Europeum

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.

TV Nova | Is democracy in Europe at risk?

January 17, 2024

"Democracy in the West is under threat and Europe must prepare for an existence without the United States of America," the Belgian prime minister told MEPs. He was referring to the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House. Is democracy in Europe really under threat? Our executive director Martin Vokálek commented on the topic in an interview with TN Nova.

ČRo Plus | Petition of MEPs calls for Hungary to lose its voting rights in the EU Council

January 15, 2024

120 MEPs signed a petition demanding that Hungary loses its voting rights. They argue that the EU's decision-making capacity is nearly blocked because of Hungary's approach. One of the main friction points is financial aid to Ukraine. Žiga Faktor, director of our Brussels office and deputy director, commented on the issue for ČRo Plus.

Radiožurnál | MEPs have run out of patience with Hungary. They are demanding that it loses its voting rights

January 15, 2024

Because of Hungary's blocking of funding for Ukraine, a number of MEPs have called for the suspension of Hungary's voting rights in the EU Council. 120 lawmakers across different factions have joined the petition. Our Brussels office director and deputy director Žiga Faktor provided his expert commentary on the issue.

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.