Europeum

MF DNES | Cooldown in relations between the Czech Republic and Slovakia

March 11, 2024

The Czech government has suspended intergovernmental consultations with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's cabinet over differing views on the war conflict in Ukraine. Our project manager Kristína Chlebáková commented on the move for MF DNES.

Respekt | Is the veto fulfilling its function in EU or has it become a tool for blackmail?

March 11, 2024

Although Viktor Orbán didn't make good on his threat to veto the EU aid proposal for Ukraine, his actions have opened a debate on the need for a veto in the EU. Does it still make sense or has it become a blackmail tool? Even now, the veto isn't the only way to block a proposal. In addition to it, unanimity may be threatened by the so-called blocking minority, in which a group of at least four states representing at least 35% of the EU population can prevent a proposal from being presented. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the Czech Republic's position in the EU and the possible reform of the approval mechanisms for the weekly Respekt.

Euractiv | Strengthening ammunition production through the new European Defence Industrial Strategy

March 07, 2024

The new European Defence Industrial Strategy primarily responds to the Ukrainian need for ammunition supplies due to Russian invasion. It includes measures such as support for collective procurement of defense systems, focus on the involvement of European firms in public tenders, support for national budgets in transitioning to new weapon systems, and the development of stronger ties with Ukraine and NATO. Zuzana Krulichová, a researcher specializing in European defense policy at EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the funding of the new strategy for Euractiv.

RTVS | Would the confiscation of Russian assets be in accordance with international law?

March 06, 2024

The G7 countries are considering the transfer of frozen Russian financial assets to Ukraine. This sum, ranging between $200 and $300 billion, could provide significant support to Kiev. However, such move would be unprecedented and raises questions about compliance with international law and concerns about creating a dangerous template. Martin Vokálek, executive director of the EUROPEUM Institute, spoke on the topic for Slovakian Radio RTVS.

TN.cz | Macron's visit to Prague: Nuclear energy and European security on the agenda

March 05, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron visited Prague on Tuesday, met with Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and briefly visited the Czech-French Nuclear Forum. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, discussed the programme of the state visit and its impact on the Czech Republic in an interview for TN.cz.

ČRo Plus | Macron came to Prague to discuss building nuclear blocks in Dukovany

March 05, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Prague to meet with Czech officials. The main topic of the discussion is the construction of a new block of the Dukovany nuclear power plant, which has drawn interest from both the French state company EDF and the Korean KHNP. Amongst the main topics is also support for Ukraine and the issue of new ammunition. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, spoke about Macron's visit for ČRo Plus.

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.

RTVS | Summit of V4 Prime Ministers in Prague

February 28, 2024

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met separately ahead of the Visegrad Group summit in Prague, where the main points of discussion were the war in Ukraine and energy security. Vít Havelka, an analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the position of the Hungarian or Slovak Prime Minister and the overall direction of the Visegrad Group for Slovakian television RTVS.

TN.cz | Visegrad Group could unite over migration issue

February 28, 2024

The prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary met in Prague to discuss the war in Ukraine and the future direction of the Visegrad Group. According to Viktor Daňek, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, migration will be another possible common topic and Donald Tusk will become one of the most important politicians in Europe in the next years.

RTVS | Conclusions of the conference of EU and NATO leaders in Paris

February 27, 2024

Paris meeting of EU and NATO leaders wrapped up with a clear call - to strengthen the defense capabilities and increase the supply of ammunition to Ukraine. The executive director of the EUROPEUM Institute, Martin Vokálek, spoke more about the reasons and consequences of this extremely quickly summoned meeting for Slovakian RTVS channel.