Europeum

Euractive | EU strengthened resilience, now security will be a priority

August 14, 2024

This year the Czech Republic celebrates twenty years of membership in the European Union. In the meantime, the EU has gone through turbulent years associated with a series of crises - from economic to migration to pandemic and security. However, the wealth of the Czechs has increased by more than 40 percent over the years and the standard of living has reached 90 percent of the European average. This is according to data presented by the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic on the occasion of the anniversary, while Czech exports grew by more than 320 percent thanks to EU membership. Žiga Faktor, head of EUROPEUM Institute's Brussels office, comments for Euractive on the other challenges the EU now faces.

Balkan Insight | City Heat: What Central European Capitls Are Doing To Keep Cool

August 14, 2024

With another heatwave expected this week following record temperatures in July, cities in Central Europe are belatedly taking action – but politics keeps getting in the way. Katarina Svitkova, an associate research fellow at EUROPEUM specialising on climate change, urbanism and sustainability, comments for Balkan Insight.

Politico Pro | The Emperor’s New Portfolio

August 12, 2024

If the French get their way, Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton is in line for a far-reaching economic portfolio in the next European Commission mandate. That could be a “competitiveness” remit that stands alongside a competition policy portfolio. For Politico Pro comments Filip Křenek, analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy.

El Pais | Hungary's new conflicts with Brussels as Budapest takes over the rotating presidency of the EU Council

August 12, 2024

This year, the EU has not declared the regime in Belarus authoritarian. Hungary vetoed such a decision. Budapest has thus found a new element in this short EU tradition - a communiqué on the anniversary of the electoral fraud committed by Alexander Lukashenko in 2020 - to clash with Brussels. Žiga Faktor, head of EUROPEUM Institute's Brussels office, commented on the situation related to the Hungarian EU presidency for the Spanish daily El Pais.

ČT24 | Most countries have presented their candidates for European Commissioner, none have put forward two names

August 02, 2024

Most EU member states have already presented their candidates for the position of European Commissioner, but none have complied with the request of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to propose two names. Ten countries have yet to nominate anyone, while the Czech Republic announced the nomination of Jozef Síkela last week. Which nominations are worth paying attention to? Is it mandatory for states to propose two candidates? On what basis does von der Leyen decide the composition of the Commission? And what are the chances that the Czech Republic will secure an economic portfolio? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for ČT24.

Respekt | Brussels Boycotts Hungarian Presidency but Will Ultimately Tolerate It

August 01, 2024

Brussels is boycotting Hungary's presidency due to Viktor Orbán, who during his tour of Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing claimed to be working for peace, even as his actions coincided with Russia's attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv. His mission was sharply criticized by European leaders, and the EU has distanced itself from his actions, with member states agreeing to boycott informal meetings in Hungary. Could Brussels take further measures? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for Respekt magazine.

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 exporters fear a return of Donald Trump. Brussels already has a plan to deal with it

July 31, 2024

If Donald Trump wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election, trade relations between the European Union and the United States could face serious challenges next year. Trump has promised to impose a universal ten percent tariff on all goods imported into the American market. Although his rhetoric is primarily aimed at China, such a tariff would also significantly impact European manufacturers. Is the EU preparing for the possibility that Trump could become president again and implement this measure? How would European companies be affected if the next U.S. president were Democrat Kamala Harris? Kateřina Davidová, a senior researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, comments on this topic for e15.

Czech Radio | Czech study reveals persistent poverty across generations

July 31, 2024

A recent analysis by the Czech Statistical Office found that children from low-income families often remain in the lower income brackets as adults. Over a third of those who experienced childhood financial hardship continue to be among the least wealthy. Klára Votavová, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, discussed why Czechia struggles with persistent poverty and the impact of education on social status in an interview for Czech Radio.

TN.cz | Rift between Hungary and Poland. Reason being Orbán's relationship with Putin

July 30, 2024

A diplomatic rift has erupted between Budapest and Warsaw over the different attitudes of the two countries towards Russia. First, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán branded Poland as the country with the most hypocritical policy in Europe, while the Poles hit back by pointing out the close relations Orbán maintains with Russian President Putin. The media are also talking about the possible end of the V4 group. EUROPEUM Institute researcher Vít Havelka spoke more about the dispute in an interview with TN.cz.