Overcoming Challenges [4liberty.eu Newsletter]

The February issue of the 4liberty.eu Newsletter provides an overview of the articles published on the 4liberty.eu website, serving as a starting point for further exploration.

IME: Bulgaria and Euro: Time for Clear Vision of Growth and Prosperity

Bulgaria has adopted the euro. After more than 28 years under a currency board arrangement, the country is entering a new stage of its development. The bank failures and hyperinflation of 1996–1997 wiped out people’s savings and pushed Bulgaria to the bottom of Europe, below 30% of the EU average in GDP per capita in purchasing power parity by the end of the 1990s.

Robert Chovanculiak (INESS): Paleo Brain in Global Economy

In nature, it is common for organisms to adapt to their environment through evolutionary processes. Giraffes in the savannah have long necks, and camels in the desert have humps with fat. However, humans are the only species that have gradually adapted their environment to their needs. We have built cities and developed sanitary and energy infrastructure. We have created our own niche.

European Liberal Forum and Liberte!: Is European Sovereignty a Real Possibility? with Olaf Osica [PODCAST]

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.

Bendukidze Free Market Center: Ukraine’s Accession into the EU: Monitoring Update

In the end of 2025, progress on Ukraine’s reforms showed mixed results. While there was some improvement in certain areas, others slowed down or even raised concerns.

Milosz Hodun & Michal Tecza (Projekt Polska): Overcoming Challenges: Political Realignment and Revival of the Civil Union Debate in Poland

Poland stands at a decisive moment in the debate over legal recognition for same-sex couples. After years of political stalemate and institutional resistance, a shift in parliamentary power in 2023 created renewed momentum for reform. The emergence of a broad democratic coalition — spanning from the left to the centre-right — has reopened legislative space for civil unions. Yet political realignment alone does not guarantee success. The current stage of the debate reveals both opportunity and fragility.

Martynas Gruodis (LFMI): Real Test of 2026: Responsibility or Dependence?

The year 2025 was decisive for Lithuania – not only geopolitically, but economically. Defence spending increased significantly, while tax and pension reforms reshaped the policy landscape. Yet beneath these headline decisions lies a deeper question, one that extends far beyond Lithuania: are we strengthening the foundations of long-term prosperity, or shifting responsibility ever further towards the state?