ELI ERIC je unikátní nejpokročilejší laserová výzkumná infrastruktura s hlavním sídlem v Dolních Břežanech, která provozuje nejvýkonnější laser na světě. Součástí konsorcia infrastruktury jsou také laserová střediska v Maďarsku (ELI ALPS) a v Rumunsku (ELI NP).

Debata představila pokročilé technologie, které je ELI ERIC za pomoci laserů schopno aplikovat na nejrůznější odvětví. Řeč byla o urychlování částic pomocí laserů, unikátních zobrazovacích metodách nebo výzkumu fúzní energie, což nabízí kompaktní a cenově dostupnou alternativu ke klasickým urychlovačům s aplikacemi ve výzkumu, medicíně a průmyslu.

V druhé části debaty pak řečníci představili možnosti otevřených výzev infrastruktury pro zahraniční vědce a jejich výzkum nebo samotné fungování a historii ustavování samotné infrastruktury.

Účastníci měli také jedinečnou příležitost využít virtuální realitu, která jim umožnila virtuální prohlídku vědeckých prostor ELI v Dolních Břežanech.

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Poslední Science Café roku 2024 představilo nejpokročilejší laserové technologie

Poslední Science Café roku 2024

Rebel is a rioter, rebel, one who fights back, from the Latin re-bellum. However, the meaning of the word has shifted diametrically since the Middle Ages and today it has a nobler meaning. A rebel is a person who has a unique perspective on things. Rebellion is thus synonymous with freedom.
Art has often outraged and subverted established social norms and artistic norms. Subversion is one of the ways to bring things into chaos or into an unbalanced state. This is often necessary for a new arrangement. All modern and postmodern art uses this method. Today, paradoxically, painting as a handmade artistic activity can outrage as an outdated, backward, and therefore irrelevant medium in relation to new digital media, which relativize the direct touch of the author. Painting prioritizes this touch and conveys it to the audience.

The aforementioned rebellion does not consist only in the painting of the same name, inspired by the performance of the group Extinction Rebellion, in this exhibition. It passes through other paintings, seemingly unproblematic, as a disruption or just a question about what is painted. An example could be the painting Breakfast in Lava depicting a Manetian picnic taking place on an active volcano. And similarly we could read other paintings that confirm the aforementioned disruption of idyll and beauty. However, the disruption does not only serve to negate, but to grasp the topic more broadly. It thus creates a counterpart to beauty, I would say necessary for its expression.

Daniel Balabán

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Opening ceremony of the exhibition: "Daniel Balabán: REBELION"

Daniel Balabán - Rebelion

4 opinions on topics such as mobility, rural development or cross-border cooperation.
Dozens and hundreds of amendments.
Countless committee and plenary session interventions!

A key item on the agenda of both the national delegation and the CoR plenary was the debate on and approval of the opinion of Pavel Branda called Solving obstacles to the cooperation of emergency services in the EU's border regions (for more info https://cor.europa.eu/en/our-work/opinions/cdr-1609-2024)!

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The last meeting of the Czech national delegation to the European Committee of the Region in the outgoing 2020-2025 term

Czech National Delegation

Václav Havel European Dialogues is an annual international conference held
in Brussels that aims to initiate and stimulate a discussion about issues determining
the direction of contemporary Europe while referring to the spiritual
legacy of Václav Havel. One of Havel’s key principles was civic engagement
based on a sense of responsibility for the future of one’s society and country.
As a convinced European, he stressed the need to maintain the connection
between the state and its institutions, and its people. For him politics was an
ongoing, deeply meaningful dialogue comparable to a theatre piece.

Václav Havel understood that strong civil society and independent institutions with checks and
balances are the cornerstones of democracy and its resilience. Healthy and resilient civil society
and democratic mechanisms are a key to prosperous and free societies in 21st century.
Support to democracy, civil society and human rights around the world.

The European Union is the biggest human rights advocate and promoter within the international
community. One pillar of its work focuses on defending the human rights and its core principles,
as well as a fairly and trustworthy multilateralism. The second pillar lies in supporting and
building resilience of civil societies and democratic nature of institutions. To help them being
resistant against the malicious influence, often targeting on social cohesion and people’s trust
as a new way of hybrid warfare.

Nevertheless, The world and the international community currently witnesses the unprecedented
pressures, visible and open, but also those more hidden. Thus, the EU external action is
more important than ever to deliver.

What lies ahead of us?

The new European Parliament has been elected. The new European Commission is being designed. The EU has recently conducted a mid-term reviews of its international cooperation. The
EU and its Member States actively impose sanctions on those who breach the human rights.
We also have various tools, such as strong development cooperation, enlargement policy, human-centric approach and so-called human rights based approach, as well as tools under EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.

What should we ask for from the new European leadership? What priorities and recommendations should we formulate? How can we build the international partnerships to promote democracy and human rights principles more strongly, and what should we avoid? What tools do we have, and is there a potential to use them better? What should we take care of under the preparation of the new Multiannual Financial Framework?

Speakers:
H.E. Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

Matti Maasikas, Managing Director for Europe, EU External Action Service

Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director General, International Partnerships – European Commission

Marilyn Neven,  International IDEA

Maria Dahle, Human Rights House Foundation


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Václav Havel European Dialogues 2024

edvh 2024

The Czech and Slovak communities commemorated the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution on Sunday, November 17, in Léopold Park at the Václav Havel bench. The informal meeting is traditionally accompanied by a commemorative lighting of candles.

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November 17th - The Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy

November 17th

“People who inspire are the engine that gives us life energy and the courage to follow our dreams,” says Rudy Linka, who in 2020 celebrated his 60th anniversary and on that occasion published his autobiographical book On the Way Home… Always

Rudy Linka’s one-man show is a theatrical “stand-up” performance, interspersed with solo musical entries and supplemented with projections of photographs from Rudy’s private archive.

In his new performance entitled “It would be very simple…” Rudy celebrates Franz Kafka, whose spirit is still with us, even though this year we are commemorating the 100th anniversary of his death.

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Rudy Linka - One Man Show: It would be very simple...

Speakers:
Karel Kovanda, former Ambassador of the Czech Republic to NATO

Alexandr Vondra, member of the European Parliament

Jiří Šedivý, Director of the European Defence Agency

Tony Barber, European Affairs Commentator of The Financial Times


moderated by Jan Macháček, President of the Strategeo Institute

The topic of the debate was the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Iron curtain with a focus on geopolitical, European and regional consequences of this major political and systemic shift and also touch its causes. What was behind it and why did it happen? Why did this happen so quickly? Why was it mostly non violent? Was it right to speak about the end of history and the rosy future of the liberal democracy and market economy? What are the current challenges for former communist countries? Market economy still prevails, but aggressive authorianism and sharp political polarization is on the rise.



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Debate: the 35th Anniversary of the Fall of the Iron Curtain

Opening Remarks:

Jitka Látal Znamenáčková, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the Political and Security Committee
Martin Vokálek, Executive Director, EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy

Speakers:

Ondřej Kolář, Member of the European Parliament, EPP, Czech Republic

Lucia Yar, Member of the European Parliament, Renew, Slovakia

Luuk van Middelaar, Director, Brussels Institute for Geopolitics

Tinatin Akhvlediani, Research Fellow, CEPS

moderated by Žiga Faktor, 
Deputy Director & Head of Brussels Office, EUROPEUM Institute  

At the start of the next political cycle, the EU is faced with numerous challenges associated with growing geopolitical tensions and competition. The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine has played a pivotal role in reshaping the EU’s external relations, served as a catalyst for strengthening relations with immediate neighbours and revitalized the enlargement process towards Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkan countries. EU’s growing recognition of the geopolitical importance of its neighbourhood is also further reflected in the increased cooperation with candidate countries in specific policy areas, such as migration, cyber or energy security. The malign influence of Russia and China in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe persists and is in contrast to the EU accession process. While there are clear distinctions between the ambitions of Russia and China in the candidate countries, the EU Member States and across the globe, strengthening the EU's closest neighbourhoods through further enlargement and closer cooperation with other regional actors is perceived as a crucial step towards enhancing the EU’s ability to counter regional and global challenges.

What are the key challenges in terms of the EU’s enlargement towards Eastern Europe and Western Balkans? What role can candidate countries play in shaping the EU’s future, and how would failure to enlarge impact the European continent? How can we better counter Russian and Chinese influence in our closest neighbourhood? And how can future relations with Turkey, the forgotten EU candidate, be shaped?








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EU's Defining Moment: The EU's Role in its Neighbourhood Amidst Geopolitical Tensions with Russia and China

EU´s Defining Moment: The EU´s Role in its Neighbourhood Amidst Geopolitical Tensions with Russia and China

Kukal Quartet
Eliška Kukalová - violin
Klára Lešková - violin
Daniel Macho - viola
Filip Rufer - violoncello

programme
Ondřej Kukal: String quartet (one-movement)

Antonín Dvořák: String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B179 “American”

I. Allegro ma non troppo
II. Lento
III. Molto vivace — Trio
IV. Finale. Vivace ma non troppo

Bedřich Smetana: String Quartet No. 1 in E Minor “From My Life”
I. Allegro vivo appassionato
II. Allegro moderato à la polka
III. Largo sostenuto
IV. Vivace

The Kukal Quartet was founded in Autumn of 2020 by four exceptionally talented young musicians, who, notwithstanding their youth, have great respect for the legacy of the Czech quartet school. Eliška Kukalová, Klára Lešková, Daniel Macho and Filip Rufer form a respected and sought-after ensemble of the youngest generation of Czech artists.

In May 2021 the ensemble attracted attention by winning third prize and the Laureate title at the Prague Spring International Music Competition. The quartet impressed at the competition primarily with; the liveliness and authenticity of their musical expression, the unique ensemble dynamics and the strong individuality of its members. The Quartet were inspired and mentored by leading personalities of the Czech music scene such as Peter Jarůšek (Pavel Haas Quartet), Jakub Fišer (Bennewitz Quartet) and Tomáš Jamník.

The Kukal Quartet performed already at the most renowned Czech festivals like International Music festival of Dvořák Prague and The Prague Spring. In 2024 they will guests of renowned international music festivals in Germany, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Spain. The quartet had the opportunity to participate in masterclasses with Yo- Yo Ma, Noah Bendix Balgley, Allan Nilles, Josef Špaček, Jan Fišer and Lukáš Vondráček.

The quartet bears the name of the important Czech contemporary composer, Ondřej Kukal.

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PH Concert Series: Kukal Quartet

Kukal Quartet

Tourism enriches our cities, bringing cultural exchange and economic benefits, but it also presents challenges. Together, we discussed ways to ensure tourism remains a positive force, balancing the needs of residents, local businesses, and visitors while protecting our unique cultural heritage and quality of life.

Key topics included:

Strategies for crowd management

Protecting affordable housing

Supporting diverse local retail

Preserving cultural and world heritage

As we continue these important discussions, we look forward to collaborating, sharing knowledge, and advocating for sustainable tourism policies at the European level.
Stay tuned for more updates from this inspiring journey toward redefining tourism for a better future.

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Working Together for Balanced Tourism

Balanced Tourism

The reception was organized by Jakub Skalník, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom of Belgium, Edita Hrdá Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the EU and David Konecký, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to NATO.

The event was attended by the representatives of Belgium, the EU and NATO, the diplomatic corps, representatives of the business, cultural and educational spheres, Czech compatriots and other friends of the Czech Republic.


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Reception on the occasion of the National day of the Czech Republic

Autumn Romance
Alice Van Leuven - violin
Işıl Bengi - piano

programme
Bedřich Smetana: From the Homeland
I. Moderato (A major)
II. Andantino (G minor, 229 bars)

Leoš Janáček: Sonata for Violin and Piano
I. Con moto
II. Ballada
III. Allegretto
IV. Adagio

Antonín Dvořák: Romance in F minor, Op. 11, (B. 39)

Josef Suk: Four pieces for violin and piano op. 17
I. Quasi ballata
II. Appassionato
III. Un poco triste
IV. Burleska

Alice Van Leuven is a sought after violinist currently based in Brussels. She graduated from the Universität der Künste in Berlin where she studied in the violin class of Mark Gothoni and in the chamber music class of the Artemis Quartet. Before that she studied at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel with Philippe Graffin. She feels particularly grateful to the teachers Alain Meulemans and Erik Sluys who accompanied her from her first steps with the violin to the conservatory. Throughout her studies, Alice also worked with many renowned teachers during masterclasses and festivals: Les Rencontres Musicales Internationales d’Enghien with Philippe Graffin, Priya Mitchell, Amy Norrington, David Waterman and Miriam Fried, IMS Prussia Cove (England) with Andras Keller, Bartok Seminar in Szombathely (Hungary) with Barnabas Kelemen, Savonlinna Music Academy (Finland) with Mark Gothoni, the Festival Resonances with Antje Weithaas and Yellow Barn with Donald Weilerstein and members of the Doric and Belcea String Quartet. Despite her young age, Alice appeared already on several renowned international chamber music festivals.

Turkish/Belgian pianist and actress Işıl Bengi was born in Istanbul where she gave her first concerts and won first price at several national piano competitions. At the age of 12 she was selected as a soloist by the Turkish government to play in the same concert as the legendary pianist Idil Biret. At the age of 16, she received a scholarship from the Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı Foundation to deepen her musical education in Belgium with renowned piano teachers Evgeny Moguilevsky, Piet Kuijken and Alexandar Madzar, as well as chamber music courses, with Muhiddin Dürrüoglu at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels where she obtained her Master diploma. Moreover, Işıl Bengi went on to follow master classes worldwide with renowned artists and she has been very active in various chamber music projects. In March 2019 she recorded an album called Belgian Romantic Works for Cello and Piano with the Belgian cellist Paul Heyman on Et’cetera Records. Işıl Bengi recorded her third solo album Agni Kunda in August 2022 in Studio 4 in Flagey. Her concert activities includes solo recitals as well as chamber music in various music halls in England, Poland, Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Turkey, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, Japan, including venues such as Bozar, Flagey, Bijloke, Palais des Beaux-Arts of Charleroi, Miry Hall, Amuz, Wigmore Hall, Radio Suisse Romande...

Articles

Poslední Science Café roku 2024 představilo nejpokročilejší laser...

Opening ceremony of the exhibition: "Daniel Balabán: REBELION"

The last meeting of the Czech national delegation to the European...

Václav Havel European Dialogues 2024

November 17th - The Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy

Rudy Linka - One Man Show: It would be very simple...

Debate: the 35th Anniversary of the Fall of the Iron Curtain

EU's Defining Moment: The EU's Role in its Neighbourhood Amidst G...

PH Concert Series: Kukal Quartet

Working Together for Balanced Tourism

Reception on the occasion of the National day of the Czech Republ...

PH Concert Series: Autumn Romance