Europeum

ČT24 | Síkela to be European Commissioner for International Partnerships, von der Leyen has announced

September 17, 2024

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has announced the staff of the new European Commission. Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Síkela is to be Commissioner for International Partnerships. This portfolio includes the largest ever Directorate-General, which employs three thousand people and has a large financial envelope. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for ČT24.

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.

ČTK | Commission President is assembling her team of commissioners, but so far has few candidates

July 19, 2024

After being approved by the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is starting to assemble her team of commissioners. Some countries have already submitted their candidates, but many are still pending, including the Czech Republic. In Czechia, discussions about potential candidates are ongoing, with additional names being proposed alongside those suggested by the STAN political party. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments on the situation for Czech News Agency.

Novinky.cz | Le Pen's MEPs will weaken ANO's influence in the party

July 08, 2024

Members of Marine Le Pen's political party will join the newly formed Patriots for Europe group. They will thus become the largest group in this party and thus achieve a better position than the MEPs of the ANO movement. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini's League is also expected to join. For Novinky.cz commented Martin Vokálek, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute.

Policy Brief | Prospects for changes in the composition of the European institutions after the 2024 elections

February 22, 2024

This policy brief analyses the prospective changes in the European Parliament (EP) composition following the 2024 elections. It reflects on the evolving political environment since 2019, highlighting shifts in party dynamics within the EP, such as the fragmentation of traditional party dominance and the emergence of new political alignments. Additionally, it explores potential reconfigurations in top EU positions post-elections and examines ongoing concerns regarding geographical representation within EU institutions, particularly the European Commission. Writes Tomasz Zając from the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM).

Policy Brief | Preparing for EU35+: The View from Central Europe

July 08, 2024

Despite the historical support of EU enlargement policy by the Visegrad Four (V4), these Central European states are now faced with the challenge of reconciling their stances with the new realities of the process. As Ukraine and Moldova opened their accession negotiations, the EU seems to be torn on the questions associated with the future enlargement(s) - institutional reforms and changes within the EU budget. Transitioning from economic beneficiaries to potential contributors, the V4 states must evaluate the potential political and economic impacts of new members on both the EU and their domestic levels. Writes and proposes recommendations Vladislava Gubalova from GLOBSEC.

TV Nova | Patriots for Europe recruiting new parties for political group status in the European Parliament

July 02, 2024

Andrej Babiš's dream of establishing a new political party in the European Parliament is coming true and it looks like the new grouping could shuffle the political cards. A number of strong parties have expressed interest in membership and it could happen that even the strongest far-right party could be formed. In addition to ANO movement MEPs two other from Přísaha a Motoristé sobě coalition could also join the party. Martin Vokálek, executive director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the formation and influence of the possible new group for the main evening broadcast on TV Nova.

Lidovky.cz | New political group in the European Parliament: under the baton of Orbán

June 28, 2024

Visegrad sovereigntists. This is the name given by European circles to the upcoming new faction of the European Parliament, which is expected to include seven MEPs from the Czech ANO movement. The leader of the Czech opposition, Andrej Babiš, who led his MEPs out of the influential liberal Renew Europe, is working with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to establish the new group. Martin Vokálek, director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments on its formation.

Seznam Zprávy | The political group in the EU that Babiš has joined is extremely positive news for Russia

June 30, 2024

Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has announced the formation of a new alliance Patriots for Europe for the European Parliament. For the time being, in addition to the ANO movement, it consists of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz and Herbert Kickl's Austrian FPÖ party. Martin Vokálek, executive director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments on its formation and importance.

Policy Paper | Enlargement on Hold: The Price Europe Pays

June 25, 2024

How can the EU enlargement process regain its lost momentum? And how can we learn from previous rounds of enlargement? These questions are answered by a group of authors together with EUROPEUM Institute senior researcher Jana Juzová in a new publication within the REWEU project.