Viktor Orbán

The European Commission has announced that, in light of developments since the beginning of the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union, it plans to boycott informal ministerial meetings and send only senior officials instead of commissioners. Viktor Orbán has come under criticism for his recent trip to Russia, which he described as a peace mission aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and which he did not consult with the leaders of other EU states. This move comments Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute for Czech Radio.

The new group in the European Parliament, Patriots for Europe, is about to hold its inaugural meeting. They need 23 MEPs from at least seven EU member states. So far, it looks like they will meet that requirement. Comments Viktor Daňek, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute.

The European Parliament elections held from June 6th till 9th not only introduced a new lineup of MEPs but also brought significant changes in the distribution of seats among various countries. The European Union is gearing up for new challenges with its new leadership, and Hungary will assume the presidency in July. How will the European institutions transform, and what priorities will dominate over the next five years? Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Czech Television.

Is there a possibility of the emergence of an extreme right-wing political group in the European Parliament? Could it influence European affairs? What impact could Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have on the status quo? Who is attempting to gain her favor and other questions are answered in an interview for ČRo Plus by Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute.

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.

An extraordinary summit of the European Council is held on 1 February. During the summit, the main topic was the financial support package for Ukraine as part of the multiannual European budget. Although the package was blocked by Hungary back in December, it has now been approved. Žiga Faktor, Director of our Brussels office and deputy director, commented on the event and its circumstances for Euractiv.

Charles Michel announces that he will not stay on as President of the European Council until the end of his mandate and will run for a seat in the European Parliament in June. Such a move could make Viktor Orbán, as head of the presidency, the EU's top representative for a time. You can read about, what will happen if the Union does not find Michel's successor in time, in a commentary by our deputy director Viktor Daňek.

An EU summit will be held on Thursday, with the main topics to be accession talks with Ukraine and an increase in the EU budget. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán does not support further aid to Ukraine. Our researcher Jana Juzová commented on the situation for ČTK.

Martin Michelot talked with the French daily Libération about the relationship between Andrej Babiš and Viktor Orbán.

Martin Michelot was a guest of the French public station France Inter (Radio France), where he commented on the possible expulsion of Fidesz, the party of Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, from the European political party EPP.

Our director Vladimir Bartovic participated in a report on the European Parliament's vote to approve punitive action against Hungary.

Martin Michelot gives his opinion for Nouvelobs.com, on how the European Union could counter Viktor Orbán's efforts.