Europeum

iDnes.cz | COMMENTARY: Quartet on the European budget - it is useless, isn't it?

February 02, 2024

Along with the discussion of the revision of the seven-year budget of the European Union (EU), statements that the budget is too big and unnecessary have once again appeared in the public space. Moreover, the EU is now borrowing to run itself because it is unable to make ends meet. It is worth recalling what the EU budget is for and why it is important to have one, writes Vít Havelka, a researcher at Europeum.

E15 | The dispute over money for Ukraine is coming to a head. The security of the whole continent is at stake, warns an expert

February 01, 2024

The presidents and heads of government of the European Union countries will try to secure additional financial and military aid to Ukraine in the amount of 50 billion euros (about 1.2 trillion crowns) at their extraordinary meeting starting on Thursday in Brussels. This has been blocked by Hungary since last December. Vít Havelka, a senior research fellow, answers why this summit could be a turning point.

E15 | Fico is "orbanising" Slovakia faster than expected. Presidential elections are the hope

January 30, 2024

In Slovakia, Robert Fico is preparing changes to criminal law that could seriously undermine the functioning of democracy and the rule of law. In particular, the planned abolition of the Office of the Special Prosecutor is a cause for concern. Our project manager Kristína Chlebáková assessed the situation for E15.

TV Nova | How to make EU elections more attractive in the Czech Republic

January 29, 2024

Since 2004, Czechs have been able to vote in European Parliament elections. However, interest is low compared to other countries. Why is this the case and how could voter turnout be increased? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM, discussed this topic.

FORUM 24 | Michel's (ir)responsible departure and Orbán at the head of the European Council? Election fight begins in Brussels

January 28, 2024

The announced departure of Charles Michel from the European Council immediately became the focus of discussions across Brussels and the member states. Our Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office Žiga Faktor commented on several key issues related to the future functioning of the EU.

Policy Paper | The Strategic Culture of the European Union in the Sahel EU-initiatives in Niger

January 24, 2024

The Sahel faces interconnected challenges like poverty, food insecurity, conflicts, terrorism, and climate change. Recent military coups indicate ongoing political instability. Europe, concerned for over a decade, recognizes potential threats to its security, leading the European Union to actively address the region's issues through a comprehensive approach. Writes Hanga Horváth-Sántha, Research Fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA).

Ekonomický deník | There is a consensus to keep China out of Europe's critical infrastructure

January 21, 2024

The European Union will step up its efforts to reduce its dependence on China in the future. This was demonstrated by a unanimous vote of MEPs on the risks of growing Chinese influence on Europe's critical infrastructure on Wednesday. Our research fellow Zuzana Krulichová commented on the EU's current economic policy towards China for Ekonomický deník.

RTVS | The European Parliament strongly condemned Hungary

January 19, 2024

On Thursday, the European Parliament condemned the Hungarian government's deliberate, continuous and systematic efforts to undermine the fundamental values of the European Union. The resolution, which was supported by 345 MEPs, expresses deep concern at the further erosion of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary. What are the main reasons why the European Parliament has expressed its so far strongest reservations against Hungary? Žiga Faktor, director of our Brussels office and deputy director, commented on RTVS.

ČRo | The current Hungarian government of Viktor Orbán threatens the values, institutions and financial interests of the EU

January 19, 2024

MEPs say Hungary should not receive any EU funding until it proves that it has reliably corrected its shortcomings in the rule of law and human rights. Viktor Danek, deputy director of the Czech Radio, comments on the current developments concerning Hungary, the EU and the blocking of financial aid to Ukraine.

TN Nova | MEPs agree that Orbán's government is against the fundamental values of the EU

January 19, 2024

According to the resolution adopted by MEPs, Hungary should not receive any more EU money until it proves that it has corrected its shortcomings regarding the rule of law and human rights. They also agreed that Viktor Orbán's government is a threat to the values of the European Union. Žiga Faktor, head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, discussed the issue.