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
-
On the road to peace: Slovak propagandists parrot Putin's words about the historical roots of the war
Pro-Russian propaganda in Slovakia is gaining new momentum after the Trump–Putin summit in Alaska. From Prime Minister Robert Fico to radical opposition figures, Slovak voices are echoing Kremlin narratives about the “historical roots” of the war in Ukraine, while shifting blame from Moscow to Kyiv and the West.
-
From Poland with Love. July
Poland’s political landscape is shifting as Prime Minister Donald Tusk unveils a leaner, high-stakes cabinet in a bid to reclaim momentum after electoral setbacks. From bold ministerial shake-ups to fierce border debates, July was a month of reconstruction, confrontation, and unexpected turns.
-
Yet another "conspiracy against the ruling coalition." Fico speaks of British interference in the elections and attacks journalists
In Slovakia, claims of British election interference are fueling a new wave of disinformation. Prime Minister Robert Fico is using shaky interpretations of foreign-funded civic campaigns to launch attacks on journalists, civil society, and the opposition, turning democratic support into a political weapon. Read more in our bi-weekly report.
-
Let's save Russian gas! Propagandists cheer on the blocking of sanctions and continue to demonize Brussels
Let’s save Russian gas? Slovakia’s political stage turns into a battleground of disinformation as propagandists applaud the delay of EU sanctions and attack Brussels. From manipulating energy security narratives to reviving hate against journalists and minorities, this report unpacks the latest toxic trends in Slovak online spaces. Read the latest bi-weekly insight from Adapt Institute.
-
Chaos of propagandists: hijacking traditions, armament blocking peace, and the invader deserving forgiveness
From hijacked traditions at Devín castle to calls for forgiving the Kremlin and quitting NATO—Slovakia's disinformation landscape is shifting fast. This report uncovers how propagandists blend anti-Western rhetoric, fake peace narratives, EU-bashing, and cultural manipulation to distort reality and sway public opinion.
-
From Poland with Love. June
Poland’s narrowest presidential election in history has sparked outrage, investigations, and over 50,000 protests—while the legal tug-of-war continues. Meanwhile, Sławosz Uznański makes history aboard the ISS, LOT signs its biggest aircraft deal ever, and a piranha named Kasia turns 40. Dive into Poland’s political drama, scientific pride, and cultural milestones.
-
Slovakia outside of NATO? Fair enough, provided there are only two sexes
Slovakia’s place in NATO and the role of “two sexes” in the constitution — what do they have in common? In the last two weeks, both became tools for manipulation in the Slovak information space. This bi-weekly report from the Adapt Institute uncovers how disinformation narratives are shaping public debate and undermining trust in democracy.
-
Disinformers reacted like a pack of wolves to the threat to EU funds. However, they continue to legitimise corruption and praise Russia
In response to EU scrutiny over the misuse of agricultural funds in Slovakia, disinformation actors launched a coordinated smear campaign against the European Union and its representatives, portraying the audit as an attack on national sovereignty. The report by Infosecurity.sk reveals how Slovak politicians and far-right figures used manipulative narratives to legitimize corruption, deflect criticism, and praise Russia—while demonizing the EU and invoking inflammatory historical comparisons. Read the full analysis of how disinformation is reshaping public discourse around accountability and EU relations.
-
From Poland with Love. May
Karol Nawrocki’s razor-thin presidential victory has shaken Poland’s political landscape, marking a shift toward anti-establishment conservatism. His controversial past, far-right alliances, and promises of institutional confrontation signal turbulent times ahead for Donald Tusk’s government. Meanwhile, Poland is asserting its strategic role in Europe—from building the continent’s largest logistics hub to signing a historic defense pact with France. Read more in the latest edition of monthly From Poland with Love newsletter.
-
Deterrence and Defence: Freedom Center in Vilnius
The Freedom Center in Vilnius opens with an international conference on building deterrence and defence - and an exhibition "Together till victory!" with Blue/Yellow on the war against Ukraine.
-
A year after the assassination attempt on the prime minister, Slovakia is rebelling against the pandemic treaty. Disinformation spreaders are enjoying the Pfizergate case
A year after the assassination attempt on Slovak PM Robert Fico, disinformation actors are reviving hostile narratives, blaming the opposition and media for spreading hatred. Slovakia's abstention from the WHO's Pandemic Agreement has been exploited by conspiracy theorists to fuel fears about global vaccination control and lost sovereignty. Meanwhile, the "Pfizergate" scandal—centered on undisclosed vaccine deal texts—has become a key tool for undermining the EU’s credibility, energizing anti-European rhetoric and far-right manipulation.
-
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?
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
