Europeum

RILSA | The uncertain fate of the Green Deal for Europe ahead of the European Parliament elections

April 15, 2024

Farmers' protests have reminded that the measures of the Green Deal for Europe may not be politically viable for Europeans. To make climate policies politically viable, the EU should therefore focus on its commitment not to leave anyone behind in the green transition. Klára Votavová, a researcher at EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, discusses the current development of the Green Deal for Europe and its social policy aspects in an expert publication for the Social Policy Forum.

iRozhlas.cz | Pfizergate: Transparency or Privacy Protection?

April 04, 2024

Recent investigation into the purchase of Pfizer vaccines by the EU has revealed the involvement of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, raising questions about transparency and accountability. With the interconnection of several cases, including allegations of undisclosed agreements and legal actions, attention to negotiation processes and financial management within the Commission is increasing. The outcomes of these investigations may influence public trust and future leadership of the EU, highlighting the delicate balance between transparency and privacy protection. Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, offered a commentary for iRozhlas.cz.

TN.cz | Ursula von der Leyen and Pfizergate

April 02, 2024

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faces charges related to the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer. The first information came from the The New York Times, which has subpoenaed European Commission documents relating to the negotiations for the purchase of the vaccines. Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of the EUROPEUM Institute's Brussels office, commented on the case for TN.cz.

RTVS | The European Commission recommends initiating accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina

March 12, 2024

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced that the European Commission will recommend initiation of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. In recent months, reform efforts have been evident, the Bosnian government has reached agreements even with the separatist entity of Republika Srpska on key reforms. However, the conditions have not yet been fully met, and many other reforms, such as electoral system reform, are still pending. Researcher from EUROPEUM Institute, Jana Juzová, discussed it for Slovakian RTVS.

ČRo Plus | Why Martina Dlabajová was not appointed as EU's small and medium-sized enterprises Envoy

February 28, 2024

Czech MEP Martina Dlabajová had applied for the post of EU's small and medium-sized enterprises Envoy last fall, but at the end of January Markus Pieper was appointed to this role. He is Ursula von der Leyen's running mate, who came third in the open competition behind the winning Dlabajová. The anti-corruption organisation Transparency International, among others, has called for an investigation into the selection procedure. Viktor Daněk, the deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for Czech Radio.

TN.cz | EU naval fleet in the Red Sea and the candidacy of Ursula von der Leyen

February 19, 2024

The EU naval mission will be tasked with protecting civilian ships in the Red Sea that are under attack by Yemeni rebels in the area. This is a very important trade route for the whole world which must be protected. The Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, Martin Vokálek, discussed this on TN.cz as well as the candidacy of Ursula von der Leyen for the Presidency of European Comission.

Právo | Von der Leyen wants to continue leading the EU

February 20, 2024

As expected, Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed her interest in continuing as President of the European Commission. Since her arrival, she has faced crises such as Brexit, the global pandemic, the battle over vaccines and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The announcement of her candidacy was analysed by Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM institute, in Deník Právo.

RTVS | Ursula von der Leyen wants to be the President of the European Commission again

February 19, 2024

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will run again for this mandate. The current President's chances are quite good, but the nomination still needs to be approved by the European People's Party. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM, discussed this and other possible candidates who could replace Ursula von der Leyen, live on RTVS.

ČT24 | Von der Leyen to run for her seconde mandate

February 19, 2024

The current head of the European Commission has announced that she will run for her second mandate. What are her chances of success? What are her key topics? What is she yet to focus on? And who are the other possible candidates? Klára Votavová, a researcher at the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, explains for ČT24.

ČT24 | The fight over who will be the face of the European Union

January 08, 2024

In an interview for ČT24, Viktor Daněk explains the rivalry and complicated relationship between Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen.