Articles Archive

We would like to invite you to another debate in the series that provides a current perspective on key topics discussed at the plenary sessions of the European Parliament. This time, we will focus on recent events in Europe, specifically the presence of Russian drones on European soil and the related security risks.

On 19th June, the Brussels Office of EUROPEUM representing the Think Visegrad Platform organised a public event entitled ‘The Future of Transatlantic Relations: Between Unity and Uncertainty.’ The event took place at The Library Europe, Avenue de Broqueville 40, with a participation of 16 experts, researchers and civil society actors. The aim of the discussion was to critically assess the current state and future trajectory of transatlantic relations in light of shifting geopolitical dynamics, with particular focus on trade tensions, NATO’s evolving role, ideological divergence between the EU and the US, and external security challenges.

The European Commission has presented its proposal for the EU's multiannual budget for 2028–2034, which it describes as ambitious. However, a closer look reveals that its actual form is more modest than grandiose. The new budget brings changes in structure and priorities that may have a significant impact on Czechia, as explained by EUROPEUM Institute analyst Filip Křenek in the Europe Up Close podcast.

War, climate anxiety, disinformation, social pressure, and cyberbullying increasingly affect the mental health of an entire generation, bringing challenges that children and young people face daily on social media. How does constant online presence influence their mental well-being, and how can not only families but also schools and support professionals respond to its risks? And what is European legislation doing to protect children in the digital environment? We’ll discuss all this with our guests!

Negotiations on the new multiannual EU budget for 2028–2034 are beginning. However, the European Commission’s summer proposal has faced criticism from various sides. What major changes might the new budget bring? Will it be good or bad news for the Czech Republic? And what should the country prepare for as the new budget comes into effect? Analyst Filip Křenek from the EUROPEUM think tank discusses these questions in the podcast Europe Up Close.

The election victory of Andrej Babiš's movement in the Czech Republic sparked a wave of congratulations from Budapest, Bratislava, Italy, and the French far right. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called it "a big step for the Czech Republic and good news for Europe." But what does this "good news" really mean for the European Union? Martin Vokálek, executive director and head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for LRT.

The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, survived a motion of censure in the European Parliament. The initiatives of the Patriots for Europe and Left groups ultimately failed to secure the necessary number of votes. To dismiss the Commission, two-thirds of those present and a majority of all MEPs would have had to support the motion. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Svet :24.

More than half of Czech households reject the introduction of emission allowances for transport and heating. This is likely due primarily to negative public debate, which lacks information about the potential benefits of the system, such as revenues for the state budget or protection for the most vulnerable households. Rebeka Hengalová, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the situation for Radio Prostor.

The positions of ANO, SPD, and the Motorists movement could weaken the Czech Republic’s standing in the European Union. Andrej Babiš thus risks that Brussels might start treating him as cautiously as it does Robert Fico. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the issue for Denník N.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has rejected the EU's plan to ban combustion engines from 2035. Czech politicians and representatives of the automotive industry welcome the change in the German government's position. Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the matter for Televizní Noviny.

Czechia is looking for a way to remain competitive in Europe while also accessing billions in EU funds. It is not just about the state budget, but also about its future position among European players. Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Seznam Zprávy.

Andrej Babiš’s victory could raise concerns in Brussels, but analysts believe the outcome will depend on his future cabinet. Despite his alliance with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Babiš is viewed as a pragmatist rather than a hardline eurosceptic, making a sharp turn in Czech foreign policy unlikely. Martin Vokálek, executive director and head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for European Newsroom.