Prague, Visegrad Group, and the European Union : the Czech Republic?s goals as president of the EU Council

Abstract

The Czech Republic takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1, 2009. Prague aims to deepen the integration of the single market, improve co-operation with the EU's neighbours to the east, and suggest solutions for matters of energy policy.

It does not have the other Visegrad states Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia-on its side for all of its plans. These states have different positions, in particular with regard to energy policy and the liberalisation of the electricity and gas markets.

The Czech Republic risks provoking misunderstandings with its Visegrad partners, but in doing so qualifies itself as mediator.