Europeum

ČRo | The European Commission boycotts the Hungarian presidency due to Orban's unexpected visit to Russia

July 16, 2024

The European Commission has announced that, in light of developments since the beginning of the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union, it plans to boycott informal ministerial meetings and send only senior officials instead of commissioners. Viktor Orbán has come under criticism for his recent trip to Russia, which he described as a peace mission aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and which he did not consult with the leaders of other EU states. This move comments Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute for Czech Radio.

Deník.cz | Czech Republic can find inspiration in southern Europe in the fight heatwaves

July 13, 2024

Czech cities could take inspiration in combating high temperatures from cities in southern Europe, such as Barcelona, which has effective plans and is well-adapted to extreme heat. Barcelona boasts over two hundred climate shelters in publicly accessible institutions like museums, galleries, offices, and libraries, providing drinking water, air conditioning, and informational services. According to Katarína Svitková, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, Czechia lacks action plans and responds to heat only at the last minute. Preparedness for tropical days is crucial for protecting the population, especially seniors and young children, for whom summer days are the most demanding.

Czech Radio | New MEPs bring new debates. What challenges await the new European Parliament?

July 15, 2024

According to the Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute Martin Vokálek European topics will be more frequently discussed in the public sphere. The reason for this are the newly elected MEPs, who met for the first time this week at a plenary session in Strasbourg. Their ranks include not only "traditional" politicians but also prominent figures with unconventional approaches. What challenges and changes can we expect from the new European Parliament? Listen to the Czech Radio podcast Bruselské chlebíčky.

ČRo Plus | What to expect from the new Dutch government?

July 02, 2024

The King of the Netherlands inaugurated the new government of Prime Minister Dick Schoof. A former intelligence chief and non-partisan, replaced Mark Rutte, who had been Prime Minister of the Netherlands for 14 years and now faces a high-profile career in NATO. The new governing coalition consists of four parties, including the far right. What can be expected from the new Dutch government at European level? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments on the situation for ČRo Plus.

RTVS | Expansion of the Patriots for Europe political group

July 02, 2024

Hungary takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from Belgium. However, a new European platform, which was founded in Vienna on Sunday, is more widely discussed on the Hungarian political and media scene. According to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, many will be surprised at how quickly it will grow. Vít Havelka, senior research fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, comments for RTVS on the formation of the European political alliance and its expansion.

ČT24 | ANO establishes a political alliance with Orbán and Austrian FPÖ

July 01, 2024

The Italian League, led by Matteo Salvini, will join new European Parliament party announced by the ANO movement, along with Viktor Orbán's Fidesz and the Freedom Party of Austria. They have identified the sovereignty of countries, the fight against illegal migration and the revision of the Green Deal as priorities. The alliance, called Patriots for Europe, now intends to invite other parties, and the group must be made up of MEPs from at least seven countries. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for ČT24.

RTVS | Hungary takes over the Presidency of the EU

July 01, 2024

From this day Hungary holds the Presidency of the EU. It takes over the Presidency from Belgium and will set the European agenda until the end of the year. The Hungarian Presidency says it wants to find real solutions to real problems. But some analysts fear that important issues, including support for Ukraine, could take a back seat. Martin Vokálek, executive director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for RTVS.

ČT24 | Who will get the top jobs in the European Union?

June 29, 2024

EU leaders nominate Ursula von der Leyen to lead the European Commission again. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, known for her support for Ukraine, is to lead EU's foreign policy. Both women have yet to be confirmed in top jobs by the European Parliament. In addition to the majority, support may also have to be sought from the conservatives or the Greens. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for ČT24.

Lidovky.cz | New political group in the European Parliament: under the baton of Orbán

June 28, 2024

Visegrad sovereigntists. This is the name given by European circles to the upcoming new faction of the European Parliament, which is expected to include seven MEPs from the Czech ANO movement. The leader of the Czech opposition, Andrej Babiš, who led his MEPs out of the influential liberal Renew Europe, is working with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to establish the new group. Martin Vokálek, director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments on its formation.

Euractiv.cz | Post-election reshuffles. How will the European Parliament factions transform and who will dominate the EU institutions?

June 26, 2024

The key issues for the new term in the EU do not end with the European elections. Forces in European Parliament continue to shift depending on factions, while leaders select institutional leadership. How will the elections and the composition of the European Parliament influence the future functioning of the EU? And who will lead it? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, answered these questions for Euractiv.cz.