European Liberal Forum

What message did Armenian voters actually send in the 2026 elections? And can Armenia's European path survive the disinformation, external pressure, and polarisation reshaping its politics? Tatevik Matinyan, human rights advocate and chairperson of Armenia's Institute of Liberal Politics, joins Ricardo Silvestre to unpack the results, the propaganda playbook that echoes what we've seen in Hungary and Georgia, and what Armenian civil society really needs from Brussels — beyond diplomatic visits and government support. A candid conversation about the fragile situation in the region, the stakes of getting EU–Armenia relations right, and why cynicism spreads faster than reforms. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How can we make technology work for us and not the other way around? What is the difference between "algorithms" and "androrithms"? Does outsourcing thinking to AI erode people's capacity to think and leads to the rise of "super-stupidity"? And what will human agency look like in the future? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Gerd Leonhard, a top-rated futurist and a leading global keynote speaker, the author of 5 books including the bestseller "Technology vs. Humanity" and a filmmaker. He is a fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts in London, and the CEO of The Futures Agency in Zurich, Switzerland. Tune in the for their talk! Watch the video of the conversation: https://youtu.be/wjDpqHZpXFM Gerd Leonhard will be a guest during this year's edition of the Freedom Games, a festival of ideas co-organized by the European Liberal Forum on October 23-25, 2026, in Lodz, Poland. Find out more: igrzyskawolnosci.pl/event/igrzyska-wolnosci-2026 This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with the Movimento Liberal Social and the Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What does the future of European banking actually look like, in a world of perpetual crisis, heavy regulation, and consolidating institutions? Annarita Morelli, a strategy and governance executive who has worked on the front lines of Italy's financial system, joins Ricardo Silvestre on the Liberal Europe Podcast, to make the case for proximity banking, smarter resilience, and a financial sector that supports the real economy. From the reactive trap that keeps banks running on a treadmill, to the funding gap holding back small businesses, to what she calls the human algorithm of territorial banking, this is a conversation about how Europe can grow without losing the local trust that makes finance work. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Is the Visegrad Group still relevant? Is it expereiencing its renaissance after Péter Magyar's win in Hungary? What is the relationship between the Visegrad countries and Ukraine? What types of projects does the International Visegrad Fund foster and what is their relevance in terms of cultural cooperation? And can civil society funding be considered as part of democratic infrastructure? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Linda Kapustová Helbichová, the Executive Director of the International Visegrad Fund. She has extensive experience in diplomacy and public administration, having served at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. Tune in the for their talk! Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IPyP0qrnT-M This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with the Movimento Liberal Social and the Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What does real partnership between Europe and Africa actually look like in 2026? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre is joined by Rui Santos, CEO of CESO Development Consultants, a Portuguese firm celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and one of the most experienced implementers of European Commission projects across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The conversation unpacks how EU cooperation has shifted away from the old donor-beneficiary model towards genuine, shoulder-to-shoulder collaboration. They discuss the EU's strategic partnership programmes with countries like Angola, the Global Gateway initiative, and PROCULTURA PALOP-TL/UE, a cultural ecosystem-building project across Portuguese-speaking African countries and East Timor. Along the way, Rui reflects on what 35 years in international development have taught him about reputation, patience, and the long-distance run that meaningful cross-border work demands. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Does the idea of an open society still have a place in today's world? Which four exponential forces currently run the world? And how to reconcile Europe's values and vision with those of other key geopolitical players? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Mark Leonard, Co-Founder and Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), the first pan-European think–tank. Tune in the for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with the Movimento Liberal Social and the Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How dangerous is the far right in Germany? What should we know about the rise of neonazi terrorism? And what is the role of the secret services in Germany? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Jacob Kushner, an international journalist who reports on migration, terrorism and violent extremism, science and global health in Africa, Germany, and the Caribbean. He is the author of "China’s Congo Plan" and "White Terror: A True Story of Murder, Bombings and Germany’s Far Right". He teaches journalism at Columbia University in New York. Tune in the for their talk! Jacob Kushner will be a guest during this year's edition of the Freedom Games, a festival of ideas co-organized by the European Liberal Forum on October 23-25, 2026, in Lodz, Poland. Find out more: https://igrzyskawolnosci.pl/event/igrzyska-wolnosci-2026 This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with the Movimento Liberal Social and the Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Europe has the resources, the talent, and the scale to rival the US and China — so why doesn't it act like it? In this episode, recorded live in Milan with the Adam Smith Society, Ricardo Silvestre sits down with Marco Cecchi de'Rossi, an investment committee member at Arpinge SpA and board member at SIDAM for a wide-ranging conversation on what's really holding Europe back. They dissect the non-tariff barriers still fragmenting the single market, the case for AI in classrooms and workplaces (and where regulation should draw the line), patent enforcement against unreliable markets, and what the corporate board of the future needs to look like in an age of multi-crisis and rapid change. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Is Europe walking into a new China shock? Sam Goodman — Senior Policy Director at the China Strategic Risks Institute joins Ricardo Silvestre to dissect the EU–China relationship at a moment of real turbulence. From Middle East fallout and the Strait of Hormuz, to trillion-dollar trade imbalances, Merz's first Beijing visit, Macron's tariff push, and the Commission's economic security agenda, this conversation maps the chessboard that will define Europe's next decade. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How has the recent election transformed the Bulgarian political scene? What will be the European priorities of the newly formed government? What is Rumen Radev's main message? And what was his secret that helped him ensure a win? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Maria Simeonova, the Head of the Sofia office at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). Her areas of focus include EU foreign policy, the Black Sea region, Bulgaria’s role in the EU, and the Western Balkans. Prior to assuming this role, she served as coordinator for the Sofia office and the Western Balkans at ECFR. Before joining ECFR in September 2020, Simeonova worked as a civil servant at the Bulgarian Ministry of Finance. Tune in the for their talk! Watch the video recording of the conversation: https://youtu.be/X03womYklgo This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with the Movimento Liberal Social and the Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What does it take to communicate politics in a world shaped by algorithms, memes, and constant online dialogue? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre sits down with Ahmed Kosovac,Marketing Communications Team Lead at Naša stranka and Council Member at Općina Novo Sarajevo, to unpack how digital platforms and AI are transforming the way politics is practiced and understood. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Can Europe attain digital sovereignty? What are the limits of the EU's regulatory power? Is the dichotomy between sovereignty and a colony unavoidable? And what is Europe's digital grand strategy? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Dr José Ignacio Torreblanca, a Senior Adviser and Distinguished Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Tune in the for their talk! Watch the video recording of the conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IJWM2LHVSo This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with the Movimento Liberal Social and the Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of. Read the article: https://ecfr.eu/article/referees-dont-win-games-europe-and-the-digital-great-game/

What do Hungary’s latest election results tell us about the future of liberal politics in the country? Looking beyond the results, Andrea Virag, Director of Strategy at the Republican Institute in Budapest, joins this week's host, Ricardo Silvestre, to examine the broader picture, from the role of civil society to the future of liberal forces in the political arena, and what it will realistically take to rebuild momentum in an increasingly difficult environment. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What is the expected outcome of the upcoming parliamentary election in Hungary? What are opposition leader Péter Magyar's chances of winning? Will this be the end of the Orbán-era? Will there be any attempts at rigging the election? And if the Tisza party wins, what direction will it adopt toward the European Union and Ukraine? And how will the election influence the future of Europe? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Dr Edit Zgut-Przybylska, an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the Polish Academy of Sciences and a Research Affiliate at the CEU Democracy Institute. Tune in the for their talk! Watch the video recording of the conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jBGq4zWohk This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with the Movimento Liberal Social and the Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What’s really holding back EU enlargement ? Could new ideas like a “pooled veto” reshape how decisions are made in Europe? And what happens when EU integration starts to reverse? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) welcomes back Emil Kirjas, Vice President at Liberal International and founder of Kirjas Global Ltd. Together, they discuss the latest developments surrounding EU enlargement, unpack the growing sense of enlargement fatigue, and explore innovative and controversial concepts like pooled veto and reversed integration. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How does the war in Iran affect Europeans? What is the impact of the Greenland issue on the Danish view of NATO and the transatlantic alliance? Should the Nordic countries acquire nuclear weapons? And what does Europe's path to competitiveness look like? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a Senior Fellow at Bruegel in Brussels and at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, D.C. His research focuses on European economies, foreign direct investment, geopolitical trends, demographics, migration, and other long-term drivers of productivity and economic growth. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with the Movimento Liberal Social and the Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

In the 5th year of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, how is the civil society in Ukraine currently faring? Is the Ukrainian identity under pressure? What is the impact of the war on the mental health of people, particularly children? And what should we know about paganism? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Anna Zakletska, a Ukrainian television and radio presenter, a host of social events and a singer, a public figure, a choreographer, a director, a model, the vocalist of the Ukrainian band "Vroda". She is the host of the historical concert "Bezviz" and holds the title of the Honored Artist of Ukraine. She is also a member of the NGO "Business Ukrainian Women". Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with the Movimento Liberal Social and the Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

In this episode of the podcast, Ricardo Silvestre from Movimento Liberal Social welcomes back Dr. Antonios Nestoras, founder and director of the European Policy Innovation Council (EPIC), a Brussels-based policy think movement. Together, they discuss the implementation of the Draghi Report on European competitiveness and explore its broader political implications for Europe. The conversation examines the challenges of translating ambitious policy proposals into real action, as well as the potential impact of the report on European economic strategy and political debate. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. The European Parliament and the European Liberal Forum are not responsible for the content or for any use that may be made of it.

Cities and regions are where European politics meets everyday life. In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) welcomes Sean O'Curneen, Secretary-General of Renew Europe at the Committee of the Regions. Together they explore why the Committee of the Regions matters for Europe’s democracy, how liberals are shaping its work, the impact of liberal leadership at the local level, and what the publication 'Principles that make cities and communities liberal' reveals about the future of liberal local governance. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How is the Iranian society coping with the crackdown on the protests? What is the current state of the regime and its prospects for the future? Who is Reza Pahlavi and what might be his role in the near future? And how do Iranians view the U.S. intervention in their affairs? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Touska Gholami Khaljiri, an Iranian women’s and children’s rights activist and researcher based in Łódź, Poland, whose work bridges gender justice and grassroots activism. In Iran, she collaborated with multiple non-governmental organizations, including serving as head of a legal team and workshop facilitator, delivering prevention programs on child sexual abuse. Since relocating to Poland, she has remained actively engaged in advocacy related to Iran, organizing demonstrations in Łódź during the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement and contributing to international awareness efforts. In 2023, she was selected by Wprost magazine to represent Iranian women in receiving the SheO Award in the category of “Fight for Equality and Women’s Rights.” She is also involved in digital documentation initiatives, including contributing to the Iran Protests Timeline website, an ongoing bilingual (English–Polish) project providing a chronological record of Iran’s 2026 uprising. Tune in for their talk! Find out more about the Iran Protests Timeline here: https://iranproteststimeline.com/ This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with the Movimento Liberal Social and the Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Civil society is the backbone of democracy: citizens organizing to defend freedoms, strengthen their communities, and hold power accountable. Yet across Europe and beyond, this space is increasingly under pressure. What begins as calls for “transparency” can quickly turn into efforts to discredit and defund independent organizations. At a time of geopolitical instability and democratic backsliding, supporting civil society is not optional, it is structural to the future of European democracy. In this episode, Raquel García-Hermida van der Walle, Member of the European Parliament for D66, reflects on the growing challenges facing civic space, the political will needed for EU reform, and why defending civil society must be proactive, strategic, and long-term. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What is the future, if any, of the transatlantic relationship? Where do we stand on European sovereignty versus President Donald Trump? What should we know about the 'brave new world order' proposed by Canadian PM Mark Carney? Should Europe try to keep the United States on board as long as possible or mobilize against it? And is Europe ready for a war on multiple fronts given its internal challenges and the current aspirations of Russia and China? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Olaf Osica, a graduate of the European University Institute in Florence, a former director of the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW), and a columnist for Tygodnik Powszechny. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with the Movimento Liberal Social and the Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

We are kicking off the new season of the Liberal Europe Podcast with a thought-provoking conversation between our two hosts, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) and Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!). They talk about the animated start of 2026, the transatlantic relationship, a new world order, and what is on tap for one more year of episodes.  This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What happens when Europe’s traditional allies start to drift and its adversaries grow bolder? In this episode, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) is joined by Helmut Brandstätter, Member of the European Parliament and author of Trump, Putin and Their Puppets. The conversation explores how shifting power dynamics between Washington, Moscow, and Europe are reshaping the EU’s strategic reality. From the erosion of the transatlantic partnership to Russia’s hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns, this episode digs into what these developments mean for European democracy, security, and sovereignty. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What has the European Union actually done with the Draghi Report, and what still remains politically unresolved? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, host Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) welcomes back Member of the European Parliament and ELF Board Member Jeannette Baljeu for a reflective conversation one year after the publication of the Draghi Report. Together, they examine how the European Parliament has translated Mario Draghi’s recommendations into concrete political action, where momentum has stalled, and what structural obstacles remain. The discussion also explores the idea of the EU balancing ambition with political realism in a rapidly changing geopolitical and economic landscape. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How can Europe secure its essential resources in a turbulent geopolitical world? What does economic thought tell us about today’s geoeconomics? And why might the human mind be the true “ultimate resource”? Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) welcomes back philosopher and political economist Sven Gerst, author of the chapter “One ‘Ultimate Resource’ to Rule Them All – Lessons from Economic Thought for Today’s European Geoeconomics” in Issue #06 of the ELF’s Future of Europe Journal: Securing the Essentials in a Turbulent World – Geopolitics of Resources. Tune in for their conversation on the chapter’s main thesis and the central role of human ingenuity. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of it.

When talking about total defense, for whom and against what is it? What should the European total defense look like? Why cannot everyone be like Finland? And is total defense even possible in polarized societies? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Helena Quis, who works in the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Europe Programme as an expert on European security and resilience, focusing on total defense and civil preparedness. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How do we power a carbon-neutral Europe when the grid can’t keep up with the energy transition? From congestion and permitting delays to smart meters, digitalisation, energy data spaces, and renewable energy communities, Eloi Borgne the Junior Policy and Research Officer at the European Liberal Forum and author of Gridlocked: Unleashing European Power, breaks down the most promising solutions for building a flexible, resilient, and future-proof European grid. Together with the host Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) they look at the political tensions around cross-border connections, the lessons from the Iberian blackout, and what a stronger, more connected Energy Union could mean for Europe’s security.  This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How to deal with the weaponization of information? What is the future (if any) of independent journalism? What does public interest information mean and why should it be protected? Have we lost the shared understanding of the world? And, if that is the case, how can we restore it? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Patrice Schneider, Chief Strategy Officer at the Media Development Investment Fund. He started as a war correspondent in 1980s conflict zones, then spent two decades in media management at Hachette and Time Warner — a transition that proved surprisingly relevant. For 23 years at the Media Development Investment Fund, he has channeled that early idealism into pragmatic action — co-designing impact investment vehicles for independent media and mobilizing €171 million to fight media capture across emerging democracies. He is now turning his focus on building something entirely new: a lab reimagining public interest information that supports any form of public interest information that serves democratic sense-making. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

As global pressures reshape agriculture, Europe faces tough questions about food security, sustainability, and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy. In this episode, Jelte Wiersma, the Secretary General of the European Agricultural Machinery Industry Association (CEMA) unpacks how technology, farmer support, and smarter policy can secure Europe’s food systems in the years ahead. From fertilizer shortages to CAP reform debates, Wiersma offers a clear and grounded look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of European agriculture. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How to interpret the results of the Dutch elections? What does the return of history to European affairs really mean? Is the EU a stage or an actor in the big drama of history? And what kind of Europe is emerging from Donald Trump's efforts to dismantle the American empire and the post-1945 world order? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Luuk van Middelaar, the founding Director of Brussels Institute for Geopolitics. A political theorist, historian, and author of the prizewinning The Passage to Europe (2013), he recently published Le Réveil géopolitique de l’Europe (2022), Pandemonium (2021) and Alarums and Excursions (2019), groundbreaking accounts of the Union’s crisis politics. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

As the geopolitical balance in Europe continues to shift, the Black Sea has emerged as a key frontline in defending democracy and stability on the continent. Russia’s ongoing aggression, the unfinished dismantling of the Soviet legacy, and the struggle for control over critical trade routes and energy corridors have made the region a testing ground for the future of the liberal world order. Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) talks to Ambassador Batu Kutelia, Senior Fellow at the Delphi Global Research Center and former Ambassador of Georgia to the United States, ahead of the Black Sea Security Conference in Sofia. Together, they discuss the strategic importance of the Black Sea, NATO’s role in ensuring regional security, and the urgent need for democratic resilience in the face of authoritarian expansion. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

As the liberal world order weakens and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine persists, Europe must shift from soft to hard power to protect its democracies. This requires bolstering military strength and public resolve amid rising threats, with mainstream parties adapting their strategies. Public opinion polls expose a harsh truth: only one in three Europeans is willing to fight for their country, with youth showing the greatest reluctance. Pro-democratic parties must respond decisively. Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) talks to Goran Buldioski, co-author of ELF's Policy Paper 'From Soft to Hard Power - Several strategies for European liberals to prepare to defend their country and the continent'. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Are we witnessing the weakening of political parties? If that is the case, what are the effects of this phenomenon on democracy? Is there a market for centrist politics? Has the US turned populist? And what is the future for Argentina under President Javier Milei? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Samuel Issacharoff, the Bonnie and Richard Reiss Professor of Constitutional Law at the NYU School of Law. He is a leading figure in the study of democracy, constitutions, and the courts, and is the author of Fragile Democracies: Contested Power in the Era of Constitutional Courts and, more recently, Democracy Unmoored: Populism and the Corruption of Popular Sovereignty. He also is a leading figure in the field of procedure and complex litigation, and served as the reporter for the American Law Institute’s Principles of Aggregate Litigation. He served as a senior legal advisor to the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and has long experience as an appellate advocate in American courts. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What does it mean to live , and stay free in an age of uncertainty? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre and Leszek Jażdżewski look ahead to Freedom Games 2025 in Łódź, where liberals, thinkers, and changemakers will gather under the theme “Times of Uncertainty.” They discuss this year’s highlights, exploring how liberals can anticipate the future instead of merely reacting to crises and how Europe can turn instability into opportunity. They unpacking the rise of populism, Trump’s shadow over transatlantic politics, and Europe’s growing role as a hub for science, innovation, and democratic resilience. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Is the Green Deal dead or is it just resting? Does it make sense for Europe to create ambitious climate goals without the United States and China? And what should we know about climate-focused industrial partnerships of the European Union? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Susi Dennison, a Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), where she acts as Chief of Staff to the Director and leads the European Power programme as well as the organizational growth and transformation process. Her topics of focus include strategy, politics and cohesion in European foreign policy; climate and energy, migration, and the toolkit for Europe as a global actor. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Ever wonder what it’s like to sit in on one of ELF’s panel discussions? This week, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) brings listeners along with him to the 2024 Freedom Games in Łódź. You’ll get a front-row seat to a conversation featuring Polish MP Aleksandra Kot (Nowoczesna), and even join in on a playful political game with Ricardo and Leszek that shows how serious ideas can mix with a bit of fun. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What is the secret of the populist narrative? Why should we shy away from liberal nostalgia? And what are some of the sources of hope for the future? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Jan-Werner Müller, a Roger Williams Straus Professor of Social Sciences and a Professor of Politics at Princeton University. He works mainly in democratic theory and the history of modern political thought. He also has research interests in the relationship between architecture and politics, as well as the normative implications of the current structural transformations of the public sphere. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How can Europe build public acceptance for wind power and expand clean energy production? Why are some communities hesitant to welcome wind turbines, and what policies can shift public attitudes? In this episode, Daniel Lindvall, Senior Researcher at Climate Change Leadership, Uppsala University, joins Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) to discuss the benefits of wind power for decarbonisation, energy security, and economic growth. They explore the challenges communities face when projects are developed nearby, from local resistance and fairness concerns to the role of community benefits, taxation, and combating disinformation—while outlining key policy recommendations to strengthen acceptance of renewable energy across Europe. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What are the polls telling us about the forthcoming October election in the Czech Republic? Will Andrej Babiš come back to power? What are some of the issues and scandals that dominate the political debate ahead of the election? And what will be the Czech position on Ukraine, the NATO, and security under the new government? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Martin Ehl, a journalist and writer, a reporter of Czech economic daily Hospodářské noviny (hn.cz) since 2001; since January of 2006 till June 2018 Chief International Editor, now Chief Analyst. He was previously working in various Czech written media since 1992. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Visegrad Insight (visegradinsight.eu), and a council member of the European Council on Foreign Relations. He is covering primarily Central Europe, transatlantic relations, security issues, and business related to defense and energy. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

How can EU Member States ensure that justice systems are not only efficient, but also trusted by their citizens? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) sits down with Dr. Georgios Archontas, political philosopher and economic theorist, to explore the findings of the ELF policy paper Strengthening Justice Effectiveness in the EU Member States Measuring Quality and Perceptions Leading to Better Administration. Together, they discuss how improving the quality of justice and addressing public perceptions can lead to stronger institutions and better governance across Europe. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What game is President Donald Trump playing with Vladimir Putin? Is peace in Ukraine attainable? And what is the role of the EU in the negotiations, if any? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Piotr Buras, the Head of ECFR's Warsaw office and a Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What happens when migrants don’t just adapt to their new home, but transform it? What drives them to start businesses despite facing more obstacles than locals, and why are their ventures often more successful? And how can smart policies unlock this untapped potential? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) speaks with Roxana Nicula, Chair of the Foundation for the Advancement of Liberty (Fundalib) and co-author of Migrant Entrepreneurship in Spain, produced with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. They discuss the data and stories behind immigrant entrepreneurship, the barriers that still hold back aspiring business owners, and practical policy solutions to help them thrive. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What does Kosovo's path to the EU look like? What should we know about Kosovo's struggle for independence? What geopolitical tensions should we be aware of in the Western Balkans? And what is the situation of the Kosovar in Warsaw, Poland? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Ambassador Drilon S. Gashi, the Chief of Mission of the Consulate General of the Republic of Kosovo in Warsaw since December 2023. He has stood up Kosovo’s Consulate General as his country’s first-ever Diplomatic/Consular Mission in Poland, with himself as the Kosovo’s first-ever resident top diplomat in the country. Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What is the current political climate in Georgia? How can civic memory shape a nation’s democratic resilience? And why is political literacy more important than ever in countries on democracy’s frontlines? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) welcomes Zaza Bibilashvili, founder and Chairman of the Chavchavadze Center in Georgia. They dive into the challenges facing Georgian democracy and explore how initiatives like the New Iveria publication are working to inform, educate, and empower citizens through history, civic awareness, and principled liberal values. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Who are the challengers to the European mainstream? What are the issues that unite and divide the challengers of the European project? And what can we learn from the Italian case and Giorgia Meloni? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Teresa Coratella, the Deputy Head of the Rome office at the European Council on Foreign Relations’ (ECFR) Rome office. Tune in for their talk! Read the report: https://ecfr.eu/publication/rise-to-the-challengers-europes-populist-parties-and-its-foreign-policy-future/ This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What made the U.S. a beacon for global science — and why is that now at risk? How has the Trump-era anti-science rhetoric damaged institutions of higher education and public trust? And can the EU’s Choose Europe for Science initiative fill the gap left behind? In this episode of the Liberal Europe Podcast, Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) welcomes journalist and author Robert Whitaker, publisher of madinamerica.com. They discuss the decline of scientific leadership in the United States, the political pressures undermining academic freedom, and how the European Union can rise as a global hub for research and innovation. Whitaker also shares insights on the state of psychiatric research and the dangers of false scientific narratives. This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Why has the Portuguese politics become volatile and fragmented? What should we know about the Portuguese politicians and their conflicts of interest? How to address the problem of the Chega party and the rise of populism in Portugal? And what is the current status of the relations between Portugal and the EU? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Ricardo Silvestre, an author and a political scientist who is an Associate Fellow at the European Liberal Forum (ELF). Tune in for their talk! This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What does growing Chinese (and Russian) influence mean for South America’s political and economic future? How are governments in the region responding to pressure from Beijing? And what role do tools like the Confucius Institutes and media influence play in shaping public opinion? Ricardo Silvestre (Movimento Liberal Social) welcomes Marcos Falcone, Research Fellow at Fundación Libertad, and an Associate Professor at Universidad del CEMA. They talk about how authoritarian regimes are extending their reach in Latin America. Tune in for a conversation that uncovers the influence of China, but also of Russia, in South America, both at the economic, political, and societal level.  This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

What are the main Iranian actors and their options in the conflict with Israel? Are negotiations possible? What is the legitimacy of the regime and the potential for change from within the Iranian society? And can Eastern Europe serve as an inspiration for the Iranian reformists? Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Dr. Walter Posch, a trained orientalist who works as a Middle East expert at the Institute for Peacekeeping and Conflict Management at the National Defence Academy in Vienna. Tune in for their talk! Find out more: https://www.bmlv.gv.at/pdf_pool/publikationen/book_the_iranian_security_apparatus_posch_web.pdf This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.