Czech Republic to promote itself through website and gifts

The Czech Republic will launch an official website during its presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2009. The website will present the country and provide information in the ongoing agenda of the EU Council, joint declarations, speeches, upcoming events and other events. The internet pages in Czech, English and French versions will be officially launched on 1st January 2009, when the country takes over the EU presidency. The Czech Republic will also present itself by promotional items such as ties, pens or culinary products that will be distributed to EU officials and journalists. The Czech government has earmarked over 30 million crowns for the gifts.