Archive: European Union | European Union European Union
Czechs content with EU banking, pro-growth deals
At a two-day summit in Brussels which ends on Friday, EU leaders agreed to
set up a joint banking supervisory body to oversee banks in eurozone member
states. They also approved a plan to boost growth in the bloc and agreed on
a roadmap towards fiscal union in the euro zone. Czech officials, who
initially expressed concern over proposals that the new banking authority
should also supervise banks in countries outside the monetary union, seem
content with the summit’s outcome. More
Czechs welcome outcome of Greek elections, but remain cautious on fiscal compact
The Czech crown firmed upon news of the election victory of pro-EU parties
in Greece and all the day’s papers commented on Europe’s palpable sigh
of relief. Although not a euro-zone member, the Czech Republic has
nevertheless watched the Greek drama unfold with considerable concern. More
German chancellor non-confrontational on EU fiscal compact during visit to Czech capital
On a brief working visit to the Czech Republic, German chancellor Angela
Merkel met with Czech Prime Minister Petr Nečas and President Václav
Klaus in Prague on Tuesday. Two issues dominated the agenda: a new EU
fiscal compact that is being pushed by Germany as well as differing
approaches to energy policy in both countries. More
Eggs in short supply following new EU directive on laying hen welfare
In the Czech Republic, egg prices have increased sharply in recent weeks as
a result of a new EU directive that strives to improve conditions in laying
hen farms. Since many farmers have failed to implement the new regulations
in time, eggs are now in short supply in some countries. Some Czech
consumers have even started buying large quantities in neighboring Germany.
How will the situation develop ahead of Easter? More
Czech Republic and Britain alone withhold signatures from EU treaty
Twenty-five of 27 EU member states signed the European Union’s new fiscal
compact in Brussels on Friday - but the Czechs were not among them. Prime
Minister Petr Nečas together with British Prime Minister David Cameron
have opted not to support the treaty, which is aimed at enforcing budget
discipline in the union and prevent meltdowns within the eurozone as was
seen with Greece. More
Prague and London launch initiative to deepen common European market
The Czech Republic and Britain, who both decided to stay out of the EU’s
fiscal discipline pact, are preparing to launch an initiative of their own:
one aimed at deepening the common market. Prague says that this is the real
key to economic growth at a time when the alliance needs to boost its
flagging economy. More
Czech signature of ACTA agreement sparks controversy and demonstrations
The signature of ACTA, short for Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, by 22
EU member states has sparked a heated controversy and widespread protests
across Europe. In the Czech Republic, hundreds of internet users took to
the streets in Prague and other cities, while hackers associated with the
group Anonymous have attacked websites of the government, political parties
and copyrights holders associations. In neighboring Poland, the
ratification of the agreement was even put on ice after widespread protests
and attacks on government websites. The controversial agreement aims to
protect intellectual property on the internet, but many fear it will lead
to online surveillance and internet censorship. New media and technology
journalist Petr Kočí speaks about ACTA and how it is perceived in the
Czech Republic. More
War of words erupts in Prague over EU’s fiscal treaty
Top Czech officials have engaged in an unusually strong exchange of insults
over the government’s refusal to join the European Union’s new fiscal
treaty. Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, Prime Minister Petr Nečas and
President Václav Klaus engaged in a crossfire which has put more strain on
the fragile coalition government, and which illustrates the deep divisions
between the major Czech political forces in their stance on European
integration. More
Czech government refuses to join EU’s planned fiscal compact
The Czech government has refused to join the European Union’s planned
fiscal compact which paves the way for a closer coordination of fiscal
policies within the bloc. At an EU summit in Brussels on Tuesday, Czech
Prime Minister Petr Nečas cited “ratification issues” as the main
reason why the country will stay out of the pact, as the only EU member
state besides the UK. The Czech refusal has already caused a stir on the
domestic scene as Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg said the move would
harm the Czech Republic’s interests. Jan Czech Radio’s former
correspondent in Brussels, Ondřej Houska summed up the reasons Prime
Minister Nečas gave to back his decision.
More
Czechs keep their options open in Brussels
After much controversy at home on whether the Czech Republic should join
the euro-zone’s emerging fiscal compact, the Czech government delegation
headed for Monday’s key EU summit in Brussels determined to keep its
options open. In the midst of continuing discord on the subject, there is
just one thing Czech politicians heartily agree on – they want to have a
finger in the pie. More
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