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.

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.

This two-part online workshop series focused on NATO’s Open-Door policy and the potential for future eastern enlargement, offering a deep dive into the alliance’s evolving dynamics. Over eight engaging sessions, experts, students, and practitioners discussed Ukraine’s prospects for NATO membership, challenges posed by democratic reforms, border disputes, and regional perspectives within the alliance. The workshops also explored NATO’s role in space and cyber operations, its response to geopolitical challenges, and the impact of member states’ internal dynamics on enlargement. Specifically focusing on the views from the V4.

Although Europe's attention in recent years has been completely absorbed by Russia's aggression in Ukraine, many countries, including the Czech Republic, are increasingly interested in diversifying their business opportunities beyond the transatlantic space. We therefore asked experts from the fields of diplomacy, research and business about the potential pitfalls of EU-ASEAN cooperation, security challenges and the success of Czech diplomacy in the Far East. Zuzana Krulichová, researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, answered for the Institute of International Relations.

Jozef Síkela made a good impression at the hearing for the post of EU Commissioner for International Partnerships and Global Gateway in Brussels. MEPs and experts gave him a positive assessment. Zuzana Krulichová, researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for iDnes.cz.

The post of European Defense Commissioner had been discussed for at least a year before Ursula von der Leyen presented the shape of her second European Commission. It was only with the publication last month of the letter of credentials, which acts as a sort of job description for the future commissioner, that the position to be held by former two-time Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius got clearer contours. Zuzana Krulichová, a research fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Euractiv.cz.

One of the main tasks for Jozef Síkela, if he becomes EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, will be to manage the EU's Global Gateway project. The EU wants to counter China's expansion in Africa, Asia and Latin America with it. So far, however, this initiative has fallen well short of its ambitions. And that is not the only problem Síkela will have to face. Zuzana Krulichová, a Global Gateway expert from EUROPEUM Institute, talked about this on the podcast Bruselské chebíčky on Czech Radio.

The new composition of the European Commission and the distribution of portfolios caused puzzlement in Prague. The head of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, entrusted Jozef Síkela with the agenda of International Partnership and Global Gateway – a name that, apart from a handful of insiders in the Czech Republic, few people have heard of, instead of the long-talked about energy sector or international trade. EUROPEUM Institute analyst Zuzana Krulichová commented for Hospodářské noviny.

Ursula von der Leyen will lead the European Commission for another five years. This was decided by MEPs on Thursday, July 18. Von der Leyen received 401 out of 707 valid votes. What determined her election? And what are her main topics? Researcher Zuzana Krulichová from EUROPEUM Institute discussed this on TN.cz.

The nationalist National Association of Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella and left-wing parties are seeking victory in the second round. On the other hand, President Emmanuel Macron's party, is hoping for better results than in the first one. Researcher at EUROPEUM Institute Zuzana Krulichová commented for e15.

Are you a Master’s student from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia keen on international relations and NATO's strategic future? Join our workshop series to engage with experts, present your views on NATO’s Open-Door policy, and network with peers from the region.

Education is one of the topics on the agenda ahead of the upcoming elections to the European Parliament. The Member States themselves should increase the amount of funding flowing into schools. For example, the recognition of university diplomas, could be worked on. Zuzana Krulichová, a researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, described the issue for the main evening broadcast of TV Nova.