EU

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.

The Czech Republic has so far relied mainly on traditional EU budget funds, but it is now essential to support Czech companies, universities, and research institutions in becoming more involved in the EU’s directly managed programs. Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the matter for Euractiv.

Negotiations on the new multiannual EU budget for 2028–2034 are beginning. However, the European Commission’s summer proposal has faced criticism from various sides. What major changes might the new budget bring? Will it be good or bad news for the Czech Republic? And what should the country prepare for as the new budget comes into effect? Analyst Filip Křenek from the EUROPEUM think tank discusses these questions in the podcast Europe Up Close.

The positions of ANO, SPD, and the Motorists movement could weaken the Czech Republic’s standing in the European Union. Andrej Babiš thus risks that Brussels might start treating him as cautiously as it does Robert Fico. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the issue for Denník N.

Is there a risk that the Czech Republic could leave the European Union or NATO under the government of the ANO movement and Andrej Babiš? It is unlikely, but Kateřina Konečná and the Stačilo! coalition, which continues to push for a referendum on withdrawal from both organizations, are emerging as potential partners for Babiš's government. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Blesk Zprávy.

The migration pact will come into force in June next year. The Ministry of the Interior therefore plans to recruit dozens of new experts and set up a training center, drawing the necessary funds from European funds. The decision on the projects will be made at the beginning of the year. By then, however, parliamentary elections will have taken place in Czechia, and the parties that have a chance of forming a government are already declaring that they will reject the migration pact. Viktor Daněk, Executive Deputy Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Novinky.cz.

The European Union has signed a trade agreement with Indonesia. However, it will not be easy for European exporters to break into this rapidly growing market, where they will face strong competition from China and the US. The agreement must now undergo an approval process by the member states. Filip Křenek, EUROPEUM Institute analyst commented for Seznam Zprávy.

The European Union Council's proposal, called "Chat Control," aims to combat the spread of child pornography. However, it has sparked fierce controversy. More than 700 technology experts and academics from across Europe have criticized it in an open letter. According to them, Chat Control would interfere with users' privacy and is also technically problematic.Viktor Daněk, Executive Deputy Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for the ČT24 Newsroom.

Security and ETS2 are European topics reflected in the Czech pre-election campaign. Why will emission allowances remain with us? Is the federalization of the European Union realistic? And where to find the roots of Czech euroscepticism? Viktor Daněk from the EUROPEUM Institute answers these questions.

As part of their election campaign, Czech populist parties are once again raising the issue of the Czech Republic leaving the European Union and NATO — and proposing to hold a referendum on the matter. Opinions clash against a backdrop of growing dissatisfaction with traditional institutions and mounting concerns about sovereignty and security. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for TVP World.

The new Polish president has officially taken the oath of office. This June, Karol Nawrocki won the presidential election against liberal candidate Rafał Trzaskowski, confirming the deep political polarization in Poland. The development was commented on for TN Live by Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute.