Czech presidency of the Council of the EU to focus, among other things, on energy

Energy and energy security, Ukraine, defence and cybersecurity. These are the three main issues among several that will form the core of the political agenda of the upcoming Czech presidency. 

The main focus of the Czech presidency is outlined in a leaked internal document, which was reported on last week by Euractiv.

"The general objective of the Czech presidency is to contribute as much as possible to creating the conditions for the EU's security and prosperity in the context of European values of freedom, social justice, democracy and the rule of law, as well as responsibility for the environment," the leaked document states.

It is no surprise that the crisis in Ukraine ranks among the top priorities of the Czech political agenda. The planned assistance to Ukraine includes, according to the Czech proposal, both the use of economic sanctions against Russia and the provision of direct political and military support to Ukraine. Prague wants to work with the European Commission to reallocate EU funds in favour of member states that have opened their doors to Ukrainian refugees, and to help them introduce the necessary tools to manage the humanitarian crisis.

Energy security

As far as energy is concerned, the REPowerEU programme and its rapid implementation will be crucial for the presidency. Prague sees the programme as a suitable tool for effectively diversifying energy sources, as it addresses issues related to logistics, energy savings, and low-carbon and renewable energy sources.

"The EU cannot be critically dependent on countries that directly threaten its security, and must therefore end its dependence on Russian gas, oil and coal. The Czech presidency will place emphasis on issues of EU energy security, which are currently more pressing than the energy transition," the text states.

The Czech presidency has also expressed its readiness to work on the implementation of the regulation concerning gas storage facilities. Filling storage facilities ahead of winter and supporting voluntary joint purchasing to increase the EU's negotiating power will be priorities.

Czechia will also focus on the pressing issue of the social impacts of the energy crisis. It will work to introduce an appropriate mix of tools to reduce the negative social and economic impacts of high energy prices and the energy transition.

The presidency of the Council of the EU operates on a rotating basis, with countries taking turns every six months in leading this important EU decision-making body. The Czech Republic will take over the presidency from France from 1 July until the end of this year. During the six-month period, Prague will lead diplomatic work that is crucial to shaping the EU agenda.