This year's elections to the European Parliament have sparked debates about continuing the European plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, despite recent events suggesting the need to reassess this plan. The election results did not signify as much of a setback for European green ambitions as anticipated. The priority of climate and environment is no longer as high among most Europeans as it was five years ago, reflecting current political and international challenges such as security, economic prosperity, and the competitiveness of European industry. Kateřina Davidova, a researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, wrote an opinion piece on this topic for Hospodářské noviny.
Zjistit víceIn France, final preparations for the July summer Olympic Games are underway, but according to surveys, less than half of the French believe the country can ensure a their smooth course. Confidence in current political leaders has also been undermined by the European elections, where the opposition scored a significant victory. The opposition far-right National Rally led by Marine Le Pen no longer wants to leave the EU; they want to influence it. However, they need allies for that. Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office at EUROPEUM Institute, comments on this for Respekt magazine.
Zjistit víceIn the autumn, regional council elections will be held. The existence of 14 regions in the Czech Republic, however, does not have a long tradition – they were only established in 2000, partly due to the anticipated entry into the European Union. This arrangement is now heavily criticized for their fragmentation, low and duplicative administrative capacities, and the associated negative impacts on the state budget. Klára Votavová, a researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, presents in her commentary on research on the capacities of the state and regions to draw from the Just Transition Fund, using the examples of the Karlovy Vary and Moravian-Silesian regions.
Zjistit víceThe results of the European elections are favorable for Ukraine; the center-right European People's Party (EPP) won the most seats, thereby strengthening the position of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a strong supporter of Ukraine. On the other hand, while some groups to the right of the EPP also had successes, their support for Ukraine is mixed. Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute, commented the situation for The Parliament magazine.
Zjistit víceNegotiations on the EU leadership positions will continue next week. On Thursday, leaders and presidents are due to make their final decision at a summit in Brussels. Vladimír Bartovic, President of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on whether Ursula von der Leyen will defend her post as President of the European Commission.
Zjistit víceThe ANO political movement will withdraw from the liberal Renew Europe faction in the European Parliament, as it says it cannot promote the programme it went into the European elections with. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this.
Zjistit víceViktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Hospodářské noviny's newsletter Directors of Europe on the future of the Green Deal after the recent European Parliament elections.
Zjistit víceAfter the European Parliament elections, the elected national political parties have to split into different factions. This process is ongoing, with question marks surrounding the ANO party. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for TV Nova.
Zjistit víceAfter the European Parliament elections, government leaders of the EU member states must agree on the leadership of the European institutions. The agreement must be finalized by the end of the month. Vladimír Bartovic, President of EUROPEUM Institute, answered questions about the negotiations.
Zjistit víceAfter the European elections, institutions in Brussels are facing personnel changes. Who is likely to assume the most important positions, namely the the head of the European Council, the European Commission, and the European Parliament? Vít Havelka, senior researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this in the main evening broadcast on TV Nova.
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