USA

Economic security and competitiveness are becoming key issues for the European Union in order to maintain its global position and internal stability. The EU faces a long-term lag behind the United States in innovation and technology, while pressure from China and other economic rivals is growing. A new wave of American protectionism, geopolitical upheavals caused by Russian aggression, and the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed the vulnerability of the European economy and its dependence on external supply chains. The European Commission has therefore presented a set of initiatives – from the Competitiveness Compass to the Clean Industry Agreement – aimed at strengthening resilience, reducing dependence on third countries, and streamlining the business environment. The Global Gateway initiative, which aims to diversify European trade and supply relations through strategic investments and partnerships, is also an important tool for strengthening the Union's global role. Given the strong industrial orientation and openness of the Czech economy, it is essential for Czechia to actively engage in these debates and formulate its priorities within the European economic security strategy.

Almost a decade has passed since the Brexit referendum, but the UK is still grappling with the consequences of its departure from the EU. Touted by the likes of Nigel Farage as a glorious ‘independence day’, Brexit was supposed to unleash a ‘Global Britain’ – a great trading nation free to pursue a revitalised ‘special relationship’ with the US, amongst other goals. However, the confluence of factors that pushed 52% of voters to choose Leave in June 2016 belongs to a geopolitical reality that no longer exists. Read the full blog by Imogen Wymer below!

How long will the new US-EU tariff agreement last? Viktor Daněk, Deputy Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, commented on its possible duration and impact for Czech Radio Plus.

With the July 9 deadline looming, the EU is working flat out to negotiate a trade deal with the US. Yet reactions from those expected to be among the hardest hit – Slovakia, Hungary and Czechia – have been muted, confused and often unhelpful. Filip Křenek, an analyst at Institute for European Policy EUROPEUM, commented on the situation for Balkan Insight.

In this Policy Brief, Marcin Przychodniak analyzes the European Union’s current approach to China in the context of shifting transatlantic relations and growing tensions between the US, the EU, and China. The paper highlights key challenges – from increasing dependency on Chinese raw materials and investment concerns to the need for stronger EU defensive tools against economic coercion. It offers recommendations on how to more effectively protect European interests and security amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The European Union is questioning whether the United States is still a reliable partner. Member states are concerned about possible espionage from Washington. Additional border checks in the U.S. have raised alarm. This could further strain mutual relations, which have worsened since Donald Trump returned to the White House. The situation was commented on for STVR by Danielle Piatkiewicz, a researcher at the EUROPEUM think tank.

While the US decision to drastically cut funding to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is seen as a serious blow to transatlantic relations, it also represents an unprecedented opportunity for Europe. If the continent wants to protect access to objective and accessible information, it must take responsibility for building its own independent news institutions. At a time of growing disinformation and hybrid threats, the right to reliable news is becoming a matter of strategic importance. EUROPEUM Institute analyst Oszkár Roginer-Hofmeister writes for New Eastern Europe.

Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the Institute for European Policy EUROPEUM, comments on the situation regarding tariffs and the carrot-and-stick approach.

The topic of the impact of U.S. tariffs on the European Union was discussed in a commentary by Martin Vokálek, Director of the EUROPEUM Institute.

The topic of the impact of U.S. tariffs on the European Union was analyzed in a commentary by Martin Vokálek, Director of the EUROPEUM Institute.

Harsh tariff measures could escalate a trade war with China. Europe should seek a balance between protecting its market and maintaining open trade, said Martin Vokálek, Executive Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, in a statement for the Trend.sk news portal.

Donald Trump’s trade policy has once again unsettled global markets and transatlantic relations. But the greatest damage isn’t being done at the borders — it’s to trust, which will take years to rebuild. Read more in the commentary by Viktor Daněk, Deputy Director of the EUROPEUM Institute, in the Ředitelé Evropy newsletter for Hospodářské noviny.