Europeum

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.

Respekt | Is the veto fulfilling its function in EU or has it become a tool for blackmail?

March 11, 2024

Although Viktor Orbán didn't make good on his threat to veto the EU aid proposal for Ukraine, his actions have opened a debate on the need for a veto in the EU. Does it still make sense or has it become a blackmail tool? Even now, the veto isn't the only way to block a proposal. In addition to it, unanimity may be threatened by the so-called blocking minority, in which a group of at least four states representing at least 35% of the EU population can prevent a proposal from being presented. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the Czech Republic's position in the EU and the possible reform of the approval mechanisms for the weekly Respekt.

Právo | Orbán's game turned against him

February 02, 2024

One of the shortest summits in the history of the EU ended by unanimous agreement. Why were there no protracted negotiations and what position does this put Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in? Our deputy director Viktor Daněk explains in a commentary.

ČRo Plus | Petition of MEPs calls for Hungary to lose its voting rights in the EU Council

January 15, 2024

120 MEPs signed a petition demanding that Hungary loses its voting rights. They argue that the EU's decision-making capacity is nearly blocked because of Hungary's approach. One of the main friction points is financial aid to Ukraine. Žiga Faktor, director of our Brussels office and deputy director, commented on the issue for ČRo Plus.

Radiožurnál | MEPs have run out of patience with Hungary. They are demanding that it loses its voting rights

January 15, 2024

Because of Hungary's blocking of funding for Ukraine, a number of MEPs have called for the suspension of Hungary's voting rights in the EU Council. 120 lawmakers across different factions have joined the petition. Our Brussels office director and deputy director Žiga Faktor provided his expert commentary on the issue.

Commentary | how to think about unanimity in the EU

October 31, 2023

With the opening of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, the debate in the European Union on the transition from unanimity to qualified majority voting in some areas has been reignited. Although this is not a new debate, it is worth looking at the current situation, describing the problems caused by unanimity and proposing concrete solutions. For more, see Vit Havelka's commentary.

REPORT | What future for QMV in Foreign and Security Policy?

October 11, 2023

The debate focused on the possible move to qualified majority voting in the EU's Foreign and Security Policy. The participants in the debate discussed the possible negative and positive aspects of the decision. The debate covered topics such as the fear of over-voting as a possible aspect of division within the Union or the ineffectiveness of the current consensus approach.

Seznam zprávy | Will Ukraine join the EU in 2030? A consolation for Kyiv and a signal for Moscow

October 05, 2023

Talks on Ukraine's integration into the European Union are about to begin, and despite the proclamations, the date of entry cannot be set in advance. Žiga Faktor, head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, emphasized that the latest proclamations on Ukraine's EU membership reflect a shift in the approach of member countries to EU enlargement.

Český rozhlas Radiožurnál: New migration politics of European Union

July 01, 2023

In matters of migration and internal affairs, voting in the EU is made by a qualified majority. However, representatives of Hungary and Poland are in favor of a unanimous decision. For Radiožurnál, our senior researcher Vít Havelka commented on the issues of the new EU migration policy.

POLICY PAPER | QMV in CFSP: Impending necessity or resurfacing utopia?

February 14, 2023

Miroslava Pisklová writes about a discussion on potential broadening of the qualified majority voting (QMV) system to more of the remaining policy areas in the Council of the EU in which it is not yet used, namely the EU´s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) that has recently gained momentum. This publication aims to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of introduction of the QMV in CFSP of the EU with a focus on the potential impact on smaller member states.