We are a platform for experts and intellectuals from Central and Eastern Europe, embodying the liberal environment, to share their opinions and ideas.

Labubus, with their naughty smiles, have stolen their way into most homes with kids, but their colorful furs hold a sinister secret. They are the newest presentation of a Chinese soft power takeover. With the US clogging up its channels of influence, we had better prepare for a wave of Chinafication. Soft power is marked by the promotion of positive values.

According to Yalom, the experience of loss is present in almost every decision we make, as saying yes to one thing simultaneously means saying no to another. This tension manifests in everyday situations, such as when choosing one scoop of ice cream from a vast selection. Many rely on familiar routines, others seek the healthiest or newest flavors, and some conform to the preferences of their social group or family.

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).

The government’s migration strategy is disappointing. The long-awaited comprehensive document turns out to be a brief collection of short statements lacking deeper analysis. However, one can hope that this document is merely a starting point for a broader debate on a genuine migration strategy, which will soon be presented. This communication outlines three potential opportunities and three key risks that may arise from the proposed approach.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s and Minister Andrzej Domański’s speech at the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) has generated significant attention in the media. Using bold historical comparisons, the Prime Minister presented a bright vision of Poland surpassing Western countries in living standards. The key to achieving this goal, he argued, lies in investment.