The project (Re)uniting the East and West: Reflections on the 2004 EU enlargement (REWEU) is focused on the commemoration of the 2004 “big bang” EU enlargement at the occasion of its 20th anniversary in May 2024. This event had numerous positive effects on shaping Europe as we know it today, boosting its security, economic potential, and spreading democracy, good governance and European values across the European continent.
Show moreDespite the fact that women make up half of the population, they are still not equally represented in the key institutions of the European Union, even in leadership positions. The European Parliament and the European Commission are taking a number of steps to improve gender equality, both internally and towards the public. Adéla Gajdošíková writes in her blog what the current representation in these institutions looks like and what concrete measures they are taking.
Show morePresident of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen presents the composition of the new EU executive to the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament on Wednesday 11 September. This will include the portfolio presented and the work agenda assigned to each commissioner. According to Slovakian TASR, it is already certain that the European Commission will not be gender balanced as it was in 2019-2024. Žiga Faktor, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute and head of the Brussels office, commented for Teraz.sk.
Show moreThe Czech Republic wants a strong, preferably Economic portfolio in the future European Commission. But this is what all Member States are seeking. Europe is now facing hectic talks and tug-of-war. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Voxpot.
Show moreThe 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.
Show more25 of the 27 EU Member States have already nominated candidates for the new European Commission. So far, 17 are men and 7 are women. According to the President of the European Commission Ursula von den Leyen, only Bulgaria has nominated both a man and a woman. The President also confirmed that there will be a new position of European Commissioner for Defense. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Slovakian STVR.
Show moreIt 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.
Show moreEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has asked Member States to submit two names instead of one in their nominations for European Commissioners. Her aim is to have a balanced proportion of men and women in the new Commission. But as the request for two candidates is not supported by the treaties, if the Czech Republic offers only Jozef Sikel, there will be no direct consequences, though it may affect the distribution of the portfolios that lays in von der Leyen's hands. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČRo Plus.
Show moreEU leaders nominate Ursula von der Leyen to lead the European Commission again. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, known for her support for Ukraine, is to lead EU's foreign policy. Both women have yet to be confirmed in top jobs by the European Parliament. In addition to the majority, support may also have to be sought from the conservatives or the Greens. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for ČT24.
Show moreSupporters of the new migration pact say the current situation is ineffective and only causes confusion. Critics of the new agreement, on the other hand, say the current status allows for greater flexibility in the processing of migration. But with whom do more voters agree? And do they believe in the security and protection brought by NATO membership? EUROPEUM Institute, in cooperation with the STEM agency, commissioned a survey, the results of which were presented to TN.cz by deputy director of EUROPEUM Viktor Daněk.
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