Europe as a Task: From Security to Competitiveness
On May 12–13, 2025, the Europe as a Task conference took place in Prague Castle’s Spanish Hall and Czernin Palace, opening key debates on the future of the European Union. In his opening speech, President Petr Pavel called for strengthening defence cooperation, investing in infrastructure, and reducing bureaucracy to help Europe maintain its global competitiveness.
The discussions focused on security, trade policy, geopolitical influence, and EU enlargement.
“Europe is a task—not an easy one, but certainly the most beautiful task we must continue to work on,” said Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the green transition, in her opening remarks. Sauli Niinistö, former President of Finland, special adviser to the President of the European Commission, and currently one of the most influential voices in Europe on strengthening European defense capabilities, emphasized that even today—when it is all too easy to focus in only one direction—we must not forget the enormous security threat posed by climate change. Other speakers included Jozef Síkela, Luuk van Midelaar, Věra Jourová, and dozens of other guests from EU member and candidate countries. The need for European unity, strategic use of the internal market, and an active EU role in the world was highlighted.
The event was organized by EUROPEUM, the Institute of International Relations, and the Association for International Affairs (AMO), in cooperation with the Office of the President of the Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Commission Representation in the Czech Republic, Hanns Seidel Foundation, the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, and the International Visegrad Fund. The conference was held under the auspices of the President of the Republic, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák, and was co-funded by the EU.
Find out more about the conference at TaskEurope.eu
JustGreen Climate Forum — Engaging Citizens in a Just Transition
How can households and individuals be engaged in a just climate transition?
Join the discussion on the future of work, transport, and affordable housing in the context of climate policy at the JustGreen Climate Forum, organized by the EUROPEUM Institute.
When: May 27, 2025, 10:00–14:30
Where: Skautský institut, Room Ludvík 321, Staroměstské náměstí 4/1, Prague
Speakers:
Rebeka Hengalová, EUROPEUM
Monika Martišková, CELSI
Veronika Dombrovská, Re-set
Martin Hausenblas, politik, podnikatel a filantrop
Karel Voldřich, Ministry of environment
Moderator: Veronika Rajmanová (EUROPEUM)
The programme will feature three thematic blocks: Labour Market and Just Transition, Transport and Accessibility and Housing and Energy Poverty.Take part in the debate and help shape what a just transition will look like in Czechia!
Find more info about the event on our website!
European Thursdays at Skauťák
Join us as on every last Thursday of the month in our scout neighbourhood for an open discussion following a presentation of this hot take by Štěpán Černý. Černý is the Director-General for the European Section at the Office of the Government and will soon depart for Brussels to serve as ambassador to COREPER I.
Hot Take: “People Are Dying Near Kharkiv for Prague Too“
If you’re interested in Europe and our place in it, come network with those who are shaping it.
European Thursdays are a space for discussion and connection — and we’re always happy to see you there.
The event is open to all and easily accessible from the ground floor of the Scout Institute. You’ll find us in the courtyard from 17:00.
Debate: Green and Digital — Did We Miss Social?
Europe is undergoing its greatest transformation in decades — the climate crisis is accelerating the green transition, while artificial intelligence and digitalization are reshaping the labour market and everyday life. Amid this dynamic, one crucial question is being asked more and more often: How can we ensure that no one is left behind in this transformation?
We invite you to a public debate on the future of the European social model, which is under growing pressure. Can it remain sustainable in times of major technological and climate shifts? Can it be flexible, fair, and inclusive enough?
When: Monday, June 2, 2025, 15:00–16:30
Where: University of Economics in Prague (VŠE), room NB169
Guest speaker: Katarina Ivanković-Knežević, Director for Social Rights and Inclusion at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
Moderator: Jarolím Antal, Director of the Centre for European Studies, FIR VŠE
Be part of the discussion on how to make sure green and digital changes are also socially just — because the future of Europe must stand on three pillars: sustainability, technology, and people.
Register here.
The National Convention on the EU Has Published Its Recommendations on the Next European Budget
The National Convention on the European Union has published a new policy paper with recommendations on the topic Czechia and the Priorities of the New Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034. The document is based on a roundtable discussion held on March 28, 2025, and responds to ongoing debates about the shape of the next EU budget in the context of rising spending pressures — for example, in defence, the reconstruction of Ukraine, or competitiveness.
The recommendations focus on the need to clearly define Czech priorities, take new challenges into account, and strengthen the involvement of Czech stakeholders in European programmes. They also reflect the need to streamline budgetary instruments and emphasize the importance of a broader public and expert debate on the benefits the EU budget brings to the Czech Republic.
The expert guarantors of the roundtable were the Institute for European Policy EUROPEUM and the University of Economics in Prague.
Read the full Convention Paper here.
Workshop on the Net-Zero Industry Act
We warmly invite you to a workshop held as part of Climate Week Prague, focusing on the implementation of the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). The event is organized by the business association Change for the Better in cooperation with the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy.
The workshop will provide a platform for Czech businesses, experts, and public sector representatives to discuss the impact of this key regulation on industry oversight, financing, and the competitiveness of Czech industry in the context of the ongoing green transition. The aim of the meeting is to formulate common positions and reflect on the opportunities that the NZIA presents.
When: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 9:00–13:30
Where: European Commission Representation in the Czech Republic, Národní 10, Prague 1