European Commission

On 2 June, a debate on the future of green and digital Europe was held at the University of Economics in Prague. The guest speaker was Katarina Ivanković-Knežević, Director for Social Rights and Inclusion at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. The debate was moderated by Jarolím Antal, Director of the Centre for European Studies at the Faculty of International Relations.

The European Union could strike one of the biggest trade deals in the world - with India. Indeed, because of a potential trade war and deteriorating relations with the United States, the EU is looking to expand its reach into other global markets. This agreement was first mentioned in 2008. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, discussed the topic.

The next steps in the Dukovany case were commented on for Studio ČT24 by Filip Křenek, an analyst at the Institute for European Policy EUROPEUM.

The complaint against the postponement of the nuclear tender was commented on for ČT by Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

The Pfizergate case has caused an uproar in the European Union. Many Members of the European Parliament are calling for the removal of the President of the European Commission. An analyst does not see it that way yet. What will be decisive is what the communication between Ursula von der Leyen and the CEO of Pfizer will show. If they make it public. Martin Vokálek, executive director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for STVR.

Hungary has repeatedly used its veto power not only to pressure Ukraine on bilateral issues, but also to win concessions from the EU, especially in the budget and rule of law areas, says Martin Vokálek, executive director of the EUROPEUM Institute in Prague.

The European Commission is tightening the rules for shipping - all vessels in European waters will now have to be insured and share information. Filip Křenek, an analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, comments on the measures for Ekonomický deník.

Ursula von der Leyen maintains a strong position in her second term as head of the European Commission. A politician shaped by political crises and known for her emphasis on executive decision-making, she continues to dominate on key defence issues. Although the newly created position of Defence Commissioner has quickly lost its importance, von der Leyen herself continues to set the direction - for example with her plan to mobilise hundreds of billions of euros to support European defence and Ukraine. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Seznam Zprávy.

Donald Trump has paused the introduction of new tariffs, while maintaining existing ones and raising them on China. The European Union is considering its next steps. The situation was commented on for Czech Radio Plus by Viktor Daněk from the EUROPEUM Institute.

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.

The EU has faced stagnant productivity, declining investment, and a widening competitiveness gap compared to global rivals. In response, the European Commission unveiled a new strategic framework. But will it be enough to keep up with China and the US? Filip Křenek, EUROPEUM Institute analyst, commented for CEIAS.

The EU has extended economic sanctions against Russia. This was confirmed by the head of diplomacy Kaja Kallas. Hungary had reservations, but eventually relented after assurances on energy security. The European Commission promised to continue negotiations on Russian gas supplies with Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia. Danielle Piatkiewicz, research fellow at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for STVR.