This year the Czech Republic celebrates 20 years since joining the European Union. Czechs are very sceptical about the EU, despite the fact that about 70 percent acknowledge that the Czech Republic benefits from EU membership and would vote to remain. Sceptical perceptions of the Union could be changed by the country's new pro-European leadership. Žiga Faktor, head of the Brussels office and deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this topic for BalkanInsight.
Show moreTwo recent controversies – Pfizergate and Piepergate – have thrown a wrench into Ursula von der Leyen’s re-election bid for the European Commission presidency. What impacts will they have and who will benefit form them? Žiga Faktor, head of EUROPEUM´s Institute Brussels office, comments in an article for The Parliament Magazine.
Show moreThe extraordinary summit in Brussels is focusing on competitiveness and the EU's strategic agenda, including the strengthening of the single market, Turkey-EU relations, Ukraine and Israel. Žiga Faktor, head of the Brussels office and deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for Slovak RTVS.
Show moreMyths and disinformation about allegedly bad European officials and their bans spread in the Czech Republic even before joining the EU and persist to this day. What is the origin of these disinformation, and what are the most common myths? Žiga Faktor, head of the Brussels office and deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, addressed these questions in a comment for Newsroom ČT24.
Show moreRecent 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.
Show moreEuropean 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.
Show moreAnother summit of the EU leaders' in Brussels has ended. What topics were discussed? Deputy director and head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute Žiga Faktor described the conclusions for TN Live.
Show moreWhat topics will resonate at the EU Summit in Brussels? Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, spoke to Slovakian television TA3 about the expected course of the EU leaders' summit.
Show moreThe first Nuclear Energy Summit was held in Belgium with over 40 countries in attendance. Their deputies discussed the future of nuclear energy, not only in Europe, but also worldwide. Žiga Faktor, head of EUROPEUM's Brussels office, commented on the conclusion of this event in Brussels for Czech Radio Plus.
Show moreThe countries of the European Union have approved aid in the form of an increase of the European Peace Facility (EPF) by five billion euros. The decision to create a special fund to help Ukraine represents an important step towards strengthening support for the country against Russian aggression. Žiga Faktor, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute and head of the Brussels office, commented on the creation of the fund and its possible results for Slovakian RTVS.
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