Europeum

Report | Battery circularity in the automotive industry as an opportunity for the Czech Republic

October 29, 2024

The report "Battery Circularity in the Automotive Industry as an Opportunity for the Czech Republic" addresses key issues in the development of the battery industry in the Czech Republic, with an emphasis on the circular economy, recycling and reuse of batteries. The study, which was produced in cooperation between EUROPEUM think tank and experts in the field of batteries and electromobility, shows that although the Czech market is still lagging behind in the development of battery production and recycling, its potential is huge - from raw material extraction to component production to battery recycling, which would significantly strengthen the resilience and environmental sustainability of the Czech economy.

Report | Transforming words into action. How to keep current momentum in EU enlargement?

October 25, 2024

On the 3rd of October, Think Visegrad in Brussels, represented by the Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, organized a discussion titled "Transforming words into action. How to keep current momentum in EU enlargement?". Experts from think tanks, diplomatic missions and EU institutions dwelled into the renewed focus on EU enlargement, including the initiation of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, the formulation of new strategies and financial incentives for candidate states, and reinforced commitments from the EU. The key challenge moving forward is ensuring that this momentum is sustained and translated into concrete, transformative actions that deliver measurable results.

Press Release | Circular economy as a challenge for the Czech automotive industry

October 24, 2024

On Thursday, 17 October 2024, EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy in cooperation with the Institute for Circular Economy INCIEN organized a conference entitled Circularity in the Czech Automotive Industry: opportunities and obstacles, in which the Czech Battery Cluster was a partner. The conference was attended by representatives of the Czech automotive industry, state administration and research organizations. The press release from the conference and presentations of the organizations can be found in the text below.

Report | Climate policies are not the culprit of high costs and social inequalities, but can be the solution. But the government must seize the opportunity

October 23, 2024

This week, the Government will discuss in the third reading an amendment to the Emissions Trading Act, which also includes so-called household allowances. Under ETS2, these will charge for emissions from road transport and local heating - so they can help invest in infrastructure, renewable energy and support socially vulnerable groups. EUROPEUM Institute research fellow Rebeka Hengalová and others write.

Report | Moldova votes 2024: A choice between Russia and the EU

October 18, 2024

Moldova stands at a critical juncture that will determine its position within Europe. In the elections on Sunday, the incumbent president Maia Sandu is seeking a second term and a positive result in the EU accession referendum to reaffirm her country’s path towards Europe. But the hybrid threat facing Moldova from Russia will not dissipate, particularly as next year’s pivotal parliamentary elections approach in the tiny former Soviet republic. Hugo Blewett-Mundy, a non-resident associate research fellow from EUROPEUM, analyses the current situation in Moldova and provides an outlook for the country in 2025.

ČRo Radiožurnál | Can we expect a significant shift in the EU's migration policy from the Brussels summit?

October 17, 2024

The EU Summit started in Brussels this morning and one of its key points is to be further assistance for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky is in attendance and has presented a "victory plan" which includes strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities. A particularly heated discussion is expected around adjustments to EU migration and asylum policy. Shortly before the start of the summit, representatives of several countries, including the Czech Republic, were due to hold an emergency meeting to reconcile their positions in this area. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the current events on Czech Radio broadcast.

Factsheet | Emission allowances for households: What is ETS2 and how to use it to our advantage

October 11, 2024

The extension of the emissions trading system for local heating and road transport, the so-called ETS2, is due to come into effect in 2027. ETS2 now needs to be adopted into Czech legislation under the Emissions Trading Act. In this factsheet you will find basic facts and answers to questions that the Czech public often asks. Please also see the attached materials from the organisations that contributed to the factsheet.

Factsheet | Transport poverty: definition, primary data of Czech households and possible solutions

October 11, 2024

Already 3% of households in the Czech Republic are at risk of transport poverty, and this situation could worsen in a few years' time. Indeed, with the introduction of the ETS2, the emissions trading scheme for households, which extends emissions trading to road transport and local heating of buildings, fuel prices are expected to rise from 2027. This will have an impact on household budgets. Read the factsheet put together by Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute Rebeka Hengalová to find out exactly what transport poverty is and how it can be prevented and eradicated.

Debate in Brussels | A wind of change? Role of Central Europe and the next EU political cycle

October 17, 2024

As the dust settles after a hectic period of post-election negotiations, Von der Leyen’s second Commission is faced with serious economic challenges. Recent reports of Draghi and Letta have clearly indicated that the EU is lagging behind other global powers in the areas of growth and competitiveness and this is reflected in the composition of the College as well as within strategic priorities for the next political cycle. Come listen and debate about challenges EU is facing!

Café Evropa | 20 years in the EU: what has membership given and taken away from Šumperk region?

October 31, 2024

At the end of October, we will be heading to Šumpersko for the regional debate from the Café Evropa series. Join our guests to discuss how the region has changed over the last two decades and what EU membership has brought to the region. How could the region make better use of European subsidies? And what will you get out of the Green Deal?