Europeum

BLOG | The Use of Article 7 as a Protection Tool for the Rule of Law and European Values

April 19, 2024

With Hungary taking over the EU presidency in July 2024, many are questioning the EU's ability to promote its values in its member states. Indeed, the EU is about to hand over its presidency to a state that has been criticised for its actions that threaten the rule of law and is subject to the procedure set out in Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), writes Maxime Painot in his blog.

BLOG | The Sovereign Protection Office as the Tip of the Iceberg

March 20, 2024

In December 2023, the Hungarian Parliament passed a law establishing the Office for the Protection of the Sovereign, a state agency that now has unlimited access to personal data to search for and prosecute alleged foreign agents among the Hungarian population. Our researcher Henry Barrett, a Fulbright-Schuman Grantee, writes about this topic in his blog.

BLOG | Belgium’s 2024 elections: Navigating Flemish nationalism amidst European challenges

February 07, 2024

Belgium is gearing up for several elections this year. In addition to the European elections, Belgian citizens will also vote for the federal and regional parliaments on the same day. Although this arrangement is nothing new in Belgium, it may make it more difficult for voters to distinguish between the different election campaigns. Growing Flemish nationalism may also bring complications. These topics are addressed by Nicolas Rouillard in his new blog.

BLOG | The EU’s communication fiasco: A failed response to the Hamas attack on Israel

January 17, 2024

The EU didn't manage to communicate well regarding the Hamas attack on Israel. This blog delves into the shortcomings of the EU's response, shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced in handling the aftermath of this sensitive geopolitical situation. Written by Adam Horry.

BLOG | The pressure for decarbonisation in the Czech Republic is growing. How profitable is wind energy for the Czech Republic?

December 25, 2023

Coal has been an important part of the Czech economy for decades. As a fossil fuel, however, it is a significant producer of greenhouse gases, especially CO2. Our Research Fellow Jonathan Lyons and Senior Research Fellow Kateřina Davidová write in their blog about the benefits of decarbonisation and switching to wind energy.

BLOG | Gender quotas in business: the European Union and its strategy for equality

December 29, 2023

Even in the most developed countries in the world of today, there is still inequality between men and women, especially in the top public positions. One way of tackling this problem is gender quotas, which the European Union has now taken up in a business context. You can read about the adopted directive and the EU's overall strategy to address the under-representation of women in our intern Natálie Hendlingerová's new blog.

BLOG | European Certificate of Parenthood - will children have the same rights?

December 29, 2023

Up to two million children may currently have difficulties in having their parentage recognised within the EU. This is due to different laws in different Member States, which often severely restrict children's rights. The European Commission's proposal, supported by a vote in Parliament, aims to harmonise these different approaches and thus create a more child-friendly situation. Read more in our intern Veronika Vráblíková's new blog.

Blog | Prague passable - or clogged? The dilemma of sustainable transport in the city

December 19, 2023

Prague faces increasing dependence on intensive car traffic, leading to growing problems with traffic, parking and deteriorating quality of public space. The increased number of vehicles means not only pressure on safety and traffic fluidity, but also environmental risks associated with internal combustion engines. Despite growing public support for public transport and car traffic regulation, finding a compromise between individual convenience and urban sustainability remains a challenge.

BLOG | Slovakia’s Foreign Policy after the 2023 parliamentary elections

December 18, 2023

On September 30th, the long-awaited parliamentary elections held place in Slovakia drawing particularly strong global attention due to their perceived impact on the nation's democratic trajectory and their significance for the unity of the European Union. As a result, Robert Fico, leader of the opposition Smer-SD party, and a former Prime minister in three governments, emerged victorious once again, while his populist, aggressive, and anti-West rhetoric sparked further concerns among the EU leaders. Writes Simona Štibraná.

BLOG | The EU is running out of time to protect European workers from a turbo Svarc system

December 14, 2023

As the final phase of negotiations between the European Parliament and the Member States on the EU Platform Work Directive approaches, the fate of millions of workers hangs in the balance. Time is running out to protect Czech and EU workers from the Turbo Shvarc system. Read the full article by Silke Maes Junior Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute.