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If Not for the European Union, Central Europe Would Be Torn between Germany and Russia – INTERVIEW

Reflections from Vladimír Špidla on the 2004 Enlargement and beyond

Vladimír Špidla reflects on the complexity of the 2004 EU enlargement, emphasising that while it triggered positive changes, its success is difficult to gauge. He urges for a deeper integration to tackle urgent issues like security and climate change, all while unravelling the nuanced difference between power and influence.

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The Fight Against Media Freedom Predators? New Legislation Is Just The Start

New acts will not address citizens' concerns if Europe rests on its legislative laurels

The EU’s new Media Freedom and Artificial Intelligence Acts will likely struggle to influence the countries that need them most. Their long-term impact in the CEE region will therefore depend on bold provisions against resistance and the ability to update legislation with political and technological advancements.

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Biden Signs Ukraine Military Aid Package

A $60.8 billion lifeline for Ukraine finally takes shape

President Biden’s long-awaited signing of a $60.8 billion aid package for Ukraine marks a critical milestone in bolstering the nation’s defence against Russian aggression, following months of delays and anticipation.

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MFA Sikorski to Expound Poland’s New Foreign Policy Strategy

Democratic Security Outlook 2024: April 22-28

Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski will give a speech to the Sejm on 25 April, marking the first occasion for Poland’s coalition government to set an official course for its foreign policy. Europe, V4 and Weimar (W3), defence, and democratic security are expected to be key topics. Last week...

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Petr Fiala’s Effective Foreign Policy Masks Issues Back Home – QUICK TAKE

The Czech Republic is struggling to lose its reliance on Russian energy

In a week that saw the Czech Prime Minister meet the POTUS and the NATO Secretary General, Czech media continued to praise Petr Fiala’s successful foreign policy. But as he embarks on such trips abroad, important issues remain back at home, none of which will help Fiala’s already low domestic...

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EP ELECTIONS 2024: HOW DEMOCRACY CAN WIN AND EUROPE LOSE – Foresight Report

Strategic Foresight from Central and Eastern Europe

The European Union stands at a decisive point with the upcoming EU Parliament elections and the formation of a new Commission. These events will significantly shape the state of democracy within the EU and its role as a global actor.

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EVENT: Military Union: Will CEE Be Secure?

Join the live discussion on 25 April at 3:00 PM CET/ 9:00 AM ET

Join us on 25 April, at 3:00 PM CET/ 9:00 AM ET, for an online Visegrad Insight event to delve into the discussion of EU’s defence renaissance and its influence on Central Eastern Europe.

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Israel’s Cost-effective Defence vs Ukraine’s Expensive Western Missiles

Israel and Ukraine reveal the economic secrets of modern warfare; It is not good news for Czechia and the West

When Israeli defence shot down 99% of projectiles and cost 10% of Iran’s offensive, the winner of the battle is undeniable. A closer examination of the economics behind the wars in Israel and Ukraine reveals the need for more sustainable defence strategies.

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Security Is First, Democratic Freedoms Are Back, and the Enlargement Is for Real – QUICK TAKE

EU Strategic Agenda 2024–2029

The unofficial unveiling of the EU Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 signalled a significant shift towards prioritising security and democratic freedoms while navigating challenges such as division within the European Parliament and evolving public opinion.

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Autocracy on the Horizon in Slovakia after Pellegrini Wins Presidency 

Prime Minister Robert Fico will face little opposition in his plan to capture the state 

Slovakia’s slide towards autocratic rule will accelerate after an ally of Prime Minister Robert Fico won the presidency over a democratically minded opponent, paving the way for a renewed push to subjugate the media, courts and business to the ruling party’s control.

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EU’s Defence Renaissance: Navigating Strategic Autonomy and Industrial Resurgence

How the EU's rearmament will affect CEE

Europe confronts its heightened security risks at its borders amidst uncertainty over US involvement and a resurgent China aligning with Russian aggression.

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Europe Future Forum 2024

Costs of Non-Enlargement

On 16 April we organised Europe Future Forum 2024 – a closed-door conference that brings together perspectives on the EU enlargement in the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029.

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EU Values Foresight from the Visegrad Four Civil Society Leaders

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How Democracy Can Win and Europe Lose

This report analyses the various outcomes of the upcoming EP elections as well as the formation of the new commission on democracy and the global position of the European Union. It systematically examines internal and external challenges, mapping EU responses to safeguard democratic resilience and electoral processes.

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