Articles Archive

A kind of “Christmas bonus” awaits German companies: the governing coalition will secure them significantly cheaper electricity. Czech industry, by contrast, will pay at least 30 percent more, which for companies such as Třinecké železárny means cost differences running into billions of crowns compared to their German competitors. For iDNES, the situation was commented on by Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

The proposed reparations loan for Ukraine, backed by frozen Russian assets, has encountered resistance within the EU, mainly due to Belgium’s firm stance. While legal concerns play a role, the blockade is also shaped by domestic political considerations and fears over fiscal stability. Despite these obstacles, a compromise may still emerge ahead of the December European Council summit, particularly if risk-sharing mechanisms are clarified and pressure from other member states increases. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

EU member states have taken the first significant step toward releasing frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Despite opposition from Slovakia and Hungary, they approved a mechanism ensuring that the funds will not depend on sanctions or the decisions of individual countries, allowing them to help Kyiv obtain the necessary financial support. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for Denník N.

The European Union is looking for ways to fund Ukraine in the long term without indebting its member states. The most promising solution appears to be using frozen Russian assets, particularly those held in Belgium. According to Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office at the Europeum Institute, this is the fairest and most sustainable option, surpassing all other alternatives.

Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized in London that a peace plan to end the war must be created exclusively under the condition of unity between the European Union, the United States, and Ukraine. At the same time, he announced that a joint peace proposal would be finalized by Tuesday and then handed over to the US, while reiterating that Ukraine is not willing to make territorial concessions. This article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

Andrej Babiš has been appointed Prime Minister and is now moving toward the formation of a new government. A key moment of his return to office will be the upcoming European Council summit in Brussels, where major EU priorities, including support for Ukraine and the future EU budget, will be discussed. Participation in the summit carries strong political and symbolic importance for Babiš. The article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

Andrej Babiš is preparing to return to the helm of the Czech government — and with him comes a prominent and unpredictable player in European politics. His ambitions to reshape the EU, promises to withdraw from the migration pact or the emissions trading system, and his emphasis on personal ties between heads of state once again raise the question of whether he will align himself with leaders like Robert Fico and Viktor Orbán, or whether he will ultimately, and perhaps surprisingly, follow the more moderate course of his predecessor, Petr Fiala. For the Seznam Zprávy news podcast 5:59, Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office at the EUROPEUM Institute, spoke on the topic.

Andrej Babiš (71, ANO) is set to represent the Czech Republic at the European Council in Brussels again on December 18. His participation marks a significant return to the European stage — both symbolic and political. To resolve his conflict of interest, he gave up Agrofert, which allowed President Petr Pavel to appoint him as prime minister. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the situation for Blesk Zprávy.

Andrej Babiš is seeking to attend the December European Council summit in Brussels, which would mark his symbolic return to the European political stage. The summit represents an important personal and political test of how European leaders will receive him after his comeback. The article was commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

The new ETS2 emissions trading system will gradually increase the cost of fossil fuels for households and transport. While no immediate price shock is expected, higher long-term costs and a transition to cleaner energy sources will be unavoidable. European funds will play a key role in helping households prepare for this change. The podcast was commented on by Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

Škoda Auto has become a key growth engine of the Volkswagen Group, posting strong sales growth and successfully transforming its brand image. Its performance in electric vehicles and its strong position in Europe highlight the company’s strategic importance. The article was commented on by Filip Křenek, analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

The electoral success of Babiš’s ANO movement in the Czech Republic prompted a strong reaction from its partners in the European Parliament. The Patriots for Europe group, which ANO has been part of since last year, portrayed it as evidence of the growing support for this faction across the European Union. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Aktuálně.cz.