20 Years of Cohesion Policy as a Gift of Dana?

20 let Politiky Soudržnosti jako Danajský Dar?

Author(s): Vít Havelka / Language(s): Czech

Keywords: EU cohesion policy;

It has been 20 years since the Czech Republic and 9 other Central, Southern and Eastern European countries joined the European Union. This happened with the promise of increased welfare and the so-called economic catching-up of the post-communist part of Europe. Cohesion policy was to play a key role here. In this context, it is necessary to emphasize that the last 20 years have been a great economic success for the Czech Republic. There has been convergence expressed in both GDP and wages. Czechs today earn the same as the Portuguese, and while in 2004 the salary level reached approximately 1/3 of the EU average, today the Czech wage represents 2/3 of the European Union average2. An analysis by the Government Office from 2021 estimated that thanks to the influx of money from the European Union, the Czech GDP increased by up to 5.7% compared to the situation where the Czech Republic would not have had access to European funds.

Securing Europe’s Lithium Future: The Cinovec Project and sustainable Lithium Mining

Securing Europe’s Lithium Future: The Cinovec Project and sustainable Lithium Mining

Author(s): Jonathan Lyons,Sofia Pahor-Chochoy / Language(s): English

Keywords: Cinovec project; ČEZ Group; Lithium mining;

The Cinovec project has a large economic potential as it enhances the ability to secure domestic and regional supply of lithium, which is otherwise very geographically concentrated outside of Europe. Europe relies on a handful of countries, particularly China, for the import of lithium for the production of EV batteries. The project, owned by the Australian company European Metals Holdings (EMH) and ČEZ Group, plans to start mining in 2026. However, mining operations are polluting and do not always have a track record of bringing benefits to local communities. The ČEZ Group, which is 70% owned by the Czech government, should increase the pressure on the project to deliver on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects, including water, soil and air pollution. Particularly, the fact that the Czech government holds a stake in the Cinovec project via ČEZ Group should help ensure that the project will deliver benefits for the local community. The outlined recommendations of this paper aim to bolster sustainability and align mining practices of the Czech Republic with global environmental practices, by underlining the importance of enhancing transparency with local communities, environmental protection, integration of renewable energy sources (RES) in mining and localising the processing for economic and environmental prosperity.

FROM STICK SHIFT TO SKILL SHIFT? Reskilling of automotive's employees in the eyes of the industry's stakeholders

FROM STICK SHIFT TO SKILL SHIFT? Reskilling of automotive's employees in the eyes of the industry's stakeholders

Author(s): Rebeka Hengalová / Language(s): English

The transition of the automotive sector will havenegative effects on employment in the sector if the changing skill needs will not be addressed by large-scale, targeted up- and reskilling programmes. In theCzech Republic, this could have economy-wide repercussions and endanger one of the biggestemployers and industries in the country. The report calls for a coordinated sector-wide strategy for up- and reskilling, following the principles of a just, equitable and sustainable transformation of a core industry in line with the climate policies of the EU and beyond.

Barriers and Benefits of Energy Communities in the European Union

Barriers and Benefits of Energy Communities in the European Union

Author(s): Alžbeta Gavalcová / Language(s): English

Energy communities are an effective means to decentralize and renew our energy systems with sustainable solutions as they are usually based on renewable energy. They have already started emerging in 1970´s, yet there has been a significant increase in their development only in recent years, also in terms of their introduction into the EU legislation. Especially in Western and Northern European countries the concept already enjoys vast popularity. On the other hand, in Central and Eastern European countries (further referred to as CEE) energy communities are only beginning to emerge.1 The policy brief (based on literature and interviews with various stakeholders2) examines the benefits energy communities may bring, and more importantly, the main obstacles remaining in their way for greater evolution in the CEE region – and especially Visegrad countries (V4). As these initiatives progress, sharing the best practices will ensure the success of the community energy in the energy transition.

Enhancing Governance, Stakeholder Involvement, and Communication in Czech Recovery Planning: Strategic Lessons for Ukraine

Enhancing Governance, Stakeholder Involvement, and Communication in Czech Recovery Planning: Strategic Lessons for Ukraine

Author(s): Alina Boiko / Language(s): English

This policy paper delves into the Czech Republic’s approach to implementing its National Recovery and Resilience Plan (hereafter RRP) and extracts vital lessons that could be instrumental for Ukraine in enhancing its policy implementation capabilities. The primary research question guiding this investigation is: “How can the governance, stakeholder engagement, and communication strategies in the Czech RRP implementation provide actionable lessons for Ukraine to bolster its institutional capacity for recovery plan implementation and enhance the effectiveness of policy formulation?”

The Strategic Culture of the European Union in the Sahel EU-initiatives in Niger

The Strategic Culture of the European Union in the Sahel EU-initiatives in Niger

Author(s): Hanga Horváth-Sántha / Language(s): English

Keywords: Sahel region; post-colonialism;

The Sahel region continues to face several challenges, including poverty and lack of economic prospects, food insecurity, rapid demographic growth, inter-ethnic conflicts, jihadist terrorism and climate change. While it is important to note that these affect different parts of the region to different degrees, the challenges are interlinked and mutually reinforcing, further complicating the situation.1 For instance, the demographic growth and food insecurity are exacerbated by climate change, fuelling tensions between different communities, which militant Islamist insurgents are exploiting for the purpose of radicalisation and recruitment. During the past three years the fragile states of the region have seen a string of military coups: the military overthrow of Chad’s government in April 2021 and the coups in Mali (August 2020 and May 2021) and Burkina Faso (January and September 2022), as well as the military coups in Niger (July 2023) and Gabon (August 2023) all serve as a reminder that the Sahel region remains politically extremely unstable. Considering the factors mentioned above, the Sahel region has been a concern for Europe for more than a decade. Experience shows that instability in the Sahel can have spillover effects, potentially leading to increased terrorism, irregular migration, and the spread of illegal activities that all may impact European security. Identifying the challenges of the region through a comprehensive framework, which – a beside security-related issues – includes the ever so important questions of sustainable development, human rights, good governance, food security and green energy, the European Union has been active in the Sahel for over a decade.

Time to Redefine the Terms and Conditions of the Transatlantic Relationship? 2021 Transatlantic Policy Forum in Review

Time to Redefine the Terms and Conditions of the Transatlantic Relationship? 2021 Transatlantic Policy Forum in Review

Author(s): Danielle Piatkiewicz,Alexandra Visnerova / Language(s): English

Keywords: Transatlantic Relations;

Prior to the Forum, researchers at EUROPEUM published a background paper titled “Evaluating Transatlantic Relations – for better or for worse’’. The goal of background paper was to evaluate the new transatlantic agenda and goals of both EU and the US and assess how the two sides can work closer together to tackle geopolitical challengers, align on security, trade, climate, and digital policies. The paper also offers recommendations on how to strengthen the transatlantic relationship, with special emphasis placed on the Central and Eastern European region. This policy paper builds upon those ideas and those discussed at the Forum. It aims to provide a debrief and analysis of the discussions that were held, respecting the Chatham House Rule and, therefore, preserving the anonymity of participants. The aim of this analysis is to highlight and develop the main findings among the participants. The Forum provided a wide range of inputs and interesting takeaways, including recommendations and a transatlantic “To-Do list”, which outlines action points and suggestions for the transatlantic partnership moving forward.

Gendering Europe’s Security and Recovery Responses to Ukraine

Gendering Europe’s Security and Recovery Responses to Ukraine

Author(s): Míla O’Sullivan / Language(s): English

Keywords: Women and war;

Russia’s full-scale genocidal invasion of Ukraine has been fundamentally reshuffling the security landscape and policymaking in Europe. The European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and individual governments have responded with unprecedented military, humanitarian and political support to Ukraine and the adoption of restrictive measures towards the Russian Federation. Yet, these responses to Russia’s war on Ukraine have been profoundly gendered, effectively side-lining the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and other gender norms that form Europe’s core democratic values and underpin various domestic and external policies. This policy paper argues that side-lining gender as a ‘soft’ issue for later cannot be justified because gender dynamics are at the centre of soft and hard security right now, shaping all possible aspects of the war cycle, be it military, humanitarian, economic, social, legal, informational or ideational. This paper shows that it is now urgent to centre the gender dimension and Ukrainian women’s voices at all levels of Europe’s engagement with Ukraine. To do so, Europe must focus on the following: 1. Respond to Russia’s dangerous weaponization of gender politics and its direct impact on war violence; 2. Recognize and build upon gender progress and Ukrainian women’s agency in resistance and relief; 3. Prioritize gendered intersectional approach and women’s socioeconomic security in post-war reconstruction and recovery.

Serbia and its foreign policy alignment after the war in Ukraine

Serbia and its foreign policy alignment after the war in Ukraine

Author(s): Ferenc Németh / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russian war against Ukraine;

The war in Ukraine has resulted in an increased demand for candidate countries to align with the EU common foreign and security policy (CFSP). Given its special partnership with Russia and internal political dynamics, Serbia’s alignment with the EU’s foreign policy declarations and restrictive measures significantly decreased in 2022. There is no real incentive for Serbia to harmonize its foreign policy with the EU, however, assistance from the EU to gradually reduce Belgrade’s dependency on Russia might be beneficial to trigger a higher degree of alignment in the long-run.

EU Platform Workers’ Directive. A Test for Regulating the Future of Work

EU Platform Workers’ Directive. A Test for Regulating the Future of Work

Author(s): Silke Maes / Language(s): English

In December 2021, the Commission launched a proposal for a directive on improving working conditions in platform work. The initiative has three goals: to address the misclassification of employment status; improve transparency, fairness and accountability of algorithmic practices; and improve the transparency of platform work, including in cross-border situations. - The platform economy presents great social challenges, and national actions have led to fragmentation, endangering the level playing field and making Eulevel legislative action much needed. The directive is equally seen as an important test case for regulating atypical work and algorithmic management in the future.

EU Regulation of Workplace Algorithms in the Czech Republic: climbing up the Innovation Ladder at the Expense of Workers?

EU Regulation of Workplace Algorithms in the Czech Republic: climbing up the Innovation Ladder at the Expense of Workers?

Author(s): Klára Votavová / Language(s): English

As negotiations of new legislation progress, this paper highlights key trends, dilemmas and challenges regarding regulation of workplace artificial intelligence in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is emblematic of countries in the EU’s economic semi-periphery, hoping that the ongoing twin transition will allow it to finally “catch up” with its richer counterparts. As the paper claims, this accent on competitiveness and innovations may lead to at least a partial decrease of workers’ rights, as there is usually a trade-off between the two.

QMV in CFSP: Impending Necessity or Resurfacing Utopia?

QMV in CFSP: Impending Necessity or Resurfacing Utopia?

Author(s): Miroslava Pisklová / Language(s): English

Keywords: EU decision-making;

A discussion on potential broadening of the qualified majority voting (QMV) system to more of the remaining policy areas in the Council of the EU in which it is not yet used, namely the EU‘s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), has recently gained momentum. This publication aims to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of introduction of the QMV in CFSP of the EU with a focus on the potential impact on smaller member states. For the purpose of this publication, the author led a series of in-person or online interviews with experts from a variety of institutions in order to broaden her research on the topic and provide valuable, qualitative insight to the paper.

Finding Transatlantic Unity in Times of Conflict. 2022 Transatlantic Policy Forum in review

Finding Transatlantic Unity in Times of Conflict. 2022 Transatlantic Policy Forum in review

Author(s): Huga Blewett-Mundy,Danielle Piatkiewicz / Language(s): English

The transatlantic policy response to the multitude of threats facing the rules-based system of international security remains problematic despite the renewed strategic purpose of the EU and the US to defend its values and practices. This policy paper builds upon those ideas and those deliberated at the Forum. It aims to provide a debrief and analysis of the discussions that were held, respecting the Chatham House Rule and, therefore, preserving the anonymity of participants. The aim of this analysis is to highlight and develop the main findings among the participants. The Forum provided a wide range of inputs and interesting takeaways, including recommendations and a transatlantic “To-Do list”, which outlines action points and suggestions for the transatlantic partnership to take forward.

The lingering war in Ukraine: Security implications in Europe

The lingering war in Ukraine: Security implications in Europe

Author(s): Orsolya Ráczová / Language(s): English

It has been nearly a year since Russia started a war against Ukraine in February 2022, leading to the devastation of the country, and has put an end to peace in Europe since World War II. With the rule-based order and security in Europe being endangered, Europe must rebuild its security architecture while at the same time facing a complex green and digital transformation, post-pandemic recovery, high-inflation, an energy crisis. The Central Eastern European region remains in the spotlight given its geopolitical location and economic ties to both Ukraine and Russia.

Demand the impossible: How Ukraine became a candidate for EU membership

Demand the impossible: How Ukraine became a candidate for EU membership

Author(s): Tomasz Żornaczuk / Language(s): English

The aggression of Russia on Ukraine resulted also in major changes in EU enlargement policy in 2022. The most significant one was the change in the geography of the Union’s enlargement after Ukraine and Moldova were granted candidate status for EU membership and Georgia was granted an accession perspective. This, however, seemed barely possible even for the advocates of such development still weeks before it became a new political reality in June 2022.

Serbia's path to the EU: European Integration without Democratization?

Put Srbije ka EU: Evropske Integracije bez Demokratizacije?

Author(s): Jana Juzová,Nikola Burazer,Oszkár Roginer / Language(s): Serbian

Keywords: Serba and EU;

Serbia began its path to membership in the European Union in 2000, after the overthrow of the authoritarian regime of Slobodan Milošević. It took almost twelve years for Serbia to be granted candidate status in 2012, during which it faced major obstacles in the form of cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), separation from the state union with Montenegro, and finally in the form of the issue of Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008. During this period, Serbia achieved significant progress in reforms and strengthening of democratic institutions, setting EU membership as a strategic goal. After receiving candidate status in March 2012, Serbia opened accession negotiations in January 2014, and the first negotiation chapters in December 2015.

Serbia’s EU Accession Path: European Integration without Democratization?

Serbia’s EU Accession Path: European Integration without Democratization?

Author(s): Jana Juzová,Nikola Burazer,Oszkár Roginer / Language(s): English

Keywords: Serbia and EU;

Serbia began its path to membership in the European Union in 2000, after the overthrow of the authoritarian regime of Slobodan Milošević. It took almost twelve years for Serbia to be granted candidate status in 2012, during which it faced major obstacles in the form of cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), separation from the state union with Montenegro, and finally in the form of the issue of Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008. During this period, Serbia achieved significant progress in reforms and strengthening of democratic institutions, setting EU membership as a strategic goal. After receiving candidate status in March 2012, Serbia opened accession negotiations in January 2014, and the first negotiation chapters in December 2015.

The New Pact on Migration and Asylum and the war in Ukraine: time for a paradigm shift?

The New Pact on Migration and Asylum and the war in Ukraine: time for a paradigm shift?

Author(s): Christian Kvorning Lassen / Language(s): English

This paper is the product of the author’s visit to Brussels in 2022 during which six interviews were conducted with civil society and permanent representation representatives. Their qualitative input and assessments are interspersed with desk research by the author. The raison d’etre of the paper is the recent policy innovations coming off the back of the novel preparedness, agility, and unity at EU level. Simultaneously, these innovations prompt the question of whether the EU can transition from ad-hoc crisis-mode responses into making long-term structural reforms. The temporary nature of TPD inherently prompts this question. This paper will first outline the current state of play with regard to the progression of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. This will revolve around an analysis of the current reform process vis-à-vis the new reality of migration. The impact of TPD will be juxtaposed against this analysis, assessing the impact on the reform process itself. Lastly, the paper aims to deliver concluding remarks and interspersed recommendations.

In search for a more effective EU foreign and security policy: Can Central Europe seize its momentum?

In search for a more effective EU foreign and security policy: Can Central Europe seize its momentum?

Author(s): Lucia Rybnikárová / Language(s): English

Russia‘s war against Ukraine has recalibrated the current political balance of power in the EU. Given the events in Ukraine, considerable attention has been shifting to the CEE region. This event has the potential to bring about the end of the perceived status quo in which countries of so-called “old Europe”, like France or Germany, play an oversized, dominant role in the process of continental policymaking versus “new Europe”. However, if the CEE region aspires to be in the driving seat when it comes to the current foreign and security developments in Europe, it must manifest unity and coherence. Against this backdrop, it is necessary to explore the perceptions and preferences of the countries in the region toward EU foreign and security policy. This paper attempts to shed light on where Czechia, Poland, and Slovakia stand regarding the usage suitability of a range of EU foreign and security policy options. For this paper, Hungary, although being part of the CEE region, is not considered due to its diverging foreign and security policy priorities principally since the outbreak of the war (persistent ties to Russia, blocking of several EU aid packages to Ukraine as well as sanctions)

Cross-generational Cooperation in the Workplace. Development of Networks of Cross-generational Teams of Individual EU States, as a Tool to Achieve the EU's Competitive Advantage in the Global Market

Cross-generational Cooperation in the Workplace. Development of Networks of Cross-generational Teams of Individual EU States, as a Tool to Achieve the EU's Competitive Advantage in the Global Market

Author(s): Lenka Farkačová / Language(s): English

Keywords: Labour market; cross-generational cooperation; competitive advantage;

The innovative potential of EU countries is mainly influenced by expanding automation, robotization and digitization, as well as demographic developments and advancing globalization. These trends bring with it a complex and structured system of changes associated with several human activities, including the labour market. Transmission of the so-called tacit knowledge is becoming a key area as well as the follow-up ability to cooperate between individuals. Because of ageing population in selected countries, for instance in the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia and Germany, cross-generational cooperation can seem like an essential new skill in the contemporary world. It is important to say that the issue of population ageing is a crucial problem throughout the EU. Over past 10 years, the European Union Member States have seen an increase of Old Age dependency ratio (% of the population aged 65 years or more relative to the population aged 15-64 years) by an average of more than 4 pp. (EUROSTAT, 2020). For instance, according to the data from Eurostat, the figure was 25 % in 2005 and 29 % in 2015. For this reason, the aim of the analysis is to demonstrate the importance of cross-generational cooperation as a present and future ability of individuals in the labour market and to find out how their networks could be developed.