In the Media

Most EU member states have already presented their candidates for the position of European Commissioner, but none have complied with the request of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to propose two names. Ten countries have yet to nominate anyone, while the Czech Republic announced the nomination of Jozef Síkela last week. Which nominations are worth paying attention to? Is it mandatory for states to propose two candidates? On what basis does von der Leyen decide the composition of the Commission? And what are the chances that the Czech Republic will secure an economic portfolio? Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for ČT24.

If the French get their way, Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton is in line for a far-reaching economic portfolio in the next European Commission mandate. That could be a “competitiveness” remit that stands alongside a competition policy portfolio. For Politico Pro comments Filip Křenek, analyst at EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy.

Viktor Orbán has recently stirred controversy in the EU by allowing Russian and Belarusian citizens to enter Hungary without controls. This move, which simplifies their movement within the Schengen Area, has raised concerns about security threats and pressure on European states. What impact might Orbán's policy have on Europe's security, and how are EU institutions responding? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, discusses the situation for Deník N.

Brussels is boycotting Hungary's presidency due to Viktor Orbán, who during his tour of Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing claimed to be working for peace, even as his actions coincided with Russia's attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv. His mission was sharply criticized by European leaders, and the EU has distanced itself from his actions, with member states agreeing to boycott informal meetings in Hungary. Could Brussels take further measures? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments for Respekt magazine.

If Donald Trump wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election, trade relations between the European Union and the United States could face serious challenges next year. Trump has promised to impose a universal ten percent tariff on all goods imported into the American market. Although his rhetoric is primarily aimed at China, such a tariff would also significantly impact European manufacturers. Is the EU preparing for the possibility that Trump could become president again and implement this measure? How would European companies be affected if the next U.S. president were Democrat Kamala Harris? Kateřina Davidová, a senior researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, comments on this topic for e15.

A recent analysis by the Czech Statistical Office found that children from low-income families often remain in the lower income brackets as adults. Over a third of those who experienced childhood financial hardship continue to be among the least wealthy. Klára Votavová, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, discussed why Czechia struggles with persistent poverty and the impact of education on social status in an interview for Czech Radio.

This year the Czech Republic celebrates twenty years of membership in the European Union. In the meantime, the EU has gone through turbulent years associated with a series of crises - from economic to migration to pandemic and security. However, the wealth of the Czechs has increased by more than 40 percent over the years and the standard of living has reached 90 percent of the European average. This is according to data presented by the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic on the occasion of the anniversary, while Czech exports grew by more than 320 percent thanks to EU membership. Žiga Faktor, head of EUROPEUM Institute's Brussels office, comments on the other challenges the EU now faces.

The government of Petr Fiala is sending Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Síkela to the race for an influential portfolio with the aim of filling one of the eco-oriented agendas. These are traditionally filled by representatives of large European countries, but even so, Síkela may not be without a chance. His professional background and the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU will play in his favour. The Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, Viktor Daněk, reflected for Deník N on whether it would not be more important to focus on an agenda where interesting legislative activity can be expected in the coming years.

A diplomatic rift has erupted between Budapest and Warsaw over the different attitudes of the two countries towards Russia. First, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán branded Poland as the country with the most hypocritical policy in Europe, while the Poles hit back by pointing out the close relations Orbán maintains with Russian President Putin. The media are also talking about the possible end of the V4 group. EUROPEUM Institute researcher Vít Havelka spoke more about the dispute in an interview with TN.cz.

A poll for Czech Television shows that only 17 percent of Czechs are content with their political representation. Public discontent has intensified due to recent austerity measures intended to address the public deficit, with significant concerns over inflation, increasing living costs, energy price policies, and the government's poor communication. Klára Votavová, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, spoke to Czech Radio about the roots of this distrust and how Fiala's government plans to respond ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections.

The European Commission plans to abolish the current exemption from customs duties on cheap goods from Chinese e-shops. Until now, a 150-euro limit has applied to parcels from outside the EU. The forthcoming amendment is part of a package that aims to simplify and digitalize EU customs policy. In an interview with CNN Prima News, EUROPEUM Institute researcher Rebecca Hengal spoke about the issue.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has asked Member States to submit two names instead of one in their nominations for European Commissioners. Her aim is to have a balanced proportion of men and women in the new Commission. But as the request for two candidates is not supported by the treaties, if the Czech Republic offers only Jozef Sikel, there will be no direct consequences, though it may affect the distribution of the portfolios that lays in von der Leyen's hands. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČRo Plus.