Europeum

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.

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.

Hospodářské noviny | Czech lithium reserves could boost the automotive industry

March 05, 2024

The Czech Republic has vast reserves of lithium, a crucial resource for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles. However, it lags behind in other aspects of the battery supply chain, such as production and recycling. And yet, these key industry sectors could potentially help in saving the local automotive industry. Jonathan Lyons, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, further explored this issue and the potential benefits of lithium for the Czech economy in an article for Hospodářské noviny.

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.

ČRo Plus | Why Martina Dlabajová was not appointed as EU's small and medium-sized enterprises Envoy

February 28, 2024

Czech MEP Martina Dlabajová had applied for the post of EU's small and medium-sized enterprises Envoy last fall, but at the end of January Markus Pieper was appointed to this role. He is Ursula von der Leyen's running mate, who came third in the open competition behind the winning Dlabajová. The anti-corruption organisation Transparency International, among others, has called for an investigation into the selection procedure. Viktor Daněk, the deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for Czech Radio.

Café Evropa: Bullying in cyberspace - how hard is it to defend yourself in today's world of technology?

March 04, 2024

We would like to invite you to another debate in the Café Evropa series, this time on the topic "Cyberbullying - how hard is it to defend yourself in the world of today's technology?" The debate will take place on Monday 4 March at 20:45 after the screening of the LUX-nominated film The Teacher's Lounge - the screening is free, but you need to book a seat on the cinema's website.

Seznam Zprávy | "It's cynical." Why ANO party turned the tables in the migration pact debate

February 27, 2024

In light of the debates on the migration pact, which represents the next step in solving the migration issue, the Czech political scene is once again focusing on this topic. However, Prime Minister Petr Fiala and the head of the opposition ANO party Andrej Babiš criticize the agreement, despite their previous positions. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, spoke in the 5:59 podcast about the change in their opinions, the possible reasons that led to it, as well as the content of the pact itself.

ČT24 | Leaders of twenty countries to discuss aid to Ukraine

February 26, 2024

What can we expect from the upcoming summit in terms of aid to Ukraine? Vít Havelka, an analyst at EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, describes possible developments of the negotiations for ČT24.

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.