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Café Evropa Podcast: Invitation to Europe Day Recording

Come celebrate Europe Day with the Café Evropa podcast! We invite you to a public recording, this time on the topic “The EU in the Hands of Young People: What Opportunities Do They Have?” Young people around the world are making their voices heard. What is life like for Czechs who grew up in the European Union and consider it their own?

Report | The Role of Central Europe in Strengthening EU Competitiveness

Building on the findings of the 2024 Draghi Report, the discussion explored the EU’s widening gap in productivity, innovation, and investment, while emphasizing that the main challenge lies not in creating strategies, but in implementing them effectively.

Policy Brief | ETS2 and Czechia’s Energy Self-Sufficiency

In an era of escalating climate change, geopolitical tensions and deepening dependence on imported fossil fuels, the Czech Republic stands at a turning point in its energy transition. Therefore, the implementation of ETS2 offers a dual-faced opportunity: on one hand, it can serve as another impulse for reducing reliance on foreign oil and gas, enhancing national resilience and autonomy; on the other, it risks becoming a flashpoint of political division and social backlash, especially among households and small enterprises in rural areas sensitive to rising costs.

What Does Viktor Orbán’s Defeat Mean for the European Union?

How does Hungary’s next prime minister, Péter Magyar, intend to govern? What does Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s electoral defeat mean for the European Union? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the results of the Hungarian parliamentary elections for ČRo Plus.

About the EUROPEUM Institute

EUROPEUM is an independent think-tank focused on the European integration process. We conduct original research and organise public activities. We also formulate new ideas and recommendations to improve domestic and European policy.

Events

We organize regular seminars, debates, conferences, workshops and round tables focused on current European topics.

Projects

Our long-term projects help to raise awareness of the European Union and strengthen international cooperation.

Articles

Our research team publishes articles responding to topics related to European integration and more.
Upcoming events
Past events
7. May 2026

Café Evropa Podcast | Invitation to Europe Day Recording

Come celebrate Europe Day with the Café Evropa podcast! We invite you to a public recording, this time on the topic “The EU in the Hands of Young People: What Opportunities Do They Have?”
5. May 2026

#TaskEurope 2026 | Finnish President Alexander Stubb to Speak at the Conference

The Europe as a Task 2026 conference at Prague Castle will welcome one of today’s most prominent European leaders—Finnish President Alexander Stubb will participate as the keynote speaker on the first day of the event.
4. May 2026

Debate: Will the "28th regime" give European startups a boost?

Join us for the next installment in our series of open debates, “What’s New in the European Parliament?” This time, we’ll discuss whether the 28th regime will give European startups the boost they’re expecting.
23. April 2026

Save the date: Join us for another beer on Thursday, April 23rd!

European Thursdays over a Beer continue! We’ll meet again on April 23 for an informal discussion focused on foreign policy and current European issues, as always in Smíchov.
22. April 2026

One World Festival in Brussels: screenings at EUROPEUM Offices

We invite you to movie screening of two movies presented at One World Festival Brussels followed by a discussion and networking. Capacity is limited, registration needed.
22. April 2026

Discussion | How can the ETS2 work for Central and Eastern European countries?

How ETS2 can be effectively implemented in Central and Eastern European countries? Come listen and discuss as the EU advances its climate policies, these countries face specific challenges and opportunities related to affordability, energy systems, and public acceptance.
In the Media
Projects
Publications
14. April 2026

Seznam Zprávy | Which Side Will He Take? After Orbán’s Fall, Babiš Faces a New Reality

Sunday’s parliamentary elections in Hungary marked a turning point; the end of the Orbán era is redrawing the European map. What does the loss of an ally mean for Andrej Babiš, and what are the implications of Péter Magyar’s victory for the European Union? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Seznam Zprávy.
13. April 2026

ČRo Plus | What Does Viktor Orbán’s Defeat Mean for the European Union?

How does Hungary’s next prime minister, Péter Magyar, intend to govern? What does Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s electoral defeat mean for the European Union? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the results of the Hungarian parliamentary elections for ČRo Plus.
1. April 2026

EU Brief | Fuel prices set to surge after 2028; Slovakia delays action

The ETS 2 system will raise fuel prices. Without government preparation, people in regions who rely on cars for their commute will feel the impact the most. The European Fit for 55 package sets rules aimed at reducing emissions by 55 percent by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. One of the main tools for achieving these goals is the ETS 2 system, which will introduce fees for fossil fuel emissions in the heating and transportation sectors starting in 2028. Analyst Rebeka Hengalová from the EUROPEUM Institute emphasized the need for systemic changes in an interview with EU Brief.
31. March 2026

Voxpot | A Traitor Speaks. Hungary’s “Snitching” to Lavrov Will Transform the EU

The revelation that Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó shared confidential information from EU negotiations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed what many had suspected: Hungary is an unreliable partner that other EU member states do not trust. How will this scandal affect the future functioning of the European community? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Voxpot.
20. March 2026

Teraz.sk | The EU Is Reaching the Limits of Its Decision-Making Capacity in Times of Crisis and War

The summit of European Union member state leaders in Brussels has cast the bloc in a realistic light—it knows what steps it wants to take, but at the same time is reaching the limits of its decision-making capacity amid several parallel crises and two wars with a direct impact on Europe. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the summit’s topics for TASR. According to him, the key point is that the EU is no longer trying to maintain unity at any cost.
10. March 2026

ČT24 | European Union finance ministers discussed how to address rising oil prices

Eurozone finance ministers met in Brussels to discuss the impact of oil prices and the uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute and head of its Brussels office, commented on ČT24 on the subsequent meeting of finance ministers from all European Union member states, where, in addition to energy, the financing of Ukraine and efforts to further integrate European financial markets were also discussed.
1. November 2026

Strategic Raw Materials for the Czech Republic | Opportunities and Challenges for Decarbonization, Competitiveness, and Circularity in Czech Industry

Strategic raw materials, such as steel, aluminum, and critical raw materials (CRMs), are playing an increasingly important role in European industrial and security strategies. They are becoming increasingly important not only in the field of clean technologies but also in terms of the defense industry and the construction of energy infrastructure. The project aims to identify opportunities and obstacles for the decarbonization of the Czech steel industry and critical raw materials sectors, with an emphasis on circular solutions.
1. June 2026

JustGreen

JustGreen project aims to engage the V4 citizens in debates and other forms of public engagement around decarbonization in three areas that are intimately linked to their everyday lives: housing, transport, and the job market. The public engagement activities, along with the ancillary research, shall pinpoint specific obstacles citizens and communities encounter when implementing climate-friendly steps or adapting to the EU decarbonization policies.
31. March 2026

Czech position towards e-mobility, ETS2 and SCF in 2025+

This project continues to monitor and assess the implementation of ETS2 and the allocation of SCF funds to ensure that resources are used effectively and equitably. At the same time, it provides an in-depth analysis of transport availability, accessibility, and affordability, while exploring sustainable mobility trends, innovations, and policy pathways that can strengthen long-term resilience.
31. March 2026

25 and Counting – The Voices of Visegrad

Res Publica Foundation, together with its partners from the Visegrád Group, has launched a unique project entitled Voices of the Visegrád Four, which features short videos and explanatory texts. The main objective is to provide media coverage of key issues relevant to the Visegrád region, raise awareness, and ensure better access to information.
31. December 2025

Assisting Independent Media and CSOs in Enhancing the Access to Reliable Information on the European Union and EU Enlargement on Social Media in Armenia

The aim of the project is to provide access to reliable information about the European Union and its enlargement process in the Armenian social media environment.
31. December 2025

Celebrating 25 Years of Czech Republic’s NATO Accession

This project aims to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s NATO accession, which occurred on March 12, 1999. Anchored in the historic context of NATO’s formation on April 4, 1949, the primary goals of the campaign are to celebrate this significant milestone, effectively communicate the tangible benefits of Czech NATO membership to the public and cultivate a deeper understanding of NATO and U.S.’s pivotal role in safeguarding the nations and Central and Eastern European security. Additionally, the project’s goal is to underscore the strength and benefits of the U.S.-Czech partnership.
7. May 2026

Report | After the Draghi Report: The Role of Central Europe in Strengthening EU Competitiveness

On 23 March 2026, EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, in cooperation with the Think Visegrad Platform, organised a roundtable discussion focused on the future of EU competitiveness in an increasingly challenging geopolitical and economic environment.
30. March 2026

Policy Brief | ETS2 and Czechia’s Energy Self-Sufficiency: Can Carbon Pricing Support the Phase-Out of Imported Gas and Oil?

In an era of escalating climate change, geopolitical tensions and deepening dependence on imported fossil fuels, the Czech Republic stands at a turning point in its energy transition. Therefore, the implementation of ETS2 offers a dual-faced opportunity: on one hand, it can serve as another impulse for reducing reliance on foreign oil and gas, enhancing national resilience and autonomy; on the other, it risks becoming a flashpoint of political division and social backlash, especially among households and small enterprises in rural areas sensitive to rising costs.
17. February 2026

Report | EU Enlargement under Geopolitical Pressure: Security Challenges and External Influence in the Western Balkans

How are geopolitical shifts reshaping the prospects for European Union enlargement in the Western Balkans? This report summarizes an expert discussion on the evolution of EU enlargement policy in the Western Balkans in the context of a changing security environment and the growing influence of external actors. The discussion highlights that, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, enlargement has become not only a technical, conditionality-based process but also a strategic instrument of European security. Participants pointed to uneven progress among Western Balkan countries, persistent challenges related to the rule of law and democratic reforms, and the increasing influence of external actors, particularly Russia and China. The publication also emphasises the need to preserve the principle of merit-based conditionality, strengthen gradual integration through tangible benefits for citizens, and improve the EU’s strategic communication towards local societies. A key conclusion is that the credibility and success of enlargement will depend on the EU’s ability to balance geopolitical urgency with sustained support for the region’s democratic transformation.
5. February 2026

Report | Revision of Price Safeguards in the ETS2 System

This briefing document maps the current state of negotiations regarding changes to the ETS2 emission allowance system proposed by the European Commission. The text is based on an expert roundtable discussion held on January 16, 2026. The discussion was attended by representatives of the European Parliament and the Commission, experts from Czech ministries, employer associations, companies, and regional organizations, as well as specialists from the non-profit sector, research institutes, and academia. The primary objective of this material is to bring necessary expert depth to the debate on the future form of ETS2 and to help the public and key stakeholders better navigate this complex topic, which will fundamentally affect not only household budgets but also key economic sectors. The authors of the text are our research fellow Rebeka Hengalová, analyst Kateřina Kolouch Grabovská (Fakta o klimatu), and researcher Tomáš Protivínský (IDEA at CERGE-EI).
31. December 2025

Policy Paper | From REARMing to SAFEty: Defence Capability Development Trends of the V4

As the European Union has significantly stepped up its political, institutional, and financial support for strengthening defence capabilities across the Union in recent years, the paper examines how the V4 countries rely on the levers of the “Europeanisation” of defence—particularly through European funds and frameworks for defence industry development. This aspect gains particular importance in early 2025, when the European Commission will assess national programmes submitted under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative for joint loan financing and decide on the allocation of funding for joint production, research, and development projects across European and partner defence industries, writes Tamás Csiki Varga in his policy paper.
27. December 2025

Policy paper | After USAID: What Does Czech Experience Show about Europe’s Ukraine A

Europe is closing out 2025 in the same strategic debate that defined its beginning, albeit now under conditions of significantly heightened uncertainty and tension. The continent is striving to define its own strategic autonomy while simultaneously seeking a response to the diplomatic “blitzkrieg” coming from Washington, even as decisions are still being made on the terms of a just peace in Ukraine and on the future security architecture of the wider European space. Rather than actively shaping its own framework for the post-war order, however, the European Union is increasingly confined to a reactive role, write Eva Rybková and Maria Gorbatova.

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Avatar EUROPEUM 🇨🇿🇪🇺 @europeumprague ·
12 Feb

Maďarsko čekají letos v dubnu parlamentní volby. Již třetím rokem po sobě se očekává, že růst HDP zůstane pod hranicí 0,5 %. V situaci přetrvávající ekonomické stagnace se nabízí zásadní otázka: může to znamenat začátek konce éry Viktora Orbána?

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Avatar EUROPEUM 🇨🇿🇪🇺 @europeumprague ·
27 Jan

Duševní nepohoda už dávno není okrajové téma. Rok co rok průzkumy potvrzují, že se s ní potýká značná část evropské populace. Stres, úzkosti, vyhoření nebo pocit vnitřního tlaku se stávají běžnou součástí života. Co s tím ale můžeme dělat?
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