Articles Archive

The EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy invites you to a debate on the impact of modernization and the transition to a sustainable economy on employment and skills in the Moravian-Silesian Region.

The 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.

More than twenty years ago, we said “yes” to the European Union — and since then, we’ve been balancing between sovereignty and cooperation, between Brussels and Prague. What have we gained, and what have we had to let go of? Is it possible to remain an independent state while being an active member of the European team?

The European Commission’s proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework has sparked lively discussions among EU governments and in the European Parliament. With close to €2 trillion at stake, the key question is how the EU can finance its priorities, repay pandemic-era debt, and support countries such as Poland and Czechia — all while avoiding new political rifts. EUROPEUM analyst Filip Křenek takes a closer look at the issue here.

EU 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.

Negotiations on the EU's multiannual budget for 2028-2034 are in full swing. How are Czechia and Poland responding to the proposal? Experts say that both countries appreciate the simplified structure and greater flexibility of the budget, but at the same time express concerns about the system of national plans.

The 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.

A 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.

The dispute over emission allowances once again highlights the tension between the Czech government and the EU. While Babiš promises a tough stance against the ETS2 system, experts point out that real changes can only be achieved through negotiations in Brussels. Written for Právo by Viktor Daněk, Executive Deputy Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

The European Commission has introduced adjustments to the ETS2 emissions trading system, which will expand its impact to households and transport starting in 2027. A new, more flexible price mechanism will be implemented to prevent sharp increases in allowance prices. While the Czech government is presenting the changes as its success, the opposition considers them merely cosmetic and warns of further increases in heating and fuel costs. The issue was commented on for Hospodářské noviny by Rebeka Hengalová, Research Fellow at the EUROPEUM Institute.

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The year 2025 was turbulent for the European and Czech automotive industries – US tariffs, strategic dialogue between the EU and the automotive industry, adjustments to emission targets, and the reopened debate on ending the sale of cars with combustion engines in 2035.