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ČRo Plus | European leaders' response to US-Israeli attack on Iran is cautious but unified, expert sums up
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2. 3. 2026
2. 3. 2026Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, summarized European leaders' responses to events in Iran for ČRo Plus.
voxpot | Diplomacy or bazooka? How will Europe respond to Trump’s threats?
More info 21. 1. 2026
21. 1. 2026U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated pressure on Europe through tariff threats and explicit challenges to Greenland’s sovereignty. The European Union is now weighing a response that balances diplomacy with tougher countermeasures, including the potential use of its so-called economic “bazooka.” Experts warn that without a confident and united stance, Europe risks further weakening transatlantic relations and its own global standing. Commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
Deník N | Fico spent less than an hour with Trump. The photos show how the visit unfolded.
More info 19. 1. 2026
19. 1. 2026Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago did not yield any official results, yet Fico presented it at home as a significant diplomatic success. Analyst Martin Vokálek comments on the meeting, considering Fico's foreign policy unreasonable and claiming that "Slovakia risks being torn apart in all four directions."
Teraz.sk | Analyst: EU should respond with unity and reject Trump's pressure
More info 19. 1. 2026
19. 1. 2026Martin 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 situation is not catastrophic.” The top ten geopolitical risks and opportunities for Ukraine in 2026. Spoiler: Ukraine itself generates some of the risks.
More info 2. 1. 2026
2. 1. 2026The prospects for ending the war in Ukraine in 2026 remain uncertain, shaped by global geopolitical dynamics from Washington to Beijing. While risks include wavering U.S. commitment, European political fragmentation, and growing Russia–China cooperation, Ukraine also faces important opportunities, particularly through deeper integration with the European Union and a stronger role in Europe’s security architecture. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
“Wary Brussels: Babiš’s solution to the conflict of interest may not be enough.”
More info 18. 12. 2025
18. 12. 2025Although Andrej Babiš claims to have resolved his conflict of interest by transferring Agrofert into a trust structure, Brussels remains cautious. The European Commission has so far refrained from issuing a clear position, waiting to see whether the proposed solution genuinely addresses the legal and political risks related to the use of EU funds. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
Forbes Ukraine | “To Save Face for Belgium.” Five reasons why Belgium is blocking the reconstruction loan for Ukraine. Is it possible to break the veto? Forbes Ukraine analysis
More info 13. 12. 2025
13. 12. 2025The proposed reparations loan for Ukraine, backed by frozen Russian assets, has encountered resistance within the EU, mainly due to Belgium’s firm stance. While legal concerns play a role, the blockade is also shaped by domestic political considerations and fears over fiscal stability. Despite these obstacles, a compromise may still emerge ahead of the December European Council summit, particularly if risk-sharing mechanisms are clarified and pressure from other member states increases. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
Denník N | Fico sent a vulgar message about Ukraine to Brussels. Meanwhile, EU countries have already agreed on how to bypass a potential Slovak and Hungarian veto
More info 12. 12. 2025
12. 12. 2025EU member states have taken the first significant step toward releasing frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Despite opposition from Slovakia and Hungary, they approved a mechanism ensuring that the funds will not depend on sanctions or the decisions of individual countries, allowing them to help Kyiv obtain the necessary financial support. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for Denník N.
Pravda.sk | Using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine is the best option. Other alternatives are worse for Europe, says expert Martin Vokálek
More info 10. 12. 2025
10. 12. 2025The European Union is looking for ways to fund Ukraine in the long term without indebting its member states. The most promising solution appears to be using frozen Russian assets, particularly those held in Belgium. According to Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office at the Europeum Institute, this is the fairest and most sustainable option, surpassing all other alternatives.
ČT24 | Ukraine and Europe will finalize a proposal for a peace plan by Tuesday and submit it to the US, Zelensky said
More info 9. 12. 2025
9. 12. 2025Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized in London that a peace plan to end the war must be created exclusively under the condition of unity between the European Union, the United States, and Ukraine. At the same time, he announced that a joint peace proposal would be finalized by Tuesday and then handed over to the US, while reiterating that Ukraine is not willing to make territorial concessions. This article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
Seznam Zprávy | Confidence After the European Council Summit: What Awaits Prime Minister Babiš After His Appointment
More info 9. 12. 2025
9. 12. 2025Andrej Babiš has been appointed Prime Minister and is now moving toward the formation of a new government. A key moment of his return to office will be the upcoming European Council summit in Brussels, where major EU priorities, including support for Ukraine and the future EU budget, will be discussed. Participation in the summit carries strong political and symbolic importance for Babiš. The article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
Blesk | Babiš is playing for time. As prime minister, he already wants to go to an important summit in Brussels
More info 6. 12. 2025
6. 12. 2025Andrej Babiš (71, ANO) is set to represent the Czech Republic at the European Council in Brussels again on December 18. His participation marks a significant return to the European stage — both symbolic and political. To resolve his conflict of interest, he gave up Agrofert, which allowed President Petr Pavel to appoint him as prime minister. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the situation for Blesk Zprávy.