Europeum

e15 | Síkela has a chance at a key position in the new European Commission, von der Leyen faces tough negotiations

August 23, 2024

Intense behind-the-scenes negotiations are currently underway in Brussels over the allocation of 27 positions in the new European Commission, which will once again be led by Ursula von der Leyen. The German politician faces two major challenges: the limited number of strong economic portfolios, which many member states, including the Czech Republic, are vying for, and the effort to create the first-ever gender-balanced Commission, complicated by the predominance of male candidates. The situation was commented on for e15 by Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute.

ČT24 | The government confirmed the nomination of Jozef Síkela to the European Commission

August 21, 2024

Czech government has confirmed the nomination of Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela for the position of Czech EU Commissioner at its meeting. How will the appointment process continue? And what are Síkela's chances of securing a significant portfolio in the European Commission? Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, answers on ČT24 broadcast.

Seznam Zprávy | Jozef Síkela is set for the European Commission, aiming for a strong economic portfolio

August 21, 2024

It has now been confirmed by the government that minister Jozef Síkela is headed to the European Commission as the Czech candidate. Although President Ursula von der Leyen called on member states to nominate a pair of candidates, both men and women, the Czech Republic did not comply with this request. The outcome is expected to be decided in September when the portfolios for all new EU commissioners will be announced. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Seznam Zprávy.

RevivEU | Where do we go from here after the European Parliament elections?

June 27, 2024

We invite you to participate in an online webinar! Europe and the Czech Republic know the results of the European Parliament elections. The vote, which was accompanied by high turnout in most countries, brought many surprises and in some places even other political change. Who will be the next Czech Commissioner? How did the campaign for the European elections go in the Czech Republic? And what do the results in the Czech Republic mean for future Czech influence in the EU?

Café Evropa | Prague Pride: Is there a lack of tolerance in today's society?

August 06, 2024

We invite you to another Café Evropa debate, this time as part of the Prague Pride week! What are the biggest challenges we face in protecting minorities in public debate? How can we combat hateful comments in the digital world? How do we deal with such comments? At the Scout Institute, we will discuss the state of dialogue in society and focus on the space that tolerance has in social debate.

Euractiv.cz | EU strengthened resilience, now security will be a priority

July 30, 2024

This year the Czech Republic celebrates twenty years of membership in the European Union. In the meantime, the EU has gone through turbulent years associated with a series of crises - from economic to migration to pandemic and security. However, the wealth of the Czechs has increased by more than 40 percent over the years and the standard of living has reached 90 percent of the European average. This is according to data presented by the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic on the occasion of the anniversary, while Czech exports grew by more than 320 percent thanks to EU membership. Žiga Faktor, head of EUROPEUM Institute's Brussels office, comments on the other challenges the EU now faces.

Balkan Insight | City Heat: What Central European Capitls Are Doing To Keep Cool

August 14, 2024

With another heatwave expected this week following record temperatures in July, cities in Central Europe are belatedly taking action – but politics keeps getting in the way. Katarina Svitkova, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute specializing on climate change, urbanism and sustainability, comments for Balkan Insight.

ČT24 | Most countries have presented their candidates for European Commissioner, none have put forward two names

August 02, 2024

Most EU member states have already presented their candidates for the position of European Commissioner, but none have complied with the request of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to propose two names. Ten countries have yet to nominate anyone, while the Czech Republic announced the nomination of Jozef Síkela last week. Which nominations are worth paying attention to? Is it mandatory for states to propose two candidates? On what basis does von der Leyen decide the composition of the Commission? And what are the chances that the Czech Republic will secure an economic portfolio? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for ČT24.

Respekt | Brussels Boycotts Hungarian Presidency but Will Ultimately Tolerate It

August 01, 2024

Brussels is boycotting Hungary's presidency due to Viktor Orbán, who during his tour of Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing claimed to be working for peace, even as his actions coincided with Russia's attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv. His mission was sharply criticized by European leaders, and the EU has distanced itself from his actions, with member states agreeing to boycott informal meetings in Hungary. Could Brussels take further measures? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for Respekt magazine.

Deník N | Orbán Opens Doors to Russian Spies and Saboteurs in Czech Territory

August 01, 2024

Viktor Orbán has recently stirred controversy in the EU by allowing Russian and Belarusian citizens to enter Hungary without controls. This move, which simplifies their movement within the Schengen Area, has raised concerns about security threats and pressure on European states. What impact might Orbán's policy have on Europe's security, and how are EU institutions responding? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, discusses the situation for Deník N.