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Pravda.sk | Using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine is the best option. Other alternatives are worse for Europe, says expert Martin Vokálek
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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.
Babiš played for time. A conflict of interest even prevented him from attending a key summit
More info 5. 12. 2025
5. 12. 2025Andrej Babiš is seeking to attend the December European Council summit in Brussels, which would mark his symbolic return to the European political stage. The summit represents an important personal and political test of how European leaders will receive him after his comeback. The article was commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
Aktuálně.cz | “The time has come for the Patriots.” Babiš’s major triumph has strengthened his allies in the European Parliament
More info 1. 12. 2025
1. 12. 2025The electoral success of Babiš’s ANO movement in the Czech Republic prompted a strong reaction from its partners in the European Parliament. The Patriots for Europe group, which ANO has been part of since last year, portrayed it as evidence of the growing support for this faction across the European Union. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Aktuálně.cz.
Politico | Babiš nominates army veteran to lead Czech defense ministry
More info 26. 11. 2025
26. 11. 2025The nomination of retired Lt. Gen. Jaromír Zůna as defense minister signals stability in Czech defense policy despite the far-right SPD gaining control of the ministry. His stance toward NATO offers reassurance, though the government’s direction will depend on his cooperation with SPD deputy Radovan Vích and Prime Minister Babiš’s influence. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Politico.
Vokálek: The European Commission’s proceedings against Slovakia are sensitive, and the process may take years
More info 21. 11. 2025
21. 11. 2025The European Commission has launched an infringement procedure against Slovakia over its recent constitutional amendment, arguing it undermines the principles of EU legal primacy and uniform application of EU law. The dispute may last years and is politically sensitive, with the Slovak government presenting it as a defense of national identity, while the EU stresses compliance with member-state obligations.
This article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
The European Commission has launched proceedings against Slovakia over the constitutional amendment.
More info 21. 11. 2025
21. 11. 2025The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against Slovakia over a recent constitutional amendment that, in its view, undermines the primacy and uniform application of EU law. Slovakia has two months to respond. If no remedy follows, the case may advance to the EU Court of Justice, potentially leading to sanctions and reputational consequences. The process may take years, which is why the Commission prefers dialogue first. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
Seznam Zprávy | Babiš as the master of foreign affairs. Why the prime minister wants to run diplomacy himself
More info 16. 11. 2025
16. 11. 2025In the new Babiš government, European policy will be moved directly under the prime minister, reducing the influence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, the Permanent Representation in Brussels will remain essential, especially through close cooperation with the Government’s Section for European Affairs. Key personnel decisions are still being negotiated, including who will serve as the prime minister’s chief coordinator, or “sherpa,” for EU matters. The article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office at EUROPEUM.
iROZHLAS | Vokálek: Czechia should have the right to a full exemption from the solidarity contribution
More info 12. 11. 2025
12. 11. 2025Czechia plans to request a full exemption from solidarity contributions under the EU migration pact after being classified as a country facing a “significant migration situation.” According to Martin Vokálek, the country is likely to obtain the exemption due to the high number of Ukrainian refugees it hosts. EU member states will make the final decision at the December summit. The article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office at EUROPEUM.
ČT24 | Wilders loses ground as pro-European Dutch liberals D66 gain in the election
More info 30. 10. 2025
30. 10. 2025The Dutch parliamentary election ended with a narrow victory for the liberal D66 over Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration PVV. While D66 gained significant ground, PVV lost seats and mainstream parties continue to rule out cooperation with Wilders. Coalition talks are expected to be difficult and lengthy, but the next government is likely to maintain the Netherlands’ traditionally pro-EU and pro-NATO stance. The article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office at EUROPEUM.