Democratic space in East and Southeast Europe is shrinking. From Moscow to Budapest, the human rights and political standards liberal-democrats hold close are being divided by uncompromising, populist leaders. To coincide with the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2019, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s regional office on East and Southeast Europe (FNF – LI cooperating organisation) has produced a series of individual stories to personalise this unpicking of democratic norms.

The Think Freedom documentary series – a succession of short, personal accounts in which liberal-minded activists ask whether or how they can make a difference in their countries and how to overcome the challenges they face in trying to bring about a positive change.

The documentaries explore the motives of six campaigners across five counties.

Explaining the choice to take an active role in changing the politics of his native Romania, Sebastian Burduja says “in life you do what you mist not what you can.” Watch Sebastian’s story – an Ivy League who returned from the United States to Romania to start a political party – here:

“Think Freedom” was conceived by Dr Rainer Adam, Regional Director of FNF ESEE. FNF’s work in East and Southeast Europe covers 22 countries, including Turkey. The Foundation maintains Project Offices in six locations (Belgrade, Istanbul, Kiev, Moscow, Sofia and Tbilisi) and employs about 50 professional staff.