EU

We would like to invite you to the first in a series of debates that provide an up-to-date perspective on key topics discussed in the plenary sessions of the European Parliament. The aim of the debates is to offer a clear overview of the decisions taken and their wider impact on the European Union and the Czech Republic. Each debate will provide a space for reflection on major legislative and political steps taken by the European Parliament, direct discussion with MEPs and experts, and an open dialogue with the professional and general public.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is inseparable from European security. Dependence on fossil fuel imports puts Europe in a difficult position, even from a military perspective. Filip Křenek, project coordinator and analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this for portal Obnovitelně.cz.

The European Union responded to the U.S. tariffs of 25 percent on raw steel, aluminum, and products made from them. The EU's decision and the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump were analyzed for TN Live by Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

Certain politicians in the Union will certainly be tempted by the sweet voice of Donald Trump, but Europe should not accept this, because the only one who can represent the interests of all is the European Union. Donald Trump is deliberately trying to divide Europe. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČRo Plus.

Security has been a strong election issue in many campaigns across the European Union, and it will be no different here in the parliamentary elections that are coming soon in the Czech Republic. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČT24.

As in her first term, the second will be a period of crisis management for the EU. In the first, Ursula von der Leyen had to deal with Covid and the start of the war in Ukraine; in the second, she has to deal with a rapidly deteriorating security and geopolitical situation. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČRo Plus.

In Europe, the role of nation states is growing because of Donald Trump's influence. If European leaders maintain unity and align their notes, the EU bloc will endure, says EUROPEUM Institute Executive Director Martin Vokálek

The European Council summit ended with leaders agreeing on the future direction of the defence policy. Danielle Piatkiewicz, research fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for STVR.

Thursday's summit of EU leaders resulted in unanimous agreement on the need to prioritise security. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Televizní noviny.

The decision to increase defence spending is a breakthrough. The summit focused on how to strengthen the European Union's defence capabilities and how to further address support to Ukraine. In recent years, Europe has somewhat naively relied on the US within NATO as a security guarantor. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for STVR.

Awareness of the European Union is still insufficient and less than it should be. This perception is a reflection of how much we know about the EU. Filip Křenek, analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the podcast Tvoříme Evropu.

The conclusions on support for Ukraine were adopted without Hungary, so they are not the conclusions of the entire European Council. The intention to support Ukraine and provide security guarantees was declared by 26 representatives of the Member States. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČT24