In the Media

Historically, there has been relatively low interest in elections to the European Parliament, and the same is likely to be true this year. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, this interest is the lowest compared to other European countries. The main reason for this is the long-neglected debate on the European Union in the Czech Republic. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the issue and European elections for ČT24.

Petr Fiala will discuss the future direction of the European Union with other European leaders in Vilnius, Lithuania. At an informal working dinner the new strategic agenda is the main topic. The strategy is always defined in the context of the European Parliament elections and before the appointment of each European Commission. In an interview for ČRo Plus Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, spoke about both the Czech and EU priorities.

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.

The Schengen area of free movement of goods and persons will was extended to Romania and Bulgaria from Sunday 31 March. The two countries have been waiting seventeen years for this moment, since they joined the European Union. For now, only the maritime and air borders are removed, but land borders should follow in the next few months. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on both the economic benefits and possible risks of partial enlargement for the daily e15.

The information about an EU-wide ban on gas and coal boilers, that has been recently circulating on social media, is not true. The aim of the new European directive is not to ban them, but to promote the phasing out of these boilers in line with the 2050 carbon neutrality targets. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, described the nature of the directive to the iROZHLAS.cz project Ověřovna.

The anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the European Union are not having the desired effect. After two years, it is becoming clear that the sanctions are hitting the Russian economy, but are not preventing them from being circumvented, with Asian countries, led by China, playing a major role. Thus, the Union included several companies from China and Hong Kong in the February round of sanctions. Viktor Danek, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the possible consequences in a report for the main broadcast news TV Nova.

According to surveys a record turnout of Czech voters is expected in this year's elections to the European Parliament. Compared to the elections in 2014, it could be almost double the number, and so far about 33 percent participation is expected. Defense and security will be key topics, as well as war in Ukraine. Domestic issues of individual countries will play an important role as well. The executive director of the EUROPEUM Institute, Martin Vokálek, spoke to TV Nova about possible changes in the composition of the Parliament.

Slovakians voted in the first round of presidential elections. The fiercest battle was between two politicians - as was expected - former Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini and opposition candidate and former foreign minister Ivan Korčok. The latter won the first round by surprising five percent diference. Slovak experts see the elections as crucial to determine the future political path of the country. Project manager of EUROPEUM Institute Kristína Chlebáková commented on the issue for Lithuanian National Radio and Television LRT.

Due to the pro-Russian positions of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the Czech cabinet suspended the intergovernmental consultations. Does this turn the former brothers into enemies? Nonetheless, this is not the first time that relations between these two nations, that used to share a common state once, have frozen. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the topic in an investigative piece for 168 hodin broadcast by Czech Television.

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.

Another summit of the EU leaders' in Brussels has ended. What topics were discussed? Deputy director and head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute Žiga Faktor described the conclusions for TN Live.

What topics will resonate at the EU Summit in Brussels? Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, spoke to Slovakian television TA3 about the expected course of the EU leaders' summit.