Europeum

RTVS | The Future of the Visegrad Group

February 29, 2024

Differences on key issues between the leaders of the Visegrad Four countries are now being widely discussed in the context of the ongoing summit in Prague. How the relations between the countries will develop, whether we are heading towards the disintegration of the V4 or whether this is an eternal partnership of reason, was analysed by Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office, for the RTVS podcast Z prvej ruky.

ČTK | Czech president is perceived very positively in the European Union, says analyst

January 21, 2024

In a short time, President Petr Pavel has become a respected politician at the international level and is perceived very positively in the European Union. Žiga Faktor, head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, said this in an interview with ČTK. He said Pavel has a clear pro-Western and pro-European outlook.

Euractiv | European Council approves financial package for Ukraine as part of its budget

February 06, 2024

An extraordinary summit of the European Council is held on 1 February. During the summit, the main topic was the financial support package for Ukraine as part of the multiannual European budget. Although the package was blocked by Hungary back in December, it has now been approved. Žiga Faktor, Director of our Brussels office and deputy director, commented on the event and its circumstances for Euractiv.

RTVS | EU leaders call for ammunition supplies to Kiev

February 02, 2024

Was Hungary's refusal to provide financial aid to Ukraine the main concern of the Summit? Watch an interview with Ziva Faktore, head of our Brussels office and deputy director, who comments on this topic for Slovak RTVS.

ČRo Plus | What convinced Viktor Orbán to veto financial aid to Ukraine?

February 02, 2024

Listen to the interview with Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of our Brussels office, about what convinced Viktor Orbán not to veto financial aid to Ukraine?

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.

RTVS | The European Parliament strongly condemned Hungary

January 19, 2024

On Thursday, the European Parliament condemned the Hungarian government's deliberate, continuous and systematic efforts to undermine the fundamental values of the European Union. The resolution, which was supported by 345 MEPs, expresses deep concern at the further erosion of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary. What are the main reasons why the European Parliament has expressed its so far strongest reservations against Hungary? Žiga Faktor, director of our Brussels office and deputy director, commented on RTVS.

TN Nova | MEPs agree that Orbán's government is against the fundamental values of the EU

January 19, 2024

According to the resolution adopted by MEPs, Hungary should not receive any more EU money until it proves that it has corrected its shortcomings regarding the rule of law and human rights. They also agreed that Viktor Orbán's government is a threat to the values of the European Union. Žiga Faktor, head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, discussed the issue.

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.