In the Media

Germany has a new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who promises a more active and decisive role for his country on the European stage. While his predecessor Olaf Scholz was often criticised for his hesitant approach, Merz wants to end this era and strengthen German influence in key European negotiations, which diplomats say have long been hampered by Berlin's indecision. Martin Vokálek, executive director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Czech Television.

The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has designated the political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a right-wing extremist entity. The office says it has direct evidence that the activities of the anti-immigration party pose a threat to the democratic order in the country. In addition, the investigation has revealed repeated racist statements by party leaders. EUROPEUM analyst Tereza Novotná commented on the situation for Slovak Radio.

The European automotive industry is facing a major turning point. The new EU regulation on end-of-life vehicles (ELVR) has the potential to set clear rules for circular vehicle design, high-quality car wreck processing, and mandatory targets for the share of recycled materials. The current system, in which most materials end up devalued, is to be replaced by a truly closed recycling loop. ELVR could be a game changer — leveling the playing field, connecting manufacturers with processors, and making recycling a full-fledged part of a modern industrial strategy. An article by EUROPEUM Institute analyst Filip Krenek, dedicated to the issue of end-of-life vehicle management, was published in the May edition of the professional magazine Odpadové fórum. The text was created in cooperation with the Institute for Circular Economy (INCIEN).

The European Union is questioning whether the United States is still a reliable partner. Member states are concerned about possible espionage from Washington. Additional border checks in the U.S. have raised alarm. This could further strain mutual relations, which have worsened since Donald Trump returned to the White House. The situation was commented on for STVR by Danielle Piatkiewicz, a researcher at the EUROPEUM think tank.

Czech involvement in the European Union has long been ambivalent. The country has had a number of concrete successes, but these have gone largely unnoticed by the domestic public, which has traditionally been sceptical of European integration. The ANO movement entered politics with a pro-European stance, and Andrej Babiš managed to negotiate a number of advantages in the EU, but today his party ranks more among the critics. This ambivalent attitude is likely to persist after the upcoming autumn elections. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, writes for Reporter.

The European Commission is tightening the rules for shipping - all vessels in European waters will now have to be insured and share information. Filip Křenek, an analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, comments on the measures for Ekonomický deník.

While the US decision to drastically cut funding to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is seen as a serious blow to transatlantic relations, it also represents an unprecedented opportunity for Europe. If the continent wants to protect access to objective and accessible information, it must take responsibility for building its own independent news institutions. At a time of growing disinformation and hybrid threats, the right to reliable news is becoming a matter of strategic importance. EUROPEUM Institute analyst Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister writes for New Eastern Europe.

Donald Trump repeatedly says he wants to end the war in Ukraine. But the question remains what kind of peace he has in mind - and for whose benefit such a solution would actually be. If we want to understand his current position on Ukraine and Russia, it is worth recalling one of his most significant diplomatic initiatives of the past: an unexpected and controversial meeting with the leader of North Korea during his first term. This episode may suggest much about Trump's negotiating style and what we can expect next. EUROPEUM Institute analyst Tereza Novotna discusses this topic for Asia Times.

Uncertainty over US tariffs is increasing pressure on the European Union to speed up the conclusion of long-negotiated trade agreements. The closest to completion is the agreement with the South American Mercosur grouping, which could save Czech companies up to CZK 2.2 billion a year, according to estimates. Although the agreement is de facto ready, its approval is blocked by some member states, led by France. Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for iRozhlas.

For the first time in more than sixty years, the Czech Republic will be without Russian oil supplies. The newly secured crude supplies should cover all domestic consumption without depending on a single supplier. The country is thus fulfilling its commitment to the European Union and strengthening its energy security. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for TN Live.

Ursula von der Leyen maintains a strong position in her second term as head of the European Commission. A politician shaped by political crises and known for her emphasis on executive decision-making, she continues to dominate on key defence issues. Although the newly created position of Defence Commissioner has quickly lost its importance, von der Leyen herself continues to set the direction - for example with her plan to mobilise hundreds of billions of euros to support European defence and Ukraine. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Seznam Zprávy.

Donald Trump says the United States is ready for a quick deal to resolve the tariff disputes. The statement comes as an encouraging sign after a period of uncertainty over the long-term strategy of US trade policy. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the situation for Czech Radio Plus.