Europeum

ČT24 | Division into political groups in the European Parliament

July 16, 2024

The Czech Republic has 21 MEPs in the European Parliament. The ANO movement has the most representatives, followed by the Spolu coalition. In the European Parliament, there were seven groups before this year's elections, but now there will be one more. The European People's Party remains the strongest, followed by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, and the Patriots for Europe. The new distribution of MEPs explained on ČT24 Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute.

STVR | The European Parliament will once again be led by Roberta Metsola

July 16, 2024

Roberta Metsola, a member of the European People's Party, has once again been elected President of the European Parliament. She was elected at the first session of the new European Parliament, with an overwhelming majority of MEPs voting in her favor. For Slovak STVR comments Filip Křenek, an analyst at EUROPEUM Institute.

STVR | The first plenary session of the European Parliament in its new composition

July 17, 2024

The first session of the European Parliament after the elections is beginning. MEPs will elect the presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission. How does the plenary session proceed? And what will be crucial during it? Žiga Faktor, deputy director and head of the Brussels office at EUROPEUM Institute, responds for Slovak STVR.

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.

CNN Prima News | EU member states confirm agreement on final migration pact

May 08, 2024

Representatives of the EU Member States in Brussels confirm their agreement on the final form of the migration package. The Czech Republic reportedly abstained from voting, while Hungary and Poland opposed it. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the final form of the migration pact.

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.

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.

Právo | Orbán's game turned against him

February 02, 2024

One of the shortest summits in the history of the EU ended by unanimous agreement. Why were there no protracted negotiations and what position does this put Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in? Our deputy director Viktor Daněk explains in a commentary.

ČRo Plus | Petition of MEPs calls for Hungary to lose its voting rights in the EU Council

January 15, 2024

120 MEPs signed a petition demanding that Hungary loses its voting rights. They argue that the EU's decision-making capacity is nearly blocked because of Hungary's approach. One of the main friction points is financial aid to Ukraine. Žiga Faktor, director of our Brussels office and deputy director, commented on the issue for ČRo Plus.

Radiožurnál | MEPs have run out of patience with Hungary. They are demanding that it loses its voting rights

January 15, 2024

Because of Hungary's blocking of funding for Ukraine, a number of MEPs have called for the suspension of Hungary's voting rights in the EU Council. 120 lawmakers across different factions have joined the petition. Our Brussels office director and deputy director Žiga Faktor provided his expert commentary on the issue.