Articles Archive

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.

The Low Emission Materials for the Czech Automotive Industry project is the fifth EUROPEUM project aimed at decarbonising the Czech automotive industry. The aim of the project for 2024/2025 is to improve understanding of material flows and regulatory barriers in the automotive sector; to transfer best practices from the international context to the Czech environment; and to identify key areas of Czech and European policies that need to be improved to enable the automotive industry to meet the challenges of decarbonisation and remain competitive.

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.

Join us on 1 December for a debate from the series “What’s New in the European Parliament?”, where this time we will focus on the EU’s 2040 climate targets.

Platform work in the V4 and Western Balkans is rapidly expanding but remains weakly regulated, creating risks for workers and social systems. Authored by Silke Maes, a research fellow at the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, and financed by Stiftung Mercator, this final report calls for region-specific reforms to strengthen legal frameworks, enforcement, worker protection, and data collection, supported by broader cooperation at national and EU levels.

We warmly invite you to Monday’s programme of the Enlargement Forum conference, featuring a series of discussions on the lessons of past EU enlargements, the role of women in accession processes, and the importance of reconciliation in European integration.

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.

When can Europe play a more prominent role in ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, how does Poland’s defense strategy serve as an example, and why do some Slovaks view Russia more favorably than Ukraine? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, answers these questions.

Come join us on 27 November at Pauwel Kwak Bierhuis for an informal discussion on foreign policy as well as current European and security issues with Tomáš Pojar and Viktor Daněk. You can look forward to an open debate, a friendly atmosphere, and—on top of that—two Belgian beers and light refreshments on the house.

For the first time in a long while, the European People’s Party supported a key vote with the help of the Patriots, once again disrupting the traditional cordon sanitaire toward populists and the far right. Yet according to expert Viktor Daněk, the isolation is not over — socialists and liberals want to continue cooperating with the EPP, though they describe their relationship as a “toxic marriage.” The commentary for ČT24 was provided by Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

The nomination of retired Lt. Gen. Jaromír Zůna as defense minister signals stability in Czech defense policy despite the far-right SPD gaining control of the ministry. His stance toward NATO offers reassurance, though the government’s direction will depend on his cooperation with SPD deputy Radovan Vích and Prime Minister Babiš’s influence. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Politico.

EU countries have agreed on a proposal aimed at curbing the spread of online material depicting child sexual abuse, despite the Czech Republic voting against it. The proposal allows companies to voluntarily break encrypted communication in order to prevent the dissemination of harmful content. The final wording will still need to be negotiated with the European Parliament. The issue was commented on for ČT24 by Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.