On September 12th, EUROPEUM’s Brussels Office organized a public conference titled “Making enlargement work again: Supporting Western Balkans through the experiences of Central and Eastern Europe”. Following a keynote speech by H.E. Bálint Ódor, the panel discussions dwelled on the 2004 enlargement, its impacts on the EU and the lessons learned from the process through the perspective of current EU accession of the countries of Western Balkans.
Show moreOn September 26th, EUROPEUM’s Brussels Office organized an expert discussion titled “Ukraine’s EU membership: an economic challenge or an opportunity?” The debate focused on the potential economic impacts of Ukraine’s accession to the Union, including the EU budget, sectoral policies, energy or critical raw materials. It also evaluated the opportunities for Central European countries and their private sector to strengthen the ties between the two regions. Read the full report below.
Show moreThe newly elected NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte went on his first working visit to Ukraine. He assured President Volodymyr Zelensky that he wants member countries to continue to support Ukraine and strengthen defense. Experts say they don't expect a change in the direction of the North Atlantic Alliance with the new chief, while warning that under the circumstances it will be the most difficult for him to keep the alliance together. For ČT24 comments Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute Danielle Piatkiewicz.
Show moreThe project (Re)uniting the East and West: Reflections on the 2004 EU enlargement (REWEU) is focused on the commemoration of the 2004 “big bang” EU enlargement at the occasion of its 20th anniversary in May 2024. This event had numerous positive effects on shaping Europe as we know it today, boosting its security, economic potential, and spreading democracy, good governance and European values across the European continent.
Show moreSince the pandemic, telework has been on the rise and is here to stay. In 2023, nearly 1 in 4 employees in the EU worked from home at least part of the time, and almost 75% want to continue teleworking at least several times a month. While teleworking within member states has become relatively easy, cross-border remote work remains fraught with administrative hurdles, costs, and uncertainties —especially for SMEs. In her latest Policy Paper, EUROPEUM Institute Research Fellow Silke Maes explores why remote work is still difficult, why regulating telework isn’t yet a priority, and how tax, social security, and labour law could be adjusted to the era of digital work.
Show moreBoosting European productivity and competitiveness hinges on both the development and uptake of technology, especially AI. Europe has a chance to place itself centrally in the AI value chain if the EU and its member states ensure access to computing power, data and finance as well as improving citizens’ basic and advanced digital skills. Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute Silke Maes, among other contributors, writes in this Policy Brief.
Show moreDon’t miss this unique opportunity to expand your understanding of transatlantic relations with a one-week program in November! Over the course of this week, you’ll engage with experts, participate in discussions, and gain invaluable insights into the complex dynamics shaping the relationship between Europe and North America.
Show moreThe European Commission sues Hungary over a law protecting national sovereignty. According to Brussels, it violates, among other things, several fundamental freedoms of the internal market or EU data protection laws. Budapest defends the law on the grounds that it is necessary to protect it from foreign political interference. For example, it prohibits political parties standing for election from being financed by anyone from abroad. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for main evening broadcast on TV Nova.
Show moreCzech Minister of Transport Martin Kupka announced at the end of September, following the example of Italy, that the revision of the end of internal combustion engines should take place earlier than in the originally planned 2026. Rebeka Hengalová, researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Ekonomický deník.
Show moreDespite 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.
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