Europeum

RTVS | Proposal for the position of Commissioner for Defense

May 02, 2024

The current President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, proposes the creation of a new position: Commissioner for Defense in the future Commission. Is this proposal feasible? When could this position be established? And who would fill it? How would enhanced EU defense operate alongside NATO was addressed by Vít Havelka, Senior Researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, in a commentary for the Slovak television RTVS.

BLOG | A Proposal for Politically-Willing Countries to Resolve Europe’s Rule of Law Crisis

April 26, 2024

Given the lack of adequate EU responses over rule of law violations, politically-willing European states ought to consider a novel accountability mechanism. It is high time for committed European states to take innovative and decisive action on more than a decade of democratic backsliding sweeping the region and the world. Should European Union Member States concerned about rule of law violations seek a solution outside the EU institutions? Our researcher Henry Barrett, a Fulbright-Schuman Grantee, writes about this topic in his blog.

Think Visegrad Fellowship offer: Call for proposals 2024

April 19, 2024

The Think Visegrad platform, which brings together think tanks from the Visegrad countries, including the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, is offering eight visiting fellowships to non-Visegrad expert fellows for the period Summer/Autumn/Winter of 2024. The duration of fellowships varies from 6 to 8 weeks (based on agreement with the hosting institute).

BLOG | The Use of Article 7 as a Protection Tool for the Rule of Law and European Values

April 19, 2024

With Hungary taking over the EU presidency in July 2024, many are questioning the EU's ability to promote its values in its member states. Indeed, the EU is about to hand over its presidency to a state that has been criticised for its actions that threaten the rule of law and is subject to the procedure set out in Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), writes Maxime Painot in his blog.

Novinky.cz | Migration Pact: Non-compliance could lead to fines

April 18, 2024

The Migration Pact consists of ten legislative proposals that passed the European Parliament last week. They still have to be voted on in the Council of Ministers. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to lawsuits and heavy fines. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the Migration Pact for Novinky.cz.

ČT24 | The European Parliament approved new migration rules

April 12, 2024

The package consists of ten legislative proposals. Its support was by no means certain, with the fractions counting every vote. What demands does this comprehensive package place on the Member States? And does the package contain mandatory quotas, as the Czech opposition claims? Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, commented on the approval process of the new legislative package for ČT24.

ČT24 | The role of MEPs in the eyes of Czech citizens

April 01, 2024

Interest in the European Parliament elections remains low, and increased turnout is not expected this year either. The Czech perception of the European Union is partly shaped by political expressions, influencing a rather eurosceptic public perception. Although Czech MEPs have the potential to contribute significantly within the Parliament, the public has only limited awareness of their work and influence. Speculations about future positions within the ECR faction and possible commissioner positions are still premature. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, opened these topics on the evening broadcast 90’ on ČT24.

ČRo Radiožurnál | Use of Russian assets under the European Peace Facility

March 20, 2024

The European Commission has proposed how to make use of frozen Russian assets in Europe after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Up to ninety percent of the assets would be used to buy weapons for Ukraine under the so-called European Peace Facility. The remaining 10% would be transferred to the EU budget and used for the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. The proposal still needs to be unanimously approved by EU foreign ministers. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on what this proposal will mean for Ukraine and the European Union for Czech Radio Radiožurnál.

Respekt | Is the veto fulfilling its function in EU or has it become a tool for blackmail?

March 11, 2024

Although Viktor Orbán didn't make good on his threat to veto the EU aid proposal for Ukraine, his actions have opened a debate on the need for a veto in the EU. Does it still make sense or has it become a blackmail tool? Even now, the veto isn't the only way to block a proposal. In addition to it, unanimity may be threatened by the so-called blocking minority, in which a group of at least four states representing at least 35% of the EU population can prevent a proposal from being presented. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the Czech Republic's position in the EU and the possible reform of the approval mechanisms for the weekly Respekt.

ČT24 | Week of protests of European farmers

February 26, 2024

Farmers across all Europe call for changes in legislation. What are their demands? How fast are the negotiations going and how can farmers be relieved of some of the current bureaucracy? Viktor Daněk explains in an interview for ČT24.