In the Media

NATO member countries have caved in to Donald Trump and approved an increase in defence spending. But they also reaffirmed the validity of Article 5 on collective defence - and the absence of surprises is the main message of the summit, according to President Peter Paul. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Deník N.

The NATO summit in The Hague was commented on for CNN Prima News by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

Immigration is a regular debate in Brussels. It is a sensitive issue on which it is difficult for all EU members to agree. For example, the Visegrad Group (consisting of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia) tends to take a very different stance on this issue from the rest of the European Community.

Bruselské chlebíčky celebrates three years since its first edition. Originally, the podcast was to be published only during the six-month Czech EU presidency in 2022. However, it was the leadership of the EU Councils and the increased media interest in it that partly contributed to a change in the perception of the EU27 in the Czech Republic, the approach to it and the view of the Czech Republic in Brussels. Nevertheless, the situation is still not ideal, as all the former and current authors of Bruselské chlebíčky including Viktor Daňek, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, agree in this birthday episode.

The Czech Republic could receive billions of Czech crowns from the European Union as of next year, among other things to address transport poverty. The Environment Ministry is finalising a plan that will determine how the money will be distributed. In a survey by the 2050 Institute, which we are exclusively publishing this week, at least a twentieth of people say the new system of emission allowances could cause them major problems. Demand responsive transport or school buses could help, experts suggest. Rebeka Hengalová, a researcher at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for iRozhlas.

In a year and a half, the European Union is set to launch emissions trading for buildings and transport. The system will likely slightly increase the price of diesel, petrol, and gas. The aim is to encourage individuals and companies to reduce their fossil fuel consumption — and thus greenhouse gas emissions. However, most member states, including Czechia, are behind in transposing the agreed rules into national legislation. Moreover, Czechia is trying to push within the EU for stronger protection against major price fluctuations. The situation was commented on for iRozhlas by Rebeka Hengalová, a researcher at the EUROPEUM Institute.

Why is Google unlikely to succeed with its appeal?The situation regarding the opinion of the European Court of Justice on the record fine imposed on Google for violating competition rules was commented on for ČRo Plus by Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

According to the proposal, the EU will gradually stop all imports of Russian gas and oil by the end of 2027, analyst Zuzana Krulichová of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy commented for Deník N.

More than one in ten Czechs often or almost never manage to reach essential services and activities in the way they need. More than a quarter of the population experiences at least occasional difficulties getting to school, work, or the doctor. This is according to a new study published by the iRozhlas in cooperation with the 2050 Institute. The context and implications of the findings were explained by analyst Rebeka Hengalová from the Institute for European Policy EUROPEUM.

With the July 9 deadline looming, the EU is working flat out to negotiate a trade deal with the US. Yet reactions from those expected to be among the hardest hit – Slovakia, Hungary and Czechia – have been muted, confused and often unhelpful. Filip Křenek, an analyst at Institute for European Policy EUROPEUM, commented on the situation for Balkan Insight.

The European Commission has extended the list of air carriers banned from operating in EU countries. The new list includes all airlines certified in Tanzania and Suriname due to serious and systemic deficiencies in aviation oversight there. Although the measure does not directly affect the Czech Republic, it may affect some Czech passengers, with the risk of cancelled or rerouted flights. Filip Křenek, an analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Ekonomický deník.

The 18th sanctions package is on the table. The European Commission aims to increase pressure on Russia so that Moscow comes to the negotiating table and agrees to a ceasefire. The Commission plans to target both the Russian shadow fleet and Russian banks. Viktor Daněk, director of the Prague office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for STVR.