Europeum

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).

Hospodářské noviny | Climate is giving way to security and economy. However, easing off on green transformation now would be a strategic mistake

June 26, 2024

This year's elections to the European Parliament have sparked debates about continuing the European plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, despite recent events suggesting the need to reassess this plan. The election results did not signify as much of a setback for European green ambitions as anticipated. The priority of climate and environment is no longer as high among most Europeans as it was five years ago, reflecting current political and international challenges such as security, economic prosperity, and the competitiveness of European industry. Kateřina Davidova, a researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, wrote an opinion piece on this topic for Hospodářské noviny.

Respekt | The European elections are over. Czechia is awaiting the nomination of a European Commissioner

June 10, 2024

Who will become the new Commissioner for the Czech Republic? And what topics should we focus on? According to the Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute Viktor Daněk, it is necessary to abandon the idea of a strong economic portfolio in the next European Commission. Instead, we should focus on gaining influence and respect through other areas, he commented for the weekly Respekt.

Seznam Zprávy | The European Union remains on the green path

June 12, 2024

The green parties has weakened, while the eurosceptic, far-right and climate-sceptic factions have strengthened. However, this is unlikely to be a significant obstacle to the implementation of the Green Deal for Europe. The parties behind it have retained the most seats. What implications will the results of the European Parliament elections have for the Union's climate and environmental policy over the next five years? Senior researcher of EUROPEUM Institute Kateřina Davidová commented for Seznam Zprávy.

Seznam Zprávy | People experience multi-crisis, success of the far right could be greater

June 10, 2024

Despite 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.

TV Nova | Development of renewable energy sources

May 31, 2024

How does the Czech public view climate change and the development of renewable energy sources? Do they see it as a path to competitiveness? According to Czechs, should the European Union focus on environmental issues? Rebeka Hengalová, a research fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, discussed the STEM survey results in collaboration with the EUROPEUM Institute on the program "Naše Evropa" on TV Nova.

EUROPEUM Institute's ranking of MEPs' influence

May 27, 2024

EUROPEUM Institute organized a survey among selected experts and stakeholders in European politics to evaluate the performance of current Czech MEPs. The performance of MEPs is difficult to evaluate because there is no completely objective set of criteria that would clearly show this. Therefore, EUROPEUM approached diplomats, officials, academics and other experts from the EU policy environment to compile its own ranking.

TN.cz | Candidates' debate for the post of European Commission chief

May 23, 2024

With less than two weeks to go until the European Parliament elections, voters can choose their representatives with the help of a Europe-wide debate of candidates for the post of the future President or President of the European Commission. Five candidates, including the current head of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who is seeking her second mandate this year, met in the debate on Thursday. Topics discussed included defence and security, the environment and the importance of democracy. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, spoke to TN.cz about the importance of the debate for Czech voters and the outcomes of the individual candidates.

ČT24 | Euroskeptic parties strengthen a month before the European Parliament elections

May 09, 2024

The European elections are about a month away. Czechs will vote for 21 of the 720 MEPs. This will be the first election since Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic or the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Turnout is expected to be higher than in the last elections five years ago, with right-wing and Eurosceptic parties strengthening. Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of EUROPEUM Institute's Brussels office, described the possible reasons for daily broadcast of Czech TV.

Události | Why is Euroskepticism and the far-right rising in EU elections?

May 09, 2024

In the forthcoming European elections, projections suggest that the European People's Party and the Socialists will likely hold their ground. However, a competitive scenario arises for the third spot as liberals confront rising of Eurosceptic and far-right parties. What drives voter behavior towards these political parties? Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of EUROPEUM Institute's Brussels office, answered for main evening broadcast Události at Česká televize.