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1. Citizenship and residency by investment in the EU

Author:
Rose Hartwig-Peillon
Publication Date:
05-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
Whilst the granting of citizenship and residence rights remain a national competence, they represent a challenge for the entire Union. Indeed, in addition to being ethically questionable, Residency and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) schemes pose a serious security threat to the European Union as a whole. The evidence gathered suggests that companies specializing in citizenship consultancy have become experts in exploiting the schemes’ loopholes, using this knowledge on behalf of their clients to circumvent EU rules. The lack of transparency of the programs allows corruption to bloom and thrive, and the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to increase the demand for such schemes. Hence, this paper calls for a major redesign of the existing programs and for an EU-wide debate on the schemes at the occasion of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Topic:
Immigration, European Union, Citizenship, and Investment
Political Geography:
Europe

2. The perspectives of the Czech automotive industry's decarbonization

Author:
Michal Hrubý
Publication Date:
06-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
Our Research Fellow Michal Hrubý examines the current state of the Czech automotive industry and its possible decarbonisation in connection with emissions. He divides his recommendations into five points - bolster green investments, financial incentives are the change-drivers, boost charging infrastructure, support the corporate BEVs fleet market and a ban on ICEVs is not the solution per se.
Topic:
Climate Change, Manufacturing, Carbon Emissions, Decarbonization, and Automotive Industry
Political Geography:
Europe and Czech Republic

3. Analysing EU’s Sahel strategies: A civilian approach in the era of pragmatism

Author:
Vojtěch Freitag
Publication Date:
08-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
This April, the EU has unveiled and adopted a brand-new long-term 2021 Sahel strategy, which should reflect the turbulent development and better coordinate the multiple policies and instruments the EU pursues in the region. Does it signal a notable change in EU’s course of action in Sahel? How does it relate to the ‘pragmatist turn’ in the EU’s foreign policy? And what particular issues do the three CSDP missions face?
Topic:
Foreign Policy, European Union, and Pragmatism
Political Geography:
Africa, Europe, and Sahel

4. Czech 2022 Presidency to the Council of the EU

Author:
Vít Havelka
Publication Date:
08-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
In his policy paper, our research fellow Vít Havelka provides an overview of the current stage of preparations for the Czech Presidency and specifically elaborates on what topics the Czech Republic could choose as its priorities. Methodologically, the paper is divided into three separate parts, corresponding to three different levels of the program structure: political priorities, triadic priorities, and public service priorities.
Topic:
Politics, European Union, and Public Service
Political Geography:
Europe and Czech Republic

5. A “New” pact on Migration and Asylum? The European migration policy path-dependency

Author:
Agathe Helluin
Publication Date:
09-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
Agathe Helluin has written a Policy Brief on "A New Start on Migration": this is how the European Commission described the new pact on migration and asylum presented at the 2020 State of the Union speech in September. This new pact undoubtedly captures the expectation that the EU will fully reshape its migration policy by recognising its limits and shortcomings.
Topic:
Migration, European Union, Borders, Asylum, and European Commission
Political Geography:
Europe

6. Implications of the 2020 US Presidential Election on the EU and Czech Climate Policy

Author:
Aneta Navrátilová
Publication Date:
01-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
More than anything, 2020 will be remembered for fighting against the world-wide Covid-19 pandemic which has reshaped all of our societies in dramatic ways. Once again, it has highlighted a latent conflict between nation-states and sovereignty, real or perceived, on one hand, and international, if not supranational, cooperation and multilateralism on the other. The crisis exacerbated existing conflicts between nationalists and national conservatives, prominently predisposed towards isolationism, exemplified most acutely in Trump’s America First agenda, and progressives and liberals on the other hand arguing for deepening integration, strengthening multilateralism, and international cooperation to tackle global crises. The US elections became emblematic of this wider, more fundamental struggle, as well as the societal polarization that, to varying degrees, haunts the rest of the developed world. Yet, with a Trump soundly rejected in a landslide election loss, one can wonder whether his loss portends similar rejections of populism and national conservatism across the globe. The 2020 US presidential election was unprecedented, fevered, divisive, and emotional for various reasons. Firstly, the Republican ticket of incumbent President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence was defeated. Secondly, Joe Biden obtained the largest share of the people’s vote against his opponent and the highest turnout in the last one hundred years was reached in this year’s election, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, referring to an increased concern about future direction of the US. And lastly, as Biden won the election with flying colours, the whole world is now contemplating what will change. Not only on the domestic level, but also the international one.
Topic:
Climate Change, Multilateralism, and Presidential Elections
Political Geography:
Europe, North America, Czech Republic, and United States of America

7. Albanian judiciary under construction

Author:
Megi Bakiasi
Publication Date:
02-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
In a policy paper, Megi Bakiasi deals with the judiciary reform in Albania, including the European dimension of reform, and presents recommendations for addressing its shortcomings. The 2016 judicial reform is certainly a historical paradigm shift for Albania. The reform brought about significant change, by cleansing the system from a number of its corrupt officials. Nevertheless, like all transitions, it encountered a number of difficulties with respect to its implementation. The lack of precision in the reform laws, as well as the failure to provide a safety net resulted in numerous vacancies that paralysed key judicial institutions. Furthermore, the laxity shown by the executive and legislative branches delayed the advancement of the reform and resulted in multiple shortcomings with regard to transparency. Lastly, the provisions relative to the right to resign and the lack of proper examination of the three vetting criteria have a negative impact on the establishment of the principle of accountability.
Topic:
Reform, Accountability, Judiciary, and Domestic Policy
Political Geography:
Europe, Balkans, and Albania

8. Health and Public communication in the era of conspiracy theories

Author:
Milan Urbaník
Publication Date:
02-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
Milan Urbaník in his policy paper addresses public health communication in the era of widespread conspiracy theories. He focuses on the vaccination against COVID-19 and presents the most important attributes of a communication campaign that would challenge disinformation surrounding the vaccination. The Czech government is under increased pressure to persuade citizens to vaccinate themselves against Covid-19. The strong presence of anti-vaccination movements, as well as general scepticism of Czech public against vaccination represents a serious challenge for public communication. To communicate effectively in the context of conspiracy theories, the Czech Ministry of Education should follow simple best practices to persuade citizens to vaccinate. The messages communicated should be clear and simple, delivered by reliable and familiar messengers. Furthermore, the right channels should be considered, and various governmental institutions should be consistent in their messages. In addition to the short-term adjustments, the Ministry of Health should consider employing or training health communication experts that would design, pre-test and evaluate health campaigns to realise the full persuasive potential of health communication.
Topic:
Public Health, Vaccine, COVID-19, Disinformation, and Conspiracy Theory
Political Geography:
Europe

9. Biden’s administration as a chance for a new start of US-EU cooperation in the Western Balkans

Author:
Jana Juzová
Publication Date:
04-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
In her latest policy paper from the Eastern Monitor series, our research fellow Jana Juzová focuses on US President Joe Biden's foreign policy administration in relation to the EU and possible future cooperation in the Western Balkans. After the drift in the transatlantic relations under the Trump administration in the past four years many changes are expected by the new Joe Biden administration. One of the foreign policy areas where major changes are to come is Western Balkans and the continued stabilization and normalization processes in the region. While in most of areas the capacity of the new U.S. President and his administration to achieve visible changes during the short time span of the first term is limited, in the case of the Western Balkans it represents a real opportunity for some positive impact. The historical experience showed that progress in the region can be achieved only through a coordinated joint approach by the U.S. and the EU. The result of the elections is also due to Biden’s history with the region great news especially for Kosovo. His hard stance on Serbs in the 1990s as well as his open support to Kosovo independence suggest that the small nation will now have a strong partner on its side, and Biden is the most desirable President for Kosovo. This expectation was reaffirmed by Biden’s statement urging for the continuation of the Dialogue, leading towards mutual recognition.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, European Union, and Joe Biden
Political Geography:
Europe, Balkans, and United States of America

10. EU Horizon 2021-2027 – innovation momentum for Europe

Author:
Katarína Svitková
Publication Date:
04-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
Our Associate Research Fellow Katarína Svitková wrote the first article for the new EUROPEUM publications series: 2021–2027 Horizon Europe. In a policy brief Katarína summarises the objectives of Horizon 2021-2027 and introduces the "Innovation” pillar of the European Union funding scheme for the following years. One year on, despite some less-than-smooth negotiations regarding the structural funds and the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Europe is recovering. Horizon Europe has officially launched its new funding period and the EU member countries are preparing to benefit. Amidst domestic pressure, the UK Government’s is fighting hard to maintain access to the framework. The COVID-19 vaccination is underway throughout the continent, and the EU-leaders-agreed Just Transition Fund is another step towards what is to become a truly transformative period for the European industry and climate. As the dust settles in the aftermath of Brexit and COVID-19, it is time to review the ample opportunities for growth and innovation made possible by Horizon Europe. The 2021 – 2027 program was officially launched this past February, with a number of programs and calls currently opening for the first funding period.
Topic:
European Union, Innovation, and COVID-19
Political Geography:
Europe

11. Innovating through knowledge: European Institute of Innovation and Technology 2027 – and why it matters

Author:
Katarína Svitková
Publication Date:
05-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
Our Associate Research Fellow Katarína Svitková has written the second article of the new publication series EUROPEUM: 2021–2027 Horizon Europe. In her policy brief, Katarína presents the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) as one of the main components of the Horizon Europe Innovation Pillar and describes its program and objectives. Innovation through research and development has been a long-term objective throughout the European funding frameworks. With the start of the 2021 –2027 cycle of Horizon Europe, EU’s innovation institutions are continuing, but also setting more ambitious priorities and launching new components and programs. Continuing EUROPEUM’s series on EU innovation momentum, this article presents the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) as one of the major components of the Horizon Europe Innovation pillar.
Topic:
Science and Technology, European Union, and Innovation
Political Geography:
Europe

12. Innovating Higher Education – EIT launches a EUR 27 million call

Author:
Katarína Svitková
Publication Date:
05-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
Our Associate Research Fellow Katarína Svitková has written the third article of the new publication series EUROPEUM: 2021–2027 Horizon Europe. In her policy brief, Katarína focuses on the issue of education, which, like many other sectors, underwent a fundamental change during the pandemic. She also presents the Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education program. The year of 2020 and its series of abrupt and unprecedented changes did not spare the field of higher education. With the start of the global pandemic in the spring of 2020, universities and research institutions were forced to transition a remote form of work, research and instruction. Having overcome the initial shock and transformation phase, a majority of higher education institutions are currently running their third semester partially or entirely online. The past year thus brought fundamental changes in the way universities work, and boosted the debate about the very objectives and purpose of higher education. Debates over its efficiency and effectiveness were revived, deepening the existing argumentation divide between the advocates of quantitative outputs measurement (such as employability or GDP) on one hand, and qualitative social sciences approach geared towards intangible skills such as critical thinking, on the other. The program titled Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education falls under the 2021 – 2027 EIT Strategy, and its overall objective is to boost innovation and entrepreneurship at European higher education institutions. In line with the general funding priorities of the EU’s Horizon framework, it builds on connecting higher education and research organizations across the EU to build capacities in the sector, which is key for future development and prosperity of Europe.
Topic:
European Union, Innovation, Higher Education, and COVID-19
Political Geography:
Europe

13. EU membership of the Western Balkan states in times of crisis: From a strategic choice to protracted inertia

Author:
Marko Stojić
Publication Date:
11-2020
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
Our associate research fellow Marko Stojić in his latest policy paper deals with the Western Balkans' European perspective and the COVID-19 crises' impact on the countries' journey towards EU membership.
Topic:
Democratization, Regional Cooperation, European Union, and COVID-19
Political Geography:
Europe and Balkans

14. Behavioural Science for the Environment

Author:
Milan Urbaník
Publication Date:
12-2020
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
To effectively address climate change, both structural and behavioural policies are needed. To formulate effective and efficient behavioural policies, the government should establish Behavioural Policy Team. The agency of the team should be to design policies that are conducive to facilitating behavioural changes against unsustainable behaviours, such as high energy and water consumption or polluting transportation. Furthermore, the team should test different approaches through randomization to determine the best valuefor-money policies.
Topic:
Climate Change, Environment, and Behavioral Science
Political Geography:
Europe and Global Focus

15. Czech EU presidency: Basis for a Successful Implementation

Author:
Vít Havelka
Publication Date:
12-2020
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
Czech policy makers must not resort to a partisan programme of the Czech presidency. Strong antipathy between government and opposition might create a fragile political environment for the presidency Czech priorities must be thoroughly discussed with partners in trio, and the Czech Republic should closely coordinate its intentions with Sweden in order to counterbalance French influence Space of Czech initiatives will be limited due to the current phase of the EP legislative period, and the Czechs should thus focus only on particular issues that they consider vital – single market policies, environmental policies, and innovation. The EU presidency must be used for EU membership promotion in the Czech Republic. Importantly, there should take place high-level meetings in the Czech Republic and outside of Prague.
Topic:
Environment, Government, Markets, European Union, and Innovation
Political Geography:
Europe and Czech Republic

16. Cross-generational Cooperation in the Workplace

Author:
Lenka Farkačová
Publication Date:
12-2020
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
Lenka Farkačová deals with the issue of development of networks of cross-generational teams of individual EU countries, which are to serve as tools to achieve the EU’s competitive advantage in the global market. Identifying and retaining employees with high potential and developing their talents for the benefit of the individual is especially important in order to be globally competitive. However, there is a situation where there are several specialized tools for identifying and developing employees, but the size of the population from which potential employees can be recruited is shrinking. What could help countries to deal with the issue of the current and future shortage of people in the labour markets? "The migration of workers1" is a simple answer from many employers (Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, 2019). Disregarding statements like this, it is appropriate to find long-term solutions, e.g. in the form of cross-generation cooperation and partnerships teams.
Topic:
Development, Strategic Competition, and Labor Market
Political Geography:
Europe

17. Rebuilding the Transatlantic Relationship – Transatlantic Policy Forum in Review

Author:
Danielle Piatkiewicz and Miroslava Pisklová
Publication Date:
11-2020
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
It was noted that the pandemic has not brought about systemic change but has instead accelerated and exacerbated existing trends. Both the US and the EU see the pandemic furthering disagreements and on both sides of the Atlantic by causing rise to internal political divisions on how to tackle the pandemic. One of the big lessons of this global crisis is that collaboration is crucial. Not even powerful countries, such as the US, can tackle it on their own. Now more than ever, it is time to move beyond competition and focus on strengthening international cooperation, otherwise we risk a success of non-democratic actors seeking to undermine democracy and rule of law.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Multilateralism, Crisis Management, Transatlantic Relations, Pandemic, and COVID-19
Political Geography:
Europe, North America, and United States of America

18. The post pandemic future of the transatlantic relations – time to rebuild or repair?

Author:
Danielle Piatkiewicz and Miroslava Pisklová
Publication Date:
10-2020
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
After already enduring a 4-year term under United States’ President Trump, the future of the transatlantic relationship is at a critical junction. The US faces an upcoming election where the next administration can either further deteriorate relations or seek to rebuild and strengthen them. No matter the outcome, the future path will be intrinsically tied to how the transatlantic partners cope with the political, economic and security fallout of the global pandemic. Will the US return to the fold of multilateralism and restore an equitable world order in cooperation with the EU, or does the EU stand alone and will have to rapidly grow into a more influential geopolitical player? Or will relations continue their downward trajectories current and spur an accelerated retreat towards isolationist policies, creating space for external challengers like China and Russia to reassert their global positions and challenge the established order? This analysis will examine the current and upcoming challenges on the transatlantic horizon in regard to post-COVID economic recovery. Each region has proposed policies to tackle the current and upcoming economic aftermath of the pandemic, but as Europe outlines strong policies, the Trump administration’s approach has had dire consequences. The Biden campaign’s approach, on the other hand, shows similarities to that of Europe, evoking hope for a more harmonized approach that has proven successful in the past. This analysis will examine the US and EU’s diverging approaches to global issues, challenges and external challengers, such as Russia and China. As demonstrated by the Trump administration, the US is retreating on many of its multilateral and international commitments – how will the Transatlantic relationship look like if there is a second Trump term as opposed to if Biden takes over? Is the relationship irreparably damaged or can it be repaired? Finally, this paper will examine the future of transatlantic security under the framework of NATO’s 2030 reflection process and appraise how the new security landscape will look like post-COVID, especially as external threats mount and impact the Central and Eastern European front.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Bilateral Relations, European Union, Multilateralism, and Transatlantic Relations
Political Geography:
Europe, North America, and United States of America

19. European Green Deal: will it bring structural change?

Author:
Lucie Vinařská
Publication Date:
05-2020
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
Lucie Vinařská authored a policy paper for the 12th debate of the Prague Climate Talks series titled "European Green Deal: will it bring structural change?", which will take place online on EUROPEUM's Facebook. The European Union is now taking the lead on climate action when striving to transform Europe into the first climate-neutral continent. This aim is at the core of the European Green Deal, a new strategy introduced by the Commission in December 2019. While the European Union and the rest of the world’s community is mobilizing, the climate change and environmental degradation are reaching unprecedented heights and posing an existential threat to the whole world. Climate change is by its nature a trans-boundary issue that requires a coordinated action. The EU’s ambitious plan was introduced during a time of a “green boom”, when environmental issues were among top political priorities. But is this Deal really going to turn the tables?
Topic:
Climate Change, Environment, Public Policy, and Health Crisis
Political Geography:
Europe

20. Brief on COVID-19: COVID-19 EU Response: The Subsidiarity Principle has been Working, but now it is Time for Adjustments

Author:
Vít Havelka
Publication Date:
05-2020
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Europeum Institute for European Policy
Abstract:
Ih his latest brief, our Vít Havelka discusses the topic of limits of the COVID-19 EU response and the subsidiarity principle. The subsidiarity principle is an often-debated topic among Czech Eurosceptic politicians. They usually argue that the European Union does not need more responsibility as the EU Member States can sufficiently substitute a joint EU approach, or that the new competences might threaten the national sovereignty. Paradoxically, Eurosceptics often accuse the EU of incompetence once a problem emerges that the EU has next to no power to tackle.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Sovereignty, European Union, and COVID-19
Political Geography:
Europe