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.

Economic security and competitiveness are becoming key issues for the European Union in order to maintain its global position and internal stability. The EU faces a long-term lag behind the United States in innovation and technology, while pressure from China and other economic rivals is growing. A new wave of American protectionism, geopolitical upheavals caused by Russian aggression, and the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed the vulnerability of the European economy and its dependence on external supply chains. The European Commission has therefore presented a set of initiatives – from the Competitiveness Compass to the Clean Industry Agreement – aimed at strengthening resilience, reducing dependence on third countries, and streamlining the business environment. The Global Gateway initiative, which aims to diversify European trade and supply relations through strategic investments and partnerships, is also an important tool for strengthening the Union's global role. Given the strong industrial orientation and openness of the Czech economy, it is essential for Czechia to actively engage in these debates and formulate its priorities within the European economic security strategy.

Negotiations on the EU's multiannual budget for 2028-2034 are in full swing. How are Czechia and Poland responding to the proposal? Experts say that both countries appreciate the simplified structure and greater flexibility of the budget, but at the same time express concerns about the system of national plans.

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.

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.

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.

The European Union budget is set to rise to two trillion euros, but its impact will be limited due to high debt and inflation. A significant portion of the funds are earmarked for regional equalization, which Czechia has been drawing on for a long time. However, these subsidies will gradually decrease. Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Seznam Zprávy.

The European Union has signed a trade agreement with Indonesia. However, it will not be easy for European exporters to break into this rapidly growing market, where they will face strong competition from China and the US. The agreement must now undergo an approval process by the member states. Filip Křenek, EUROPEUM Institute analyst commented for Seznam Zprávy.

The debate about the future of the European automotive industry has intensified in recent weeks. The key question is: will the goal to end the sale of new combustion engine cars by 2035 remain in force? Or will the European Commission yield to pressure, as it did earlier this year when it eased the 2025 emission targets for car manufacturers? The European automotive industry faces a fundamental choice. While the world is betting on electromobility, Europe is seeking compromises. Commentary by Filip Křenek, analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

Where the European Union will head in the coming year was revealed by Ursula von der Leyen in her anticipated speech. The Commission President's address to the Members of the European Parliament on Wednesday was met with both applause and booing. The situation was commented on by Filip Křenek, an analyst from the EUROPEUM Institute.

A year ago, one of the most important economic documents of our time caused a stir in Europe. Professor Mario Draghi identified the weaknesses of the European economy and outlined a path for the EU to escape the slow decline in the shadow of China and the USA. Since then, European analysts have presented one strategy after another, but their real impact has so far been limited. The topic was commented on by Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.