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.
Comment AWARD 👇 to learn more about each of our finalists!
What are the most effective freedom leaders in Europe focused on right now?
At Europe Liberty Forum 2026, the conversation goes deeper:
• How to compete and win in the marketplace of ideas
• How to reach beyond the usual audiences for liberty
• How to advance reform in complex political environments
Featuring voices like Martin Ågerup, Diana Năsulea, and Juan Pina—leaders who are actively putting these ideas into practice.
Over two days in Berlin, participants will exchange strategies, challenge assumptions, and build relationships with peers across the freedom movement.
That’s the difference: Atlas Network connects leaders, raises standards, and accelerates what works.
📍 May 21–22 | Berlin
👉 Comment BERLIN and we’ll send you the full speaker lineup.
In response to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, Atlas Network CEO Brad Lips has issued the following statement:
“I’m thrilled that the world’s attention is now focused on the courage of María Corina Machado and her long pursuit to restore democratic norms and respect for human rights in Venezuela. All of us at Atlas Network celebrate this well-deserved recognition, having followed her commitment to peace and freedom for more than two decades. I appreciate that the Nobel Committee’s announcement of her winning the Nobel Peace Prize plainly affirms what we’ve long held to be true: That Venezuela suffers under a dictatorship and Maria, and her allies in the freedom movement, are working to restore democracy.”
Atlas Network has a long professional relationship with Machado, who gave a speech at the organization’s annual Freedom Dinner in 2009, commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall. Pro-freedom think tanks in Venezuela were among the very first Atlas Network partners in the early 1980s, promoting the ideas behind the movement for human rights and democratic norms in Venezuela that inspire the country’s residents to this day. Machado has tirelessly strived to promote democracy and fight dictatorship in her country, and Atlas Network will continue to stand by her side—and alongside all of the world’s freedom’s champions—every step of the way. #atlasnetwork #freedomfighters #freedomchampions #mariacorinamachado #nobelpeaceprize #nobelprize #freedommovement
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.
Comment PODCAST, and we’ll send you the full episode! 👇
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. Comment PODCAST, and we’ll send you the link! 👇
When Katherine Loughead was promoted to Director of State Tax Projects at the Tax Foundation, she stepped into leadership with new responsibilities.
Drawing on what she learned at Leader Lab, Katherine introduced a more intentional approach to monthly check-ins with her direct reports to provide space for consistent, candid conversations that reinforce what’s working and address challenges early.
The result?
A stronger team. More trust. Continuous improvement.
That’s the power of Leader Lab.
Leader Lab is a 3-day immersive program designed for rising leaders across Atlas Network’s community—equipping them to transition into leadership roles with practical tools, coaching from experienced peers, and hands-on application.
We’re now accepting applications for the next cohort, which will be held in New York City ahead of Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner.
🗓 November 7–9, 2026
📝 Applications: May 1 → June 6
If you’ve recently stepped into a leadership role, or are preparing to, apply today.
Comment LEADER and we’ll send you the info 👇
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.
To learn more, comment CAREERS and we’ll send you the info! 👇
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.
Comment FUNDRAISING, and we'll send you a message with the application link.
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.
Comment PODCAST and we’ll send you the full episode.
Whether you're at a Regional Liberty Forum or our Liberty Forum and Freedom Dinner, you will find a welcoming place to connect with like-minded individuals. Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations—great friendships and insights await!
Attention Leader Lab Alumni 📣
Applications close this week for the Mid-Level Mentorship Program—the next step in your leadership journey.
You’ve already built the foundation. Now you're navigating real challenges:
managing teams, balancing priorities, leading up, and delivering results.
This program is designed for *that* stage.
→ Monthly cohort sessions with seasoned leaders
→ Real-time problem solving with peers
→ Practical tools you can apply immediately
This isn’t more theory. It's intentional support while you lead.
Spots are limited. Apply by April 19. Details are in your email. Reach out to Alex Sloane if you have additional questions.
👀Not a Leader Lab alum?
👉Explore our leadership courses and learn how we equip young professionals to grow as effective leaders. Comment LEADER and we'll send you the info!
We honor the life and legacy of Dan Grossman, a visionary leader, dedicated philanthropist, and longtime champion of freedom. Dan retired at 50 to devote more than 30 years to building institutions that defend individual liberty. Rest in peace, Dan. Your dedication to liberty lives on.
@atlasnetwork
#liberty #freedom
