Europeum

BLOG | Gender equality in the EU institutions: is the position of women in the Parliament and the Commission improving?

September 27, 2024

Despite the fact that women make up half of the population, they are still not equally represented in the key institutions of the European Union, even in leadership positions. The European Parliament and the European Commission are taking a number of steps to improve gender equality, both internally and towards the public. Adéla Gajdošíková writes in her blog what the current representation in these institutions looks like and what concrete measures they are taking.

Hospodářské noviny | To finally have influence in Brussels. The government is pushing the maximum number of Czechs into the new European Commission

September 30, 2024

According to Politico, two thousand people have sent their CVs to the future head of the EU's common foreign policy, Kaja Kallas. This way they are applying for a place in her cabinet, i.e. in the team of her closest collaborators. Including assistants, there are usually up to 20 people in the cabinets of individual commissioners. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, and Filip Křenek, EUROPEUM analyst, commented for Hospodářské noviny.

Conference | Circularity in the Czech automotive industry: opportunities and obstacles

October 17, 2024

The automotive industry has long been the driving force of the Czech economy, but is currently facing fierce foreign competition and challenges in the area of decarbonisation and sustainability. Despite its strategic position in the automotive industry, the Czech Republic still lags behind its neighbours in circularity and lacks a long-term strategy for the development of the sector. How can we improve the conditions for the development of circular solutions in the automotive sector and attract key investments of the future to the Czech Republic? Come join the discussion and seek answers to these questions!

STVR | Composition of the new European Commission

September 17, 2024

How did Ursula von der Leyen manage to put together the new European Commission? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the situation for Slovakian STVR.

Deník N | Orbán Opens Doors to Russian Spies and Saboteurs in Czech Territory

August 01, 2024

Viktor Orbán has recently stirred controversy in the EU by allowing Russian and Belarusian citizens to enter Hungary without controls. This move, which simplifies their movement within the Schengen Area, has raised concerns about security threats and pressure on European states. What impact might Orbán's policy have on Europe's security, and how are EU institutions responding? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, discusses the situation for Deník N.

e15 | European politicians boycott Hungarian presidency. Will Orbán continue to provoke?

July 24, 2024

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán took over the EU Council presidency less than a month ago, but he has already managed to provoke the EU institutions and most member states with his unauthorized "peace" mission to Russia and China. During this mission, he presented himself as a representative of the European Union, despite having no authority to do so. European politicians have responded to this situation with initial retaliatory measures. How will Viktor Orbán proceed? What strategies and tactics might the Hungarian Prime Minister use during his presidency? Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister, a research fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for e15.

Deník.cz | Czech Republic can find inspiration in southern Europe in the fight heatwaves

July 13, 2024

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.

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).

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.

WhatNews | Cities are expecting another heat wave this year. What is Prague doing to keep us from getting baked?

June 20, 2024

The average temperature in the Czech Republic has increased by 2.2 degrees Celsius since the 1960s. As a result of climate change, the country is suffering more frequent weather extremes: torrential rain, drought and heat. Heat waves are particularly severe in heat islands that form in cities. Prague wants to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, add greenery and water features. Will it be enough? Katarina Svitková, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute gives examples to WHAT news on how Barcelona is adapting to the heat.