Prague Center for Middle East Relations
The Prague Center for Middle East Relations (PCMR) was established in September 2019 as an internal research, education and advisory facility of CEVRO University.Recent Activities
Commentary on the Syrian Parliamentary Elections for iROZHLAS/Český rozhlas
On 15 September 2025, Filip Sommer, Director of the Prague Center for Middle Eastern Relations (PCMR) at CEVRO University, commented on the ongoing preparations and course of the Syrian parliamentary elections. These are the first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on 8 December 2024. Is the intention to hold elections in Syria now, even in a limited form, realistic at all? What legitimacy will such a parliament have in the eyes of Western countries with which the current Syrian government is building relations?
Commentary on the Syrian Parliamentary Elections for ČT24
On 15 September 2025, Filip Sommer, Director of the Prague Center for Middle Eastern Relations (PCMR) at CEVRO University, commented on the ongoing preparations and course of the Syrian parliamentary elections. These are the first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on 8 December 2024. How will the elections take place, and what do they mean for the future of Syria? Why were some provinces excluded from the process, and how does the international community, particularly the West, view the elections? And will they bring legitimacy to the new government?
Commentary on the conflict in southern Syria for ČT 24
On 18 July 2025, Filip Sommer, Director of the Prague Center for Middle East Relations (PCMR) of CEVRO University, commented on current events in southern Syria, in the context of recent clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze militias, which later involved the armed forces of the Syrian Interim Government and Israel. This local conflict later spilled over into the national arena, with Israel’s heavy shelling of Syrian Interim Government positions.
Message of the PCMR Director
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are currently experiencing significant transformations, including persistent conflicts, sociodemographic changes in population structure, and growing challenges such as climate change and economic instability. These processes not only affect regional security and stability but also profoundly impact international politics, including the interests of Central Europe. Events like the Syrian conflict, developments in Iraq, the war in Gaza, the question of the Abraham Accords, and the increasing influence of Russia and China are altering the overall geopolitical landscape in the region.
Despite developments in the region directly impacting global energy and financial markets, migration, and security issues, including the persistent threat of terrorism, these topics do not receive sufficient attention in the academic and political spheres of the Czech Republic and Central Europe.
Mission
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Our primary mission is to deepen the understanding of the rapidly evolving security, political, and social dynamics in the Middle East, particularly in light of events such as ongoing regional conflicts, normalization efforts, and shifting alliances. Through research on current and politically relevant topics, we strive to provide insights that are crucial for informed decision-making.
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We also focus on formulating recommendations that address the challenges and opportunities arising from these changes, to support decision-making processes not only in the Czech Republic but throughout the Central European region. The growing influence of the Middle East on global energy markets, migration trends, and regional security directly impacts Central Europe, making it necessary to adapt our policies to these challenges.
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Furthermore, we are committed to enriching the academic, political, and public discourse on the Middle East by exploring how developments in this region influence European domestic and foreign policy. This includes understanding the impact of Middle Eastern dynamics on European security, economy, and social cohesion.
Vision
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Our goal is to fill the growing need for deeper analyses of the social, economic, and political processes in the Middle East within the Czech Republic and Central Europe, with a focus on the region’s turbulent dynamics.
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We aim to become a leading research institution in Central Europe, focusing on publishing high-quality and politically relevant outputs on developments in the Middle East, particularly concerning recent geopolitical changes, energy transitions, and security challenges.
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We are determined to foster deeper academic, public, and media discussions about the Middle East, especially at a time when changes in the region increasingly influence European security and energy policy. In this way, we seek to identify and proactively address emerging threats and opportunities brought about by these rapid changes.
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