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

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.

When only 21 Czech Members of the European Parliament are elected to a body where there are more than 700 of them, it sounds like a drop in the ocean. But that's not entirely the case; the European Parliament isn't just a voting machine, MEPs actively create legislation. Active MEPs have the opportunity to engage with a few, but still significant, legislative proposals during their term. And if they are rapporteurs or shadow rapporteurs, they literally draft legislation or adjust it to ensure it aligns with their perspective and that of the European Parliament. It is they, as rapporteurs, who shape the opinion of the entire European Parliament.

You can listen to the interview here. The entire segment about the European Parliament starts at 51:54, and you can start listening to the interview from 1:10:38.

Viktor Daněk
Deputy Director

Before entering the NGO sphere, Viktor Daněk worked for almost ten years as a journalist. During his time with the public service Czech radio, he focused mainly on covering EU affairs. He spent almost five years as a permanent correspondent in Brussels, where he cooperated with other media outlets. Before his career in journalism, he gained experience in the area of marketing and communication in the Česká spořitelna banking group and at the Czech Technical University in Prague. He holds university degrees in Media Studies and International Relations. Viktor Daněk joined the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy in October 2023. He continues to be active in the media as a freelancer. His main areas of interest are institutional questions of European integration, globalisation and the EU’s climate and migration policy.