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.
Show moreMost 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.
Show moreViktor 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.
Show moreA recent analysis by the Czech Statistical Office found that children from low-income families often remain in the lower income brackets as adults. Over a third of those who experienced childhood financial hardship continue to be among the least wealthy. Klára Votavová, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, discussed why Czechia struggles with persistent poverty and the impact of education on social status in an interview for Czech Radio.
Show moreNedávná analýza Českého statistického úřadu ukázala, že děti z nízkopříjmových rodin často zůstávají i v dospělosti v nižších příjmových skupinách. Více než třetina těch, kteří v dětství čelili finančním potížím, se stále nachází mezi nejméně majetnými. Klára Votavová, výzkumná spolupracovnice Institutu EUROPEUM, v rozhovoru pro Český rozhlas mluvila o tom, proč se Česku nedaří řešit přetrvávající chudobu a jakou roli hraje vzdělání v otázce sociálního postavení.
Show moreA poll for Czech Television shows that only 17 percent of Czechs are content with their political representation. Public discontent has intensified due to recent austerity measures intended to address the public deficit, with significant concerns over inflation, increasing living costs, energy price policies, and the government's poor communication. Klára Votavová, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, spoke to Czech Radio about the roots of this distrust and how Fiala's government plans to respond ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections.
Show moreZ průzkumu pro Českou televizi vyplývá, že pouze 17 % Čechů je spokojeno se svou politickou reprezentací. Nespokojenost zesílila zejména po nedávných úsporných opatření, která měla řešit státní deficit, nepomáhá pak ani inflace, zvyšující se životní náklady, cenová politika v oblasti energií či špatná komunikace vlády. Klára Votavová, výzkumná spolupracovnice Institutu EUROPEUM, pro Český rozhlas rozebrala původ této nedůvěry a jak na ni chce reagovat Fialova vláda před parlamentními volbami v roce 2025.
Show moreThe government of Petr Fiala is sending Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Síkela to the race for an influential portfolio with the aim of filling one of the eco-oriented agendas. These are traditionally filled by representatives of large European countries, but even so, Síkela may not be without a chance. His professional background and the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU will play in his favour. The Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, Viktor Daněk, reflected for Deník N on whether it would not be more important to focus on an agenda where interesting legislative activity can be expected in the coming years.
Show moreThe Czech government has nominated its current Minister of Industry and Trade, Jozef Síkela, for the role of European Commissioner, aiming to secure an economic portfolio. In doing so, they are bypassing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's request to put forward both a male and a female candidate. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, discussed the decision and its implications on Czech Radio.
Show moreČeská vláda nominuje na post eurokomisaře současného ministra průmyslu a obchodu Jozefa Síkelu, čímž usiluje o získání ekonomického portfolia. Obejdou tak požadavek předsedkyně Evropské komise Ursuly von der Leyen, aby navrhla kandidáty dva. O těchto rozhodnutích a jejich důsledcích v rozhovoru pro Český rozhlas mluvil Viktor Daněk, zástupce ředitele Institutu EUROPEUM.
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