In the Media

The 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.

Despite high energy prices, geopolitical uncertainty, and growing international competition, the Czech automotive industry remains in relatively strong shape. Production levels in 2025 remain high, with Czechia recording one of the strongest year-on-year growth rates in Europe. The sector’s resilience is driven by its flexibility, high factory utilization, and growing success on European markets, particularly in electric vehicles. The article was commented on by Filip Křenek, analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

Although 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.

The European Commission has softened its original plan to ban the sale of cars with internal combustion engines after 2035. Under the new proposal, CO₂ emissions from new vehicles would have to be reduced by 90 percent compared to 2021 levels, rather than eliminated entirely as initially planned. For ČT1, the situation was commented on by Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

A kind of “Christmas bonus” awaits German companies: the governing coalition will secure them significantly cheaper electricity. Czech industry, by contrast, will pay at least 30 percent more, which for companies such as Třinecké železárny means cost differences running into billions of crowns compared to their German competitors. For iDNES, the situation was commented on by Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

The 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.

EU 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.

The 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.

Volodymyr 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.

Andrej 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.

Andrej Babiš is preparing to return to the helm of the Czech government — and with him comes a prominent and unpredictable player in European politics. His ambitions to reshape the EU, promises to withdraw from the migration pact or the emissions trading system, and his emphasis on personal ties between heads of state once again raise the question of whether he will align himself with leaders like Robert Fico and Viktor Orbán, or whether he will ultimately, and perhaps surprisingly, follow the more moderate course of his predecessor, Petr Fiala. For the Seznam Zprávy news podcast 5:59, Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office at the EUROPEUM Institute, spoke on the topic.

Andrej 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.