In the Media

Czechs celebrated the 106th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia in a nationwide state holiday. But despite the historically close links between Czechs and Slovaks, since Robert Fico's return as Slovakia's prime minister in 2023, there has been a distinct cooling in relations between the former sister states. Kristína Chlebáková, Project Manager of EUROPEUM Institute, spoke about Czech-Slovak relations for Prague Radio International.

The Soviet Union was far from a superpower when the Cold War began. Faced with unmatched American power, Stalin chose to pursue a cautious approach instead of direct military confrontation to exert Soviet influence. While Russia today poses a completely different threat from its Soviet predecessor, Vladimir Putin does share similar geopolitical challenges. Read the commentary of EUROPEUM Institute Associate Research Fellow Hugo Blewett-Mundy for EUobserver.

On Thursday 17 October 2024, a conference entitled Circularity in the Czech automotive industry: opportunities and obstacles was held by EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy in cooperation with the Institute for Circular Economy INCIEN. The event was partnered by the Czech Battery Cluster. Filip Křenek, a researcher at EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, participated in one of the organised panel debates.

North Korea threatens its neighbour with a "terrible catastrophe", blows up roads leading to South Korea and engages in international politics. According to EUROPEUM Institute's North Korea expert Tereza Novotná, it is no coincidence that the isolated state led by leader Kim Jong-un is currently making so many headlines. She explains the possible motives behind this to Web.de.

The European Parliament is taking its time - even after a quarter of a year, it still has not decided on the possible lifting of Jana Nagyová's parliamentary immunity. This is also blocking the Czech judiciary - the High Court cannot yet decide on the appeal in the Čapí hnízdo case. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Seznam Zprávy.

Opposition activists and critics of the Serbian authorities have read with concern the draft revision of the Criminal Code prepared by the local Ministry of Justice. This proposes, among other things, to introduce new penalties for "Publication of material used for the investigation of the commission of criminal activities" and also stipulates that if a person accesses the material using information technology, he or she can be punished by imprisonment for up to one year. Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister, project manager of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the text for Radio Slobodna Evropa.

United Nations Day has been celebrated since 1945 when the UN Charter came into force. Veronika Novotná, EuropaSecura project coordinator at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Slovak TV.

The Italian government, headed by Giorgia Meloni, is arguing with the courts over the transport of migrants detained in the Mediterranean Sea to Albania. Italy wants to process their asylum applications there. But a court in Rome ruled on Friday to return the first 12 refugees to the Apennine peninsula. It relied on an EU court ruling that has a Czech footprint. The Italian development complicates the efforts that the Czech government had hoped to make from the measure. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Novinky.cz.

North Korea entered the war against Ukraine on Russia's side. Kiev expects an appropriate response from its partners. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, there is evidence that not only workers but also military personnel are heading to Russia from North Korea. EUROPEUM Associate Research Fellow Tereza Novotná commented on the situation for Sestry.eu.

Rising inflation, stagnant wages and the housing crisis are fuelling discontent. Meanwhile, the deficit continues to grow without significant investment in long-term economic growth. Klára Votavová, an associate research fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the situation for Radio Prague International.

Last year, Moldovan intelligence services detected Russian funding worth at least half a billion Czech crowns, which was used to stop the prosecution of illegal political activities, incitement to anti-government protests and corruption. EUROPEUM Institute non-resident associate research fellow Hugo Blewett-Mundy wrote a commentary for Seznam Zprávy.

MEPs in Strasbourg will vote on a loan of up to 900 billion crowns to Ukraine. This should be covered by the proceeds from frozen Russian assets. Other topics to be discussed include the EU's draft budget for next year and the situation in Lebanon. Martin Vokálek, executive director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for CNN Prima News.