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From September 2 to 6, 2026, the seventh edition of the international GenNow program took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. The platform, organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), brought together young liberal leaders from across Europe to develop strategies for defending democratic values.
The Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine was represented at the event by Karyna Cheremnova.
This year's program focused on analyzing the phenomenon of populism and the rapid rise of authoritarian trends. Discussions centered around the daily normalization of destructive narratives in society and the media. Participants explored how the toleration of seemingly minor anti-democratic tendencies eventually transforms into a destructive force that weakens liberal institutions. Special attention was given to defining the key criteria that distinguish populist regimes from full-fledged autocracies.
An important component of the event was studying practical experiences in containing illiberal forces. Using the mass protests in Bulgaria as an example, the crucial role of proactive liberal youth in confronting anti-democratic practices in society was thoroughly analyzed and demonstrated.
Considering the transformation of political communication and the influence of social media on the spread of illiberal views, the summit's workflow also included practical activities. Working in media labs, participants mastered the tools for creating short videos. This component was directly aimed at building skills for effectively countering disinformation and promoting fundamental democratic ideas in the modern digital environment.
