IEMED | Serbia: The Dilemma between European Accession and Alliance with Russia

With Ukraine’s defence against Russia heading toward a stalemate in the second half of the year and increased pressure inside the EU to deliver on its promises to provide the country with needed financial and military support, Serbia’s ambiguous relationship with Russia and the West has been brought increasingly into the spotlight in 2023. The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), ruling since 2012, and President Aleksandar Vučić have been responsible for continued democratic backsliding and have failed to align with the Union’s foreign policy during Serbia’s lengthy EU accession process, pushing the situation closer towards a tipping point in Serbia-EU relations. Senior researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, Jana Juzová, describes this in more detail in her article for the European Institute of the Mediterranean.

Zjistit více

Aktuálně.cz | Von der Leyen is almost certain to secure a second nomination, but she may face challenges in the European Parliament

The campaigns for the European Parliament elections are not only relevant to Czech politicians but also to those from other countries. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, spoke with Aktuálně.cz about the chances of the current President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. How did she perform in the previous electoral term? And what points should she focus on in her campaign?

Zjistit více

ČT24 | Representatives of two factions absent from the Spitzenkandidaten debate

Five candidates for the post of President of the European Commission faced each other in the Spitzenkandidaten debate. Two factions did not send a representative at all. Moreover, these are the very factions that could be significantly stronger in the European elections than in the previous period. Missing were representatives of the far-right Identity and Democracy group, of which the SPD is a member for the Czech Republic, as well as the European Conservatives and Reformists, on which the Czech ODS sits. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČT24 about whether they were significantly absent from the debate.

Zjistit více

RTVS | Does von der Leyen have a clear opponent after the Spitzenkandidaten debate?

Five candidates for the post of European Commission chief clashed in a Europe-wide debate on Thursday. Two factions did not field a candidate. The system of spitzenkandidaten, i.e. the leading candidates of each group for the post of president of the European executive, was created as an effort by MEPs to increase transparency in the filling of the highest posts in the European Union, which clearly includes the president of the Commission. Who will be the one who will form the majority after the elections and does the current head of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, have a significant opponent among the other spitzenkandidaten? Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, analysed the debate for RTVS.

Zjistit více

TN.cz | Candidates' debate for the post of European Commission chief

With less than two weeks to go until the European Parliament elections, voters can choose their representatives with the help of a Europe-wide debate of candidates for the post of the future President or President of the European Commission. Five candidates, including the current head of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who is seeking her second mandate this year, met in the debate on Thursday. Topics discussed included defence and security, the environment and the importance of democracy. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, spoke to TN.cz about the importance of the debate for Czech voters and the outcomes of the individual candidates.

Zjistit více

BLOG | Radio Silence: EU Media Laws in the Hungarian Context

The European Union has passed major legislation to try and secure media freedom and independence in recent years. However, for the state of media pluralism in certain Member States, these efforts have come too late. In the Hungarian context, a pro-ruling party media ecosystem stands well-entrenched in the private and public media sector. Writes our researcher, Henry Barrett, a Fulbright-Schuman Grantee.

Zjistit více

TV Nova | European elections: Defense, security and domestic issues dominate amongst Czech voters

According to surveys a record turnout of Czech voters is expected in this year's elections to the European Parliament. Compared to the elections in 2014, it could be almost double the number, and so far about 33 percent participation is expected. Defense and security will be key topics, as well as war in Ukraine. Domestic issues of individual countries will play an important role as well. The executive director of the EUROPEUM Institute, Martin Vokálek, spoke to TV Nova about possible changes in the composition of the Parliament.

Zjistit více

iDnes.cz | New survey for the June European Parliament Elections

According to a new survey by the Ipsos agency for Euronews, ANO party has the highest support leading up to the June elections, followed by the SPOLU coalition, with Mayors and independents (STAN) holding third place. ANO party could potentially gain up to nine seats, while STAN also show increased support. On the other hand, the SPOLU coalition is not expected to achieve the anticipated level of support. The decision to participate in the elections as part of this coalition could benefit Christian and Democratic Union - Czechoslovak People's Party (KDU-ČSL), but it may harm TOP 09. Deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute Viktor Daněk commented on the survey for iDnes.cz.

Zjistit více

RTVS | Ursula von der Leyen wants to be the President of the European Commission again

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will run again for this mandate. The current President's chances are quite good, but the nomination still needs to be approved by the European People's Party. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM, discussed this and other possible candidates who could replace Ursula von der Leyen, live on RTVS.

Zjistit více

ČRo Plus | The impact of the presidential election result in Taiwan

The Democratic Progressive Party candidate wins Taiwan's presidential election for the third time in a row. The incumbent vice-president, William Lai, whom China describes as a troublemaker and separatist, will become head of state. A rapprochement with Beijing is therefore not expected, quite the opposite. Our researcher Zuzana Krulichová commented for ČRo Plus on what these elections mean, especially from an economic point of view.

Zjistit více



Institut pro evropskou politiku EUROPEUM
Staroměstské náměstí 4/1
Praha 1 - Staré Město
110 00

tel.: +420 212 246 552
email: europeum@europeum.org
https://www.europeum.org