Spain and Ireland are working closely together on a joint move towards the recognition of an independent Palestinian state. Recognition is expected to take place on 21 May. They see this move as an expression of support for a two-state solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this issue for Czech Radio.
Show moreThe Chamber of Deputies discussed the EU Migration Pact for over three hours. The opposition criticises the pact and claims that it indirectly introduces quotas. At the same time, there is uncertainty about the interpretation of a possible exemption. What does the pact stipulate and what impact could it have on the Czech Republic? Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, commented for Partie Plus on CNN Prima News.
Show moreThe EU's proactive stance, introduced in the Critical Raw Material Strategy and later Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), drives the EU approach to secure the supply of European/domestic critical raw materials for EV battery production. The Cinovec project has a large economic potential as it enhances the ability to secure domestic and regional supply of lithium, which is otherwise very geographically concentrated outside of Europe. Europe relies on a handful of countries, particularly China, for the import of lithium for the production of EV batteries.
Show moreInterest in the European Parliament elections remains low, and increased turnout is not expected this year either. The Czech perception of the European Union is partly shaped by political expressions, influencing a rather eurosceptic public perception. Although Czech MEPs have the potential to contribute significantly within the Parliament, the public has only limited awareness of their work and influence. Speculations about future positions within the ECR faction and possible commissioner positions are still premature. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, opened these topics on the evening broadcast 90’ on ČT24.
Show moreSupport for Ukraine, the situation in Gaza, agricultural policy and other - topics of this month's EU summit in Brussels. What will be the most pressing topics? What will the EU say about the situation in Gaza, will it adjust the demands on agriculture and negotiate the freezing of Russian funds? Vít Havelka, an analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the topics for ČT24.
Show moreEstablishing a new European fund to support coal regions may be perceived as a positive political step towards affected areas. However, the management of this fund poses challenges, not only in terms of finances but also in terms of personnel and time constraints, which could jeopardize its effective utilization. This conclusion arises from consultations with representatives of public administration and relevant regions and from their analysis conducted by Klára Votavová, member of research team at EUROPEUM.
Show moreEU Member States reached agreement on a migration pact to improve migration control and speed up the return of failed asylum seekers. The Czech Republic abstained in the vote and Prime Minister Petr Fiala has expressed concern about the proposed changes, which he says increase the administrative burden on states. Senior researcher Vít Havelka spoke to TN.cz about the issue.
Show moreTo the surprise of many experts, Orbán decided not to prolong and complicate the negotiations at the EU summit, which in record time reached a unanimous decision on another aid package for Ukraine. Our senior research fellow Vít Havelka spoke about the situation on air.
Show moreViktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the current events in Wednesday's press for the morning broadcast of ČRo Plus. Among other topics, he discussed the rise of the far right in Europe and the US presidential election.
Show moreCoal has been an important part of the Czech economy for decades. As a fossil fuel, however, it is a significant producer of greenhouse gases, especially CO2. Our Research Fellow Jonathan Lyons and Senior Research Fellow Kateřina Davidová write in their blog about the benefits of decarbonisation and switching to wind energy.
Show more