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Babiš played for time. A conflict of interest even prevented him from attending a key summit
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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.
tvnoviny.sk | Talks on the loan for Ukraine have stalled. According to an analyst, Slovakia may once again block a unified EU approach
More info 24. 10. 2025
24. 10. 2025EU leaders postponed a decision on the reparations loan for Ukraine until the December summit, as Slovak PM Robert Fico’s stance may complicate negotiations. While a new sanctions package against Russia was approved, discussions on funding remain unresolved. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
Denník N | Fico’s pressure regarding sanctions is not a good strategy, says EU expert Vokálek
More info 23. 10. 2025
23. 10. 2025The interview discusses criticism of Prime Minister Robert Fico’s negotiation tactics regarding EU sanctions and summit conclusions, arguing that his last-minute blocking approach undermines Slovakia’s standing in the EU. The text also explains the importance of European Council conclusions and how Fico’s strategy is viewed in Brussels. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.
ta3 | Key EU summit begins in Brussels. Fico represents Slovakia as well as Hungary.
More info 23. 10. 2025
23. 10. 2025A key summit of EU leaders kicks off in Brussels today. Slovakia is represented by Prime Minister Robert Fico, who will also temporarily convey the position of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. On the eve of the summit, Fico met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ta3.
LRT | Babiš's triumph is being celebrated in the Kremlin – another rebellious country will shake the European Union
More info 10. 10. 2025
10. 10. 2025The election victory of Andrej Babiš's movement in the Czech Republic sparked a wave of congratulations from Budapest, Bratislava, Italy, and the French far right. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called it "a big step for the Czech Republic and good news for Europe." But what does this "good news" really mean for the European Union? Martin Vokálek, executive director and head of the Brussels office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for LRT.