How are geopolitical shifts reshaping the prospects for European Union enlargement in the Western Balkans? This report summarizes an expert discussion on the evolution of EU enlargement policy in the Western Balkans in the context of a changing security environment and the growing influence of external actors. The discussion highlights that, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, enlargement has become not only a technical, conditionality-based process but also a strategic instrument of European security. Participants pointed to uneven progress among Western Balkan countries, persistent challenges related to the rule of law and democratic reforms, and the increasing influence of external actors, particularly Russia and China. The publication also emphasises the need to preserve the principle of merit-based conditionality, strengthen gradual integration through tangible benefits for citizens, and improve the EU’s strategic communication towards local societies. A key conclusion is that the credibility and success of enlargement will depend on the EU’s ability to balance geopolitical urgency with sustained support for the region’s democratic transformation.

This briefing document maps the current state of negotiations regarding changes to the ETS2 emission allowance system proposed by the European Commission. The text is based on an expert roundtable discussion held on January 16, 2026. The discussion was attended by representatives of the European Parliament and the Commission, experts from Czech ministries, employer associations, companies, and regional organizations, as well as specialists from the non-profit sector, research institutes, and academia. The primary objective of this material is to bring necessary expert depth to the debate on the future form of ETS2 and to help the public and key stakeholders better navigate this complex topic, which will fundamentally affect not only household budgets but also key economic sectors. The authors of the text are our research fellow Rebeka Hengalová, analyst Kateřina Kolouch Grabovská (Fakta o klimatu), and researcher Tomáš Protivínský (IDEA at CERGE-EI).

As the European Union has significantly stepped up its political, institutional, and financial support for strengthening defence capabilities across the Union in recent years, the paper examines how the V4 countries rely on the levers of the “Europeanisation” of defence—particularly through European funds and frameworks for defence industry development. This aspect gains particular importance in early 2025, when the European Commission will assess national programmes submitted under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative for joint loan financing and decide on the allocation of funding for joint production, research, and development projects across European and partner defence industries, writes Tamás Csiki Varga in his policy paper.

The increasing presence of Chinese connected vehicles on the European market has heightened concerns about cybersecurity risks, particularly regarding their potential use for surveillance, espionage, and cyber operations. Discussions on this issue frequently draw on regulatory approaches and risk assessments developed elsewhere, most notably in the United States. Yet China itself has established one of the most comprehensive regulatory and technical standardisation frameworks for connected vehicles worldwide, writes Paulina Uznaska.

On December 9th, the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, representing the Visegrad Platform, in collaboration with MEP Miriam Lexmann and her office, organised a roundtable discussion titled ‘From Partner to Rival: How Should Europe Respond to China’s Growing Influence?’. The event aimed to explore how shifts in EU–China relations, driven by deepening strategic rivalry, economic pressures, and geopolitical uncertainty, are reshaping the EU’s strategic direction.

Since the 2015 migration crisis, the Visegrád Four (V4) countries – Poland, Hungary, Czechia, and Slovakia – have adopted strongly securitised migration narratives focused on control, sovereignty, and national identity. Although the region faces only minimal migratory pressure, migration remains a key political issue, often invoked during elections and EU-level negotiations. Yet this narrative of exceptional threat contrasts with the V4’s growing dependence on legal labour migration from third countries, driven by shrinking working-age populations, structural labour shortages, and low wages in key sectors. This paper examines these contradictions and governance gaps, focusing on the tension between securitised political discourse and economic reality.

On October 1st, the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, representing the Visegrad Platform, opened the month with an expert roundtable discussion titled “Prospects for the EU Enlargement in the Western Balkans: A Missed Opportunity or a Strategic Turning Point?” The event explored the achievements, shortcomings, and future outlook of the EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans, while promoting an open dialogue among leading experts and policymakers in the field.

The analysis assesses the evolution of transatlantic relations in 2025 in the context of Donald Trump’s return to office and changes in the U.S. approach to security guarantees. It examines the implications of these shifts for European security, collective defence, strategic autonomy, and the resilience of democratic institutions. The text also addresses issues of geopolitical stability in the Arctic and the MENA region, as well as climate and energy policy, trade relations, and technological competitiveness. Drawing on discussions from the Transatlantic Policy Forum, it formulates key recommendations for strengthening transatlantic cooperation in the areas of security, the economy, and strategic coordination.

Na konci listopadu 2024 učinil Evropský parlament významný krok, když přijal nařízení 2024/3015, které zakazuje uvádění výrobků vyrobených za použití nucené práce na trh EU. Tento zákaz, jenž vstoupí v platnost v prosinci 2027, se vztahuje na celý dodavatelský řetězec. Vymáhání nařízení bude probíhat prostřednictvím vnitrostátních orgánů členských států a Evropské komise v případech mimo území EU. Ačkoli má opatření globální rozsah, čelí celé řadě výzev – zejména v souvislosti se Sin-ťiangem. Praktiky nucené práce v tomto regionu byly opakovaně zdokumentovány a potvrzeny jak Mezinárodní organizací práce (ILO), tak Organizací spojených národů (OSN). Zároveň je Sin-ťiang klíčovým dodavatelem solárních panelů, kritických surovin, hliníku, PVC a bavlny, přičemž nucená práce zde často probíhá formou státem organizované mobilizace mimo detenční zařízení, což její odhalení výrazně ztěžuje. Jak upozorňuje Jan Švec, výzkumný pracovník Ústavu mezinárodních vztahů v Praze, prosazování tohoto nařízení bude představovat jeden z nejsložitějších úkolů obchodní politiky EU.

In 2009, Liesbet Hooghe and Gary Marks argued that public opinion in the European Union had shifted from permissive consensus to constraining dissensus, giving mass politics a stronger role in integration than traditional theories assumed. This sparked debate about the EU’s democratic deficit – a contested concept, but one with real political effects. The gap between citizens and EU institutions has long been visible in European Parliament elections, traditionally seen as “second-order” contests with low turnout and protest voting. However, the 2019 and especially the 2024 elections broke with this pattern: turnout increased, EU issues became more politicised, and party positions more polarised. These shifts suggest that a new transnational cleavage is emerging, marking a turning point for democratic engagement in the EU, writes Csaba Stefán, a Research Fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, in his policy brief.

Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) – Challenges and Opportunities, co-organized on November 17th, 2025, by the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, the International Visegrad Fund, and the Slovak Permanent Representation to the EU, opened with reflections on 17 November—a symbolic date for Central Europe marking the pursuit of freedom, democracy, and systemic transformation. The conference brought together policymakers and experts to discuss the key strategic priorities of the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034. The event offered an in-depth examination of issues including competitiveness, cohesion policy, innovation, and funding for science. It also underscored the importance of the EU budget in supporting Ukraine’s recovery and integration.

The transatlantic relationship is entering a pivotal moment. With the United States turning inward, global rivalries intensifying, and trust across the Atlantic under strain, Europe faces growing pressure to rethink its approach to security, energy, and technology. This paper explores where transatlantic cooperation continues to thrive, where it is weakening, and how Europe can translate strategic ambition into tangible action—before the next crisis tests the resilience of the alliance. An insightful read for anyone engaged in global policy and transatlantic affairs.