In the Media

At a summit in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a strong and united stance by the United States and the European Union towards Ukraine. However, the leaders of the EU-27 have diverging views on a number of issues concerning the country. Some advocate peace talks, but others believe that they are premature. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the EU leaders' summit for TA3.

Air carriers using fuels such as hydrogen from renewable energy or other non-fossil fuels should receive a share of free emission allowances. Filip Křenek, analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Ekonomický deník.

Can the European Union accept Kosovo or Serbia into its ranks in the foreseeable future? Is the EU27 not worried enough about financial military support for Ukraine? What can the EU do to support the European car industry? Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute Viktor Daněk commented for Dvacet minut Radiožurnálu.

What key things have happened in the EU this year? And what lessons should be learned for the future? Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office Žiga Faktor commented for Euractiv.cz podcast.

Emissions trading is a key tool for the European Union in the fight against climate change. The recently proposed ETS2 brings major changes that extend the scope of this mechanism to new sectors such as transport and housing. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage a shift to more sustainable ways of operating. Filip Křenek, analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČRo Plus.

Environment Minister Petr Hladík is heading to Brussels to negotiate a postponement of the proposed ETS2 directive, which introduces a new emissions trading system. The government is seeking not only to postpone the directive but also to amend it to strengthen consumer protection. EUROPEUM Institute analyst Rebeka Hengalová commented for ČT24.

Cities around the world are looking for ways to adapt to increasingly frequent and intense heat waves. One of the most effective strategies is the expansion of green infrastructure, which can significantly reduce temperatures and improve the quality of life for residents. Czech cities, including Prague, are already taking the first steps towards implementing these measures, although there are still many challenges to overcome. Katarína Svitková, Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Czech radio.

Europe is looking for a new political leader. With traditional European powers like Germany and France mired in their own problems, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is coming to the fore. She has been named Italy's most influential politician by the website Politico. For the main evening broadcast of TV Nova commented deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute Viktor Daněk.

The enlargement to include Bulgaria and Romania from January 1, 2025 will be confirmed by EU interior ministers in Brussels today. Austria announced on Monday that it will no longer block the full accession of the two countries. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, comments for ČRo Plus.

At their meeting in Brussels today, EU interior ministers are expected to approve the full admission of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area from January 1, next year. Austria, a long-time critic of such a move, has confirmed it will not oppose it. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented live in Czech TV daily broadcast.

Currently, the energy mix in the Czech Republic consists mainly of nuclear and coal power, with some secondary input from renewable sources. Coal-fired power plants are to be phased out by 2033 as part of the country's climate mitigation efforts, so the country will be dependent on nuclear and renewables to meet future electricity demand, which is likely to grow due to the shift to electromobility. EUROPEUM Institute researcher Rebeka Hengalová and analyst Filip Křenek commented for bne IntelliNews.

The European Union plans to significantly increase recycling in the automotive industry through a new End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation. Although the Czech Republic supports the circular economy in general, representatives of the automotive industry and the Ministry of Industry and Trade warn of potential negative impacts. Analyst of EUROPEUM Institute Filip Křenek commented for Euractiv.cz.