What Czech MEPs expect from their country's Council presidency 

As the Czech Republic takes over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 July, find out what Czech MEPs expect from their country's presidency in the coming six months, EU affairs.

The Czech Republic takes over from France and will be followed by Sweden in January 2023. Together they form the current presidency trio, which sets long-term goals and a common programme for an 18-month period, but each country also has its own priorities.

The Czech Republic plans to focus on five closely linked areas:

1. Managing the refugee crisis and Ukraine’s post-war recovery
2. Energy security
3. Strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities and cyberspace security
4. Strategic resilience of the European economy
5. Resilience of democratic institutions

Learn more about the Czech presidency priorities.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala discussed the presidency programme with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and political group leaders on 16 June. “Today's meetings will allow us to hit the ground running as soon as [the presidency] starts on the 1st of July because the way we react in the next months will define the future of our common Europe,” said Metsola.

What Czech MEPs expect from the presidency

For Luděk Niedermayer (EPP), the biggest challenge in terms of legislation is completing at least part of the Fit for 55 package and the money-laundering package. Dealing with the consequences of the war in Ukraine will be another major issue. “We can benefit from the good reputation and credit that the countries of our region have gained by their clear and rapid response,” he said. Niedermayer hopes that spreading awareness of EU action to ensure a more positive perception in the Czech Republic will be one of the priorities too.

Noting the challenges facing the EU, including the war in Ukraine and the need for socio-economic recovery after the pandemic, Radka Maxová (S&D) said: “I would like to see the Czech presidency focus on enhancing the EU’s resilience, ensuring that digital and green transition happens in a socially just way and I hope to see it take strong action in the area of mental health.”

Dita Charanzová (Renew) thinks the main focus will be the war and its consequences. “It is vital that we have a united strong EU response to Russia but also continue helping Ukraine, both financially and politically.” The key challenges will be securing energy independence and countering the rise of energy and food prices, she said

“The European Union is facing one of the most difficult trials since its inception," said Veronika Vrecionová (ECR).  "The task of the Czech presidency will be to help overcome this crisis successfully,” she said, adding that the presidency motto captures this goal quite accurately.

Marcel Kolaja (Greens/EFA) said it will be a tough six months. “It is very likely that the European countries will need to show unity and solidarity in a way they never did before. Czechia needs to act as a reliable partner who builds bridges and always looks for a compromise.”

Kateřina Konečná (The Left) hopes that despite the war in Ukraine the Czech presidency will find time to work on other challenges, such as the European action plan for Rare Diseases and the Consumer Credit Directive. “The deteriorating economic situation of Europeans because of the war and the energy crisis calls for this.”

According to Ivan David (ID), Europe is heading into a crisis “that is largely due to the European Union's own mistakes and initiatives, especially the 'anti-Russian' sanctions and the Green Deal,” but doubted the Czech government’s ability to cope with the problems.

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