Mission & How We Work

We are guided by our belief that freedom is only possible in democratic political systems in which governments are accountable to their own people, the rule of law prevails, and freedoms of expression, association, belief and respect for the rights of minorities and women are guaranteed. We support nonviolent civic initiatives in societies where political rights and civil liberties are denied or under threat. We also help consolidating nascent democratic transitions in countries where recent democratic breakthroughs have taken place. Freedom House Europe functions as a catalyst for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law through its analysis, advocacy, and action.

Who We Are

Freedom House Europe is a Hungarian nonprofit organization that plays a unique role in strengthening democracy and supporting human rights in Southeast Europe, the Newly Independent States and the greater European Neighborhood.

Established in 1995 and serving as Freedom House's main European hub, Freedom House Europe works with partners throughout the region to advocate for change and reform by facilitating transfers of experience in analysis, advocacy and direct action on national, regional, and international levels.

Our identity is at once global and local. We derive our strength from both being an integral part of the global Freedom House family and from our unique experience of having been a catalyst for democratic change in the heart of Europe. Now we are utilizing this distinctive identity and this valuable experience to support others in their quest for freedom and democracy, and to safeguard our and others' achievements in building strong, representative democracies, where individual freedoms and political rights are respected and protected.

How We Work

Our work combines analysis, advocacy, and action to achieve its goal of advancing and safeguarding freedom, democracy, and human rights.

Analysis: Freedom House has long been recognized as the definitive source of information on the state of freedom and democracy around the globe. Freedom House Europe is the editorial office for Nations in Transit one of Freedom House's flagship publications and one of the most comprehensive annual assessments of democratization and governance for 29 countries and territories from Central Europe to Eurasia.

Advocacy: Freedom House Europe helps focus the attention of European leaders and publics on core issues of freedom, democracy, and human rights and encourages policymakers to adopt strategies that support democratic change and respect for human rights and civil liberties.

Action: By providing training, technical and material support, and genuine partnership to democracy and human rights advocates, Freedom House Europe assists the advance of indigenous reform efforts in the countries it works in.