Ukraine

The Czech Republic is in danger of following the Hungarian path in accepting disinformation, especially about the war in Ukraine. While Czech citizens mostly perceive Russia as the clear aggressor, research warns against changing the narrative. The upcoming elections and the possibility of Andrej Babiš's return to power could influence the direction of Czech politics and perceptions of international issues. Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister, project coordinator at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Euractiv.cz

This two-part online workshop series focused on NATO’s Open-Door policy and the potential for future eastern enlargement, offering a deep dive into the alliance’s evolving dynamics. Over eight engaging sessions, experts, students, and practitioners discussed Ukraine’s prospects for NATO membership, challenges posed by democratic reforms, border disputes, and regional perspectives within the alliance. The workshops also explored NATO’s role in space and cyber operations, its response to geopolitical challenges, and the impact of member states’ internal dynamics on enlargement. Specifically focusing on the views from the V4.

MEPs have approved the European Commission. The deadlock, during which individual groups raised objections to some candidates, lasted for more than a week. The new composition of the Commission could therefore be approved next Wednesday. This would allow the Commission to begin its work by December 1. Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for CNN Prima News.

In mid-November, a two-day Transatlantic Policy Forum conference was held in Prague, organized by the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy with the support of the US Embassy in Prague. Experts at the conference discussed key topics such as the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, transatlantic relations and the impact of the outcome of the US presidential election on relations with the EU. Ian Brzezinski, an American expert on international relations and military affairs, and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO in the George W. Bush administration, accepted the invitation to attend the conference and commented for Seznam Zprávy.

Although Europe's attention in recent years has been completely absorbed by Russia's aggression in Ukraine, many countries, including the Czech Republic, are increasingly interested in diversifying their business opportunities beyond the transatlantic space. We therefore asked experts from the fields of diplomacy, research and business about the potential pitfalls of EU-ASEAN cooperation, security challenges and the success of Czech diplomacy in the Far East. Zuzana Krulichová, researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, answered for the Institute of International Relations.

North Korea entered the war against Ukraine on Russia's side. Kiev expects an appropriate response from its partners. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, there is evidence that not only workers but also military personnel are heading to Russia from North Korea. EUROPEUM Associate Research Fellow Tereza Novotná commented on the situation for Sestry.eu.

MEPs in Strasbourg will vote on a loan of up to 900 billion crowns to Ukraine. This should be covered by the proceeds from frozen Russian assets. Other topics to be discussed include the EU's draft budget for next year and the situation in Lebanon. Martin Vokálek, executive director of EUROPEUM Institute, commented for CNN Prima News.

Russian oil from Lukoil still isn’t flowing through Ukraine to Slovakia and Hungary. In June, Ukraine unilaterally decided to ban the transit of Lukoil oil through its territory, as the company was added to its sanctions list. Slovakia and Hungary have turned to the European Commission for help in resolving the issue. What can the EU do about this situation? What role does the Association Agreement with Ukraine play in resolving this dispute? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of EUROPEUM Institute, comments on the situation.

Members of the European Parliament continue to assign themselves to various committees, familiarize with the agendas assigned to them, and have already started working. At the constituent meeting, the first discussion was on a new legislative proposal concerning Ukraine, during which MEPs expressed continued support for the country. Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Slovakian STVR.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has shattered the post-Cold War international order built upon East-West interdependence and cooperation. The European Union (EU) - which had tried to pursue a strategic relationship with Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 - must now adapt to the geopolitical reality of Russian neo-revisionism. Hugo Blewett-Mundy, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, identifies four areas where the EU's policy towards Russia could evolve to confront this emerging security situation in Europe.

The European Union and Ukraine concluded a comprehensive security agreement in Brussels. This builds upon the EU's longstanding support for Ukraine. What did the politicians agree upon? What is new in the new treaty? Žiga Faktor, Deputy Director and Head of the Brussels Office at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented for the Slovak RTVS.

The European Union has initiated accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. This decision was preceded by two years of negotiations. The accession process is expected to take several years. Jana Juzová, a senior researcher at the EUROPEUM Institute, commented on the topic for Evening News on Czech Television.