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25 March 2014

EUobserver: Czech government backs EU fiscal pact


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The decision, taken following a cabinet meeting in Prague, will now need approval by the Czech parliament. The move will leave the UK as the only EU country not to have signed up to the treaty.


The pact's supporters believe that it is necessary to demonstrate the bloc's commitment to debt reduction, while critics say that it will severely restrict the flexibility of governments to put in place economic stimulus measures during times of recession.

"With this decision, we return to the mainstream of European integration. It is an important step which naturally is on the path to the future adoption of the common European currency", PM Sobotka told reporters. "It will serve as a preparation for the eventual adoption of the euro", he added.

Sobotka's government is intent on building warmer relations between Brussels and Prague following years of tension between the EU institutions and Vaclav Klaus, the country's former president and a veteran eurosceptic.

Full article


Excerpted from Policy Statement of The Government of The Czech Republic, 14.2.14

3.16 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Office of the Government of the Czech Republic

European Union

The Government views states and institutions of the European Union as the main guarantors of security, prosperity, democracy and solidarity in Europe today. Therefore, it shall actively strive for a European Union which is politically influential and capable, economically competitive, a defender of democratic values and promoter of social cohesion and human dignity. The aim of our European policy is focus on the core of the European integration and operate in the European area as a comprehensible and credible partner.

In accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, and with an emphasis on the individual responsibility of Member States, the Government shall support the intensification of European integration and cooperation, especially in economic policy and the internal market, social solidarity and employment, energy, transport, financial services, research, development and the environment.

The stabilisation of the economic and monetary situation in the European Union is a primary concern of the Czech Republic. The Government shall support steps towards the deeper coordination of economic and fiscal policy and towards the restoration of confidence in the European financial sector. It shall revise the existing reticent opinions on monetary integration and financial cooperation. As a sign of its responsible fiscal policy, the Government shall accede to the fiscal pact (the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union) and, in view of how closely the Czech and European financial sectors are integrated, the Government shall actively defend its interests in the emerging Banking Union, including preparations for accession....

The Government shall make better use of the possibilities offered by European Union membership. To improve competitiveness and the quality of life in the Czech Republic, it shall draw on EU funds more efficiently, with a particular emphasis on supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged regions, and shall intensify supervision of the use of such funds. The Government shall take systemic measures to strengthen the Czech Republic’s single and active policy within EU institutions. It shall play a more active role in posting Czech citizens to European institutions and shall establish regular dialogue with European institutions. It shall also cooperate more actively with representatives of the Czech Republic in the European Parliament.

Full statement



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