Brussels, 15/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 15 January, the Czech vice prime minister, Alexandr Vondra, presented the priorities of the Czech Presidency of the Union to European economic and social advisers, meeting for their Brussels plenary. He made a slight apology for the difficult start experienced by the Presidency, given the new international conditions, such as the gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine and the war in the Gaza Strip. “There is the power of the two “Gs” for Gaza and gas. We cannot meet these challenges alone. We need joint and coordinated efforts if Europe is to keep its head above these troubled waters. We need to work with the different European institutions, including the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)”, declared Vondra, thanking the EESC for its help towards the Czech Presidency's exploratory opinions.
Mr Vondra underlined that the Czech Presidency: 1) strongly believes that the precondition for Europe's success is “flexibility” and the ability to react quickly and rationally; 2) is ready to implement the policies proposed for the economic recovery, as well as the Lisbon strategy and stability and growth pact; 3) spend significant time on preparing the spring summit, where it intends to provide a report on implementation of this rescue plan and make recommendations to increase competitiveness, fiscal durability and financial stability; 4) launch the “Eastern Partnership” with a summit in Prague in May for the EU27, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus and the 3 countries of the Caucasus: Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia; 5) highlight the importance of relations in the transatlantic dialogue with an informal EU-US summit in Prague; 6) not leave out the Western Balkans and hold an informal foreign affairs ministerial in March 2009.
Vladimir Drbalova (employers' group, Czech) asked what the Czech Presidency intended to do for enterprise, especially SMEs, and what follow-up there was on the working time directive. He asked about the European social model the Presidency envisaged and what criteria they would give it. He also asked how they would impose more social legislation. Dana Stechova (workers' group, Czech) asked what it had as a social strategy. Staffan Nilsson (various activities group, Sweden) asked whether Vondra could say any more about the Presidency's goals on developing the Lisbon strategy. Family support: Metka Roksandic (workers' group, Slovenia) asked about how the Lisbon strategy would be reconciled with childcare.
Mr Vonda explained that: 1) on the directive on working time, “as Presidency of the Council, we must support the Council compromise”; 2) SMEs “are particularly important, especially in an economic recession. They are the foundation of the European economy and we must ensure good conditions for them that will enable the EU to get through this difficult period. In mid-May, a summit on SMEs will be organised in Prague; 3) the Lisbon strategy: “New countries should be prepared for this strategy by the spring summit. This is a priority: we have to respond to current crises. An assessment will be made on 21 April 2009 during the coordinators' meeting in Prague; 4) gas: “This involves a trade conflict based on contracts but is a dangerous game for which there is a price to pay. We shouldn't have to pay, we are trade partners. This is the first time that supplies have been cut: it is unacceptable and the responsibility of the two parties, not ours; 6) family support plan: “Current living conditions should be followed, based on reality. This is about freedom of choice. We cannot make people stay at home to raise their children”. (G.B./transl.rh)