Heartland Central Europe is the Central European arm of The Heartland Institute, one of the world’s leading free-market think tanks dedicated to advancing individual liberty, economic freedom, and open debate on public policy issues, including climate and energy policy.

Built on a foundation of science-based research and rigorous policy analysis, Heartland Central Europe is committed to challenging climate alarmism, excessive regulation, and politically driven initiatives such as Net Zero policies that threaten economic growth and energy security across Europe.

Led by Mariusz Zagórski in Warsaw, Heartland Central Europe works to engage policymakers, academics, business leaders, and the public throughout the region by providing evidence-based research and practical policy solutions that support freedom, innovation, and prosperity.

For more than 40 years, The Heartland Institute has played a major role in international policy discussions, collaborating with respected scientists, economists, and public policy experts to promote market-oriented solutions and challenge regulatory overreach. Heartland has organized 15 International Conferences on Climate Change across the United States, Europe, and Australia, creating a global platform for scientific dialogue and international cooperation.

Through initiatives such as the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change (NIPCC), launched in 2008 as an independent alternative to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), The Heartland Institute has become a recognized voice for balanced, evidence-driven climate discussions.

The launch of Heartland Central Europe represents an important step in expanding these efforts throughout Central and Eastern Europe. By bringing together policymakers, researchers, business leaders, and advocates for economic freedom, Heartland Central Europe seeks to encourage meaningful dialogue and advance policies that strengthen prosperity, energy security, and individual freedom.

Our Mission

At Heartland Central Europe, we believe in the principles of:

  • Individual Liberty: Empowering individuals and communities while reducing unnecessary government intervention and regulation.
  • Economic Prosperity: Supporting policies that encourage innovation, investment, entrepreneurship, and long-term growth.
  • Science-Based Policy: Promoting rigorous research and evidence-based analysis to challenge alarmist narratives and support informed decision-making.
  • Energy Security: Advocating for reliable, affordable, and diversified energy policies that protect economic competitiveness and national sovereignty.

Our Team

Mariusz Zagórski, PhD

Executive Director of Heartland Central Europe

Academic, PR specialist, political advisor, entrepreneur, former speechwriter to the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda. On behalf of the Polish government, he was responsible for organizing the 3rd European Games Kraków-Małopolska 2023. As a Board advisor to the Independent Farmers’ Trade Union “Solidarity”, he focuses mainly on finding connections between farmers and entrepreneurs from different countries and on supporting technology transfer.