The review of the work of the Heinrich Böll Foundation in the year 2021 is overshadowed by Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. In addition, two other serious crises are keeping the world in their grip: the climate catastrophe and the continued implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. The major crises of our time are occurring against the backdrop of an ongoing rise of autocracies and a massive restriction of democratic liberties. Despite all this, democratic movements are standing up for their rights, fighting corruption and repression, and challenging governments – some of them with our support.
