Europeum

ČTK | Czech cities are unprepared for heatwaves. They can find inspiration in Barcelona

July 13, 2024

Czech cities can draw inspiration from southern Europe in combating heat, such as Barcelona, which has effective plans and is better adapted to high temperatures. For instance, the city boasts over two hundred "climate shelters" in publicly accessible spaces like museums, galleries, offices, and libraries, providing drinking water, air conditioning, and informational services. However, the Czech Republic is unprepared for heatwaves. Associate Researcher Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute Katarína Svitková commented for the Czech News Agency.

Deník.cz | Czech Republic can find inspiration in southern Europe in the fight heatwaves

July 13, 2024

Czech cities could take inspiration in combating high temperatures from cities in southern Europe, such as Barcelona, which has effective plans and is well-adapted to extreme heat. Barcelona boasts over two hundred climate shelters in publicly accessible institutions like museums, galleries, offices, and libraries, providing drinking water, air conditioning, and informational services. According to Katarína Svitková, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, Czechia lacks action plans and responds to heat only at the last minute. Preparedness for tropical days is crucial for protecting the population, especially seniors and young children, for whom summer days are the most demanding.

WhatNews | Cities are expecting another heat wave this year. What is Prague doing to keep us from getting baked?

June 20, 2024

The average temperature in the Czech Republic has increased by 2.2 degrees Celsius since the 1960s. As a result of climate change, the country is suffering more frequent weather extremes: torrential rain, drought and heat. Heat waves are particularly severe in heat islands that form in cities. Prague wants to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, add greenery and water features. Will it be enough? Katarina Svitková, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute gives examples to WHAT news on how Barcelona is adapting to the heat.

Prague European Summit | Slovak President Čaputová warned against the rise of extremism and hatred on social media

June 13, 2024

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová was the guest of honour at the 10th anniversary Prague European Summit. At the Czernin Palace, she received the traditional Vision for Europe Award from the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský.

ČTK | The necessity to adapt cities to the increasing heatwaves

June 03, 2024

With the increasing frequency of tropical days due to climate change, it is essential to adapt cities as soon as possible through various adaptation measures, such as planting trees and plants. Experts emphasize the need for projects that reduce temperature and improve the quality of life for city residents, despite the financial challenges of their implementation. ČTK reports on the discussion on climate change organized by EUROPEUM Institute.

Policy paper | Have we caught up with the West? - 20 years of convergence through the lens of wage levels

April 29, 2024

This year, the EU marks the anniversary of the biggest wave of enlargement in its history, when the Czech Republic joined the Union along with nine other Central and Eastern European countries. One of the main promises associated with enlargement was that the new Member States would catch up with Western Europe in terms of living standards. Read more in Silke Maes' policy paper.

Právo | European Council chief Michel makes a mockery of himself with a U-turn

January 29, 2024

Charles Michel has reversed his decision to stand in this year's European elections. The current head of the European Council faced a wave of criticism for not finishing his term, but was that the only reason for his change of heart? Our deputy director Viktor Daněk explained the circumstances of Michel's EU career to Právo.

FORUM 24 | Michel's (ir)responsible departure and Orbán at the head of the European Council? Election fight begins in Brussels

January 28, 2024

The announced departure of Charles Michel from the European Council immediately became the focus of discussions across Brussels and the member states. Our Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office Žiga Faktor commented on several key issues related to the future functioning of the EU.

Op-Ed | The grain dispute is the first sign that Ukraine's EU accession will not be easy. What obstacles await on this path?

May 02, 2023

The Ukrainian grain situation is making waves in Europe. Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office Ziga Faktor wrote an Op-Ed about the impact of the situation on the country's EU accession and how some member states are reacting.

EURACTIV: European cities face heatwaves. How are they combating it and what can the Czech Republic learn?

September 14, 2023

Cities in southern and western Europe are adapting to summer heatwaves. What measures are they taking to protect their citizens? In an article for EURACTIV, EUROPEUM Institute Associate Katarína Svitková describes the situation.