Europeum

TN.cz | European Commission to allocate hundreds of milions of euro to support ammunition production of EU manufacturers

March 18, 2024

Military industry in Europe is not able to cover the needs related to the supply of ammunition to Ukraine. The situation of the long-neglected EU weapons industry is now being addressed by the European Commission with financial support of 500 milion of euro. But is the decision on financial support coming too late? And how long before the industry can be renewed? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the situation for TN.cz.

TV Nova | Emmanuel Macron's turnaround: taking a swipe at the Kremlin and not ruling out the deployment of troops in Ukraine

March 15, 2024

Is Emmanuel Macron becoming a watchdog in relation to Russia? Will his statements be backed up by his actions? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, commented for TV Nova on the evolution of positions towards Ukraine from president Emmanuel Macron.

ČRo Radiožurnál | European Parliament's lawsuit against the European Commission

March 15, 2024

The European Parliament is now taking the European Commission to the Court of Justice of the EU over the controversial release of EU funds to Hungary. Why do some MEPs consider the release of funds to be the result of blackmail by Hungary? Why have MEPs taken the matter to court? What could the lawsuit cause comments Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute for Czech Radio.

iROZHLAS | Segregation of Romani children persists in the Czech Republic

March 13, 2024

In 2007, the European Court of Human Rights condemned the Czech Republic for discriminating against Romani pupils in their access to education. The Ministry of Education has admitted that this problem continues to this day. Not only is the Czech Republic under scrutiny by the Council of Europe, but it is also at risk of renewed infringement proceedings in the European Union, which could lead to financial sanctions. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this issue for iROZHLAS.cz.

MF DNES | Cooldown in relations between the Czech Republic and Slovakia

March 11, 2024

The Czech government has suspended intergovernmental consultations with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's cabinet over differing views on the war conflict in Ukraine. Our project manager Kristína Chlebáková commented on the move for MF DNES.

Respekt | Is the veto fulfilling its function in EU or has it become a tool for blackmail?

March 11, 2024

Although Viktor Orbán didn't make good on his threat to veto the EU aid proposal for Ukraine, his actions have opened a debate on the need for a veto in the EU. Does it still make sense or has it become a blackmail tool? Even now, the veto isn't the only way to block a proposal. In addition to it, unanimity may be threatened by the so-called blocking minority, in which a group of at least four states representing at least 35% of the EU population can prevent a proposal from being presented. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the Czech Republic's position in the EU and the possible reform of the approval mechanisms for the weekly Respekt.

Euractiv | Strengthening ammunition production through the new European Defence Industrial Strategy

March 07, 2024

The new European Defence Industrial Strategy primarily responds to the Ukrainian need for ammunition supplies due to Russian invasion. It includes measures such as support for collective procurement of defense systems, focus on the involvement of European firms in public tenders, support for national budgets in transitioning to new weapon systems, and the development of stronger ties with Ukraine and NATO. Zuzana Krulichová, a researcher specializing in European defense policy at EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the funding of the new strategy for Euractiv.

Hospodářské noviny | Do critics of the migration pact have a better solution?

March 01, 2024

Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the current government's and opposition leader Andrej Babiš's stance on the migration pact for the newsletter Ředitelé Evropy of Hospodářské noviny.

ČRo Plus | Czech government opposition reaction to EU migration pact

February 29, 2024

The EU Migration Pact has long been the subject of heated debate between the Czech government and the opposition. From the latter there are opinions that it is a monstrous agreement masking refugee quotas or fears that illegal migration will destroy the Czech Republic. But the government says it is a step in the right direction, despite the Czech Republic's abstention in the vote on the pact. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the change of their position for ČRo Plus.

ČRo Plus | Why Martina Dlabajová was not appointed as EU's small and medium-sized enterprises Envoy

February 28, 2024

Czech MEP Martina Dlabajová had applied for the post of EU's small and medium-sized enterprises Envoy last fall, but at the end of January Markus Pieper was appointed to this role. He is Ursula von der Leyen's running mate, who came third in the open competition behind the winning Dlabajová. The anti-corruption organisation Transparency International, among others, has called for an investigation into the selection procedure. Viktor Daněk, the deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for Czech Radio.