Europeum

FORUM24 | The Impact of the Patriots of Europe Group Power

July 19, 2024

How could the strengthening of the far right in the European Parliament manifest in practice? How strong and influential could the political group Patriots of Europe become? Could it affect decision-making at the level of the European Council? What developments can we expect in the European Commission under von der Leyen's leadership? Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute, answered in an interview for FORUM24.

ČT24 | Von der Leyen re-elected as president of the European Commission

July 18, 2024

Ursula von der Leyen has retained her position as President of the European Commission. She received a total of 401 votes, significantly exceeding the required majority of 361 votes. The result was not as close as expected. What ultimately helped her achieve victory? And how difficult was it for her to negotiate support? Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute, Žiga Faktor, commented for ČT24.

STVR | The first plenary session of the European Parliament in its new composition

July 17, 2024

The first session of the European Parliament after the elections is beginning. MEPs will elect the presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission. How does the plenary session proceed? And what will be crucial during it? Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of the Brussels office at EUROPEUM Institute, responds for Slovak STVR.

TASR | Slovakia will have only one female MEP in the European People's Party

July 15, 2024

After the June European elections, Slovakia will have its weakest representation in the largest political group of the European Parliament - the European People's Party - since joining the EU in 2004. The only MEP in the EPP faction will be Miriam Lexmann from the Christian Democratic Movement. For the Slovak News Agency commented Žiga Faktor, head of the Brussels office and deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute.

TA3 | Questions about the Hungarian Presidency

July 03, 2024

Make Europe Great Again is the motto of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Hungary has set seven priorities, including fighting illegal migration and strengthening European defense. But the next six months raise many questions about the direction the Union will take under Budapest's leadership and what it will mean for Ukraine. Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of the Brussels office of EUROPEUM Institute, explains the situation for Slovak TV TA3.

Blesk.cz | What is happening to the EU?

July 02, 2024

The political helm of Europe is taking a new direction. And according to political analysts, not a favourable one. The results of the elections in France showed this, with the far right winning 37 seats and the left-wing coalition 32. What is more, since the weekend it has been known that a new faction is to be created in the European Parliament - one that is more focused on national interests. One of the three founders is the head of Czech ANO movement, Andrej Babiš. Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of the Brussels office of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for Blesk.cz.

ČT24 | Agreement on staffing of the top EU positions

June 28, 2024

Ursula von der Leyen is to continue as head of the European Commission and Kaja Kallas, the Estonian prime minister, will lead diplomacy. Both politicians have yet to be confirmed by MEPs. The leadership of the European Council, on the other hand, is already assured by former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa. Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of EUROPEUM Institute's Brussels office, offers his perspective.

RTVS | EU and Ukraine have concluded a comprehensive security agreement in Brussels

June 28, 2024

The European Union and Ukraine concluded a comprehensive security agreement in Brussels. This builds upon the EU's longstanding support for Ukraine. What did the politicians agree upon? What is new in the new treaty? Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for the Slovak RTVS.

Respekt | It's time to unite. Marine Le Pen is enticing the cooperation of the Italian Prime Minister

June 15, 2024

In France, final preparations for the July summer Olympic Games are underway, but according to surveys, less than half of the French believe the country can ensure a their smooth course. Confidence in current political leaders has also been undermined by the European elections, where the opposition scored a significant victory. The opposition far-right National Rally led by Marine Le Pen no longer wants to leave the EU; they want to influence it. However, they need allies for that. Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office at EUROPEUM Institute, comments on this for Respekt magazine.

The Parliament Magazine | From military support to EU membership: What the new European Parliament means for Ukraine

June 19, 2024

The results of the European elections are favorable for Ukraine; the center-right European People's Party (EPP) won the most seats, thereby strengthening the position of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a strong supporter of Ukraine. On the other hand, while some groups to the right of the EPP also had successes, their support for Ukraine is mixed. Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute, commented the situation for The Parliament magazine.