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.
Show moreMoldova is likely to insert a European identity and a pro-European course into the preamble of its Constitution, according to the preliminary results of yesterday's referendum. The Kremlin, which according to the Moldovan government supported the opponents of the referendum, has already questioned the vote. Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of EUROPEUM Institute's Brussels office, commented for ČRo Plus.
Show moreMoldovans voted in Sunday's referendum to constitutionally anchor EU accession as a goal for the country. After counting the votes cast, voters decided by a narrow majority to support the country's Western orientation. Current pro-EU President Maia Sandu, who won the most votes in the first round of the simultaneous presidential election, accused "criminal groups" of undermining the referendum. The second round of the head of state election will take place on 3rd November. Žiga Faktor, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute and head of Brussels office, commented for ČT24.
Show moreDeputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office Žiga Faktor commented on the relationship between the European Union and Tunisia in the wake of the presidential elections for the Slovakian Radio.
Show moreAs 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!
Show moreOn September 12th, EUROPEUM’s Brussels Office organized a public conference titled “Making enlargement work again: Supporting Western Balkans through the experiences of Central and Eastern Europe”. Following a keynote speech by H.E. Bálint Ódor, the panel discussions dwelled on the 2004 enlargement, its impacts on the EU and the lessons learned from the process through the perspective of current EU accession of the countries of Western Balkans.
Show moreOn September 26th, EUROPEUM’s Brussels Office organized an expert discussion titled “Ukraine’s EU membership: an economic challenge or an opportunity?” The debate focused on the potential economic impacts of Ukraine’s accession to the Union, including the EU budget, sectoral policies, energy or critical raw materials. It also evaluated the opportunities for Central European countries and their private sector to strengthen the ties between the two regions. Read the full report below.
Show moreDon’t miss this unique opportunity to expand your understanding of transatlantic relations with a one-week program in November! Over the course of this week, you’ll engage with experts, participate in discussions, and gain invaluable insights into the complex dynamics shaping the relationship between Europe and North America.
Show moreAustria, led by the right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria, could pose a problem for support for Ukraine, said Žiga Faktor, head of the Brussels office of EUROPEUM Institute, in an interview with ČTK. At the same time, he said, it would change the distribution of power within the European Council, specifically, the EU summits, where a strong group of prime ministers from the Patriots for Europe faction would be formed.
Show moreThe far-right Freedom party of Austria won country's parliamentary elections. Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of the EUROPEUM Institute's Brussels office, commented for foreign desk broadcast on ČT24 on the results to the National Council, the lower house of parliament.
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