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.

A film crew has been following Mustafa Nayyem, Svitlana Zalishchuk, and Serhiy Leshchenko since 2013, documenting their fight for democracy in Ukraine. Over the years captured on film, they underwent a major shift in their roles, moving from activism into high-level politics.

We would like to invite you to a public recording of the Café Evropa podcast. This time we'll talk about what modern patriotism looks like today and how citizens’ relationship with their own country is changing in a globalized world.

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 EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy invites you to a public discussion on the future of transatlantic relations and Europe’s role in a rapidly changing global environment. Join us as leading experts explore how shifting U.S. priorities are reshaping cooperation and what this means for Europe, including Central and Eastern European partners.

And here it is – the second edition of our EuroLens journal! Building on the success of the first issue, this new edition once again offers interviews with experts, commentaries, and articles on both political and non-political topics. You will also find an overview of upcoming events, conferences, and much more. We hope it will serve as an interesting and inspiring source of information and support your work.

We invite you to another debate in our series, offering an up-to-date perspective on key topics discussed during the plenary sessions of the European Parliament.

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.

On October 22, 2025, the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy held a roundtable discussion in Prague on the future of Czech Automotive Industry. The meeting of representatives from the sector, government, and research confirmed that despite European challenges, the Czech automotive industry remains in good shape, with record production of 1.45 million vehicles in 2024.

The EUROPEUM Institute invites you to a discussion on how Czech households obtain subsidies and what motivates or discourages them in the process.

We invite you to a screening of the film Can You Hear Me (2025), followed by a discussion with our guests.

The EUROPEUM Institute invites you to a panel discussion focusing on Ukraine’s reform efforts on its path toward EU membership, the experiences the Czech Republic can share from its own accession process, and how Ukraine’s potential accession could impact the European Union itself.