Europeum

Euroactiv | Von der Leyen and likely Erdoğan will not attend the EPC summit in the UK

July 18, 2024

The United Kingdom is preparing for a major summit of the European Political Community. After the Czech Republic, Moldova, and Spain, Britain is only the fourth host country. Among other topics, the states will discuss Ukraine and illegal migration. On a bilateral level, the Czech Republic will sign a security agreement with Ukraine. Jana Juzová, a researcher at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the summit for Euroactiv.

Czech Radio | Babiš will be seen as a pro-Russian politician due to his faction in the European Parliament

July 11, 2024

ANO movement leader Andrej Babiš recently co-founded a new group in the European Parliament with Viktor Orbán. Patriots for Europe, considered an extreme right-wing bloc, now include parties of Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders among others. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala labeled it as pro-Russian oriented. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on Babiš's actions for Czech Radio.

Seznam Zprávy | Babiš' political group in the European Parliament is dominantly pro-Russian

July 10, 2024

The ANO movement has joined the new group Patriots for Europe, which it co-founded to promote national interests in Europe more effectively. Now it is third-largest in the European Parliament and includes, among others, the French National Rally of Marine Le Pen, and the Hungarian Fidesz of Viktor Orbán. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute talked in the podcast 5:59 of Seznam Zprávy how this affiliation could affect the perception of the Czech Republic abroad.

Hospodářské noviny | Climate is giving way to security and economy. However, easing off on green transformation now would be a strategic mistake

June 26, 2024

This year's elections to the European Parliament have sparked debates about continuing the European plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, despite recent events suggesting the need to reassess this plan. The election results did not signify as much of a setback for European green ambitions as anticipated. The priority of climate and environment is no longer as high among most Europeans as it was five years ago, reflecting current political and international challenges such as security, economic prosperity, and the competitiveness of European industry. Kateřina Davidova, a researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, wrote an opinion piece on this topic for Hospodářské noviny.

Aktuálně.cz | Fragmented Czech Regions Need Reform

June 25, 2024

In the autumn, regional council elections will be held. The existence of 14 regions in the Czech Republic, however, does not have a long tradition – they were only established in 2000, partly due to the anticipated entry into the European Union. This arrangement is now heavily criticized for their fragmentation, low and duplicative administrative capacities, and the associated negative impacts on the state budget. Klára Votavová, a researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, presents in her commentary on research on the capacities of the state and regions to draw from the Just Transition Fund, using the examples of the Karlovy Vary and Moravian-Silesian regions.

ČRo Plus | EU leaders discuss key positions. The favorites are von der Leyen, Costa, and Kallas

June 17, 2024

On Monday 17 June, the leaders of the European Union Member States headed to Brussels for their first joint meeting after the European Parliament elections. They discussed the distribution of key posts at the head of the EU institutions - the President of the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament. Filip Křenek, project coordinator and analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the likely distribution of forces for ČRo Plus.

Czech Radio | Series: Following the Czech footsteps in the EU

June 07, 2024

Performances of previous Czech presidents, the contribution of the Czech EU Commissioner Věra Jourová, roaming and reverse charge and the assessment of the Czech Republic as the country of EU Presidency. The topics of the Czech Radio series on Czech footsteps in the European Union were commented by Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute.

ČT24 | The position of the far right in the EU elections

June 07, 2024

Political analysts and pre-election polls predict a strengthening of the right or far right after the European Parliament elections in June. The success of the populists may be due to a change in priorities among younger voters. This group may feel overlooked and disadvantaged compared to older generations. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this issue.

ČT24 | Low turnout of Czech voters in European elections

June 07, 2024

Czechs wield significant power in Brussels, within the European Union, we rank as the ninth most populous country, placing us among the medium-sized nations. Moreover, Czechia is economically strong country. Yet, the turnout of Czech voters in European elections remains traditionally low, not only compared to other elections in the Czech Republic but also on a European scale. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, discussed low turnout and other topics for ČT24.

ČT24 | The European Union is in a state of unity, despite differences among some member countries

June 07, 2024

The European Parliament elections held from June 6th till 9th not only introduced a new lineup of MEPs but also brought significant changes in the distribution of seats among various countries. The European Union is gearing up for new challenges with its new leadership, and Hungary will assume the presidency in July. How will the European institutions transform, and what priorities will dominate over the next five years? Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Czech Television.