Europeum

Balkan Insight | Czechia: Close of 2023 a grim warning of difficult times ahead

January 09, 2024

Faced with multiple domestic and geopolitical challenges and a population vocally demanding change, Czechia’s unpopular government will urgently need to find new impetus if it is to stand a chance against resurgent right-wing populists. Our researcher Klára Votavová provided her expert commentary for Balkan Insight.

ČT24 | Amendment to the law on emission allowances would bring changes in Czech climate policy

January 03, 2024

The Czech government is currently discussing an amendment to the law on emission allowances, according to which 100% of the proceeds from emissions trading would be dedicated to climate action. The negotiations include deciding which ministry will administer these amounts. Our senior researcher Kateřina Davidová weighed in on the issue.

ČRo Plus | What will the new EU migration rules commit the Czech Republic to?

December 20, 2023

After many years of unsuccessful efforts, EU member states and MEPs agreed today on new migration and asylum rules for the European bloc. The series of standards provides for, among other things, more effective checks on migrants and faster return of failed asylum seekers to their countries of origin. It also introduces compulsory solidarity among all EU states, which can help overburdened countries either by accepting part of the migrants or by providing financial or material aid. Our deputy director Viktor Daněk commented on the topic for Radiožurnál.

BLOG | Slovakia’s Foreign Policy after the 2023 parliamentary elections

December 18, 2023

On September 30th, the long-awaited parliamentary elections held place in Slovakia drawing particularly strong global attention due to their perceived impact on the nation's democratic trajectory and their significance for the unity of the European Union. As a result, Robert Fico, leader of the opposition Smer-SD party, and a former Prime minister in three governments, emerged victorious once again, while his populist, aggressive, and anti-West rhetoric sparked further concerns among the EU leaders. Writes Simona Štibraná.

BLOG | EU wastes money and food: tackling food waste at EU level

December 12, 2023

Food waste causes the production of greenhouse gases, wastes water and makes inefficient use of fertile land. In addition to its negative environmental impacts, it is also a social problem. Food is wasted despite the fact that some people are starving. The EU is trying to halve the amount of food waste by 2030 compared to 2015, but current developments suggest that this target will not be achieved. Writes Patricia Vanicka in her blog.

End-of-life management of the automotive industry and the opportunities for Czechia

December 11, 2023

After three successful projects focusing on the decarbonization of the Czech automotive industry, the Green Europe team of EUROPEUM in collaboration with the Institute of Circular Economy (INCIEN) is broadening its focus and taking a more circular approach. This project will focus on better lifecycle and end-of-life management of materials used in vehicles and batteries. The collaboration will be split into two research areas.

FORUM 24 | Ukraine's accession will mean changes for the European Union itself

November 16, 2023

In its assessment report, the European Commission recommended EU leaders to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, which is to be decided at the European Council in mid-December. But admitting such a large country, which also neighbours Russia, would mean the EU would require internal reforms in order to uphold the principles on which the Union now operates. In her commentary for FORUM 24, our senior researcher and head of the Global Europe programme describes how would Ukraine's membership change the EU and its institutions.

Op-Ed | The grain dispute is the first sign that Ukraine's EU accession will not be easy. What obstacles await on this path?

May 02, 2023

The Ukrainian grain situation is making waves in Europe. Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office Ziga Faktor wrote an Op-Ed about the impact of the situation on the country's EU accession and how some member states are reacting.

Hospodářské noviny | We are threatened by the influx of refugees and the loss of oil and gas. It is not in our interest to support everything Israel does

November 16, 2023

"Europe must stand behind Israel and support its right to exist. But that does not mean that it should take a completely unilateral position on the Gaza conflict. It would pay the price for that", says Luuk van Middelaar, a professor and one of the most respected commentators on events in the European Union, in an interview with Hospodářské noviny. Midelaar participated in the Prague European Summit organised, among others, by the EUROPEUM Institute.

ČT24 | The future of EU's enlargement

November 09, 2023

European Commission has recommended in its assessment report for the accession talks with Ukraine, Moldavia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to begin. The prime ministers of the bloc's countries will have the final say on the matter at the summit in the middle of December, but uninamous agreement will be needed. Will it be possible to achieve? Our deputy director Viktor Daněk has commented on the issue and further EU's reforms in an interview with the ČT24.