EU Czech presidency: Europe without barriers

Europe without barriers is the motto of the EU Czech presidency in the first half of 2009. The start of the Czech rotation presidency was marked by two international challenges – the efforts to find a solution to the Gaza conflict and the Russia-Ukraine gas dispute.

Sofia hosted on January 16, 2009 a public presentation of Prague's priorities for the coming six months. The European Institute in Sofia was organizer of the high-ranking event, together with the team of EU affairs Minsiter Gergana Grancharova and the Sofia branch of the Europe Direct information center.

We are presenting you the video recording of the event (flv).

The three big “E”s relevantly sum up the key priorities of the EU Czech presidency: economy and the global financial turmoil; energy versus climate; Europe and the world. The global economic crisis has remained a major challenge. The objectives of the Czech presidency include the development of the competitive edge of the European economy and the removal of barriers to the business and the labor markets of new member states. Energy security and diversification are key. Climate change, health and biodiversity are among environmental priorities. The Czech Republic will continue these debates with the hope that the financial crisis will not impact negatively on the results of the talks on the future of the Kyoto Protocol.

The common agrarian policy is another highlight – the Czech presidency will seek to cut red tape in this sphere and to reduce differences in payments to old and new members. E-justice is a project that will be implemented in all 27 EU countries. It will make sure that European citizens can have easy access to any hot topics in justice including inheritance issues, contracts and others.

The process of the Lisbon Treaty ratification should continue in the coming six months too. The two houses of the Czech Parliament have put off its voting for early February. This however may take place even later. It will be in difficulties being passed by the Lower House where the votes of a few independent MPs might tip the balance. It was still unclear whether Czech President Vaclav Klaus known for his European skepticism will sign the ratification ahead of the second referendum in Ireland due in November.

Based on Radio Bulgaria's news.