Europeum

Aktuálně.cz | A surprising portfolio "swap". The French could have played a role, says expert on Síkela

September 17, 2024

Despite previous speculation, the Czech candidate for the new European Commission and current Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela will be put in charge of the International Partnership portfolio by Ursula von der Leyen. The government sees this as a "mission accomplished", but the opposition as a failure. Experts are not sure whether this is a success for the Czech Republic. Why the Trade portfolio eventually went to Slovakia? Filip Křenek, project coordinator and analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Aktuálně.cz.

Česká justice | What will Síkela be responsible for in the Commission?

September 18, 2024

Disappointment with the negotiations and the weak position of the Czech Republic was voiced when the new composition of the European Commission was announced. The presentation of the post to the Czech nominee Jozef Síkela is accompanied by a debate on how influential the position of Commissioner for International Partnerships is. Experts say that although the government had bigger expectations, much can be achieved even with the portfolio at hand. The current Trade and Industry Minister could help the EU to be a counterweight to Russian and Chinese influence in emerging economies, and could also push for greater raw material security. For daily Česká justice commented Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute.

Denik N | Assessment of the new composition of the European Commission

September 17, 2024

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the composition of the new European Commission. This brings to an end weeks of negotiations and speculation. In addition to the new Commissioners, she also presented the Executive Vice-Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the EC - more women than men. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Deník N.

Seznam Zprávy | Jozef Síkela is set for the European Commission, aiming for a strong economic portfolio

August 21, 2024

It has now been confirmed by the government that minister Jozef Síkela is headed to the European Commission as the Czech candidate. Although President Ursula von der Leyen called on member states to nominate a pair of candidates, both men and women, the Czech Republic did not comply with this request. The outcome is expected to be decided in September when the portfolios for all new EU commissioners will be announced. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Seznam Zprávy.

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.

Czech Radio | Babiš will be seen as a pro-Russian politician due to his faction in the European Parliament

July 11, 2024

ANO movement leader Andrej Babiš recently co-founded a new group in the European Parliament with Viktor Orbán. Patriots for Europe, considered an extreme right-wing bloc, now include parties of Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders among others. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala labeled it as pro-Russian oriented. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on Babiš's actions for Czech Radio.

Seznam Zprávy | The political group in the EU that Babiš has joined is extremely positive news for Russia

June 30, 2024

Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has announced the formation of a new alliance Patriots for Europe for the European Parliament. For the time being, in addition to the ANO movement, it consists of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz and Herbert Kickl's Austrian FPÖ party. Martin Vokálek, executive director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments on its formation and importance.

Call for Participants: Euro-Atlantic Future of Ukraine and Eastern Europe: Views from Visegrad

June 24, 2024

Are you a Master’s student from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia keen on international relations and NATO's strategic future? Join our workshop series to engage with experts, present your views on NATO’s Open-Door policy, and network with peers from the region.

Deník N | The far right will not strengthen in the European Parliament, elections in Member States will be a threat to the EU

June 10, 2024

The results of the European Parliament elections have confirmed the expected rise in the popularity of the far right and populism. Now it is the turn of negotiations within the factions. These will be decisive for voting on European legislation over the next five years. What is in store for MEPs in the coming days, how much will the election results rewrite the balance of power, what role will the far right play within the EP, or what is the real threat to Europe in the months ahead? Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy and EU analyst describes for Deník N.