Articles and Publications

With the ongoing debate on EU enlargement, the question of Treaty revision to ensure the EU’s actionability in the future is on the table. While some member states believe that the current state of the Treaties is fitting for a Union of 35+ members, others call for Treaty revision before enlargement. In 2022, the European Parliament took the discussion a step further by passing a resolution suggesting far-reaching revisions to the Treaties. Writes Marek Jankovský, an intern at EUROPEUM's Brussels office.

The result from the 2024 Presidential elections has, once again, shook the foundations of the Transatlantic relationship – but to what degree, remains the question. This policy paper compiles the key insights and deliberations from the Forum, which adhered to the Chatham House Rule to protect participant confidentiality. Based on the engaging discussions, this paper offers a comprehensive set of takeaways, including actionable recommendations and a strategic “To-Do list” for the transatlantic alliance in the coming years. Writes researcher at EUROPEUM Institute Danielle Piatkiewicz and senior analyst at the Polish Institute of International Affairs Mateusz M. Piotrowski.

The problem of disposable electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes, is the subject of a blog by Zuzana Augustová. In it, the author describes the negative health effects, noting the easily addictive nature, especially for young people. She also looks at the environmental impact of these products, as they are made up of materials that cannot be easily recycled, and throwing them in the garbage can cause fires and leaks of harmful substances. It then uses the example of the UK to show how the government is attempting to tackle the problem through legislation, including a planned ban on their sale.

Namibia has the largest gender gap in Africa. This blog analyses the European Union's development policy focusing on the gender dimension. Critics argue that the European Union's focus on gender equality in development policy is superficial; the blog also examines whether this criticism remains valid. Simona Krammerová in her blog also highlights key issues facing women in Namibia.

The blog focuses on the impact of internal combustion engines on transport emissions and the transition to electromobility as a key measure to reduce emissions. The transport sector is the second largest CO2 emitter in the EU, with passenger cars accounting for 60% of emissions. The European Union has decided to end the sale of new vehicles with internal combustion engines by 2035 and is promoting the switch to electromobility as a means to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. In the blog, Zuzana Vlachová, an intern at EUROPEUM's Prague office, discusses the benefits and challenges of the plan, including its environmental, economic and social impacts, as well as the reactions of the automotive industry and concerns about competitiveness.

The European security environment has changed fundamentally over the past decade in response to growing geopolitical risks. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the growing influence of authoritarian powers such as China and Russia, and escalating tensions in key regions such as the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific are reshaping the way Europe views its security and defence. These challenges are leading to a deepening of defence cooperation within and outside the EU, which includes the development of new policies, structures and initiatives, and cooperation with NATO also underlines the need for strategic alignment between European and transatlantic partners. Written by EUROPEUM Institute researcher Zuzana Krulichová and research associate fellow Tereza Novotná.

The European Union has been implementing an ambitious agenda under the European Green Deal. Sustainable development and climate action have been prioritized as per the ambitious goals covered in the European Green Deal. However, as underscored by Ursula von der Leyen, the focus for the strategic priorities has recently shifted towards economic security, competitiveness, and defence. Yet, the climate crisis constitutes an unprecedented security threat for modern humanity and the development of resilience towards climate change should still serve as a precondition for the fulfilment of those strategic priorities. Writes Elif Naz Němec in her Policy Brief.

Year 2024 is likely to be seen as a key year for women's leadership in the EU. Ursula von der Leyen will continue her role as President of the European Commission, Roberta Metsola will lead the European Parliament and Kaja Kallas will head the EU's diplomatic service. This signals a stronger commitment to addressing the gender imbalance across the EU and this momentum can be expected to drive further efforts to promote equality in the years to come. Kristina Gerová, an intern at EUROPEUM's Brussels office, writes in her blog.

The shape of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028-2034 is the subject of one of the key debates facing the new EU institutions. Key questions include how much funding will be available to finance the green transformation of European economies. Indeed, there is a growing conviction that there is a lack of adequately set incentives and support for the existing climate targets and regulations adopted at EU level. In Polify Brief, EUROPEUM Institute analyst Filip Křenek and AMO analyst Tomáš Jungwirth Březovský write.

Following the start of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU and its member states have managed to limit their reliance on Russian fossil fuels and diversify their imports. Yet, ongoing conflicts across the Eurasian continent, including instability around the Suez Canal, still threaten to disrupt global trade channels. This has increased interest in the Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), as a crucial strategy for diversifying commercial infrastructure and trade to improve the EU’s economic and energy resilience. This event discussed the opportunities and challenges associated with the development of the Middle Corridor.

Over the past decade, the European security environment has undergone significant changes, from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East to China's growing geopolitical ambitions. Europe is thus compelled to expand defence cooperation and strengthen its defence and security capabilities. These developments are accelerating EU Member States' efforts to develop robust common security and defence structures and policies to ensure the EU's stable position in the global geopolitical order. Writes EUROPEUM Institute researchers Zuzana Krulichová and Danielle Piatkiewicz and Associate Research Fellow Tereza Novotná.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, media coverage of the country has increased significantly. Interpreting and commenting on events, putting them in the news and shaping the debate about Ukraine's future prospects in relation to European integration has thus become an important part of the responsibility of most mainstream media. However, as the war drags on, the V4 citizens' awareness of the conflict has diverged. At different times, some topics have been given more emphasis than others, making the quality of coverage often incomplete or unconvincing. Some countries emphasise the autonomy of reporting, which in turn allows for broad and in-depth coverage, while there are regimes that narrow the information and use the topic of war to produce stories for domestic purposes. In the final report on the EUROPEUM Institute project, Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister and others write.