EU

Our research fellow Michal Hrubý gave an interview to Lidovky.cz on the topic of oil imports to Europe and exceptions to the embargo. In the interview, he also describes the compromises in the negotiations on the form of the embargo.

Our Associate Research Fellow Zuzana Stuchlíková gave an interview for Slovak TV TA3. Zuzana Stuchlíková talks about the process of approving the latest EU sanctions package against Russia and the ban on Russian oil imports. She discusses how the negotiations went, how the exemptions for Central Europe will work, what it means for fuel prices and what will happen next.

Jakub Ferenčík wrote the EU Monitor on "The EU's stance on Ukraine's EU membership", where he discusses Ukraine's potential membership in the EU. Ferenčík also discusses the process of transitioning to EU membership and compares it to a similar process faced by some other countries, notably Serbia. In his work, the author discusses some of the factors of the transition process, from subscribing to EU values such as "human dignity, freedom and equality" to creating an area of "prosperity and neighbourhood".

Martin Vokálek, executive director of the Europeum Institute for European Policy, commented for E15 on the tense situation between the European Union and the UK in the area of economy and trade. In particular, the problematic region of Northern Ireland and compliance with the so-called Good Friday Agreement. The emergence of new tariff barriers between Britain and the European bloc is thus clearly a real threat.

Our researcher Zuzana Stuchlíková was speaking in the ČRo Evropa plus program about the Conference on the Future of Europe. What will the European Union look like in the coming years?

Jakub Ferenčík wrote a blog on the topic: The Militarization of Europe: Three Reasons the EU’s Defense Strategy Changed. In his blog, he writes for example about three reasons why the EU defence strategy has changed or the militarisation of Europe and the future of deterrence.

Leila Institorisova wrote a blog post on "Discrimination Is Not A Tradition: The Case of Poland", where she analyses Poland's attitude towards LGBTIQ+ rights.

We invite you to the next debate in the EU± series, this time on what position the EU will and should take in the emerging multipolar geopolitical order. The debate will take place online via Facebook on Wednesday March 23 at 17:30.

Žiga Faktor, a research fellow from our Institute and the head of our Brussels office, together with Irena Jenčová from the Euractiv portal, spoke in a Radio Slovakia discussion about sanctions against Russia, the unacceptable demands of the Kremlin, and the search for a way for Europe to replace Russian gas and oil. Will economic pressure force Moscow to come to the negotiating table and declare a ceasefire in Ukraine? Would not greater diplomatic engagement by the United States or China help?

Our researcher Jana Juzová spoke on Český Rozhlas Plus about Ukraine's application to the European Union, which was submitted last week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted the application, which was subsequently supported by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the entire eastern wing of the Union. Is Ukraine's starting position problematic? How likely is it that candidate status will be granted? And which members are traditionally against the enlargement of the Union?

Our researcher Jana Juzová commented for Euractiv on how Serbia's ambiguous position is affecting its EU accession process. Serbia is one of the few European countries, that has refused to join the anti-Russian sanctions, even though it has supported Ukraine's territorial integrity and promised to help refugees. The role taken by this Western Balkan country is not surprising, as it has been teetering between the EU and Russia for the last decade. In the accession process, according to our researcher, Serbia's current position towards Russia is not the biggest problem, as Serbia also faces other shortcomings for EU integration.

We invite you to the first debate of the Café Evropa series of this year, this time on the topic: "Poland versus the EU - where is the Polish government heading?". The debate will take place on February 1st at 5:30 pm online on our Facebook page. What steps is the EU taking in relation to Poland and should it take tougher action? Wouldn't such a step interfere too much with national competences? What tools can the EU use against Poland and what role does the Polish National Recovery Plan play in this situation? How real is Polexit - Poland's withdrawal from the EU?