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.

By the end of 2026, the European Union will introduce a unified digital identity for citizens and businesses. The EU Digital Identity Wallet will allow users to store official documents, sign contracts, and verify their identity across member states with just a few clicks. The initiative aims to reduce bureaucracy, cut costs, and remove barriers within the single market, while also raising concerns about data protection and the potential pressure to make the system widely mandatory. The article was commented on by Filip Křenek, analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

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).

Martin Vokálek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, points out that the European Union should respond unanimously to Donald Trump's statements regarding possible pressure on Denmark in connection with Greenland. He believes that the EU should confirm its common position at the upcoming summit and send a signal that it rejects the use of economic threats as a tool of political pressure. At the same time, he emphasizes that the Union should prioritize dialogue but be prepared to use legal instruments to protect its interests if pressure is actually exerted.

The year 2026 will bring new challenges for the European Union. Join us on 12 January 2026 to discuss them at a debate from the series ‘What’s New in the European Parliament?’.

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.

Are you a student interested in European politics? Would you like to be involved in the running of the Prague office of a leading Czech think tank or in its communication activities right in the heart of Prague? At the EUROPEUM Institute, we are looking for students for a six-month internship in our organisational and communications team!

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.