Unanimity in EU decision making? Czech debate is breaking from the deadlock
- Category: National Policy Reports
In Czechia, the debate over the abandonment of the unanimity principle in some EU policy areas opened recently – particularly in the light of war in Ukraine and vision of EU enlargement.
NGOs appeal to politicians on wind turbines
- Category: National Policy Reports
As “turbinegate” shook the Polish politics, 42 green NGOs appeal to the new ruling majority for “urgent adopting a bill allowing the development of wind energy in a way that is safe for both people and the environment.”
Czechs least interested in EU elections, Poles to vote massively
- Category: National Policy Reports
Voter interest amongst Czech citizens in the upcoming EU elections is the lowest across member states, as only half of the surveyed respondents would currently participate in the polls, according to the newest Eurobarometer survey results. On the other hand, in neighbouring Poland, citizens intend to massively vote boosted by the October national elections.
French ambassador on nuclear energy: We want to help Slovakia with both fuel and reactors
- Category: National Policy Reports
France offers an alternative to the fuel currently produced in Russia and cooperation in building new reactors. "We want to involve Slovak companies in the supply chain for nuclear fuel and we are also communicating about a repository of the used-up waste," French Ambassador PASCAL LE DEUNFF says in an interview.
The V4 countries are still struggling with popularity of vaccination
- Category: Infographics
The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the Visegrad countries hard but not equally in terms of seriousness and its evolution in time.
Latvian expert: V4 should be more ambitious in digitalization and draw inspiration from the Baltic
- Category: V4 Mirror
The V4 countries are only a political decision away of improving their digital infrastructure, they should be more ambitious, says senior fellow from German Marshall Fund Brussels Office Kristine Berzina in an interview with EURACTIV Czech Republic.
Twists and turns: What to change in the Recovery Fund support of Slovak bicycle transport?
- Category: National Policy Reports
After tense weeks of negotiations, during which it looked like the cycling transport agenda will be once again overlooked, the Slovak Ministry of Transport and Construction announced that it will be part of National Recovery and Resilience Plan. However, support schemes for cycling need to change for it to be effective, as claimed by NGO and ministry officials.
Production of medical equipment in Poland: Uphill and with variable luck
- Category: National Policy Reports
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, protective and medical equipment has become one of the most valuable commodities in global markets. After a few months, the needs of many EU countries are already satisfied with domestic production. In Poland, we managed to produce simpler medical masks or disinfectant liquids but importing respirators or production of more complicated masks seem to be problematic. However, there is much hope for the potential production of vaccines.
Czechia relies on nuclear energy in green transition. Is it inevitable?
- Category: National Policy Reports
The European Union has set itself ambitious climate targets. Czechia plans to contribute to these goals with nuclear energy still on track. According to a recent study initiated by Czech MEPs, it is the only feasible way to do so. However, energy and environment analysts are not that keen on nuclear energy.
Broadband building dilemma in Slovakia: Value for money or Gigabit Society?
- Category: National Policy Reports
The Slovak government has yet to agree on where, how, and for how much it will roll-out the missing broadband networks, as the European Commission is talking about ultra-fast internet coverage in the whole of EU. But while the finance ministry suggests that the state will subsidize the tightening of optical cables at the level of municipalities, IT and telecom experts warn that the country has not invested a single euro to cover the full connectivity of households.
Disinformation during pandemic: How can the Visegrad countries combat it successfully?
- Category: V4 Mirror
Just as the other EU countries, the Visegrad states are endangered by the amplification of manipulated information and the pandemic has only contributed to the problem. Combatting disinformation is a whole society effort that requires action through various channels, states Naďa Kovalčíková from German Marshall Fund Brussels office in an interview with EURACTIV.pl.
Elif Gunduzyeli: Regarding climate protection, things are changing quickly even in the V4
- Category: V4 Mirror
Elif Gündüzyeli is a Senior Coal Policy Coordinator at the Climate Action Network.
