NATO

For over two decades, there have been numerous attempts to define and frame the relations between the EU and NATO. Three joint declarations and significant steps ahead have been taken and yet, there is no clear vision of how these two organisations should work together more efficiently. The commonly accepted idea of cooperation sees “NATO pulling the strings and the EU pushing the funds” in accordance with their respective nature and scope. Is this unbalanced relation the most suitable strategy to counter current geopolitical threats? No. But can this cooperation be upgraded? Possibly, yet this appears to be easier said than done. Providing the EU with a coherent defence policy and a strong industrial base can be a great additional value for NATO and not just in the extreme case of a possible disengagement of the US. Writes Federica Mangiameli, Programme Manager and Policy Fellow for Defence and Security at GLOBSEC, in her Policy Paper.

Martin Vokálek, the Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute commented the situation surrounding the "new era" of armament of the EU for Slovak television TA3.

As the Czech Republic celebrated 25 years of NATO membership, this paper examined the country’s journey within the Alliance—its achievements, challenges, and growing responsibilities in collective security. From its early integration to its evolving strategic role, the Czech Republic contributed to NATO’s missions, strengthened transatlantic ties, and adapted to new security threats. Part of the project “Celebrating 25 Years of Czech Republic’s NATO Accession,” this analysis reflected on key milestones, policy developments, and the broader significance of NATO membership for the nation’s defense, diplomacy, and global engagement.

The European security environment has changed fundamentally over the past decade in response to growing geopolitical risks. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the growing influence of authoritarian powers such as China and Russia, and escalating tensions in key regions such as the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific are reshaping the way Europe views its security and defence. These challenges are leading to a deepening of defence cooperation within and outside the EU, which includes the development of new policies, structures and initiatives, and cooperation with NATO also underlines the need for strategic alignment between European and transatlantic partners. Written by EUROPEUM Institute researcher Zuzana Krulichová and research associate fellow Tereza Novotná.

Although Europe's attention in recent years has been completely absorbed by Russia's aggression in Ukraine, many countries, including the Czech Republic, are increasingly interested in diversifying their business opportunities beyond the transatlantic space. We therefore asked experts from the fields of diplomacy, research and business about the potential pitfalls of EU-ASEAN cooperation, security challenges and the success of Czech diplomacy in the Far East. Zuzana Krulichová, researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, answered for the Institute of International Relations.

Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will, if they win, call on the EU to play a greater role in shaping international policies. Danielle Piatkiewicz, research fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Teraz.sk.

The newly elected NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte went on his first working visit to Ukraine. He assured President Volodymyr Zelensky that he wants member countries to continue to support Ukraine and strengthen defense. Experts say they don't expect a change in the direction of the North Atlantic Alliance with the new chief, while warning that under the circumstances it will be the most difficult for him to keep the alliance together. For ČT24 comments Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute Danielle Piatkiewicz.

In an article for the international magazine The Diplomat, Tereza Novotná, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, analyzes NATO's new direction, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region. The alliance aims to keep American engagement, curb Russian aggression, and limit China's influence, with strengthening cooperation with partners like South Korea being crucial for ensuring global stability. The article also includes recommendations for enhancing these relationships.

CEE allies are key to building the capabilities-based, European Pillar NATO needs to enact genuine burden shifting and secure the alliance’s future. Dr Benjamin Tallis shows how Czechia can build on recent progress in defense procurement and increase its influence by prioritising the six elements Euro-NATO needs: core national war-fighting capabilities, logistics, military mobility, strategic enablers, air defence and long-range strategic strike.

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.

We invite you to the second regional debate within the 25th anniversary of the Czech Republic's accession to NATO! Membership has brought benefits to the Czech Republic, but it also comes with a number of obligations. What is the importance of this alliance for us? And what do you think about NATO? Come to Ústí nad Labem to discuss these and other questions.

We invite you to a regional debate marking the 25th anniversary of the Czech Republic's accession to NATO, which will take place on Wednesday, April 3rd, at 5:00 PM in the AKORD Cultural House located at SNP Square 1, 700 30 Ostrava-Zábřeh.