In the Media

The Czech Republic is in danger of following the Hungarian path in accepting disinformation, especially about the war in Ukraine. While Czech citizens mostly perceive Russia as the clear aggressor, research warns against changing the narrative. The upcoming elections and the possibility of Andrej Babiš's return to power could influence the direction of Czech politics and perceptions of international issues. Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister, project coordinator at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Euractiv.cz

The new European Commission relies on a parliamentary majority that is much further to the right than before. This was shown by Wednesday's vote in which the European Parliament approved the composition of the new Commission. Also, members of the commission are dominated by members of right-wing political parties. Filip Křenek, an analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Hospodářské noviny on where the EU Commission wants to go.

The new European Commission is generally not expected to make any major turnaround, but to take its foot off the gas and not burden the EU with new regulations and restrictions. Martin Vokálek, executive director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Deník.cz.

The International Partnership and Global Gateway portfolio of Czech Commissioner Jozef Síkela has significant and untapped potential. In an interview for TASR, Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented.

Shortly after midday, the European Parliament approves the new European Commission by a majority. The new executive will take office on 1st December. It will also include the Czech Commissioner Jozef Síkela, who will be in charge of the international partnership. President Ursula von der Leyen has identified innovation, decarbonisation and security as her top priorities for the next term. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČT24.

The trade and economic security portfolio is one of the most influential in the European Commission - and it is this portfolio that Slovak Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will be in charge of. In an interview with TASR, Filip Křenek, an analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, explained how he can influence the economic direction of the EU.

The government has partially adopted rules for emissions trading based on European regulations. However, failure to adopt some key aspects could lead to problems, including possible fines from the European Union. The main issues are the sharing of profits from allowances and the protection of vulnerable groups from rising energy costs. Rebeka Hengalová, an researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Ekonews.

Who’s who in the new European Commission and what can we expect from it? What will the relationship between the European Union and the United States look like following the inauguration of Donald Trump and his administration? And why has the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on these topics for Czech Radio Dvojka.

According to some commentaries, a new majority is emerging in the European Parliament outside the traditional block of the populists and socialists. Martin Vokálek, the executive director of EUROPEUM Institute, spoke to Rádio Prostor about the changes in the Parliament and also about what the new European Commission will look like.

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.

How strong will the next European Commission be and what will be its position on the core and the Green Deal? What has enabled agreement on the three controversial candidates for European Commissioner? Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČRo Radiožurnál.

The factions of the European Parliament approved all the candidates for the new European Commission. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČT24.