Visegrad Insight

12/06/2024

The security context following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine means enlargement is inevitable, but Ukraine’s integration into the EU single market could also have huge economic benefits.

Ukrainian industries have been resilient to the full-scale war and several sectors are poised to drive economic ties, increase trade and support mutual goals of sustainability and technological advancement, writes Valeriia Novak.

Click the link to see which specific sectors could benefit the most

Ukraine’s integration into the EU has huge economic benefits as Ukrainian industries have been resilient to the full-scale war and several sectors are poised to drive economic ties, increase trade and support mutual goals of sustainability and technological advancement.

11/06/2024

Our new podcast is out! The Far-right Surge in Europe and the Ukrainian Recovery Summit

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/visegrad-insight-podcast

Galan Dall, Staś Kaleta and Luca Flora Soltesz break down what the EP election results mean for Central Europe, explaining how Poland bucked the trend of surging far-right parties and why Hungary seems to finally have a viable alternative to the ruling Fidesz party.

Then, Future of Ukraine Fellow Valeriia Novak explains which sectors of Ukraine's economy can strategically address existing gaps in Europe, focusing on agriculture, IT and raw materials.

11/06/2024

The European People’s Party achieved a decisive win in the European Parliament election, solidifying its control over the chamber despite significant advances made by far-right groups throughout the bloc.

But how did the elections fare in Central and Eastern Europe?

We surveyed a pool of our fellows and experts to gather their opinions on the implications of the results - Marzenna Guz-Vetter, Dorka Takacsy, Albin Sybera, Martin Ehl, Alina Bargaoanu, Eva Mihockova, Spasimir Domaradzki Philipp Fritz and Bartosz Wieliński.

Click the link to read how the elections affect CEE

The European People’s Party achieved a decisive win in the European Parliament election, solidifying its control over the chamber despite significant advances made by far-right groups throughout the bloc. But how did the elections fare in Central and Eastern Europe?

10/06/2024

European Parliamentary election results reflected a surge in backing for pro-Russian parties, while Russian attacks continued to rise across Europe.

This is the context in which the Bucharest Nine will assemble in Riga on 11 June, to talk defence on Europe’s eastern flank, before the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin on 11-12 June and Ukraine’s Peace Summit in Switzerland on 15-16 June.

Click the link to read the

European Parliamentary election results reflected a surge in backing for pro-Russian parties, while Russian attacks continued to rise across Europe.

06/06/2024

Did you miss our online events on the State of the EU's Strategic Agenda? Subscribe to us and watch the recordings from the discussions!

Use EPELECTIONS24 discount code at checkout to subscribe for 29 EUR a year – 11 EUR off!

We wanted to share the recordings from our week-long State of the EU’s Strategic Agenda online events as a precursor to this weekend’s election. If you are not a subscriber yet, join our community to get access to recordings. You can still use the promotional code for a subscription: applyRead m...

06/06/2024

What you need to know about the most crucial European Elections yet!

Click the link to read Wojciech Przybylski's call to action

https://visegradinsight.eu/how-to-win-real-peace-in-the-eu-elections-commentary/

As the upcoming loom, voters must recognise that their decisions will shape the continent’s future on critical issues of peace, economic stability and democratic freedoms amidst unprecedented challenges.

As the upcoming EU elections loom, voters must recognise that their decisions will shape the continent's future on critical issues of peace, economic stability and democratic freedoms amidst unprecedented challenges.

05/06/2024

Shortly before the European elections in Slovakia, the far-right and parties with Eurosceptic rhetoric are strengthening their position.

Government parties Smer, Hlas and SNS are increasingly drawing inspiration from far-right themes, capitalising on Robert Fico’s assassination attempt, writes Eva Mihockova.

Click the link to read how the far-right are weaponising narratives ahead of the European Parliamentary

Shortly before the European elections in Slovakia, the far-right and parties with Eurosceptic rhetoric are strengthening their position. Government parties Smer, Hlas and SNS are increasingly drawing inspiration from far-right themes, capitalising on Robert Fico’s assassination attempt.

04/06/2024

Join our online event with Wojciech Przybylski and Philipp Fritz to discuss the outcomes of the European elections! 🇪🇺

👉 REGISTER TO ATTEND: https://visegradinsight.eu/event-european-election-results/

How will the election results impact national governments? Who is likely to support von der Leyen in her bid for a second term? How will the elections affect the future of democratic security in the EU?

🗓️ 10 June, Monday, Zoom
⏰ 2:00 PM CET / 8:00 AM ET

Use the promo code EPELECTIONS24 to subscribe to us at a discounted rate! You can find more details in the link provided above👆

03/06/2024

The State of the EU's Strategic Agenda events week starts today! 🇪🇺 🎉

🔸 REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE: https://visegradinsight.eu/events-the-state-of-the-eus-strategic-agenda/

Join us today on Zoom with Alina Ineyeh, Paweł Karbownik, and Paul Taylor! The discussion will be moderated by Magda Jakubowska. We will start promptly at 3:00 PM CET!

You can still use the promo code for our subscription! More information can be found at the link above. 👆

03/06/2024

Election week is upon us!

More than two-thirds of European citizens are expected to vote in the EU Parliamentary elections between 6-9 June. Predicted results indicate more nationalist votes across the whole block.

Read the to see what to expect from this week's :point_down:

Election week is upon us. More than two-thirds of European citizens are expected to vote in the EU Parliamentary elections between 6-9 June. Predicted results indicate more nationalist votes across the whole block.

29/05/2024

Take advantage of our discount before the EP elections. The offer is time-limited! 🇪🇺

🔸 USE DISCOUNT CODE AND SUBSCRIBE TO US HERE: https://visegradinsight.eu/membership-account/membership-levels/

Get ready with Visegrad Insight and join us on 3-5 June for online discussions on defence, disinformation, and the EU economy ahead of the EP elections 🇪🇺 👇
https://visegradinsight.eu/events-the-state-of-the-eus-strategic-agenda/

29/05/2024

🇪🇺 ⚖ Read how the Article 7 procedure can be improved without treaty changes!

👉 Earlier this month, the European Commission decided to drop Article 7 proceedings against Poland. The decision shows the EU’s primary rule of law tool is still alive, but that problems with its design persist – both in Hungary and Poland, writes Márta Pardavi.

This article is available to the public for one week 👇

The European Commission decided to drop Article 7 proceedings against Poland. The decision shows the EU’s primary rule of law tool is still alive, but that problems with its design persist – both in Hungary and Poland.

28/05/2024

Get ready with Visegrad Insight! Join us on 3-5 June for online discussions on defence, disinformation, and the EU economy ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections 🇪🇺

SUBSCRIBE TO US WITH A DISCOUNT CODE AND REGISTER TO ATTEND THE EVENT 👇
https://visegradinsight.eu/events-the-state-of-the-eus-strategic-agenda/

🔸 Monday, 3 June: "Defence Commissioner from CEE" with Alina Inayeh, Paul Taylor, and Pawel Karbownik, moderated by Magda Jakubowska.

🔸 Tuesday, 4 June: "How to win an information war?" with Tomasz Chłoń, Daniel Milo, and Veronika Víchová, moderated by Galan Dall.

🔸 Wednesday, 5 June: "Defence Commissioner from CEE" with Jakub Landovský, Artur Nowak-Far, and Charlotte Ruhe, moderated by Tomasz Kasprowicz

Each event starts at 3:00 PM CET / 9:00 AM ET. Register to participate and prepare questions for our speakers!

In June, European citizens will go to the polls to vote in the EU Parliamentary elections. Visegrad Insight will provide up-to-the-minute information on the elections and offer a systematic preview. The platform will invite politicians, experts, analysts and leading journalists to discuss the curren...

27/05/2024

The is out!

👉 Learn how the Foreign Affairs Council and NATO Foreign Ministers meetings will centre on EU defence and Ukraine, building on discussions initiated by the Weimar Triangle last week.

A large thank you to this week's contributors and team: Philipp Fritz, Bartosz Wieliński, Eva Mihockova, Luca Flora Soltesz, Albin Sybera, Staś Kaleta, Wojciech Przybylski, Galan Dall, Magda Jakubowska, Magda Przedmojska, Natalia Kurpiewska, Jacek Karaczun.

The Foreign Affairs Council on 27-28 May will be followed by the meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Prague on 30-31 May. Both gatherings are expected to centre on EU defence and Ukraine,

16/05/2024

The shooting of Robert Fico was a tragic event, but it has also allowed the Smer government to further its illiberal agenda.

Representatives of the governing coalition were quick to blame the shooting on the opposition, media and civil society, when what they call “polarisation” is largely a result of their vitriolic narratives, writes Matej Šimalčík.

Click to read - UNLOCKED for a week

The Robert Fico shooting was a tragic event, but it has also given the Smer government an opportunity to further its illiberal agenda.

16/05/2024

REGISTER TO ATTEND IN BRUSSELS 🇧🇪
https://visegradinsight.eu/debate-brussels-navigating-informed-choices-in-the-2024-ep-elections-cee-perspective/

What is the role of the media in countering disinformation narratives? How can we make more from information space to protect democracy in Europe? 🇪🇺

Join our event "Navigating Informed Choices in the 2024 EP Elections – CEE Perspective" with Magda Jakubowska, Wojciech Przybylski, Maciej Stadejek, SigitaStruberga, and Wojciech Talko.

🗓 24 May, 11:30 AM
📍 Avenue de Cortenbergh 16, Brussels.

Join us on 24 May at 11:30 AM (brunch) in Brussels for a debate, “Navigating Informed Choices in the 2024 EP Elections – CEE Perspective”, which will feature experts from Poland and Latvia. This event will take place at Avenue de Cortenbergh 16, Brussels. What is the role of theRead more

16/05/2024

The tale of Judge Tomasz Szmydt’s unexpected resignation in Belarus exposes the intricate web of political intrigue, judicial ethics and foreign influence shaping ’s , as well as the challenges the European Union faces to uphold the rule of law, writes Jakub Jaraczewski.

Click the link to read the article - UNLOCKED for a week

The tale of Judge Tomasz Szmydt's unexpected resignation in Belarus exposes the intricate web of political intrigue, judicial ethics and foreign influence shaping Poland's judiciary, as well as the challenges the European Union faces to uphold the rule of law.

15/05/2024

Last call to register to our debate in Vilnius!
✍️shorturl.at/lzHQ5

Join us tomorrow for a discussion around and future of European democracy, featuring speakers from 🇱🇹 and 🇵🇱 .

Will the new configuration of powers make us stronger and more resistant in the world? Or will the election results leave our democracy weakened and, therefore, more vulnerable to malign actors?

The event is organised in partnership with Atviros Lietuvos fondas.

14/05/2024

🎙 Our new podcast is out: Does Xi Jinping Prefer French Cognac or Hungarian Wine?

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/visegrad-insight-podcast

Wojciech Przybylski talks with Marcin Król Fellow Matej Šimalčík on Xi Jinping’s tour of Europe, comparing it to his visit from five years ago as well as the differences between his reception in Paris, Belgrade and Budapest.

14/05/2024

Visegrad Insight is a proud signatory of this petition which calls for urgent and decisive international political support for the Georgian civil society to defend Georgian from Russian-style authoritarianism.

Transparency of Foreign Influence

🔴 UWAGA: Sytuacja w Gruzji staje się coraz bardziej napięta! Gruziński rząd zamierza przegłosować ustawę o “transparentności wpływów zagranicznych”, przeciwko której protestują setki tysięcy Gruzinów i Gruzinek. O co w tym wszystkim chodzi?

Ustawa, o której mówi od tygodni cały świat, zmusi organizacje pozarządowe - otrzymujące co najmniej 20% finansowania z zagranicy - do rejestrowania się w specjalnej bazie, prowadzonej przez Ministerstwo Sprawiedliwości. Ten projekt jest wprost wzorowany na rosyjskiej ustawie o "agentach zagranicznych".

Od wielu dni na ulicach stołecznego Tbilisi trwają protesty, podczas których gruzińskie społeczeństwo wielokrotnie 📢 wyrażało swój sprzeciw wobec ustawy. Protestujący spotykają się z coraz większymi represjami ze strony policji i aparatu państwa. Kilkunastu aktywistów zostało pobitych, a kilka dni temu na ulicach pojawiły się podobizny liderów organizacji społecznych sprzeciwiających się temu drakońskiemu prawu, z podpisami: “Pieniądze przeciwko ojczyźnie” czy “Wybory sfałszowane grantami”.

✅ Razem z 55 organizacjami podpisaliśmy apel wsparcia gruzińskich działań prodemokratycznych.

✍🏻 APEL: https://www.batory.org.pl/en/oswiadczenie/georgia-last-chance-to-stop-russian-style-crackdown-on-civil-society/

To tym bardziej istotne, że już na 26 października zaplanowane są w Gruzji wybory parlamentarne - absolutnie kluczowe dla podążania przez Gruzję ścieżką w kierunku integracji europejskiej, demokracji i poszanowania praw człowieka.

Gruzińskie organizacje pozarządowe obawiają się więc, że jednymi z pierwszych ofiar nowego prawa (jeśli zostanie wprowadzone) staną się niezależni obserwatorzy wyborów, co w znacznym stopniu osłabi społeczną kontrolę nad procesem wyborczym. W najgorszym wypadku może także otworzyć to drogę do fałszerstw wyborczych🚨

European Platform for Democratic Elections - EPDE | Fundacja Odpowiedzialna Polityka | Fundacja Wolności Gospodarczej | Komitet Obrony Demokracji | Akcja Demokracja | Fundacja FOR (Forum Obywatelskiego Rozwoju) | Fundacja Aktywna Demokracja | Instytut Spraw Publicznych | Helsińska Fundacja Praw Człowieka | Polska Fundacja im. Roberta Schumana | Fundacja Geremka | OFF school | Polski Klub Ekologiczny Okręg Mazowiecki | Stowarzyszenie Interwencji Prawnej | Ośrodek KARTA | Protest z Wykrzyknikiem | Sieć Obywatelska - Watchdog Polska | ASTRA Network | Wolne sądy | Fundacja Civis Polonus | Forum Darczyńców w Polsce | ADDP Polonia France

09/05/2024

JOIN US IN VILNIUS! 🇱🇹 REGISTER TO ATTEND:
https://visegradinsight.eu/debate-vilnius-europes-future-after-2024-european-parliament-elections/

Together with The Open Lithuania Foundation, we would like to invite you for a debate "Europe’s Future After 2024 European Parliament Elections" 🇪🇺 on 16 May at 3:00 PM local time.

Will the new configuration of powers make us stronger and more resistant in the world ❓Or will the election results leave our democracy weakened and, therefore, more vulnerable to malign actors❓

🔸 Speakers: Sandra Adomavičiūtė, Magda Jakubowska, Andrius Kubilius, Klaudijus Melys, Maksimas Reznikovas, Margarita Šešelgytė, Sigita Trainauskienė

Join us on 16 May at 3:00 PM EET for a debate “Europe’s Future After 2024 European Parliament Elections”. Will the new configuration of powers make us stronger and more resistant in the world? Or will the election results leave our democracy weakened and, therefore, more vulnerable to malign a...

08/05/2024

FINAL CALL TO REGISTER: https://visegradinsight.eu/public-debate-warsaw-ep-elections-2024-high-time-for-informed-decisions/

How can we use information space more effectively to protect democracy in Europe 🇪🇺❓ Join us tomorrow for a debate in Warsaw!

👉 Speakers: Tomasz Chłoń, Magda Jakubowska, Eva Mihočková, Wojciech Przybylski, Julia Smirnova, Veronika Víchová and Bartosz Wieliński.

07/05/2024

Von der Leyen took all the proper steps to satisfy Poland’s sense of importance – a vital electoral tactic, yet in her address, one could only wish for more potent statecraft ambitions.

Her notions fell short of addressing the consequences of the two notable European streams of regional political statecraft: the promise of democratic renewal and the foresight on enlargement, writes Wojciech Przybylski

👇 Click to read

Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Tusk lock targets at the Russian threat, but are they using all the weapons in their arsenal?

07/05/2024

🇪🇺🇨🇳Xi Jinping faces two very different versions of Europe.

France’s President and EU Commission President pressed Xi on complex subjects, but visits to Belgrade and Budapest will allow Xi Jinping to leave Europe on a high note, mitigating some of the damage caused to China’s image by deteriorating relations with other EU states, writes Matej Šimalčík.

👇 Click the link - UNLOCKED for a week

Xi Jinping faces two very different versions of Europe. France's President and EU Commission President pressed Xi on complex subjects, but visits to Belgrade and Budapest will allow Xi Jinping to leave Europe on a high note.

06/05/2024

Tusk and Ursula: 7 May plan for Europe against Russian subversion. Read & share 👍

Upcoming on Visegrad Insight: 9 May in Warsaw – Our debate on EP elections featuring Tomasz Chłoń, Magda Jakubowska, Eva Mihočková, Wojciech Przybylski, Julia Smirnova, Veronika Víchová and Bartosz Wieliński Matej Šimalčik writes about Xi Jinping’s first trip to Europe in five years. Ja...

01/05/2024

Despite much discussion on the topic, there has been little actual preparation for hashtag hashtag .

But this is not because of oft-quoted prejudices against the accession process, few of which actually hold water. Rather, much of the talk in EU capitals seems to be about inventing reasons not to enlarge, writes Jan Farfal.

👇 Click the link to read the article, UNLOCKED for a week 👇

Despite much discussion on the topic, there has been little actual preparation for EU enlargement. But this is not because of oft-quoted prejudices against the accession process, few of which actually hold water. Rather, much of the talk in EU capitals seems to be about inventing reasons not to enla...

30/04/2024

Thank you, 🇭🇺 Budapest, for hosting our discussion yesterday SO WELL❗

Together with Gabor Berczeli of the Robert Schuman Institute, we gathered Budapest-based experts, students, academics and diplomats to discuss the Central European perspective on the upcoming 🇪🇺 European Parliament setup and possible challenges for the new cohort of MEPs and Commissioners.

We presented our latest foresight report, "EP Elections 2024: How Democracy Can Win, and Europe Lose", and discussed what challenges and opportunities to democratic resilience, the Rule of Law, fundamental rights, and the EU’s role as a global actor brings the new possible setup in the EP.

👉 Thank you all for your questions and comments in the debate with Magda Jakubowska, Wojciech Przybylski, Gabor Berczelli, Tobias Spöri and directly from Brussels Thomas Thaler!

🔴 Next stop: Warsaw (9 May, 3:30 PM CET): https://visegradinsight.eu/public-debate-warsaw-ep-elections-2024-high-time-for-informed-decisions/

29/04/2024

👉 How can we make more from information space to protect democracy in Europe❓

🔸 REGISTER FOR THE EVENT IN WARSAW 🔸
https://visegradinsight.eu/public-debate-warsaw-ep-elections-2024-high-time-for-informed-decisions/

👉 Join us on 9 May at 3:30 PM in Warsaw for a debate, "EP Elections 2024: High Time for Informed Decisions" 🇪🇺

👉 Speakers: Tomasz Chłoń, Magda Jakubowska, Eva Mihočková, Wojciech Przybylski, Veronika Víchová and Bartosz Wieliński.

The discussion will articulate Central European perspectives on the future of European democracy in the context of the forthcoming 2024 European elections 🇪🇺✌️

Join us on 9 May at 3:30 PM in Warsaw for a debate, “EP Elections 2024: High Time for Informed Decisions”, which will feature experts from Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland. Does disinformation result in more populists sitting in the European Parliament? How we can make more from informati...

29/04/2024

Last chance to register for the debate in BUDAPEST! 🇭🇺
Register here 👉 https://visegradinsight.eu/public-debate-budapest-ep-2024-elections-is-this-the-end-of-the-mainstream-in-brussels/

Is this the end of the mainstream in Brussels❓🇪🇺 Join us on 29 April at 4:00 PM in Budapest for a discussion that will gather experts from Germany, Hungary and Poland.

📌 Create26, Kiraly u. 26, 1061, Budapest, the event will be hosted by Robert Schuman Institute (Budapest).
👉 Speakers: Gabor Berczeli, Magda Jakubowska, Wojciech Przybylski, Tobias Spori.

29/04/2024

Brussels will host a CEE-focused celebration of the 2004 big-bang enlargement on 29 April, after which ministers will convene to discuss the next enlargement and the importance of upholding the rule of law in the process.

Last week, CEE geared up for Xi Jinping’s upcoming European tour, Robert Fico’s takeover of Slovakia’s state broadcaster drew even nearer, and Ukraine pushed for more air defence and mobilisation.

Click the link to see the Weekly Outlook

https://visegradinsight.eu/only-enlarged-eu-would-thwart-some-of-xi-jinpings-ambitions/