On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the PressCentre of the Czech News Agency (ČTK) in Prague hosted a professional conference titled The Future of Free Speech, organized by the Strategeo Institute and the H21 Institute. The event drew great interest, evident not only from the full capacity of the venue but also from the lively debate that unfolded throughout the afternoon.
The conference was structured into three thematic panels, offering deeper insights into the different approaches to free speech in Europe and America, the regulation of digital platforms, and the future of media in the context of today’s technological transformation.
🔹 Panel 1: America vs. Europe
The first session focused on the philosophical and value-based aspects of free speech today. Speakers included philosopher Václav Bělohradský, president of Strategeo Jan Macháček, and Polish political scientist and diplomat Maciej Ruczaj. The panel was moderated by Adam Růžička. The panelists agreed that mainstream public discourse in the Czech Republic has dangerously narrowed and no longer integrates the periphery. They also explored in depth the differences between the American and European approaches to freedom of expression.
🔹 Panel 2: European Platform Regulation – Good, Bad, Ugly
The second panel addressed digital services and their regulation (DSA), examining benefits, pitfalls, and future prospects in a changing international landscape. Panelists Miroslav Crha from the Czech Government Office, Slovak lawyer Marián Ruňanin, and expert Oldřich Kužílek provided practical and critical insights. The session was moderated by Jan Hořeňovský. The defense of the DSA sparked a lively debate both among the panelists and with the audience.
🔹 Panel 3: The Future of Free Speech and the Fate of the Media
The final session focused on the evolving media landscape, the conditions faced by traditional media compared to social networks, and the role of public service institutions. Speakers included Petr Orálek, Strategy and Development Director at ČTK, Veselin Vačkov, editor-in-chief of the new platform Publico.cz and director of Strategeo, and Ondřej Aust, editor-in-chief of Mediář.cz. The discussion, once again moderated by Adam Růžička, featured active participation from the audience. The panelists concluded: "The Rome of old media is burning out. Some watch the fire with amusement, but what rises from the ashes will appeal mainly to barbarians and the owners of social networks."
A heartfelt thank you to all participants and guests for an inspiring afternoon!