European Commission

The European Commission has softened its original plan to ban the sale of cars with internal combustion engines after 2035. Under the new proposal, CO₂ emissions from new vehicles would have to be reduced by 90 percent compared to 2021 levels, rather than eliminated entirely as initially planned. For ČT1, the situation was commented on by Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

The European Commission has launched an infringement procedure against Slovakia over its recent constitutional amendment, arguing it undermines the principles of EU legal primacy and uniform application of EU law. The dispute may last years and is politically sensitive, with the Slovak government presenting it as a defense of national identity, while the EU stresses compliance with member-state obligations. This article was commented on by Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

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.

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.

It was supposed to shake the European complacency about its own economic performance and initiate radical change. The subject is the report by Mario Draghi, former president of the European Central Bank, which was published exactly one year ago. The report was commented on by Viktor Daněk, Executive Deputy Director and head of the Prague office of the EUROPEUM Institute.

A year ago, one of the most important economic documents of our time caused a stir in Europe. Professor Mario Draghi identified the weaknesses of the European economy and outlined a path for the EU to escape the slow decline in the shadow of China and the USA. Since then, European analysts have presented one strategy after another, but their real impact has so far been limited. The topic was commented on by Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute.

Tomorrow marks exactly one year since the release of the Draghi report, in which the former head of the European Central Bank detailed the profound economic problems facing the European Union. He also outlined a roadmap for restarting the competitiveness of the member states. Filip Křenek, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the Draghi report.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is heading to the United States. But before that, he made a stop in Brussels. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office, commented on the situation for Czech Radio.

The European Union and the United States have reached an agreement on import tariffs. Instead of the originally announced 30% tariffs, both sides agreed on a compromise rate of 15%, which should keep the market stable while mitigating the impact on businesses. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on CNN Prima News.

Trump is pressuring Europe with tariffs and setting conditions for an agreement. The EU is responding with its own list of sanctions. How close is a deal, and who holds the stronger position? The situation was commented on by Viktor Daněk, Executive Deputy Director and Head of the Prague Office.

During Thursday’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, EU officials called for more balanced trade relations. If China fails to deliver, the European Union may reduce its level of openness to Chinese imports, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated. The situation was commented on by EUROPEUM Institute analyst Zuzana Krulichová.

On Wednesday, the European Commission presented a draft of the new budget for the coming years. It is record-breaking in size and will also have to rely on new sources of funding. For Czechia, this represents a major opportunity, says Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute. However, he points out that the Czech government will need to be more active in Brussels to actually secure access to these record EU funds.