #FutureOfEurope #ReshapeEurope #OwntheFuture #PolicyInnovation #Innovation
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🎥 Meet our Innovation Policy Lab Experts! 🌎 What’s next for EU-China Relations? Meet Mareike Ohlberg — Senior Fellow, Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund. She shares her take on the EU’s strategic cooperation with China. 🌟 Mareike participated in the third edition of the @europeanliberalforum – FNF Innovation Policy Lab – a format that brings together experts from across Europe to debate the future of our continent. 👀 Follow us for updates on the lab and our upcoming publication featuring key takeaways – and join us for the fourth edition this September! Our Innovation Policy Lab Programme was co-financed by the European Parliament. #InnovationPolicyLab #euchina #ELF #FNFEurope #FutureOfEurope #ReshapeEurope #OwntheFuture #PolicyInnovation #Innovation
