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 Valachová, 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.

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.

We invite you to a debate on the premiere of the new educational programme on environmental issues Přihořívá. The event is organized by Based, the student education platform that produced the programme, and EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy.

In mid-November, a two-day Transatlantic Policy Forum conference was held in Prague, organized by the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy with the support of the US Embassy in Prague. Experts at the conference discussed key topics such as the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, transatlantic relations and the impact of the outcome of the US presidential election on relations with the EU. Rem Korteweg, an expert on European trade policy from the Clingendael Institute in the Netherlands, accepted the invitation to the conference and commented for Hospodářské noviny.

In mid-November, a two-day Transatlantic Policy Forum conference was held in Prague, organized by the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy with the support of the US Embassy in Prague. Experts at the conference discussed key topics such as the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, transatlantic relations and the impact of the outcome of the US presidential election on relations with the EU. Ian Brzezinski, an American expert on international relations and military affairs, and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO in the George W. Bush administration, accepted the invitation to attend the conference and commented for Seznam Zprávy.

How is media created today? Do they interest the younger generation? And do the traditional ones have a chance to survive the 21st century - or will other platforms replace them? Come and discuss with our guests on the live Café Evropa podcast and celebrate 35 years of freedom of speech, so pop by Korzo Národní for the celebrations!

This event will delve into the "super year" of elections occurring in key regions such as Taiwan, the EU´s European Parliamentary elections, the United Kingdom, the United States, Indonesia, and India. Since the critical 2016 US presidential election, the focus on election integrity has evolved from foreign interference and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to threats posed by AI models and deepfake videos. Those who meddle in elections aim to weaken democratic foundations and erode trust in government institutions and factual information.

Recent elections in Moldova and Georgia have vital local impacts and can shape both countries’ relations with the European Union and NATO. What direction will they take? How will this affect not only Europe's, but also the world’s security?

The debate summarises the outcomes of the research conducted in all four V4 countries. Focusing on V4 mainstream media, the four country studies combine both sides of news production and consumption by analysing the narratives about the future of Ukraine vis-à-vis EU accession, but also how news audiences in these four countries reflect on the most frequent topics regarding the image of Ukraine in the EU.

Are you interested in how Jozef Síkela will stand up to MEPs and how he will respond to their questions? Do you want to know how the "grilling" process, or confirmation hearings of candidates before committees, works? Come to the live stream directly from Brussels and listen to our guests' commentary!