Hungary’s media battlefield ahead of the 2026 election

In the run-up to Hungary’s 2026 election, the battle for power is being fought not only at rallies, but also across billboards, TV studios, and Facebook feeds. After more than a decade of media capture under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, critics warn that the country’s tightly controlled media space risks turning the vote into a test not of political support, but of propaganda’s reach. Still, the question remains: what will happen afterwards
Viktória Serdült

Reviewing the Polish presidential elections

Reviewing the Polish presidential elections
Commentary

As Karol Nawrocki assumes office as president, subtle shifts reshape the Polish political landscape in the wake of the election. In the new study summarized here Przemysław Sadura and Sławomir Sierakowski explore the potential collapse of the long-standing KO-PiS duopoly and its replacement by a new duopoly on the horizon.

Paul Naumann, Joanna Maria Stolarek
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EU–Hungary rule of law clashes intensify: Kremlin-inspired crackdown on media, NGOs, and opposition parties

Analysis

With less than a year to go until the next Hungarian parliamentary elections, Viktor Orbán’s Government appears to have a weak hand in its communications battles with its new political opponent, Péter Magyar’s Tisza party. To cover up the challenges it faces, the administration has turned up the heat under the independent media, NGOs, and opposition parties, playing from the same old authoritarian playbook of threatening a free civil society.

Kata Moravecz, György Folk
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Power struggle in Warsaw – Poland faces second decisive election

A campaign bus belonging to Rafal Trzaskowski, mayor of Warsaw and candidate for the Civic Platform (PO) party in the upcoming presidential elections, drives away after a campaign event in Krakow, Poland, on 13 May 2025.
Analysis

Following the change of government in 2023, Poland once again faces a historic crossroads. An emotionally charged election campaign reflects deep social divisions – and the struggle for the country's future.

Joanna Maria Stolarek
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Politics of protest. Understanding political protest in Central Europe

The project organized in cooperation with Collegium Civitas examines recent popular protest movements in Central European countries. Six expert seminars serve to examine recent protests in Bosnia, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Romania. Invited country experts will discuss the political background, sociological causes and motivations of protests as well as organizational forms of current mobilizations. The case studies will help us to develop a common analytical framework for understanding political protest in the region. Project description.

Publications

How to make Europe secure again?

How to make Europe secure again?

Russia’s war against Ukraine and shifting US policy have reignited debate on Europe’s security. This report brings together German and Polish perspectives, offering strategic analysis and policy recommendations for the EU’s future.

Defending Equality in an Age of Democratic Decline

Report
This report by Forbidden Colours argues that the EU’s Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025 was designed for a political moment that has since shifted dramatically. Although it secured important legal advances, it failed to anticipate the rise of coordinated anti-rights movements challenging fundamental freedoms across Europe. As the EU prepares its 2026–2030 Strategy, a decisive shift is needed: gender equality must be anchored as a core pillar of democratic resilience, security and rule-of-law protection – not treated as a standalone social policy.

Actually European!? 2025

Executive summary
A majority of citizens in Germany have a positive view of the new federal government‘s pledge for a stronger leadership role in the EU, but clearly advocate for doing so in a cooperative manner. These findings come from the latest edition of our long-term study 'Actually European!?' on Germany’s role in the EU.
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Society & Participation

Our intellectual patron, Heinrich Böll, used to say: “Meddling is the only way to stay realistic”. In keeping with this motto, we support different forms of active civic participation in social life and the struggle for a democratic and friendly world. We particularly care for urban movements, digital rights and freedoms, as well as the development of green political power in Poland and the region.

Events

Partners Democracy & Human Rights

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