The priorities of the Czech presidency of the Council of the European Union, which took over from the outgoing French Presidency on Friday 1 July, was presented at a press conference at the EU House in Nicosia by Czech Ambassador to Cyprus Vladimir Nemets.
Regarding Turkey, the Czech ambassador said despite the similarities between the situation in Ukraine and the one in Cyprus all sides should be careful, and given that Turkey plays the role of a mediator in the Ukrainian issue one cannot easily imagine taking measures against Turkey similar to those against Russia. He also added that the role of the Presidency is coordinating and that the Czech Republic should not be expected to make any catalytic intervention in the resolution of the Cyprus problem.
According to Mr. Nemets, the priorities of the Czech presidency are aimed at addressing today's challenges as well as pursuing the EU's long-term goals and are divided into five areas: the management of the refugee crisis and Ukraine's post-war recovery; energy security; strengthening European defence capabilities, including cyber security; the strategic resilience of the EU economy; and the resilience of democratic institutions, the rule of law, freedom of the media and the rule of law.
With regard to these areas, the Czech Ambassador focused in particular on supporting Ukraine's independence by all available means and contributing to the country's economic recovery and stability, reducing energy dependence on authoritarian regimes such as Russia and diversifying energy resources, the promotion of security and defence cooperation with NATO and the implementation of the Compass Strategy, as well as the importance of open dialogue with citizens, including the follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Nemets also referred to the motto of the Czech Presidency "Europe as a duty to review, rebuild, renew power", explaining that it is a legacy of former Czech President Vaclav Havel's reflection on the role of Europe in a global world at a historic moment of reshaping the world order and a reminder that Europe is a matter of continuous work of every citizen. Havel's motto also invokes the need for responsibility and proactive decisions based on values and conscience. Nemets replied that although the Eastern Mediterranean is indeed not included in the Presidency's geographic priorities, developments in the Mediterranean in general are closely monitored, also due to the migration flows recorded in the region.
In response to another question on transparency in the funding of political parties and pluralism in the media, Mr. Nemec replied that in this area the actions initiated by the outgoing French Presidency will be continued, while he also referred to successful examples in the Czech Republic itself, adding that the relevant discussion will take place within the EU General Affairs Council.
Finally, asked about the development of cooperation between NATO and the EU in the light of developments in Ukraine, the Czech diplomat said that NATO will not replace European defence institutions, the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy, with the aim of deepening cooperation both between member states and with candidate countries and NATO, which as a defence alliance can help in this direction.
Source: CNA
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