In the Media

The EU Summit decides in record time on a new financial aid package for Ukraine. What are the implications of this decision and what position does it put Viktor Orbán in? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, explains the situation.

Although the ANO movement has been part of a very pro-European liberal faction in the European Parliament for the past decade, it has said almost nothing good about the EU in the campaign leading up to the EU elections, says analyst Viktor Daněk.

Was Hungary's refusal to provide financial aid to Ukraine the main concern of the Summit? Watch an interview with Ziva Faktore, head of our Brussels office and deputy director, who comments on this topic for Slovak RTVS.

Vít Havelka, Senior Research Fellow, appeared on the RTVS World:24 programme, where he commented on the European aid to Ukraine, which was eventually supported by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Listen to the interview with Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of our Brussels office, about what convinced Viktor Orbán not to veto financial aid to Ukraine?

One of the shortest summits in the history of the EU ended by unanimous agreement. Why were there no protracted negotiations and what position does this put Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in? Our deputy director Viktor Daněk explains in a commentary.

Along with the discussion of the revision of the seven-year budget of the European Union (EU), statements that the budget is too big and unnecessary have once again appeared in the public space. Moreover, the EU is now borrowing to run itself because it is unable to make ends meet. It is worth recalling what the EU budget is for and why it is important to have one, writes Vít Havelka, a researcher at Europeum.

At the summit, EU leaders agreed to release €50 billion to help Ukraine. After previous long resistance from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the agreement was surprisingly quick. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM, summarised the situation.

The presidents and heads of government of the European Union countries will try to secure additional financial and military aid to Ukraine in the amount of 50 billion euros (about 1.2 trillion crowns) at their extraordinary meeting starting on Thursday in Brussels. This has been blocked by Hungary since last December. Vít Havelka, a senior research fellow, answers why this summit could be a turning point.

In Slovakia, Robert Fico is preparing changes to criminal law that could seriously undermine the functioning of democracy and the rule of law. In particular, the planned abolition of the Office of the Special Prosecutor is a cause for concern. Our project manager Kristína Chlebáková assessed the situation for E15.

Charles Michel has reversed his decision to stand in this year's European elections. The current head of the European Council faced a wave of criticism for not finishing his term, but was that the only reason for his change of heart? Our deputy director Viktor Daněk explained the circumstances of Michel's EU career to Právo.

Since 2004, Czechs have been able to vote in European Parliament elections. However, interest is low compared to other countries. Why is this the case and how could voter turnout be increased? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM, discussed this topic.