security

We would like to invite you to the next in a series of debates that provide an up-to-date perspective on key topics discussed in the plenary sessions of the European Parliament. The aim of the debates is to offer a clear overview of the decisions taken and their wider impact on the European Union and the Czech Republic. Each debate will provide a space for reflection on major legislative and political steps taken by the European Parliament, direct discussion with MEPs and experts, and an open dialogue with the professional and general public.

Europe's unified approach has traditionally been complicated by Hungary, which openly rejects aid to Ukraine. Martin Vokálek, Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the common European defence.

Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for TN Live on the summit in Brussels, which focuses on competitiveness, defence and European unity. He also discussed the current security situation on the international scene.

The first-ever European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) was introduced by the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP) in March 2024, addressing key challenges in the European defence industry. The strategy aims to increase European defence industrial readiness, encourage Member States to invest in the European defence industry, and reinforce joint European defence procurement and ownership. EU Member States from Central Europe have played a crucial role in supporting Ukraine after the start of the Russian unprovoked and illegal full-scale invasion in February 2022. They also stressed the need to focus the EU's efforts on new initiatives in the field of defence and the defence industry, such as the Act in Support of Ammunition Production or enhancing the European Defence Fund. Writes Timotej Kováčik, Junior Researcher/Analyst focusing on security and defense issues, the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, and energy security at the Slovak Foreign Policy Association.

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.

EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss defence, competitiveness and support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with both Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Europe remains the main pillar of support for Ukraine - despite the efforts of some leaders, such as Viktor Orbán, to undermine the unity of the EU-27. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of Institutut EUROPEUM, comments on the situation in Studio 6.

The Brussels Office of EUROPEUM, representing the Think Visegrad Platform, in collaboration with IRSEM EUROPE – The Institute for Strategic Research at the Military School, invites you to an expert discussion on the future of the European defence industry.

We would like to invite you to the first in a series of debates that provide an up-to-date perspective on key topics discussed in the plenary sessions of the European Parliament. The aim of the debates is to offer a clear overview of the decisions taken and their wider impact on the European Union and the Czech Republic. Each debate will provide a space for reflection on major legislative and political steps taken by the European Parliament, direct discussion with MEPs and experts, and an open dialogue with the professional and general public.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is inseparable from European security. Dependence on fossil fuel imports puts Europe in a difficult position, even from a military perspective. Filip Křenek, project coordinator and analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for portal Obnovitelně.cz.

Certain politicians in the Union will certainly be tempted by the sweet voice of Donald Trump, but Europe should not accept this, because the only one who can represent the interests of all is the European Union. Donald Trump is deliberately trying to divide Europe. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČRo Plus.

The Coalition of the Willing has taken on its historic role. But what is the EU's position now? Read the commentary by Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, in the weekly magazine Respekt.

In Europe, the role of nation states is growing because of Donald Trump's influence. If European leaders maintain unity and align their notes, the EU bloc will endure, says EUROPEUM Institute Executive Director Martin Vokálek