The Czech Republic in the run-up to EU Council Presidency

In the Czech Republic a debate is smouldering about an extension of the French EU presidency at the expense of the Czech Republic, which is due to take over the presidency in January 2009: "A weak government with reservations towards Europe and what is more the biggest Euro-sceptic [Czech President Klaus] taking shots from Prague Castle." That is how many in Europe view the Czech Republic as it prepares to take over the presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of 2009, the business newspaper Hospodářské noviny writes. "Afraid of the Czechs? Of course, political scientists say, adding that Europe currently needs strong leadership. And no-one believes that the Czechs can assume this role. ... Paradoxically, though, the present situation also has advantages for the Czechs. They can already be sure that their presidency will not go unnoticed and will not go down as just a footnote in the history books, as has happened to many countries before them. And above all now they can only turn out to be a pleasant surprise."

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