Europeum

Hospodářské noviny | To finally have influence in Brussels. The government is pushing the maximum number of Czechs into the new European Commission

September 30, 2024

According to Politico, two thousand people have sent their CVs to the future head of the EU's common foreign policy, Kaja Kallas. This way they are applying for a place in her cabinet, i.e. in the team of her closest collaborators. Including assistants, there are usually up to 20 people in the cabinets of individual commissioners. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, and Filip Křenek, EUROPEUM analyst, commented for Hospodářské noviny.

Bruselské chlebíčky | For the Global Gateway project, Síkela must find funds and a strategy. Then the EU can compete with China

September 30, 2024

One of the main tasks for Jozef Síkela, if he becomes EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, will be to manage the EU's Global Gateway project. The EU wants to counter China's expansion in Africa, Asia and Latin America with it. So far, however, this initiative has fallen well short of its ambitions. And that is not the only problem Síkela will have to face. Zuzana Krulichová, a Global Gateway expert from EUROPEUM Institute, talked about this on the podcast Bruselské chebíčky on Czech Radio.

Bruselské chlebíčky | The European Parliament is looking for the weakest prey before grilling the Commissioners. Von der Leyen remains strong

September 09, 2024

The position of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, remains strong. The fact that the Member States ignored her request to propose two candidates for the post of new European Commissioner: a man and a woman, does not change this. The guest on podcast Bruselské chebíčky on Czech Radio was the deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute and head of the Brussels office Žiga Faktor.

Blesk.cz | Síkela could head the energy sector in Brussels, but there is no joy in Prague now

September 05, 2024

It looked like a real victory by the Czech EU negotiators. At least the German Die Welt presented it almost as a fait accompli that the influential post of EU Energy Commissioner was to be taken by the Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela. For Blesk daily commented Deputy Director and head of Brussels office of EUROPEUM Institute Žiga Faktor.

Seznam Zprávy | Surprise from Brussels. Síkela got a different portfolio, but with a huge budget

September 17, 2024

Jozef Síkela will be in charge of the International Partnerships portfolio within the European Commission. This was announced by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Seznam Zprávy.

Seznam Zprávy | Six winners of the Brussels unveiling. Who gained influence in the new Commission and why

September 17, 2024

Representatives from France, Italy and Spain have won key positions in the new European Commission. Strong portfolios for politicians from Slovakia and Poland may come as a surprise. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Seznam Zprávy.

Hospodářské noviny | Síkela will help defy China in Brussels. How important portfolio has he been given?

September 17, 2024

The Czech government wanted EU Commissioner nominee Jozef Síkela to be put in charge of the economic portfolio in the new European Commission. Síkela himself preferred energy, but instead he will end up in charge of the "international partnership and Global Gateway strategy" in Brussels, a less influential post than trade, which Prime Minister Fiala was pushing through. Filip Křenek, an analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Hospodářské noviny on the post Síkela has been given by Ursula von der Leyen.

Seznam Zprávy | Jozef Síkela is set for the European Commission, aiming for a strong economic portfolio

August 21, 2024

It has now been confirmed by the government that minister Jozef Síkela is headed to the European Commission as the Czech candidate. Although President Ursula von der Leyen called on member states to nominate a pair of candidates, both men and women, the Czech Republic did not comply with this request. The outcome is expected to be decided in September when the portfolios for all new EU commissioners will be announced. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Seznam Zprávy.

Respekt | Brussels Boycotts Hungarian Presidency but Will Ultimately Tolerate It

August 01, 2024

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.

e15 | European exporters fear a return of Donald Trump. Brussels already has a plan to deal with it

July 31, 2024

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.