Russia

The European Union is looking for ways to fund Ukraine in the long term without indebting its member states. The most promising solution appears to be using frozen Russian assets, particularly those held in Belgium. According to Martin Vokálek, Executive Director and Head of the Brussels Office at the Europeum Institute, this is the fairest and most sustainable option, surpassing all other alternatives.

When can Europe play a more prominent role in ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, how does Poland’s defense strategy serve as an example, and why do some Slovaks view Russia more favorably than Ukraine? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director and Head of the Prague Office of the EUROPEUM Institute, answers these questions.

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.

Moldova stands at a pivotal crossroads as it approaches its September 2025 parliamentary elections, with the outcome set to shape the country’s orientation between deepening ties with the European Union or succumbing to the pro-Russian, Eurosceptic forces. The political struggle is unfolding not only in official arenas but also across the landscape of digital media. How are online platforms shaping public debate? What impact might external information campaigns have on Moldova’s political future? Discover the answers in the full article by Anya Brown, a research assistant at EUROPEUM Institute.

According to the proposal, the EU will gradually stop all imports of Russian gas and oil by the end of 2027, analyst Zuzana Krulichová of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy commented for Deník N.

The 18th sanctions package is on the table. The European Commission aims to increase pressure on Russia so that Moscow comes to the negotiating table and agrees to a ceasefire. The Commission plans to target both the Russian shadow fleet and Russian banks. Viktor Daněk, director of the Prague office of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for STVR.

For the first time in more than sixty years, the Czech Republic will be without Russian oil supplies. The newly secured crude supplies should cover all domestic consumption without depending on a single supplier. The country is thus fulfilling its commitment to the European Union and strengthening its energy security. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for TN Live.

EU cooperation with Warsaw must strengthen as Russia’s systemic threat becomes clear. Research associate at EUROPEUM Institute Hugo Blewett-Mundy commented for New Eastern Europe

Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff has had a night of meetings in Moscow. U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio said the ceasefire remains uncertain, but admitted to signs of optimism. The Kremlin made a similar point. Viktor Daněk, deputy director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for ČT24.

The European Union has been economically lagging behind its competitors in recent years. The plan to jump-start it is to cut red tape, make it easier to do business or bet on artificial intelligence and energy self-sufficiency. Filip Křenek, project coordinator and analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Televizní noviny.

As part of the EU's broader strategy to reduce energy dependence on Russia and strengthen energy security, a proposal has been put forward to ban Russian gas imports to all 27 EU Member States, including the Czech Republic and Poland. The move is part of a response to geopolitical tensions and Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which has exposed the vulnerability of the European energy sector. How do the ten countries, including Poland and the Czech Republic, justify this proposal? Viktor Daněk, deputy director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Czech Radio Plus.

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico describes the decision of Ukraine, which is resisting the Russian invasion for the third year, to stop gas transit from Russia as a threat to Slovakia. Despite the announced end of gas transit, his government has not prepared Slovakia for this situation. It is negotiating both with Moscow over supplies from Russia and with the European Commission. Martin Vokálek, executive director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for morning news on Czech Radio Plus.