Europeum

Deník N | Will the rotation in NATO leadership involve the Czech Republic and Eastern Europe?

March 11, 2024

This year will see the expected renewal of top posts in NATO and, after the European Parliament elections, also in the European Union. These positions are traditionally filled by candidates from the wealthy countries of Western and Southern Europe, and to a lesser extent Northern Europe. The countries of Eastern and Central Europe have so far, even after years of membership, still been overlooked. Poland is the only country from the region to have been awarded one of the bloc’s senior positions in the past with Donald Tusk and Jerzy Buzek leading the European Council and European Parliament respectively. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, spoke about the selections of candidates for Deník N.

Euractiv | European Council approves financial package for Ukraine as part of its budget

February 06, 2024

An extraordinary summit of the European Council is held on 1 February. During the summit, the main topic was the financial support package for Ukraine as part of the multiannual European budget. Although the package was blocked by Hungary back in December, it has now been approved. Žiga Faktor, Director of our Brussels office and deputy director, commented on the event and its circumstances for Euractiv.

Právo | European Council chief Michel makes a mockery of himself with a U-turn

January 29, 2024

Charles Michel has reversed his decision to stand in this year's European elections. The current head of the European Council faced a wave of criticism for not finishing his term, but was that the only reason for his change of heart? Our deputy director Viktor Daněk explained the circumstances of Michel's EU career to Právo.

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.

E15 | Europe is terrified of Orbán at the head of EU institutions. It must speed up the selection of a new "EU president"

January 13, 2024

The first media storm around the European Parliament elections was unleashed by the head of the European Council, Charles Michel, when he unexpectedly announced last weekend that he was going to run for the European Parliament himself in June and, if successful, would resign early from his current post. However, this means that unless the EU27 quickly agrees on his successor, the powers of the "European president" will pass to EU troublemaker Viktor Orban, whose Hungary will hold the EU presidency from the summer. Our head of the Brussels office, Žiga Faktor, commented for E15 on the likelihood of this happening and what it would mean for the functioning of the EU.

ČRo Plus | Charles Michel to leave the European Council early. Personal ambition wins out

January 10, 2024

During his time as President of the European Council, Charles Michel has repeatedly surprised with his ability to negotiate almost impossible compromises. But he is not a strong and charismatic politician. Our deputy director Viktor Daněk commented on Michel's early departure from the EU leadership for ČRo Plus.

Právo | President of the European Council pleases Orbán

January 09, 2024

Charles Michel announces that he will not stay on as President of the European Council until the end of his mandate and will run for a seat in the European Parliament in June. Such a move could make Viktor Orbán, as head of the presidency, the EU's top representative for a time. You can read about, what will happen if the Union does not find Michel's successor in time, in a commentary by our deputy director Viktor Daňek.

Deník N | EU leader's move could hand power to Orbán. What will happen if a successor is not elected in time?

January 09, 2024

Could the newly announced candidacy of European Council President Charles Michel for the European Parliament play into the hands of Orbán and the Hungarian presidency of the EU Council? Our deputy director Viktor Daněk provided his expert commentary for Deník N.

ČRo Plus | President of the European Council Charles Michel to stand for the European Parliament

January 08, 2024

Listen to an interview with Viktor Daňek, who comments on European Council President Charles Michel's decision to run for the European Parliament.

ČRo Plus | Belgian Presidency

January 05, 2024

Belgium takes over the EU Presidency from the Spanish. What challenges does Belgium face in this role and how does it plan to achieve its objectives? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, explains.