In the Media

120 MEPs signed a petition demanding that Hungary loses its voting rights. They argue that the EU's decision-making capacity is nearly blocked because of Hungary's approach. One of the main friction points is financial aid to Ukraine. Žiga Faktor, director of our Brussels office and deputy director, commented on the issue for ČRo Plus.

Because of Hungary's blocking of funding for Ukraine, a number of MEPs have called for the suspension of Hungary's voting rights in the EU Council. 120 lawmakers across different factions have joined the petition. Our Brussels office director and deputy director Žiga Faktor provided his expert commentary on the issue.

The Democratic Progressive Party candidate wins Taiwan's presidential election for the third time in a row. The incumbent vice-president, William Lai, whom China describes as a troublemaker and separatist, will become head of state. A rapprochement with Beijing is therefore not expected, quite the opposite. Our researcher Zuzana Krulichová commented for ČRo Plus on what these elections mean, especially from an economic point of view.

The first media storm around the European Parliament elections was unleashed by the head of the European Council, Charles Michel, when he unexpectedly announced last weekend that he was going to run for the European Parliament himself in June and, if successful, would resign early from his current post. However, this means that unless the EU27 quickly agrees on his successor, the powers of the "European president" will pass to EU troublemaker Viktor Orban, whose Hungary will hold the EU presidency from the summer. Our head of the Brussels office, Žiga Faktor, commented for E15 on the likelihood of this happening and what it would mean for the functioning of the EU.

During his time as President of the European Council, Charles Michel has repeatedly surprised with his ability to negotiate almost impossible compromises. But he is not a strong and charismatic politician. Our deputy director Viktor Daněk commented on Michel's early departure from the EU leadership for ČRo Plus.

Charles Michel announces that he will not stay on as President of the European Council until the end of his mandate and will run for a seat in the European Parliament in June. Such a move could make Viktor Orbán, as head of the presidency, the EU's top representative for a time. You can read about, what will happen if the Union does not find Michel's successor in time, in a commentary by our deputy director Viktor Daňek.

Faced with multiple domestic and geopolitical challenges and a population vocally demanding change, Czechia’s unpopular government will urgently need to find new impetus if it is to stand a chance against resurgent right-wing populists. Our researcher Klára Votavová provided her expert commentary for Balkan Insight.

Could the newly announced candidacy of European Council President Charles Michel for the European Parliament play into the hands of Orbán and the Hungarian presidency of the EU Council? Our deputy director Viktor Daněk provided his expert commentary for Deník N.

In an interview for ČT24, Viktor Daněk explains the rivalry and complicated relationship between Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen.

Listen to an interview with Viktor Daňek, who comments on European Council President Charles Michel's decision to run for the European Parliament.

Belgium takes over the EU Presidency from the Spanish. What challenges does Belgium face in this role and how does it plan to achieve its objectives? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, explains.

The Czech government is currently discussing an amendment to the law on emission allowances, according to which 100% of the proceeds from emissions trading would be dedicated to climate action. The negotiations include deciding which ministry will administer these amounts. Our senior researcher Kateřina Davidová weighed in on the issue.