Czech Presidency Programme

01 January 2009

The Czech Presidency will continue the work necessary to stabilize the financial markets and will implement the European recovery plan that has been recently outlined by the European Commission.

The Czech Republic took over the Presidency of the European Union on 1 January 2009. The Presidency motto is "Europe without Barriers" and is based on three E‘s: Economy, Energy industry and External relations.

 

As for the Economy the Czech Presidency will continue the work necessary to stabilize the financial markets and will implement the European recovery plan that has been recently outlined by the European Commission.

 

The Presidency will also look to fulfill the Lisbon competitiveness agenda and structural reforms, albeit under new circumstances, Alexandr Vondra, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs said. We believe that it is important to continue developing human capital via education, research and innovation. To continue decreasing administrative burden, and to support SME´s, who account for more than 2/3 of EU´s growth, while being most vulnerable to the crisis.

 

In a Paper released in October 08 the Presidency notes that "efficient financial markets are fundamental prerequisites for a sound economy at national and European level" underlining the need for “well-regulated financial services”.

 

However, it is in financial services that Europe suffers from a persistent high degree of fragmentation, especially as regards retail banking, the paper notes. Therefore, in the future financial services should be harmonized in a move combined with an increase in the level of financial literacy among consumers and greater consumer protection.

 

Another important issue for the Czech Republic is to improve the regulatory environment, the paper notes. The heavy administrative burden and level of regulation attached to the European economy are often regarded as main drivers impinging on the potential and competitiveness of the business sector.

 

The relevant documents and the detailed calendars of Council and European Parliament meetings are attached below.

The final detailed programme of the Czech Presidency will be made public on 6 January.

 

See remarks by Alexandr Vondra,  Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs of the Czech Republic

Priority Areas of the Czech Presidency - published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs

For further information see also the Draft 18-month programme of the Council prepared by the French, Czech and Swedish Presidencies

 

© Presidency of the Council