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ČT24 | Wilders loses ground as pro-European Dutch liberals D66 gain in the election
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30. 10. 2025
30. 10. 2025The Dutch parliamentary election ended with a narrow victory for the liberal D66 over Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration PVV. While D66 gained significant ground, PVV lost seats and mainstream parties continue to rule out cooperation with Wilders. Coalition talks are expected to be difficult and lengthy, but the next government is likely to maintain the Netherlands’ traditionally pro-EU and pro-NATO stance. The article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office at EUROPEUM.
tvnoviny.sk | Talks on the loan for Ukraine have stalled. According to an analyst, Slovakia may once again block a unified EU approach
More info 24. 10. 2025
24. 10. 2025EU leaders postponed a decision on the reparations loan for Ukraine until the December summit, as Slovak PM Robert Fico’s stance may complicate negotiations. While a new sanctions package against Russia was approved, discussions on funding remain unresolved. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
Denník N | Fico’s pressure regarding sanctions is not a good strategy, says EU expert Vokálek
More info 23. 10. 2025
23. 10. 2025The interview discusses criticism of Prime Minister Robert Fico’s negotiation tactics regarding EU sanctions and summit conclusions, arguing that his last-minute blocking approach undermines Slovakia’s standing in the EU. The text also explains the importance of European Council conclusions and how Fico’s strategy is viewed in Brussels. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
ta3 | Key EU summit begins in Brussels. Fico represents Slovakia as well as Hungary.
More info 23. 10. 2025
23. 10. 2025A key summit of EU leaders kicks off in Brussels today. Slovakia is represented by Prime Minister Robert Fico, who will also temporarily convey the position of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. On the eve of the summit, Fico met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ta3.
LRT | Babiš's triumph is being celebrated in the Kremlin – another rebellious country will shake the European Union
More info 10. 10. 2025
10. 10. 2025The election victory of Andrej Babiš's movement in the Czech Republic sparked a wave of congratulations from Budapest, Bratislava, Italy, and the French far right. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called it "a big step for the Czech Republic and good news for Europe." But what does this "good news" really mean for the European Union? Martin Vokálek, executive director and head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for LRT.
Svet :24 | Ursula von der Leyen remains at the head of the European Commission
More info 9. 10. 2025
9. 10. 2025The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, survived a motion of censure in the European Parliament. The initiatives of the Patriots for Europe and Left groups ultimately failed to secure the necessary number of votes. To dismiss the Commission, two-thirds of those present and a majority of all MEPs would have had to support the motion. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Svet :24.
SK Denník N | The Motorists and the SPD have taken on big ambitions. Babiš risks that the EU could begin sidelining the Czech Republic the same way it does Slovakia under Fico
More info 8. 10. 2025
8. 10. 2025The positions of ANO, SPD, and the Motorists movement could weaken the Czech Republic’s standing in the European Union. Andrej Babiš thus risks that Brussels might start treating him as cautiously as it does Robert Fico. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the issue for Denník N.
European Newsroom | Analysts: ANO’s victory is not good news for Brussels, however Babiš is not Orbán
More info 5. 10. 2025
5. 10. 2025Andrej Babiš’s victory could raise concerns in Brussels, but analysts believe the outcome will depend on his future cabinet. Despite his alliance with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Babiš is viewed as a pragmatist rather than a hardline eurosceptic, making a sharp turn in Czech foreign policy unlikely. Martin Vokálek, executive director and head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for European Newsroom.
České Noviny | Analysts: ANO's victory is not good news for Brussels, but Babiš is not Orbán
More info 4. 10. 2025
4. 10. 2025According to Brussels analysts, Andrej Babiš's victory would not be a positive sign for the EU, but the nature of his cabinet will be decisive. Although he is compared to Viktor Orbán, experts describe him as a pragmatist rather than a radical Eurosceptic, which suggests that Czech foreign policy may not undergo a fundamental change. Martin Vokálek, executive director and head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for České Noviny.
Blesk Zprávy | Czechia leaving the EU and NATO? Babiš promised that won't happen... Konečná is still in favor
More info 4. 10. 2025
4. 10. 2025Is there a risk that the Czech Republic could leave the European Union or NATO under the government of the ANO movement and Andrej Babiš? It is unlikely, but Kateřina Konečná and the Stačilo! coalition, which continues to push for a referendum on withdrawal from both organizations, are emerging as potential partners for Babiš's government. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Blesk Zprávy.
Web.DE | Is Czechia becoming the next Hungary?
More info 2. 10. 2025
2. 10. 2025Despite controversy, former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš still has a chance to return to the head of the government. According to critics, this could push the Czech Republic towards an authoritarian model based on the Hungarian example. There are even concerns that the country could question its membership in NATO and the European Union. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Web.DE.
Forbes Ukraine | Millions of grenades are at stake. The party of former Prime Minister and Eurosceptic Andrej Babiš is leading in the Czech elections. What are the stakes for Ukraine?
More info 2. 10. 2025
2. 10. 2025The Czech parliamentary elections may be dominated by the movement of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. One of his main promises is to end the program that enabled Ukraine to obtain millions of artillery shells. The question remains whether he would actually push through this plan if he wins the election. Martin Vokálek, executive director and head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Forbes Ukraine.