In the Media

The electoral success of Babiš’s ANO movement in the Czech Republic prompted a strong reaction from its partners in the European Parliament. The Patriots for Europe group, which ANO has been part of since last year, portrayed it as evidence of the growing support for this faction across the European Union. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Aktuálně.cz.

When can Europe play a more prominent role in ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, how does Poland’s defense strategy serve as an example, and why do some Slovaks view Russia more favorably than Ukraine? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, answers these questions.

For the first time in a long while, the European People’s Party supported a key vote with the help of the Patriots, once again disrupting the traditional cordon sanitaire toward populists and the far right. Yet according to expert Viktor Daněk, the isolation is not over — socialists and liberals want to continue cooperating with the EPP, though they describe their relationship as a “toxic marriage.” The commentary for ČT24 was provided by Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

The nomination of retired Lt. Gen. Jaromír Zůna as defense minister signals stability in Czech defense policy despite the far-right SPD gaining control of the ministry. His stance toward NATO offers reassurance, though the government’s direction will depend on his cooperation with SPD deputy Radovan Vích and Prime Minister Babiš’s influence. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Politico.

EU countries have agreed on a proposal aimed at curbing the spread of online material depicting child sexual abuse, despite the Czech Republic voting against it. The proposal allows companies to voluntarily break encrypted communication in order to prevent the dissemination of harmful content. The final wording will still need to be negotiated with the European Parliament. The issue was commented on for ČT24 by Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

The European Commission has launched an infringement procedure against Slovakia over its recent constitutional amendment, arguing it undermines the principles of EU legal primacy and uniform application of EU law. The dispute may last years and is politically sensitive, with the Slovak government presenting it as a defense of national identity, while the EU stresses compliance with member-state obligations. This article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against Slovakia over a recent constitutional amendment that, in its view, undermines the primacy and uniform application of EU law. Slovakia has two months to respond. If no remedy follows, the case may advance to the EU Court of Justice, potentially leading to sanctions and reputational consequences. The process may take years, which is why the Commission prefers dialogue first. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

Hungary is heading toward what may be its most consequential election since the fall of communism. After fifteen years in power, Viktor Orbán faces his strongest challenger yet—Péter Magyar and the TISZA party, which now leads independent polls and appeals across regions and generations. The upcoming vote may reshape the country’s democratic trajectory and its relationship with the EU. The article was commented on by Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister, Head of the Global Europe Programme.

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.