Good ideas need strong institutions behind them. After Greece’s 2009 financial crisis, Nicos Rompapas devoted himself to KEFiM — now one of Greece’s most influential think tanks. In Freedom’s Champion, he shares how Atlas Network helped KEFiM build capacity for lasting impact. hubs.la/Q04lgGL80

Congratulations to this year’s Europe Smart Bets Pitch Competition winner. 🎉 Presented by Anna Krasinskaya, the winning initiative was recognized for its work strengthening civic education, preserving independent analysis, and supporting intellectual exchange in environments shaped by censorship, polarization, and political pressure. The project focuses on sustaining the critical thinking, civic knowledge, and collaborative networks that free societies depend on — helping ensure that the foundations for open dialogue and democratic resilience remain strong even during periods of uncertainty and institutional strain. This year’s competition also featured two outstanding finalists: 🇹🇷 1984 Association, represented by Derya Özkaynak Suer, for its work rebuilding rational public discourse and strengthening democratic resilience through independent media, civic engagement, and leadership development in Turkey. 🇩🇰 Alliance of Democracies Foundation, represented by Christopher Klüt, for its efforts to strengthen democratic cooperation globally by convening political leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to confront rising authoritarianism and institutional distrust. Smart Bets is Atlas Network’s accelerator program supporting high-potential organizations advancing liberty around the world through funding, mentorship, strategic guidance, and long-term support. Together, this year’s finalists demonstrated the courage, creativity, and leadership needed to strengthen free societies in a rapidly changing world. Learn more: hubs.ly/Q04kPvyR0

Last call for applications! Visit hubs.la/Q04jYcqb0

When Faisal Saeed Al Mutar arrived in the United States from Iraq, one of the first questions people asked him was: "What do you think about the Iraq War?" His answer was always the same: "It's complicated." Growing up, Faisal lived under Saddam Hussein's regime. After the regime fell, his neighborhood became a center of Al Qaeda activity during Iraq's civil conflict. Like many Iraqis, he experienced firsthand how authoritarianism, extremism, and instability can shape a society. But he also saw something many people in the West miss. The Middle East is not one story. It is not only conflict. It is not only extremism. It is not only authoritarianism. Across the region, entrepreneurs are building businesses. Reformers are challenging the status quo. Educators are expanding access to knowledge. Citizens are working to create freer and more prosperous societies. That belief led Faisal to found Ideas Beyond Borders, an Atlas Network partner dedicated to expanding access to the ideas of freedom, entrepreneurship, scientific inquiry, and open debate throughout the Middle East. It also inspired Middle East Uncovered, a project devoted to telling the stories that rarely make Western headlines—and challenging the idea that a region of hundreds of millions of people can be understood through a single narrative. In this episode of the Atlas Network Podcast, Faisal challenges the assumption that the future of the Middle East has already been written. "The Middle East's future is not predetermined." It's a powerful reminder that societies are not trapped by their past, cultures are not fixed, and the stories we tell can shape the possibilities we see for the future. 🎧 Listen to Faisal's full conversation on the Atlas Network Podcast. f.mtr.cool/wzlooghxjy

🌍 In less than two months, freedom champions from across Africa will gather in Accra, Ghana, for our Africa Liberty Forum. Africa Liberty Forum brings together think tank leaders, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, philanthropists, and civil society innovators working to expand opportunity, strengthen institutions, and advance freedom across the continent. Attendees will hear from leaders tackling the opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s future, share practical solutions, and build connections with others committed to creating lasting change in their communities. Africa Liberty Forum will also spotlight two exciting opportunities for organizations advancing freedom. Africa Liberty Award recognizes organizations achieving meaningful impact in their countries, while the Smart Bets Pitch Competition showcases innovative organizations with bold ideas to expand freedom and opportunity. Last year’s honorees offer just a glimpse of the remarkable work being advanced across Africa. South Africa’s Institute of Race Relations received the 2025 Africa Liberty Award for its Champions for Growth Project, a thought leadership initiative focused on boosting economic growth, reducing unemployment, and advancing free-market reforms in South Africa. Meanwhile, Kathya Berrada of the Arab Center for Research won the 2025 Africa Smart Bets Pitch Competition with a vision to launch Free Market Policy Bootcamps across universities, helping equip the next generation of leaders with the ideas and tools to advance freedom in their communities. These leaders represent the creativity, courage, and determination driving progress across the continent—and this year’s Africa Liberty Forum will bring together many more. Learn more: hubs.ly/Q04jYmLf0

After attending Leader Lab last year, Rafael Moredo of Livres brought what he learned back to his team in Brazil. “Since Leader Lab, I established some regular feedback meetings with my team,” Rafael shared. “Each month, we sit together, and I use what I learned to help them develop the best skills.” Those leadership lessons became especially important when Rafael stepped into a larger challenge: coordinating the creation of Livres’ public policy handbook. “For the first time, I had to coordinate the creation of our public policy handbook. It’s a very large project, and I had to talk to stakeholders and manage a large team, so what I learned was very helpful. I think we did a great job.” Leader Lab equips rising managers in the freedom movement with practical tools to lead teams, manage complexity, and turn ideas into action. Are you an aspiring leader or manager in your organization looking to strengthen your leadership skills? Applications for Leader Lab close June 6. Learn more and apply at hubs.la/Q04jZvBP0

Freedom Research Association has been named the winner of the 2026 Europe Liberty Award 🏆 At a time when democratic institutions in Turkey face mounting pressure, Freedom Research Association has become one of the country’s leading independent voices defending the rule of law, constitutional government, and liberal reform. Through its Promoting Structural Reforms in Turkey initiative, the organization has spent six years building one of the country’s most comprehensive roadmaps for institutional accountability and structural reform—shaping parliamentary debate, informing legislative proposals, and preserving space for principled advocacy in an increasingly difficult environment. This recognition reflects more than a single achievement. It represents the long-term work of courageous leaders willing to defend the institutions of a free society through serious research, public engagement, and principled persistence. Through Atlas Network’s Coach, Compete, Celebrate!® model, we help freedom champions strengthen their leadership, pursue ambitious reforms, and inspire others across the worldwide freedom movement. Learn more: hubs.la/Q04j5_s40

Three rising organizations. Three bold ideas. One Smart Bets Pitch Competition in Berlin. At Europe Liberty Forum 2026, these organizations will compete in Atlas Network’s Smart Bets Pitch Competition — an accelerator program supporting high-potential freedom champions with funding, mentorship, and long-term strategic support. Meet this year’s Europe competitors: 🇹🇷 1984 Association (Turkey) As democratic norms erode and polarization deepens in Turkey, 1984 Association is rebuilding the space for rational public debate. Through independent media, civic education, and leadership development, they are equipping a new generation of public intellectuals to strengthen democratic resilience and expand thoughtful public discourse. 🇦🇹 INPEA (Austria) INPEA is strengthening civic education, independent analysis, and intellectual exchange for communities navigating censorship, fragmentation, and political pressure. Their work helps preserve the skills, networks, and ideas that free societies depend on. 🇩🇰 Alliance of Democracies Foundation (Denmark) At a time when authoritarian governments are increasingly coordinated, Alliance of Democracies is convening global leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and activists to strengthen democratic cooperation and defend freedom around the world through initiatives like the Copenhagen Democracy Summit. Why does Smart Bets matter? Because the future of freedom depends on identifying courageous organizations early — before they become globally recognized institutions. Smart Bets helps emerging organizations scale their impact through grants, mentorship, visibility, and strategic support. These finalists are tackling some of the world’s toughest challenges: democratic decline, censorship, disinformation, polarization, and institutional distrust. This is an opportunity to support organizations while they are still in high-growth stages — when catalytic investment can dramatically accelerate long-term impact. Who are you placing your bet on? 👀 Let us know below 👇

Nicos Rompapas didn’t begin his career planning to run a think tank. He built a successful career in the private sector and believed good ideas would naturally win out over time. Then Greece’s financial crisis changed everything. As the country spiraled into economic collapse, free markets were blamed, populism surged, and the future of liberal democracy in Greece suddenly felt uncertain. That was the moment Nicos realized ideas don’t defend themselves. So he left the corporate world and devoted himself full-time to KEFiM, the Center for Liberal Studies in Greece. But many people doubted him. Some told him building an organization focused on economic freedom in Greece was impossible. Others said nobody wanted to hear classical liberal ideas anymore. He did it anyway. In those early years, Atlas Network helped KEFiM grow from a volunteer-driven effort into one of Greece’s most influential think tanks through training, mentorship, grant support, and connections to the global freedom movement. Today, KEFiM continues advancing economic freedom, tax reform, and data-driven policy solutions in Greece while helping shape the national conversation around liberty and reform. As Nicos explains: “Before deciding if you can succeed or not, you have to try.” Atlas Network supports courageous leaders who step forward when freedom needs defenders. Learn more and listen to the full episode at AtlasNetwork.org/podcasts

The Europe Liberty Award is more than recognition. It is part of Atlas Network’s long-term strategy to strengthen the worldwide freedom movement by identifying high-performing organizations, investing in their growth, and elevating their achievements as models for others. This year’s finalists are advancing freedom through institutional reform, economic freedom, and liberty-centered education: 🇹🇷 Freedom Research Association is defending democratic institutions and advancing structural reforms that strengthen accountability and the rule of law in Turkey. 🇪🇸 Institut Ostrom Catalunya is reducing government-imposed barriers to enterprise and helping create a freer environment for entrepreneurship and innovation. 🇱🇹 Lithuanian Free Market Institute is preparing the next generation to understand freedom not as an abstraction, but as lived responsibility and human agency. Through our Coach, Compete, Celebrate® approach, Atlas Network helps freedom champions: ✔ grow as leaders ✔ pursue bigger opportunities ✔ learn from peers across countries ✔ turn local victories into lasting momentum Freedom survives because people and institutions are willing to defend it, strengthen it, and pass it on to the next generation. Learn more at hubs.la/Q04g9NzX0

Ukraine’s future won’t just be rebuilt with roads and buildings. It will be rebuilt by young people who understand responsibility, opportunity, and economic freedom. That’s why Atlas Network partner Bendukidze Free Market Center is training educators, reaching thousands of students, and bringing engaging economic education into classrooms across Ukraine — even during war. Their programs have already: • Reached more than 100,000 students • Distributed over 50,000 economics textbooks • Trained hundreds of teachers • Expanded economic education opportunities across Ukraine As Nataliya Melnyk says: “Children are only 20% of the population, but they are 100% of our future.” Atlas Network supports courageous leaders building freer, more prosperous societies — one student at a time. Learn more about Nataliya, Bendukidze Free Market Center’s work and listen to the full episode — at f.mtr.cool/ijdrvidkxq

What does it take to win for liberty in Europe? At Europe #LibertyForum in Berlin, leaders are tackling three critical challenges: • Competing in the marketplace of ideas (Martin Ågerup) • Reaching beyond the echo chamber (Diana Năsulea) • Building credibility in complex political environments (Juan Pina) This isn’t just discussion—it’s where strategies are tested, refined, and shared across Atlas Network’s community of freedom champions. 📍 May 21–22 Full agenda: hubs.la/Q04fmzX20

Now Open: Leader Lab Applications 📣 🗓 November 7–9, 2026 📝 Applications: May 1 → June 6 If you’ve recently stepped into a leadership role—or are preparing to—apply today. hubs.la/Q04f9_DZ0

Atlas Network Academy is growing! 🚀 If you’re excited about the prospect of working with freedom champions from across the globe and have a passion for promoting free-market solutions through high quality virtual education experiences, this is the job for you. We’re hiring an Online Learning Associate who will play a vital role in delivering world-class trainings to our partners. Visit hubs.la/Q04dSdKX0 for more info on how to apply! 👈

Behind every major win for freedom is a team that knows how to sustain the fight. That’s why Atlas Network invests in leaders, not just ideas. 👉Kristy Koehler (Alberta Institute) called Fundraising 360 “the best of the 360 programs,” pointing to the mentorship and relationships that are already shaping how her team grows support for their work advancing freedom in Canada. 👉Houston Reese (California Policy Center) came at a pivotal moment in his career, and left with stronger relationships, sharper strategy, and the confidence to bring more supporters into the mission of limiting government overreach. 👉Ron Nate (Idaho Freedom Foundation) put it simply: Fundraising 360 is “a must” for organizations serious about strengthening their development capacity and scaling their impact. This is how Atlas Network strengthens the freedom movement: We connect principled leaders, raise their standards, and equip them to build the support they need to take on bigger fights. Fundraising 360 is the capstone of that process, where strategy, community, and ambition come together. 📅 Applications close May 11. If you’re building an organization that advances freedom and you’re ready to grow your impact, this is where you take the next step. Apply today: hubs.la/Q04dsrQQ0

From a college classroom to a nationwide movement—Jorge Velarde-Rosso is building the next generation of freedom champions in Bolivia. Through Libera Bolivia’s Leadership Incubator and new Accelerator, young leaders aren’t just learning ideas—they’re preparing to challenge government overreach, expand opportunity, and shape their country’s future. This is how Atlas Network strengthens the freedom movement: by investing in people who will carry the fight for liberty forward. Watch the full conversation at atlasnetwork.org/podcasts

We are honored to welcome Dr. Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer, as a keynote speaker at this year’s Europe Liberty Forum in Berlin, co-hosted with Prometheus, which will be held May 21-22, 2026. Under his leadership, Axel Springer has grown into one of the most influential digital publishing companies in the world, with major media brands including Politico, Business Insider, Bild, and Die Welt, reaching audiences across Europe and the United States. Operating across more than 40 countries, the company plays a central role in shaping public discourse on democracy, free expression, and the transatlantic relationship. Dr. Döpfner is not only a leading media executive, but a practitioner of the principles that underpin a free society, building and leading institutions that reflect a commitment to open markets, independent journalism, and democratic values. His perspective is informed by decades at the forefront of media, technology, and cultural change. In Berlin, he will share insights on the future of free expression, the role of media in democratic resilience, and Europe’s place in an increasingly complex global landscape. For a full list of speakers and the forum agenda visit: hubs.la/Q04d8QFH0

Discover new connections and powerful ideas at our Regional Liberty Forums and our Liberty Forum and Freedom Dinner in New York City. Your community for advancing freedom is here. Register or get updates: hubs.la/Q04d8y8Z0 #LibertyForum #AtlasNetwork