The European Commission has proposed how to make use of frozen Russian assets in Europe after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Up to ninety percent of the assets would be used to buy weapons for Ukraine under the so-called European Peace Facility. The remaining 10% would be transferred to the EU budget and used for the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. The proposal still needs to be unanimously approved by EU foreign ministers. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on what this proposal will mean for Ukraine and the European Union for Czech Radio Radiožurnál.
Zjistit víceThe countries of the European Union have approved aid in the form of an increase of the European Peace Facility (EPF) by five billion euros. The decision to create a special fund to help Ukraine represents an important step towards strengthening support for the country against Russian aggression. Žiga Faktor, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute and head of the Brussels office, commented on the creation of the fund and its possible results for Slovakian RTVS.
Zjistit víceMilitary industry in Europe is not able to cover the needs related to the supply of ammunition to Ukraine. The situation of the long-neglected EU weapons industry is now being addressed by the European Commission with financial support of 500 milion of euro. But is the decision on financial support coming too late? And how long before the industry can be renewed? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the situation for TN.cz.
Zjistit víceIs Emmanuel Macron becoming a watchdog in relation to Russia? Will his statements be backed up by his actions? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, commented for TV Nova on the evolution of positions towards Ukraine from president Emmanuel Macron.
Zjistit víceThe G7 countries are considering the transfer of frozen Russian financial assets to Ukraine. This sum, ranging between $200 and $300 billion, could provide significant support to Kiev. However, such move would be unprecedented and raises questions about compliance with international law and concerns about creating a dangerous template. Martin Vokálek, executive director of the EUROPEUM Institute, spoke on the topic for Slovakian Radio RTVS.
Zjistit víceParis meeting of EU and NATO leaders wrapped up with a clear call - to strengthen the defense capabilities and increase the supply of ammunition to Ukraine. The executive director of the EUROPEUM Institute, Martin Vokálek, spoke more about the reasons and consequences of this extremely quickly summoned meeting for Slovakian RTVS channel.
Zjistit víceThe new Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk came to the Prague V4 summit asking whether the Visegrad group is still relevant. Cooperation on a high political level is complicated by the countries' different approaches towards the war in Ukraine. While the Czech Republic and Poland continue to support its interests with the same intensity, Slovakia and Hungary are reassessing them. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, talked about the importance of the summit and the relations between Poland and the Czech Republic for ČT24.
Zjistit víceWe invite you to a public recording of the Café Evropa podcast: two years since the invasion: what's next for Ukraine? The recording will take place on Wednesday, 21 February 2024 at 17:30 at Langhans - Kavárna a Centrum Člověka v tísni, Vodičkova 37, Prague.
Zjistit víceAn 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.
Zjistit víceVít Havelka, Senior Research Fellow, appeared on the RTVS World:24 programme, where he commented on the European aid to Ukraine, which was eventually supported by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
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