At the beginning of 2025, Russia's war against Ukraine is entering its third year. At the same time, the EU is facing many uncertainties. Starting with those related to Donald Trump's second presidential term, through intra-European ones – related to the growth of far-right and far-left groups in many EU countries, and resulting from Russia's hybrid war against Western countries. In this context, the Jan Nowak-Jeziorański College of Eastern Europe in cooperation with Austausch is publishing a report that offers answers to these threats and challenges. The report is published with the support of the Heinrich Böll Foundation Warsaw office.

Worldwide, democracy is under pressure. In this edition of the magazine Böll.Thema we introduce people who inspire us with their commitment to democratic values. Because without dedication and action, there can be no democracy. And without democracy, everything is for naught.