Czech Republic

The European Union has introduced a new state aid framework called the Clean Industry State Aid Framework (CISAF), aimed at boosting investment in clean technologies and accelerating the decarbonisation of European industry. Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, outlined the details of the new CISAF framework for the Euractiv portal.

The expansion of the EU’s emission trading system to cover transport and heating brings serious implications for Czech households and public finances. Why did the Czech Republic fall behind once again — and what are the consequences? The situation is analyzed by Viktor Daněk, Executive Deputy Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

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.

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.

The sixth meeting of the Prague Climate Academy took place on 17 June at the British Embassy in Prague. This time the discussion focused on the growth of heat waves and the associated health risks.

The EUROPEUM Institute, together with the organization Change for the Better, organized a seminar where Czech businesses had a unique opportunity to formulate a common position on the implementation of the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) and to discuss its impact on the Czech industrial sector.

The Islamic Foundation in Prague remains without a mosque after six months of searching, as property owners have refused to accommodate the Muslim community. Analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute and head of the Just Europe project, Carlos Gómez del Tronco, commented on the situation for The New Arab.

Do Europeans support the EU’s decision to grant Ukraine candidate status with a view to future enlargement? A new Eurobarometer survey found that 61% of Czechs disagree with this move – the highest share in the entire Union. What could be behind this? Analysts from the Institute for European Policy EUROPEUM – Jana Faktor Juzová and Maria Gorbatova – shared their insights with Euractiv.

President Petr Pavel opened the Europe as a Task conference, which is being held on the occasion of Europe Day and the 21st anniversary of the Czech Republic's accession to the EU. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the theme of the conference directly from Prague Castle.

Czech involvement in the European Union has long been ambivalent. The country has had a number of concrete successes, but these have gone largely unnoticed by the domestic public, which has traditionally been sceptical of European integration. The ANO movement entered politics with a pro-European stance, and Andrej Babiš managed to negotiate a number of advantages in the EU, but today his party ranks more among the critics. This ambivalent attitude is likely to persist after the upcoming autumn elections. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, writes for Reporter.

Uncertainty over US tariffs is increasing pressure on the European Union to speed up the conclusion of long-negotiated trade agreements. The closest to completion is the agreement with the South American Mercosur grouping, which could save Czech companies up to CZK 2.2 billion a year, according to estimates. Although the agreement is de facto ready, its approval is blocked by some member states, led by France. Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for iRozhlas.

For the first time in more than sixty years, the Czech Republic will be without Russian oil supplies. The newly secured crude supplies should cover all domestic consumption without depending on a single supplier. The country is thus fulfilling its commitment to the European Union and strengthening its energy security. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for TN Live.