The Soviet Union was far from a superpower when the Cold War began. Faced with unmatched American power, Stalin chose to pursue a cautious approach instead of direct military confrontation to exert Soviet influence. While Russia today poses a completely different threat from its Soviet predecessor, Vladimir Putin does share similar geopolitical challenges. Read the commentary of EUROPEUM Institute Associate Research Fellow Hugo Blewett-Mundy for EUobserver.

Last year, Moldovan intelligence services detected Russian funding worth at least half a billion Czech crowns, which was used to stop the prosecution of illegal political activities, incitement to anti-government protests and corruption. EUROPEUM Institute non-resident associate research fellow Hugo Blewett-Mundy wrote a commentary for Seznam Zprávy.

According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský, it is crucial for the future of Europe how it deals with Russia's brutal aggression towards Ukraine and its increasingly aggressive stance towards the West. He also emphasized that it will be essential for the European Union to ambitiously strengthen its role as a global player in the coming period, including prompt action in the development of the defense industry. He presented this vision in his speech at the Prague European Summit co-organized by EUROPEUM Institute and the Institute of International Relations.

With the increasing frequency of tropical days due to climate change, it is essential to adapt cities as soon as possible through various adaptation measures, such as planting trees and plants. Experts emphasize the need for projects that reduce temperature and improve the quality of life for city residents, despite the financial challenges of their implementation. ČTK reports on the discussion on climate change organized by EUROPEUM Institute.

The threat of Russian nationalism poses a serious danger to Europe, as emphasized by the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in his speech in April. Russia is attempting to reassert its influence, particularly through its war against Ukraine, which undermines European security. What impact does the reemergence of Russian nationalism, supported by China, have on European security, and how should the West respond to this geopolitical reality? In his commentary for the American news website The Hill, Hugo Blewett-Mundy, an external collaborator and research fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, addresses this topic.

The end of Charles Michel's mandate as president of the European Council this year comes at a time of seismic — and consequential — geopolitical shifts. Hugo Blewett-Mundy, a non-resident associate research fellow from the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, explains why he views the current Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen as the best fit for the position soon to be vacant.

"Europe must stand behind Israel and support its right to exist. But that does not mean that it should take a completely unilateral position on the Gaza conflict. It would pay the price for that", says Luuk van Middelaar, a professor and one of the most respected commentators on events in the European Union, in an interview with Hospodářské noviny. Midelaar participated in the Prague European Summit organised, among others, by the EUROPEUM Institute.

"The partnership between the United States and the Czech Republic has never been as strong as it is now," told iROZHLAS.cz Sonata Coulter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Euro-Atlantic Affairs at the U.S. Department of State Antony Blinken, who attended the Transatlantic Policy Forum at the invitation of EUROPEUM Institute.

Žiga Faktor, head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, commented in Studio ČT24 on the planned meeting between European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and Czech President Petr Pavel.

In the framework of the conference Think Tank Forum: EU enlargement, an article on the views of member and candidate states on EU enlargement was written in cooperation with EURACTIV.cz.

On the occasion of the Think Tank Forum: EU enlargement conference, an interview with the Macedonian diplomat, politician and foreign policy expert Nikola Dimitrov was conducted. Dimitrov answers questions on issues such as the impact of the Russian invasion on the EU enlargement process and the importance of the Czech Presidency for the Balkan countries.

On Friday 10 June, the EuropaSecura competition culminated and the students from the teams that placed in the top three positions can look forward to a three-day trip to Brussels. "This is a competition for high school students interested in international politics, current affairs and security policy. But it is not only about knowledge, it is unique in the Europe thanks to the practical part," explained the main coordinator of the project Martin Vokálek, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy.