In the media | Europeum

MF DNES | Pellegrini's first foreign trip will take him to the Czech Republic

April 08, 2024

The newly elected Slovak President Peter Pellegrini will follow a long-standing tradition and his first foreign trip will be to the Czech Republic. This is despite the cooling of diplomatic relations between the countries. According to Kristína Chlebáková, project manager of EUROPEUM Institute, the relations are still highly superior and the new Slovak president will not want to disturb them. She commented on the future of Czech-Slovak diplomatic relations for the daily MF DNES.

TN.cz | Two months until the European Parliament elections

April 05, 2024

The remaining two months until the European Parliament elections in June represent a crucial period for political debate and public discussion. What kind of issues will resonate across Europe? And can we expect a strengthening of nationalist parties? EUROPEUM Institute analyst Vít Havelka commented on the upcoming elections for TN.cz.

TV Nova | Despite the Green Deal, the Czech Republic still faces issues with excessive emissions

April 04, 2024

The Czech Republic ranks among countries with highest emissions, with industrial and domestic heating being the main source. From 2027 onwards, new measures will be implemented, affecting households and automobiles, as part of the European commitment to the Green Deal for Europe. One of these measures is, for example, the second version of emission permits. Research associate from the EUROPEUM Institute, Rebeka Hengalová, discussed this system on the main broadcast news on TV Nova.

iRozhlas.cz | Pfizergate: Transparency or Privacy Protection?

April 04, 2024

Recent investigation into the purchase of Pfizer vaccines by the EU has revealed the involvement of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, raising questions about transparency and accountability. With the interconnection of several cases, including allegations of undisclosed agreements and legal actions, attention to negotiation processes and financial management within the Commission is increasing. The outcomes of these investigations may influence public trust and future leadership of the EU, highlighting the delicate balance between transparency and privacy protection. Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, offered a commentary for iRozhlas.cz.

TV Nova | Czech Republic drew the most money from EU funds for transport

April 03, 2024

The Czech Republic uses the most money from EU funds for the reconstruction of railway stations, new railway corridors or new motorways. At the same time, traffic is continuously increasing and in some places the capacity is no longer sufficient. Rebeka Hengalová, researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this issue for the main evening broadcast of TV Nova.

TN.cz | Ursula von der Leyen and Pfizergate

April 02, 2024

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faces charges related to the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer. The first information came from the The New York Times, which has subpoenaed European Commission documents relating to the negotiations for the purchase of the vaccines. Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of the EUROPEUM Institute's Brussels office, commented on the case for TN.cz.

ČT24 | Candidates for the European Parliament elections

April 02, 2024

Historically, there has been relatively low interest in elections to the European Parliament, and the same is likely to be true this year. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, this interest is the lowest compared to other European countries. The main reason for this is the long-neglected debate on the European Union in the Czech Republic. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the issue and European elections for ČT24.

ČRo Plus | European leaders meet on the EU strategic agenda

April 02, 2024

Petr Fiala will discuss the future direction of the European Union with other European leaders in Vilnius, Lithuania. At an informal working dinner the new strategic agenda is the main topic. The strategy is always defined in the context of the European Parliament elections and before the appointment of each European Commission. In an interview for ČRo Plus Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, spoke about both the Czech and EU priorities.

ČT24 | The role of MEPs in the eyes of Czech citizens

April 01, 2024

Interest in the European Parliament elections remains low, and increased turnout is not expected this year either. The Czech perception of the European Union is partly shaped by political expressions, influencing a rather eurosceptic public perception. Although Czech MEPs have the potential to contribute significantly within the Parliament, the public has only limited awareness of their work and influence. Speculations about future positions within the ECR faction and possible commissioner positions are still premature. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, opened these topics on the evening broadcast 90’ on ČT24.

e15 | Enlargement of the Schengen area to include Romania and Bulgaria

March 31, 2024

The Schengen area of free movement of goods and persons will was extended to Romania and Bulgaria from Sunday 31 March. The two countries have been waiting seventeen years for this moment, since they joined the European Union. For now, only the maritime and air borders are removed, but land borders should follow in the next few months. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on both the economic benefits and possible risks of partial enlargement for the daily e15.