EU

In 2009, Liesbet Hooghe and Gary Marks argued that public opinion in the European Union had shifted from permissive consensus to constraining dissensus, giving mass politics a stronger role in integration than traditional theories assumed. This sparked debate about the EU’s democratic deficit – a contested concept, but one with real political effects. The gap between citizens and EU institutions has long been visible in European Parliament elections, traditionally seen as “second-order” contests with low turnout and protest voting. However, the 2019 and especially the 2024 elections broke with this pattern: turnout increased, EU issues became more politicised, and party positions more polarised. These shifts suggest that a new transnational cleavage is emerging, marking a turning point for democratic engagement in the EU, writes Csaba Stefán, a Research Fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, in his policy brief.

How can the Czech Republic strengthen its competitiveness without undermining social cohesion? This question was at the centre of the roundtable of the National Convention on the EU, held on 21 November 2025 and focused on the role of the social dimension in the context of the Draghi Report. The discussion explored the sustainability of the European social model and examined which EU instruments the Czech Republic could use to support its economic, social, and regional development. The background paper and recommendations on this topic were prepared by Klára Votavová and Carlos Gómez del Tronco.

The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against Slovakia over a recent constitutional amendment that, in its view, undermines the primacy and uniform application of EU law. Slovakia has two months to respond. If no remedy follows, the case may advance to the EU Court of Justice, potentially leading to sanctions and reputational consequences. The process may take years, which is why the Commission prefers dialogue first. Commented by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

Hungary is heading toward what may be its most consequential election since the fall of communism. After fifteen years in power, Viktor Orbán faces his strongest challenger yet—Péter Magyar and the TISZA party, which now leads independent polls and appeals across regions and generations. The upcoming vote may reshape the country’s democratic trajectory and its relationship with the EU. The article was commented on by Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister, Head of the Global Europe Programme.

Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) – Challenges and Opportunities, co-organized on November 17th, 2025, by the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, the International Visegrad Fund, and the Slovak Permanent Representation to the EU, opened with reflections on 17 November—a symbolic date for Central Europe marking the pursuit of freedom, democracy, and systemic transformation. The conference brought together policymakers and experts to discuss the key strategic priorities of the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034. The event offered an in-depth examination of issues including competitiveness, cohesion policy, innovation, and funding for science. It also underscored the importance of the EU budget in supporting Ukraine’s recovery and integration.

In the new Babiš government, European policy will be moved directly under the prime minister, reducing the influence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, the Permanent Representation in Brussels will remain essential, especially through close cooperation with the Government’s Section for European Affairs. Key personnel decisions are still being negotiated, including who will serve as the prime minister’s chief coordinator, or “sherpa,” for EU matters. The article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office at EUROPEUM.

With six months to go until the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary elections, the political landscape is entering a decisive period. The emerging conservative Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, continues to challenge the long-standing rule of Viktor Orbán and Fidesz, maintaining strong polling numbers. While Tisza has been effective in shaping the political agenda, Fidesz is attempting to counter with an intensified media strategy and its traditional “enemy-focused” narrative. Support for both sides appears to be stabilizing, leaving the outcome uncertain as the campaign accelerates ahead of April’s vote. The article was written by Yusuke Ishikawa, a non-resident fellow at EUROPEUM.

A series of six evening meetings during the fall of 2025 (in the week beginning November 10) will allow students to discuss a wide range of topics with experts from among current and former Brussels officials, ambassadors, Czech and European political experts and decision-makers, journalists, and commentators.

The world is pouring huge amounts of money into reducing emissions, yet most countries still fail to meet the Paris Agreement, and global warming continues. While some emissions have plateaued, climate-related damages are rising, and the “free-rider” problem persists as states benefit from inaction. Geopolitical factors, especially the shifting climate policies of China and the United States, further complicate progress. For Seznam Zprávy, the article was commented on by Filip Křenek, analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

The EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy invites you to a public discussion on the future of transatlantic relations and Europe’s role in a rapidly changing global environment. Join us as leading experts explore how shifting U.S. priorities are reshaping cooperation and what this means for Europe, including Central and Eastern European partners.

And here it is – the second edition of our EuroLens journal! Building on the success of the first issue, this new edition once again offers interviews with experts, commentaries, and articles on both political and non-political topics. You will also find an overview of upcoming events, conferences, and much more. We hope it will serve as an interesting and inspiring source of information and support your work.

Czechia plans to request a full exemption from solidarity contributions under the EU migration pact after being classified as a country facing a “significant migration situation.” According to Martin Vokálek, the country is likely to obtain the exemption due to the high number of Ukrainian refugees it hosts. EU member states will make the final decision at the December summit. The article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office at EUROPEUM.