Czech cities could take inspiration in combating high temperatures from cities in southern Europe, such as Barcelona, which has effective plans and is well-adapted to extreme heat. Barcelona boasts over two hundred climate shelters in publicly accessible institutions like museums, galleries, offices, and libraries, providing drinking water, air conditioning, and informational services. According to Katarína Svitková, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, Czechia lacks action plans and responds to heat only at the last minute. Preparedness for tropical days is crucial for protecting the population, especially seniors and young children, for whom summer days are the most demanding.
Show moreAccording to the Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute Martin Vokálek European topics will be more frequently discussed in the public sphere. The reason for this are the newly elected MEPs, who met for the first time this week at a plenary session in Strasbourg. Their ranks include not only "traditional" politicians but also prominent figures with unconventional approaches. What challenges and changes can we expect from the new European Parliament? Listen to the Czech Radio podcast Bruselské chlebíčky.
Show moreMEPs from 14 right-leaning parties have joined the political group Patriots for Europe in the European Parliament. From the Czech Republic, they were joined by MEPs from the ANO movement and two MEPs from the Přísaha a Motoristé party. They could become the third strongest political group in the European Parliament. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this.
Show moreFormer Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has announced the formation of a new alliance Patriots for Europe for the European Parliament. For the time being, in addition to the ANO movement, it consists of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz and Herbert Kickl's Austrian FPÖ party. Martin Vokálek, executive director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments on its formation and importance.
Show moreIn 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.
Show moreThrough interviews with officials and other relevant actors at national and regional level, this research report identifies conditions for regional preparedness to draw on the Just Transition Fund. Researcher at EUROPEUM Institute Klára Votavová compares the situation in two of the three Czech regions that are drawing on the Fund: Moravian-Silesian and Karlovy Vary Region.
Show morePolitical 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.
Show moreDespite the rise in support for the far right in most countries, the direction of the EU will not fundamentally change. The People's Party maintains its position as the strongest faction and gains support from centrist parties. The victory of the extreme right in the elections signals the strengthening of conservative and populist parties. However, it is expected that key issues such as the environment and migration will remain on the agenda. The election result does not signify a radical change but serves as a signal to focus on voters favoring conservative and far-right parties. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the results for Seznam Zprávy.
Show moreIn Europe populist and far-right parties strengthened in several member states. The European elections brought changes at the national level. France faces early elections, and the Belgian Prime Minister announced his resignation. Project Coordinator and Analyst from EUROPEUM Institute Filip Křenek, commented for Slovak Rádio Expres.
Show moreThe European Parliament elections are less than two weeks away, and one of the main topics will be the subsidy system. A number of experts are calling for it to be changed, and questions arise as to where the European Union will get the money for subsidies. The transformation of the EU towards green technologies could limit financial resources for structural funds, which would have a negative effect mainly on poorer countries, including the Czech Republic. Economists also point to possible financial problems for the EU after the departure of Great Britain, one of the biggest contributors. Klára Votavová, a researcher at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the situation for TV Nova.
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