The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been going on for half a year. Despite constant fighting and pressure from Russia on Ukraine, the Russian Federation has failed to conquer Kiev. On the surface, it may appear that the war has stalled, but this is merely a deliberate tactic by Ukraine not to engage in major operations, but to wear down the Russian army. Western unity may be affected by new leadership in Italy and the UK, for example. However, the Czech Republic can play an important role, as it currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Our researcher Danielle Piatkiewicz also commented on the topic.
Show moreOur senior researcher Jana Juzová wrote an article for VISEGRAD/INSIGHT on "The Czech Republic and Slovakia in the lead". Since July, the Czech Republic has held the presidency of the EU Council and Slovakia the presidency of the Visegrad Four. Although the V4 is now in the shadow of Czech and Slovak foreign policy, this does not mean that it is less important or that it is falling apart. However, the V4 crisis triggered by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán may be an opportunity for the Czech Republic and Slovakia to determine the direction of the Visegrad Four.
Show moreEuropean Union countries are facing a period of gas consumption cuts. Although the proposal agreed by Member States aims for a voluntary reduction of 15% in consumption in the coming months compared to the average of the past five years, the pressure for even greater savings will grow. And not only in natural gas consumption, but also in electricity. Our researcher Michal Hrubý has written an overview of gas and its use in the Czech Republic, in which he highlights the need for savings to help us get through this year's heating season and answers several questions related to gas consumption. Where does the Czech Republic stand on gas? What are our supplies and where to get new capacity? And how can we save for next winter? These questions are also answered in the review. We will update the overview gradually (originally published on 1 August 2022).
Show moreRussia's Nord Stream 1 pipeline has been operating at only 20 % capacity since Wednesday. According to Bloomberg, Russia will not restore supplies to full capacity as long as anti-Russian sanctions remain in place. Our researcher Michal Hrubý commented for E15.cz that with sufficient gas supplies and appropriate savings, we will definitely get through this winter.
Show moreThe Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU begins today. One of the challenges that the Czech Republic will face is the possible extension of sanctions against Russia, for instance in the gas sector. However, the geographical proximity of Ukraine to the Czech Republic should facilitate negotiations on this issue. Žiga Faktor, head of our Brussels office, commented on this topic for the Slovenian online daily DELO.
Show moreWe would like to invite you to a conference on the protection of information space, free media and their role in strengthening the rule of law, which will take place on 3 June at 13:45 at the European House in Prague.
Show moreOur researcher Zuzana Stuchlíková was speaking in the ČRo Evropa plus program about the Conference on the Future of Europe. What will the European Union look like in the coming years?
Show moreOur researcher Jana Juzová commented for Info.cz on the Serbian elections, which were unusually important this year. The commentary details what made this political contest unbalanced, what the post-election set-up in Serbia looks like at the moment, and what surprises the elections offered.
Show moreDavid Plhák wrote a report from the EU - Pacific Talks debate on: H2 - Hydrogen Hype. The debate outlined the current state of the hydrogen economy and its role in the EU, Czech Republic and Japan's efforts to achieve climate neutrality and reduce energy dependence on hydrogen.
Show more PDFWe would like to invite you to the final debate in the EU-PACIFIC Talks series. The debate will take place online on Thursday 17 March at 10:00 and will be broadcasted on our Facebook page.
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