Europeum

Blog | Prague passable - or clogged? The dilemma of sustainable transport in the city

December 19, 2023

Prague faces increasing dependence on intensive car traffic, leading to growing problems with traffic, parking and deteriorating quality of public space. The increased number of vehicles means not only pressure on safety and traffic fluidity, but also environmental risks associated with internal combustion engines. Despite growing public support for public transport and car traffic regulation, finding a compromise between individual convenience and urban sustainability remains a challenge.

BLOG | Slovakia’s Foreign Policy after the 2023 parliamentary elections

December 18, 2023

On September 30th, the long-awaited parliamentary elections held place in Slovakia drawing particularly strong global attention due to their perceived impact on the nation's democratic trajectory and their significance for the unity of the European Union. As a result, Robert Fico, leader of the opposition Smer-SD party, and a former Prime minister in three governments, emerged victorious once again, while his populist, aggressive, and anti-West rhetoric sparked further concerns among the EU leaders. Writes Simona Štibraná.

BLOG | The EU is running out of time to protect European workers from a turbo Svarc system

December 14, 2023

As the final phase of negotiations between the European Parliament and the Member States on the EU Platform Work Directive approaches, the fate of millions of workers hangs in the balance. Time is running out to protect Czech and EU workers from the Turbo Shvarc system. Read the full article by Silke Maes Junior Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute.

BLOG | EU wastes money and food: tackling food waste at EU level

December 12, 2023

Food waste causes the production of greenhouse gases, wastes water and makes inefficient use of fertile land. In addition to its negative environmental impacts, it is also a social problem. Food is wasted despite the fact that some people are starving. The EU is trying to halve the amount of food waste by 2030 compared to 2015, but current developments suggest that this target will not be achieved. Writes Patricia Vanicka in her blog.

BLOG | Is the lack of state administration capacity preventing the effective use of the Fair Transformation Fund? A first insight into research on absorption

December 12, 2023

The Czech state administration is facing mistrust because of problems with civil servants and delays in social benefits. Researcher Klára Votavová examines how the administration deals with the distribution of the Fair Transition Fund, which is intended to help coal regions transition to a new economy. The CZK 42 billion goes to the Moravian-Silesian, Karlovy Vary and Ústí Regions.

BLOG | Migration and climate at the forefront of the European elections in the Czech Republic. What does our research tell us about them?

December 12, 2023

Ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections in the Czech Republic, migration and climate are the main topics. Parties are using them to shape voters' opinions and to criticise or support European policies. Klára Votavová writes.

BLOG | The case of Lampedusa: A humanitarian crisis in the midst of a dilemma between EU solidarity and states’ sovereignty

December 04, 2023

In September 2023, Lampedusa, a small Italian island, faced an unprecedented surge in arrivals, sparking a heated debate within the EU. With conflicting perspectives from leaders like Ursula Von der Leyen, the focus has shifted from humanitarian aid to security concerns. This blog written by Nicolas Rouillard explores the complexities of the crisis, the divergent opinions, and the critical decisions ahead that could reshape Europe's approach to migration.

BLOG | Rethinking waste, reimagining fashion: EU’s circular textiles strategy challenges fast fashion industry

October 04, 2023

A number of industries, including textiles, are now facing an increasing emphasis on sustainability. It is characterised mainly by one-off trends, which are linked to the frantic pace of the entire textile industry. The EU's Circular Textiles Strategy can be seen as a hope to address the situation. You can find out more about it in the blog written by our intern Nelly Achverdjanová.

BLOG | Does Türkiye play well-calculated chess moves on the Western board?

August 30, 2023

Nilsu Eledağ has written a blog about Türkiye's role in determining Sweden's NATO membership and concerns about terrorism and anti-Islamist movements. Türkiye took a slight turn in foreign policy and now plays a closer game with NATO allies. There could be two reasons behind why Türkiye chose to shift towards the West. Find out more in Eledağs blog.

BLOG | How can the EU boost the implementation of the Franco-German Proposal? A turning point for Kosovo-Serbia normalisation process

August 29, 2023

Serbia's refusal to recognise Kosovo, which unilaterally declared independence in 2008, is at the root of many problems within the region of Western Balkan. It hinders both countries’ EU membership paths, creates destabilisation in the Balkans, as visible in the recent unrest in northern Kosovo, and hinders regional economic cooperation. Writes our intern from our Brussel's office Costanza Celoria.