In the Media

In 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.

With six months to go until the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary elections, the political landscape is entering a decisive period. The emerging conservative Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, continues to challenge the long-standing rule of Viktor Orbán and Fidesz, maintaining strong polling numbers. While Tisza has been effective in shaping the political agenda, Fidesz is attempting to counter with an intensified media strategy and its traditional “enemy-focused” narrative. Support for both sides appears to be stabilizing, leaving the outcome uncertain as the campaign accelerates ahead of April’s vote. The article was written by Yusuke Ishikawa, a non-resident fellow at EUROPEUM.

The world is pouring huge amounts of money into reducing emissions, yet most countries still fail to meet the Paris Agreement, and global warming continues. While some emissions have plateaued, climate-related damages are rising, and the “free-rider” problem persists as states benefit from inaction. Geopolitical factors, especially the shifting climate policies of China and the United States, further complicate progress. For Seznam Zprávy, the article was commented on by Filip Křenek, analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

Czechia 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.

EU environment ministers approved new climate targets for 2040 and postponed the ETS2 system by one year. Andrej Babiš criticized the agreement as a failure of the Czech government, warning of higher costs, while experts argue the impact on households remains largely unchanged. Analyst Filip Křenek notes that catastrophic price scenarios are unlikely and that rejecting ETS2 could leave Czechia facing heavy EU penalties and the loss of billions from the Social Climate Fund. Commented for eXtra.cz by Filip Křenek, analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

EU environment ministers agreed to postpone the introduction of the ETS2 emissions trading system to 2028. While some states frame this as a victory, experts warn the delay will cause confusion and slow down essential green-transition investments. The Czech Republic also risks EU penalties or losing access to the Social Climate Fund if it refuses to implement ETS2 fully. Commented by Rebeka Hengalová, Research Fellow at the EUROPEUM Institute.

The 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.

The European Commission’s proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework has sparked lively discussions among EU governments and in the European Parliament. With close to €2 trillion at stake, the key question is how the EU can finance its priorities, repay pandemic-era debt, and support countries such as Poland and Czechia — all while avoiding new political rifts. EUROPEUM analyst Filip Křenek takes a closer look at the issue here.

EU 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.

Negotiations on the EU's multiannual budget for 2028-2034 are in full swing. How are Czechia and Poland responding to the proposal? Experts say that both countries appreciate the simplified structure and greater flexibility of the budget, but at the same time express concerns about the system of national plans.

The 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.

A 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.