Articles Archive

Emissions trading is a key tool for the European Union in the fight against climate change. The recently proposed ETS2 brings major changes that extend the scope of this mechanism to new sectors such as transport and housing. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage a shift to more sustainable ways of operating. Filip Křenek, analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČRo Plus.

Environment Minister Petr Hladík is heading to Brussels to negotiate a postponement of the proposed ETS2 directive, which introduces a new emissions trading system. The government is seeking not only to postpone the directive but also to amend it to strengthen consumer protection. EUROPEUM Institute analyst Rebeka Hengalová commented for ČT24.

The European Union has been implementing an ambitious agenda under the European Green Deal. Sustainable development and climate action have been prioritized as per the ambitious goals covered in the European Green Deal. However, as underscored by Ursula von der Leyen, the focus for the strategic priorities has recently shifted towards economic security, competitiveness, and defence. Yet, the climate crisis constitutes an unprecedented security threat for modern humanity and the development of resilience towards climate change should still serve as a precondition for the fulfilment of those strategic priorities. Writes Elif Naz Němec in her Policy Brief.

Year 2024 is likely to be seen as a key year for women's leadership in the EU. Ursula von der Leyen will continue her role as President of the European Commission, Roberta Metsola will lead the European Parliament and Kaja Kallas will head the EU's diplomatic service. This signals a stronger commitment to addressing the gender imbalance across the EU and this momentum can be expected to drive further efforts to promote equality in the years to come. Kristina Gerová, an intern at EUROPEUM's Brussels office, writes in her blog.

Cities around the world are looking for ways to adapt to increasingly frequent and intense heat waves. One of the most effective strategies is the expansion of green infrastructure, which can significantly reduce temperatures and improve the quality of life for residents. Czech cities, including Prague, are already taking the first steps towards implementing these measures, although there are still many challenges to overcome. Katarína Svitková, Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Czech radio.

Europe is looking for a new political leader. With traditional European powers like Germany and France mired in their own problems, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is coming to the fore. She has been named Italy's most influential politician by the website Politico. For the main evening broadcast of TV Nova commented deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute Viktor Daněk.

The shape of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028-2034 is the subject of one of the key debates facing the new EU institutions. Key questions include how much funding will be available to finance the green transformation of European economies. Indeed, there is a growing conviction that there is a lack of adequately set incentives and support for the existing climate targets and regulations adopted at EU level. In Polify Brief, EUROPEUM Institute analyst Filip Křenek and AMO analyst Tomáš Jungwirth Březovský write.

The enlargement to include Bulgaria and Romania from January 1, 2025 will be confirmed by EU interior ministers in Brussels today. Austria announced on Monday that it will no longer block the full accession of the two countries. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, comments for ČRo Plus.

At their meeting in Brussels today, EU interior ministers are expected to approve the full admission of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area from January 1, next year. Austria, a long-time critic of such a move, has confirmed it will not oppose it. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented live in Czech TV daily broadcast.

Currently, the energy mix in the Czech Republic consists mainly of nuclear and coal power, with some secondary input from renewable sources. Coal-fired power plants are to be phased out by 2033 as part of the country's climate mitigation efforts, so the country will be dependent on nuclear and renewables to meet future electricity demand, which is likely to grow due to the shift to electromobility. EUROPEUM Institute researcher Rebeka Hengalová and analyst Filip Křenek commented for bne IntelliNews.

The European Union plans to significantly increase recycling in the automotive industry through a new End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation. Although the Czech Republic supports the circular economy in general, representatives of the automotive industry and the Ministry of Industry and Trade warn of potential negative impacts. Analyst of EUROPEUM Institute Filip Křenek commented for Euractiv.cz.

Following the start of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU and its member states have managed to limit their reliance on Russian fossil fuels and diversify their imports. Yet, ongoing conflicts across the Eurasian continent, including instability around the Suez Canal, still threaten to disrupt global trade channels. This has increased interest in the Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), as a crucial strategy for diversifying commercial infrastructure and trade to improve the EU’s economic and energy resilience. This event discussed the opportunities and challenges associated with the development of the Middle Corridor.