EU

The transatlantic relationship is entering a pivotal moment. With the United States turning inward, global rivalries intensifying, and trust across the Atlantic under strain, Europe faces growing pressure to rethink its approach to security, energy, and technology. This paper explores where transatlantic cooperation continues to thrive, where it is weakening, and how Europe can translate strategic ambition into tangible action—before the next crisis tests the resilience of the alliance. An insightful read for anyone engaged in global policy and transatlantic affairs.

The EUROPEUM Institute invites you to a panel discussion focusing on Ukraine’s reform efforts on its path toward EU membership, the experiences the Czech Republic can share from its own accession process, and how Ukraine’s potential accession could impact the European Union itself.

The Project centres around the fast development of platform work in the Western Balkans and the EU. This new phenomenon has witnessed fast growth since the pandemic, particularly with digital platforms like “Upwork”.

The Dutch parliamentary election ended with a narrow victory for the liberal D66 over Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration PVV. While D66 gained significant ground, PVV lost seats and mainstream parties continue to rule out cooperation with Wilders. Coalition talks are expected to be difficult and lengthy, but the next government is likely to maintain the Netherlands’ traditionally pro-EU and pro-NATO stance. The article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office at EUROPEUM.

More than twenty years ago, we said “yes” to the European Union — and since then, we’ve been balancing between sovereignty and cooperation, between Brussels and Prague. What have we gained, and what have we had to let go of? Is it possible to remain an independent state while being an active member of the European team?

The European Commission’s proposal for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework has sparked lively discussions among EU governments and in the European Parliament. With close to €2 trillion at stake, the key question is how the EU can finance its priorities, repay pandemic-era debt, and support countries such as Poland and Czechia — all while avoiding new political rifts. EUROPEUM analyst Filip Křenek takes a closer look at the issue here.

EU leaders postponed a decision on the reparations loan for Ukraine until the December summit, as Slovak PM Robert Fico’s stance may complicate negotiations. While a new sanctions package against Russia was approved, discussions on funding remain unresolved. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

Negotiations on the EU's multiannual budget for 2028-2034 are in full swing. How are Czechia and Poland responding to the proposal? Experts say that both countries appreciate the simplified structure and greater flexibility of the budget, but at the same time express concerns about the system of national plans.

The interview discusses criticism of Prime Minister Robert Fico’s negotiation tactics regarding EU sanctions and summit conclusions, arguing that his last-minute blocking approach undermines Slovakia’s standing in the EU. The text also explains the importance of European Council conclusions and how Fico’s strategy is viewed in Brussels. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

A key summit of EU leaders kicks off in Brussels today. Slovakia is represented by Prime Minister Robert Fico, who will also temporarily convey the position of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. On the eve of the summit, Fico met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ta3.

Economic security and competitiveness are becoming key issues for the European Union in order to maintain its global position and internal stability. The EU faces a long-term lag behind the United States in innovation and technology, while pressure from China and other economic rivals is growing. A new wave of American protectionism, geopolitical upheavals caused by Russian aggression, and the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed the vulnerability of the European economy and its dependence on external supply chains. The European Commission has therefore presented a set of initiatives – from the Competitiveness Compass to the Clean Industry Agreement – aimed at strengthening resilience, reducing dependence on third countries, and streamlining the business environment. The Global Gateway initiative, which aims to diversify European trade and supply relations through strategic investments and partnerships, is also an important tool for strengthening the Union's global role. Given the strong industrial orientation and openness of the Czech economy, it is essential for Czechia to actively engage in these debates and formulate its priorities within the European economic security strategy.

At the end of November 2024, the European Parliament took a major step by adopting Regulation 2024/3015 banning products made with forced labour on the EU market. The ban, which will enter into force in December 2027, applies to the entire supply chain, with enforcement carried out by national authorities within the Union and by the European Commission in cases outside the EU. Although the measure has a global scope, it faces a number of challenges, particularly in relation to Xinjiang. Forced labour practices in the region have been repeatedly documented and acknowledged by both the International Labour Organization and the United Nations. At the same time, Xinjiang is a key supplier of solar panels, critical raw materials, aluminium, PVC, and cotton, while forced labour there often takes the form of state-organised mobilization outside internment facilities, which makes its detection especially difficult. For this reason, as noted by Jan Švec, Research Fellow at the Institute of International Relations in Prague, enforcing the Regulation will represent one of the most complex challenges for the EU’s trade policy.