Articles and Publications

The European security environment has changed fundamentally over the past decade in response to growing geopolitical risks. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the growing influence of authoritarian powers such as China and Russia, and escalating tensions in key regions such as the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific are reshaping the way Europe views its security and defence. These challenges are leading to a deepening of defence cooperation within and outside the EU, which includes the development of new policies, structures and initiatives, and cooperation with NATO also underlines the need for strategic alignment between European and transatlantic partners. Written by EUROPEUM Institute researcher Zuzana Krulichová and research associate fellow Tereza Novotná.

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.

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.

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.

Over the past decade, the European security environment has undergone significant changes, from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East to China's growing geopolitical ambitions. Europe is thus compelled to expand defence cooperation and strengthen its defence and security capabilities. These developments are accelerating EU Member States' efforts to develop robust common security and defence structures and policies to ensure the EU's stable position in the global geopolitical order. Writes EUROPEUM Institute researchers Zuzana Krulichová and Danielle Piatkiewicz and Associate Research Fellow Tereza Novotná.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, media coverage of the country has increased significantly. Interpreting and commenting on events, putting them in the news and shaping the debate about Ukraine's future prospects in relation to European integration has thus become an important part of the responsibility of most mainstream media. However, as the war drags on, the V4 citizens' awareness of the conflict has diverged. At different times, some topics have been given more emphasis than others, making the quality of coverage often incomplete or unconvincing. Some countries emphasise the autonomy of reporting, which in turn allows for broad and in-depth coverage, while there are regimes that narrow the information and use the topic of war to produce stories for domestic purposes. In the final report on the EUROPEUM Institute project, Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister and others write.

This two-part online workshop series focused on NATO’s Open-Door policy and the potential for future eastern enlargement, offering a deep dive into the alliance’s evolving dynamics. Over eight engaging sessions, experts, students, and practitioners discussed Ukraine’s prospects for NATO membership, challenges posed by democratic reforms, border disputes, and regional perspectives within the alliance. The workshops also explored NATO’s role in space and cyber operations, its response to geopolitical challenges, and the impact of member states’ internal dynamics on enlargement. Specifically focusing on the views from the V4.

As the EU enters its next political cycle, role of Central European countries within the block seems to have picked up its pace. Not only have Poland, Czechia or Slovenia received ambitious Commissioner portfolios, but the region has also played an important role in the support of Ukraine and more broadly in shaping EU's political priorities for the next mandate. Yet, there is still lack of representation of these countries within the EU institutions while latest reports of Letta and Draghi barely involved any voices from the Eastern part of the EU in their research. This debate organized by Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute therefore summarized latest developments on the EU level and looked into the current Hungarian and upcoming Polish EU presidencies and their potential impacts on the Union.

As Europe stands at a crossroads, it must navigate a complex landscape where economic competitiveness, energy security, and climate goals intersect. Historically a champion of open trade, the EU now faces mounting pressures from high energy costs, raw material dependencies, and competition in clean technologies. These challenges are compounded by the need to boost resilience amid rising geopolitical tensions and declining public support for climate policies. In this Policy paper EUROPEUM Institute analyst Filip Křenek explores how the EU can leverage trade policy, capital and energy markets to safeguard its global standing and foster a greener, more competitive future. Central European countries, like Czechia, play a crucial role in this effort, advocating for open markets while grappling with economic and energy dependencies and vulnerabilities.

The "Transatlantic Policy Forum 2024 Backgrounder" paper outlines key strategic challenges and policy directions for the transatlantic relationship as the U.S. approaches its 2024 presidential election. It addresses anticipated issues in transatlantic cooperation, including NATO and EU enlargement, response to the war in Ukraine, security in Central and Eastern Europe, and rising geopolitical tensions with China. The paper emphasizes the need for the U.S. and Europe to strengthen alliances to face challenges like election integrity threats, a multipolar trade system, and authoritarian influences.

Based on research reports in the field of batteries and construction materials, this policy paper summarises strategic steps and recommendations to support the development of the Czech battery industry and to strengthen the use of low-emission materials and circular strategies in the automotive industry. The policy paper by EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy in cooperation with the Institute for Circular Economy (INCIEN) and accompanying studies are a major contribution to the debate on the transformation of the automotive industry, which today faces challenges related to decarbonisation and increasing competition, especially from China.