It’s already mid-April, and we’re once again inviting you to join us for lively discussions (and not just over a beer), conferences, or a public podcast recording! Come debate the functioning of the ETS2 system in Central and Eastern European countries, discuss the Czech Republic’s behavior in the EU over a pint, or catch up on news from the European Parliament—will the 28th regime give European startups a boost?
We also have a surprise for you. One of the most experienced and prominent European leaders will speak at the opening of the #TaskEurope2026 conference—you can find out who it is below in the newsletter.
You can also look forward to further debates, podcasts, and analytical insights from our experts, who have long been dedicated to European politics in a broader context.
#TaskEurope2026: Finnish President Alexander Stubb to Speak at the Conference
The “Europe as a Challenge 2026” conference will welcome one of today’s most prominent European leaders—Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who will open the first day of the conference at Prague Castle alongside his Czech counterpart, Petr Pavel.
In his opening remarks, President Stubb will speak about European security and the challenges posed by the current geopolitical landscape, and will share his extensive experience in diplomacy, international relations, and European policymaking. During his career, he has served as Finland’s Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister for European Affairs and Trade, and has long been a strong advocate for European cooperation, democratic values, and international security.
The conference will take place on May 5–6, 2026, at Prague Castle and the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague. Admission to the event is by prior registration only. We will gradually publish the names of additional speakers and further information regarding public registration on our website.
Debate: Will the “28th regime” give European startups a boost?
Join us for the next installment in our series of open debates, “What’s New in the European Parliament?” This time, we’ll discuss whether the 28th regime will give European startups the boost they’re expecting.
Many European startups are moving to the United States in search of a simpler legal environment, capital, and growth. The European Union wants to compete with this—and the proposed “28th regime” is intended to help, creating uniform rules for doing business across member states alongside national legal frameworks and facilitating the creation of startups in Europe. Can this step truly strengthen European competitiveness and keep startups “at home”? What barriers are currently hindering business across the EU? And what should the new regime include to make it truly attractive to both founders and investors?
Guests:
Ondřej Krutílek, Member of the European Parliament
Helena Horská, Member of the Supervisory Board of Raiffeisenbank
Martin Jiránek, Government Representative for Startups, Czech Startup Association
Vítězslav Hruška, Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Sole Proprietors of the Czech Republic
Moderator:
Filip Křenek, Researcher and Analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute
When? Monday, May 4, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM
Where? Europa Experience, Národní 10, Prague 1
The event is organized by the Office of the European Parliament in the Czech Republic in cooperation with EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy.
Save the date: Join us for another beer on Thursday, April 23rd!
European Thursdays over a Beer continue! We’ll meet again on April 23rd for an informal discussion focused on foreign policy and current European issues, as always in Smíchov.
We’ll be joined by Kateřina Šafaříková, chief commentator at Seznam Zprávy, and this time we’ll focus particularly on the fact that “the Czech Republic sometimes acts as if it’s on its way out of the EU.” Viktor Daněk, executive deputy director and head of the Prague office of EUROPEUM Institute, will also be there.
When: Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM
Where? Pauwel Kwak Bierhuis, Nádražní 47/90, Prague 5 – Smíchov
No registration is required for the event—just show up!
Discussion: How can the ETS2 work for Central and Eastern European countries?
How can the ETS2 system be effectively implemented in Central and Eastern European countries? Join us for a panel discussion and subsequent debate on the specific challenges and opportunities these countries face—in terms of affordability, energy systems, and public acceptance—as the EU’s climate policy is gradually rolled out.
The discussion will focus on how Central and Eastern European countries can design policies that are both ambitious and socially just, and that support the transition to cleaner energy.
Guests:
- Bartosz Arabik, Deputy Director, Department of Innovation and Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Climate and Environment, Poland
- Danuše Nerudová, Czech Member of the European Parliament (EPP), rapporteur for MSR2
- Paul Kenny, Executive Director, European Heat Pump Association (EHPA)
- Representative of the Cool Heating Coalition (TBD)
The event will be moderated by Rebeka Hengalová, Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute.
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Where? Mundo Matongé (Mundo-b), 26 Rue d’Edimbourg, 1050 Ixelles, Brussels
The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session. The event will conclude with a networking reception (until 7:00 PM).
The event is co-organised by Transport & Environment, the Cool Heating Coalition and EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy.
Café Evropa Podcast: Invitation to Europe Day Recording
Come celebrate Europe Day with the Café Evropa podcast! We invite you to a public recording, this time on the topic “The EU in the Hands of Young People: What Opportunities Do They Have?”
Young people around the world are making their voices heard. What is life like for Czechs who grew up in the European Union and consider it their own? What have they been able to experience thanks to the EU, and what kind of future do they envision for themselves?
Guests:
- Tobiáš Galia, Youth Advisor to the Czech Republic’s representative to the European Commission
- Dorotea Mejstříková, Project Manager at the “Díky, že můžem” Academy
- Adéla Šponerová, journalist
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, starting at 3:30 p.m.
Where: Europa Experience, Národní 10, Prague 1
We will gradually add more information to the EUROPEUM Institute website.