Atlas Network is pleased to announce the winner of the 2026 Europe Smart Bets Pitch Competition during Europe Liberty Forum in Berlin, Germany held May 21-22.

This year’s 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.

Presented by Anna Krasinskaya, the project focuses on sustaining the civic knowledge, critical thinking, and collaborative networks that free societies require in order to endure periods of democratic strain and institutional uncertainty. Through educational programming, analytical content, and platforms that expand access to independent ideas, the initiative seeks to preserve the social and intellectual foundations necessary for long-term civic resilience.

This year’s Europe Smart Bets Pitch Competition also featured two outstanding finalists advancing freedom.

Representing the 1984 Association in Turkey, Derya Özkaynak Suer presented work focused on rebuilding rational public discourse and strengthening democratic resilience through independent media, civic engagement, and leadership development in an increasingly polarized environment.

Representing Alliance of Democracies Foundation in Denmark, Christopher Klüt showcased initiatives designed to strengthen democratic cooperation globally by convening political leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to address rising authoritarianism and institutional distrust.

Together, this year’s finalists reflected both the diversity of today’s challenges to free societies and the creativity of the leaders working to address them.

Smart Bets is Atlas Network’s accelerator program supporting high-potential organizations advancing liberty around the world. Through funding, mentorship, strategic guidance, and exposure, the program helps emerging organizations scale their impact and strengthen the worldwide freedom movement. Each Smart Bets finalist receives support designed to accelerate institutional growth and long-term sustainability.