In the Media

Martin 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.

Little is being done to avert Europe's economic decline. According to Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, member states must accept that some of them will have companies of global significance and others will not. Otherwise, Europe will not be able to remain competitive. He added what would be beneficial for the Czech Republic for Seznam Zprávy.

Since the attack and damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline at the end of January, Hungary and Slovakia have been cut off from Russian oil. The leaders of both countries, who maintain good relations with Vladimir Putin, accuse Ukraine of delaying repairs to the pipeline. Viktor Daněk, Executive Deputy Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the series of accusations and threats for the French daily Les Echos.

By the end of 2026, the European Union will introduce a unified digital identity for citizens and businesses. The EU Digital Identity Wallet will allow users to store official documents, sign contracts, and verify their identity across member states with just a few clicks. The initiative aims to reduce bureaucracy, cut costs, and remove barriers within the single market, while also raising concerns about data protection and the potential pressure to make the system widely mandatory. The article was commented on by Filip Křenek, analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

U.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.

Prime 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."

Martin 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 Chinese electric vehicle market is slowing down as government support is gradually being reduced and domestic demand weakens. Chinese manufacturers are increasingly seeking to export their vehicles abroad, including to Europe, which may influence future EV prices and intensify competition for European carmakers. However, analysts stress that this does not indicate a collapse of the Chinese market, but rather a consolidation in which only the strongest players will survive, giving Europe time to adapt its electric mobility strategy. The article was commented on by Filip Křenek, analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

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.