Presented at the Conference: Central Europe on Its Own Path
October 24-26, 2025, in Prague, Czechia
By Viktor Kostov, Ph.D.
Introduction
As the world becomes increasingly polarized and global governance structures show signs of ideological and institutional fatigue, regions with shared historical, cultural, and spiritual legacies are rethinking their place within the international order. Central Europe, including South-Eastern Europe, both long defined by complex political heritage and strong cultural identities, stand today at a crossroads.
There is a growing awareness among intellectuals, policymakers, and citizens alike that the time may be ripe for a renewed form of political unity—one that respects national sovereignty while enabling greater cooperation. In this presentation, I will argue that the most viable and sustainable path for such unity is a confederacy, not a federation or supranational government. Furthermore, the foundation of this confederacy must rest on a firm ideological platform rooted in classical human rights, derived from Christian values and traditions.
This is not merely a call for regional integration, but a vision for a principled and pragmatic political project—one that reconciles freedom and order, identity and cooperation, sovereignty and solidarity.
Why a Confederacy?
- Pragmatic Formation and Structure
A confederacy offers a realistic, low-cost, and relatively swift path to institutional cooperation. Unlike a federation, which requires a deep and often irreversible pooling of sovereignty, a confederacy allows member states to retain their independence while creating joint governance mechanisms to pursue common goals.
Another model, already proposed by Mr. Zdeněk Koudelka, is a confederation with a shared head of state — and why not a king?[1] The argument is that legitimate authority derives from God, rather than emerging from within politically driven individuals or parties. As a result, the risks of corruption associated with elections could be reduced. The ruling dynasty could be selected from among the heirs of former royal families.
However, this historically tried and tested model is not without its drawbacks — at least at this stage of the discussion. First, inherited power does not necessarily prevent corruption; in some cases, it may even enable it. Second, the role of the Christian faith in the state has been significantly weakened, particularly after decades of communist rule and the subsequent rise of consumerism. Third, monarchies — or monarchic models — are often viewed with skepticism in today’s predominantly pro-republican climate. This is not a critique of the proposed model, but rather an acknowledgment of potential challenges it may face.
Thus, it seems that a confederacy with a rotating head of state may be more appealing to those who would join such a union of Central and South-East European nations.
The proposed steps are simple and immediately actionable:
- Each state forms a Ministry for the Central European Confederation (CEC) to serve as the executive liaison.
- Parliaments create a CEC Commission, offering a legislative framework and oversight.
- A Confederate Council (CC) is formed, with each state appointing a representative and agreeing to a rotating chairmanship.
- A Peoples’ Commission may involve representatives of the people for monitoring the protection of popular interest and human rights in the process of confederate governance.
Such a system can be set up in a reasonably short time. Once established, regular meetings can begin to discuss trade, defense, education, and foreign policy coordination.
- Respecting Sovereignty and National Identity
Central European and South-East European countries have emerged from the shadow of empires and totalitarian regimes. Their peoples place high value on national sovereignty, cultural independence, and historical memory. Any political project that ignores these deeply rooted values is bound to fail or face public resistance.
A confederacy, by definition, preserves national identity and independent governance, while facilitating structured cooperation. It respects the contextual perception of freedom and dignity that has evolved in Central and Eastern Europe. Unlike centralized systems, it empowers nations rather than subjugates them.
The Role of Classical Human Rights
- The Christian Foundations of Human Dignity
To build a viable and morally grounded political union, we must revisit the original meaning of human rights—rooted not in relativistic modern ideologies, but in classical humanism and Christian theology.
At the heart of the Christian message is the belief that every human being is created in the image of God—imbued with intrinsic dignity, freedom, and moral capacity. This view is foundational to the concepts of:
- Freedom of conscience
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of assembly
- Right to life and property
- Equality before the law
These rights are not invented by governments—they are inherent. Governments, especially within a confederacy, are to recognize and protect these rights, not manufacture or manipulate them.
- The Apostolic Example of Civil Disobedience
Historical Christianity does not equate with blind obedience to the state. In Acts chapters 4 and 5, we see the Apostles defying orders to stop preaching the Gospel. They chose to obey God rather than men. This is not an act of rebellion, but of principled civil disobedience—a recognition that moral truth transcends state power.
Such examples are foundational for the development of rule of law, freedom of religion, and checks on authoritarianism. These concepts later evolved into constitutional government across Europe.
Even as Enlightenment thinkers secularized these values, their roots remained firmly planted in Christian soil. The confederacy must, therefore, embrace this heritage not as dogma, but as a civilizational foundation—a unifying moral compass.
The Importance of Christian Cultural Identity
- Christian Principles Without Theocracy
The confederacy must not mandate religious adherence or become a theocracy. However, it must be guided by Christian cultural values, traditions, and ethical frameworks. These offer a common ground for member states whose societies were shaped by centuries of Christian civilization.
Christianity (or any ideology) must not dominate institutions but rather inform the ethical and legal frameworks—just as liberal democracies are informed by the Enlightenment, or as socialist systems are informed by Marxism. If modern progressive ideologies are allowed to shape public policy, why should Christians not articulate and apply their own worldview?
This heritage includes:
- The natural family as the basic unit of society
- The dignity of labor and care for the vulnerable
- The sanctity of life
- Moral responsibility tied to freedom
- An understanding of justice rooted in truth, not ideology
These are not merely religious doctrines; they are cultural cornerstones, shared by the peoples of Central Europe regardless of denominational differences.
Obstacles to Confederacy and Rights-Based Governance
- Ideological Opposition
The greatest threat to such a project is not military or economic—it is ideological subversion. Progressive, neo-Marxist, and “woke” ideologies have increasingly dominated Western institutions. These are often backed by powerful transnational corporations and NGOs, including entities like the World Economic Forum (WEF), which openly advocate for centralized global governance. And it is indisputable that Central Europe has significant ties with the West and is hence influenced by these negative trends.
These movements seek to redefine human rights by detaching them from moral and natural law, instead constructing "rights" around personal desires, identity politics, and relativism.
Examples of such distortions include:
- The so-called right to change one’s sex
- The redefinition of marriage without regard for natural complementarity
- The prioritization of subjective “identities” over objective biological and moral realities
These are not authentic rights; they are policy agendas. Including them within a constitutional or legal framework corrupts the very idea of rights, transforming them into tools of social engineering.
- Internal Divisions
Another obstacle is fragmentation within the conservative and national movements across Central Europe. Disagreements on relatively minor issues—be they historical disputes, language differences, or trade policy—must not derail the larger vision. Unity in diversity is achievable, but only if participants adopt a bigger-picture mindset.
- Lack of Public Awareness and Political Will
Without broad public understanding and enthusiasm, no political project will succeed. Right now, the idea of a Central European Confederacy remains relatively obscure. Political elites often dismiss it as utopian or unnecessary, while media focus remains on Brussels, Washington, or Moscow.
Furthermore, many current political parties lack the vision, courage, or integrity to lead such a transformative initiative. New leadership must arise—committed, educated, and morally grounded.
- Risks of Hegemony by One State
The confederacy must be an alliance of equals. No state, no matter how economically or militarily strong, should seek to dominate. Instead, leadership must be rotating and representative, with decisions made through consensus rather than coercion. Trust will only be built if power is shared and balanced.
Toward a Visionary and Viable Confederacy
A confederacy rooted in classical human rights and Christian civilization is more than a political aspiration—it is a moral necessity in a time of civilizational uncertainty.
By preserving national identities while creating collective strength, it can protect Central Europe from both ideological colonization and geopolitical manipulation.
It can become:
- A voice of sanity in global debates
- A bastion for the natural family
- A defender of real human rights
- A beacon of principled governance
But this will only happen if its foundation is built on truth, dignity, and courage—not expediency. (These and other principles are outlined in the Addendum to this presentation offering a Sample Founding Charter of the Central European Confederation.)
Conclusion
The Central European Confederacy must be founded quickly, but not hastily. It must be ideologically grounded, but not rigid. And most importantly, it must be people-centered, with classical human rights and Christian values at its core.
Without these principles, it will merely become another bureaucratic construct. With them, it may just become a model for 21st-century governance in a world searching for direction.
Let us take this opportunity—not only to protect our nations—but to renew the idea of Europe itself.
[1] Zdeněk Koudelka. What is the most appropriate model for closer cooperation between Central European countries? In Saint Adalbert and Central Europe. PSA, 2021. P. 53-61.
