Saturday, February 7, 2026

U.S. plans funding push for ‘free speech’ groups across Europe

US to fund free speech groups in Europe
Stock photo.

The United States State Department is reportedly planning to fund think tanks, charities, and activist groups in Europe aligned with pro-free-speech positions, according to the Financial Times.

The initiative, reportedly led by State Department official Sarah Rogers, would focus on supporting organisations in cities including London, Paris, Berlin, and Brussels, and would target legislation such as the EU’s Digital Services Act and the UK’s Online Safety Act.

US officials describe the effort as a lawful way to promote American interests and values, while critics in Europe fear it could be used to influence political dynamics.



The reported strategy follows previous US funding of civil society groups in Europe and comes amid broader tensions between Washington and European governments over speech laws, immigration, and geopolitical priorities.

Image credit: Mylo Kaye

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