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.

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.

ČT24 | The first plenary session of the new European Parliament

July 15, 2024

MEPs will elect the new leadership of the European Parliament at the inaugural session in Strasbourg. Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola from the European People's Party is once again running for the position of president. On Thursday, they will also choose the head of the new European Commission, with most leaders supporting the current president, Ursula von der Leyen. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČT24.

Policy Brief | Prospects for changes in the composition of the European institutions after the 2024 elections

February 22, 2024

This policy brief analyses the prospective changes in the European Parliament (EP) composition following the 2024 elections. It reflects on the evolving political environment since 2019, highlighting shifts in party dynamics within the EP, such as the fragmentation of traditional party dominance and the emergence of new political alignments. Additionally, it explores potential reconfigurations in top EU positions post-elections and examines ongoing concerns regarding geographical representation within EU institutions, particularly the European Commission. Writes Tomasz Zając from the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM).

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.

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.

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.

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.

ČT24 | Negotiations on the new leadership of the European Union

June 22, 2024

Negotiations on the EU leadership positions will continue next week. On Thursday, leaders and presidents are due to make their final decision at a summit in Brussels. Vladimír Bartovic, President of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on whether Ursula von der Leyen will defend her post as President of the European Commission.

ČT24 | Negotiations on the top EU positions

June 24, 2024

Two weeks after the publication of the European Parliament election results, it is unclear whether Ursula von der Leyen will remain at the head of the European Commission and the EPP party, which is expected to vote for her confirmation by the European Parliament, is weakening. The Renew Europe party has also weakened, losing its MEP's from Czech ANO movement. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČT24.